Chapter Text
When it comes to Redd nothing was ever good news. Tom's learned this, he's heard of it and half the villagers don't buy his overly friendly act when his sketchy tent is up either.
So when Tom strolls into town for his midnight cup of coffee, no tent in sight, he thinks he's safe. Redd had been there earlier, so he was probably on his way to sell some unfortunate soul a forgery in another town. It appeared the mayor only had eyes for the real deal, even then he’s not really sure how Redd gets his hands on legit museum art.
Alarming, but to be expected.
"Hey pal!" So apparently he was wrong. And nearly had a heart attack by Redd's overly cheery tone. God was he actually lurking around the coffee shop? "Would you like to hear a business investment of a lifetime?"
"No." Tom's response is fast and automatic, eyes dull from having heard one too many sketchy deals in his life. Despite his answer Redd's chipper mood never wavers and Tom watches as his tail sways back and forth.
Another bad sign.
"Really? It's the perfect chance! In fact you're the only one I'm offering this opportunity to!" Redd's a little too gleeful for his liking, not to mention how did he even know he came to Brewster's at midnight?
"The only business I do is for residents' homes." The shorter the responses the sooner he could leave. He's learned not to indulge the conman for too long.
Maybe he could just sprint to the coffee shop and away from this conversation.
Apparently Redd wasn't having that, getting too close for his comfort with a sharp smile and gleaming eyes. Dangerous, is all Tom's mind screams.
"Since you're hesitant I suppose the first can be free."
Before Tom can question what that's supposed to mean Redd grabs either side of his face in what appeared to be a gentle caress at first before he pressed his lips against his own.
As if his mind short-circuits Tom isn't sure what to do. The caress already had him stiffen in unease and he's too shocked to move his lips. He tries (and fails) to ignore how soft Redd's lips are and feels his face heat up at the flicker of a tongue against his lips as Redd pulls away.
"Next one's gonna cost you!" Redd yells, retreating before Tom can decide if he wants to punch Redd or not. In all honesty he's not sure how to feel and running away was probably the smartest thing Redd did tonight. Probably something he should have done himself when Redd appeared out of thin air. There's a lot he needs to mull over, but..
What the hell was that about?