Work Text:
The store's air-conditioning felt like a nice reprieve from the summer heat as you stepped inside. Cicadas echoed around the town as they sat on trees, desperately calling for a mate. The sun was bright in the sky – a single cloud could not be spotted against the azure view. Many villagers had opted to stay inside their home or sit beneath whatever shade was available to them. You had other plans, of course.
The storekeeper looked bored. What with his lidded eyes and overall unreadable expression. A smile spread across your face at the sight of him. Nook was utterly adorable to you. There was little doubt business had been slow today – but you could see a supposed sale on sodas. The glass bottles fizzed in their fridge. His gaze was on you. “Welcome in,” he greeted you. Both of you knew that you were likely not here to shop. Though, Nook cared little either way. You leaned against the counter. His hardworking demeanour had been dropped a tad in the sweltering heat. That thick fur of his no doubt made it all the more suffocating.
“... I doubt Timmy and Tommy want to go outside, hm?” He noted. You expected that much. The kids did not need to be out in this heat, anyway. They were arguably fluffier than their elder before you. Well, you certainly did not always come here with the intention of caring for the kids. He rolled his eyes. “I suppose we can chat while it is slow.”
The conversation was pretty light. Mostly Nook's reminders about your mortgage and discussing how business had been for the season. Somewhere in the conversation, you bought a marble soda. The citrus flavour was on your tongue as you watched the world from the windows of the store. Sure, you could go out and gather fruit, fish, and whatever else for some extra bells… But, you liked the comfortable atmosphere of Nook. A villager once joke you could sell him his own door, but you liked to think his negotiability was part of his appeal.
“... I haven't had one of those in years,” he watched the soda clink as you drank from it, “Maybe I should get two for them… They would appreciate a cold drink.” You could tell he was debating the expenses he would lose… Perhaps he could be too stingy at times. Mabel certainly thought so. The hedgehog had made her feelings towards Nook quite clear. You offered to purchase them for the boys. The twins deserved treats. You at least felt so. Nook shook his head. “I'll get it,” he smiled with his eyes, “... You truly do care for them.”
You let out an obvious agreement. How could someone not? They were simply too cute to ignore. Their invitation for you to play with them and watching their childlike wonder about everything. You felt happy to live in a town with such cute children about. Nook closed his eyes before opening them again. “You wanted to attend the fireworks festival with us, yes?” he spoke again, “I would find it odd if you did not join us.” He glanced at the door and sighed. It really was slow. You smiled at him. “I hope this heat waves passes soon,” he glanced at you, “... I'm closing for lunch. Join me, hm?”
Your excitement about the fireworks festival was all caught in your stomach.
~
The night of the festival was much more bearable than the day had been. Tortimer stood outside town hall, watching and greeting people as they huddled around the set-up to buy whatever goods were available. It had difficult to get Nook to agree to skip out on a booth, but he did. You watched as he handed candy apples to Timmy and Tommy, who looked around in wonder at the brightly coloured surroundings.
You approached them, getting greeted excitedly by the twins. They wagged their tails. Your heart felt warm. Nook waved you to his side, which you eagerly took. You grabbed his hand. A remark about touching his “toe beans” got you a disappointed look. Somehow, it was worse than when you only gave him one thousand bells for your house. You four travelled across the stalls, exploring various treats and games that were available. Nook proved himself oddly an ace at a goldfish capturing game and won the boys a toy. For you, he did half-decent at a knock over game and got you some stuffed mascot for the town.
At some point, Timmy and Tommy had gone their own way, leaving you alone with Nook. Finding a bench, you both sat down. Villagers passed by, going to and fro at their own pace. The sound of drums was loud as festival music no doubt blasted from a stereo on the lot. You leaned against Nook's arm. He wore a jinbei. The pattern was oddly cute for him… Leaves, of course. He glanced at you. “... Sable insisted,” Nook admitted, “She worked hard to make this alongside some for the boys.” You nodded. It made sense. She seemed to understand his tastes better than anyone else. Some small part of you felt jealous. It was clear some feelings remained there, but neither party seemed to actively be searching the other out.
His hand grasped your own. “No need to pout, yes?” he leaned in to press a quick kiss to your lips, “You're my partner.” You felt embarrassed by his words. Of course. Why had you even been upset? You leaned against his shoulder to watch the sky as the fireworks started. Bright blasts of colour sparkled in the pitch black of the sky. The entire bustle of the festival drew to a slow to admire them. Suddenly, you felt as if you had everything, you could ever need.
Especially as the twins came to join you both.
~
Though, alas, the festival's mood was ruined when a certain fox vendor got into a spat with Nook.