A/N: I didn't realize I never put this here but it's ongoing and I will upload fanarts/covers eventually and put them up on Tumblr, X, and maybe DeviantArt.

ENJOY EVERYONE and if you like it please review, it helps this writer keep writing.

"I will treat you right." The albino Mumrik spoke softly in Snufkin's ear, causing the shorter to jump back in a panic, pulling the patient robe across himself tightly, tail tucked, flying off the table and to the corner.

The albino giggled. "Snufkin, come on. The doctors said for me to check you. I know you're more comfy around me." The Mumrik's ears were longer than Snufkin's with a short tail. He placed his hand out, giving Snufkin the chance to make his decision. The albino Mumrik was a bit older, taller, but Snufkin didn't budge, didn't want to speak.

He didn't understand. Why did they need to check him? He was healthy! He shook his head wildly. He just wanted free!

The albino tutted. "Snufkin…if you don't, I'll be forced to get The Fae."

Snufkin hissed, swiping at the Mumrik's hand. Where was The Joxter?!

The albino sighed, smiling bigger. "I guess you won't get outside time then. Better for me, then you'll have to play with me."

Snufkin's eyes widened, pointed ears perking a bit. "N-no!" He wanted outside! It had been so long! Beginning to shake, his breath irregular, he forced his tense limbs to unravel and allow the taller Mumrik to grab a few things.

When The albino looked back, Snufkin had the urge to flee, despite the sweet smile the older wore. The pink eyes glowed with something Snufkin was too young to name. "Don't worry, Snufkin. I won't let any harm come to you. Not. Ever."

Snufkin sat up, gasping as he hurried out of his tent. He felt on fire, despite Spring being a week away, frost still littering the grass gently.

Grabbing his hat and smock, he went for a early dawn walk, hoping to calm himself.

He took out the mouth organ and tried playing his nerves away. His nightmares had already begun dragging him back to Moominvalley early. If he was too early, well…that wouldn't do. Those who saw him would be suspicious. He blushed. Despite some parts of his face and body darkening to a darker brown, in times like that, to be affected by nightmares, felt so childish.

He took a deep breath, deciding to lay outside by his tent, once he made it back, so he could get more rest.

Snufkin only partially regretted sleeping outside for the majority of the remaining week until he could head farther towards Moominvalley.

The reason? He could feel himself coming down with something. He hoped it was just a small cold he could ignore and hide, not wanting to worry the Moomins. Part of him debated on just staying away longer until the cold left, but decided that would worry them more and he'd be faced with the continuing nightmares.

Once he was around friends to distract him, he would feel safer. More himself.

Seeing the smoke coming from the blue house, even Moominpapa relaxing was a sight. Looking to the bridge, he saw Moomintroll staring down at the water, the sun glistening on his fur, some spots still messy from hibernation. Snufkin's smile was relaxed as he took out the mouth organ and began playing the Spring tune he'd thought of.

Getting close enough, he saw Moomintroll perk his ears and look over excitedly, running in place, since he knew Snufkin would be there in no time. Snufkin faltered at seeing the Summer ocean in Moomintroll's eyes. He tried keeping his composure, unsure of the painful, elated feeling he got in his chest, chocking it up to the small cold he was fighting.

He put the mouth organ away as calmly as he could once he reached Moomintroll, trying to stifle his heart. Moomintroll had grown since last Fall. No doubt he'd changed as well, the discoloring added fur to his hands, arms, feet and nose, weren't there last year.

"Wow, Snufkin. That was lovely. Hm? Is that…? Is that FUR on your nose?" Moomintroll reached a large paw out and put his finger to it, petting upward towards Snufkin's bangs.

The painful elated feeling increased. He felt his face heat up. He tried calming himself before answering, knowing Moomintroll was more perceptive to his tone. "Yes. But I must say, you've grown taller during Winter. If it wasn't for being at the bridge, I wouldn't have known it was you." He smiled.

Moomintroll puffed out his already barreled chest and smiled largely, his canines glinting in the sun. "Papa says it's normal for Moomins. That most of our big growth spurts happen while we hibernate. Something about being less painful." He shrugged, obviously having not listened to ALL of what Moominpapa had to say.

Snufkin chuckled lightly. "I see. Sa-"

"There you are, you lazy bastard! Took your time this year did you?! I had to listen to four days worth of whining!" Little My ran up and posed in front of Snufkin. She glared, then once it seemed she got a better look, she broke into snorts. "Hahahaha! You look! You look like-hahahaha~" she could barely breathe, but Snufkin realized he probably knew what she was about to say and didn't want to hear it.

"I'm going to set up my tent. See you." He waved, going to set up like he said he was.

Electricity shocked through his gut. It was uncomfortable and painful, but he ignored it. He knew it was the magic marble he was forced to "eat" as a youngling.

It took him longer to get set up than usual, agitation and his own mind making it slower. "Maybe I should go fish for now?" He wondered once he got the tent set up.

"S-Snufkin? You wouldn't mind some company now would you? Or are you still upset?" Moomintroll asked, voice deeper than before Fall, speaking before he was too close as to not startle him.

Snufkin smiled, trying to put the nice temblor of Moomin's voice from his mind. "Of course you can, Moomin. I was just going to fish." He stood, not wanting to acknowledge the reason he got upset. It was trivial. Snufkin wasn't sure why, but hearing Moomin's stories sounded like a lovely time at the moment.

Moomintroll perked, his tail wagging. "You always fish, so that's no issue. We could exchange stories or just lay and listen to the Spring creatures." He suggested, shrugging.

"Very well." Snufkin said, grabbing his rod and some bait he caught on the way.

Morning easily turned to afternoon as they exchanged stories, somehow getting closer to each other without realizing it. Moomintroll had stolen Snufkin's dirty, old and worn hat, though Snufkin didn't mind, liking how the old green hat looked on the white Moomin.

Those thoughts were far from new, but it was strange how he was more "aware" of Moomintroll. When he spotted Moomintroll about to turn his head, he averted his own, focusing on his catches.

"Say, Snufkin. Would you want to have dinner at Moominhouse tonight? I just thought, first night back, you can fill your belly with something other than fish." Moomintroll asked sheepishly, his ears already lowered for the oncoming rejection.

Snufkin smiled so hard, turning his head. It was that da~rn feeling again! This time so constricting of his heart it made him smile. "O-okay. J-just dinner though, Moomin. I still have my other things to unpack. What do I do with the fish?" He rose a brow to the shocked Moomin.

"The fish? Oh! Mama taught me some nice marinades and storing techniques, so then your fish isn't always the same." Moomintroll said, standing and holding a paw out to Snufkin, grabbing Snufkin's heavy pail with the other.

Snufkin felt like his heart was about to burst! He took Moomintroll's paw, grabbing his rod in turn. "My fish doesn't always taste the same. But…if you're complaining so much, and Moominmama was so nice to teach you, it'd be rude to at least not try."

Moomintroll laughed loudly and-probably not thinking about it- he kept a hold of Snufkin's hand and they headed towards Moominhouse.

Only when they got to the doorstep, did Moomintroll realize his flounder and with a deep blush, he let go, then hastily returned Snufkin's hat to his head, the excuse that Little My would torment them, being the reason, not that it being Snufkin's was a valid reason itself.

Dinner was pleasant. He had definitely missed Moominmama and Moominpapa. It did startle him though that Moomin seemed to be fuzzier and taller than either of his parents, though only by a bit. "Are all Moomins so fuzzy at your age?" He asked as Moomintroll brought him his pipe from his bag.

Moomintroll laughed. "No." Not finding someplace to sit, he sat on the floor next to Snufkin who sat in his usual spot near the window.

The other's had went to bed. Little My having gotten up early and Moominmama and Moominpapa naturally going to bed around that time. They also had the Spring party to begin planning, now that everyone in the valley was awake and had the first week of Spring to clean and settle everything from the Winter.

Snufkin took a deep breath, enjoying the quiet of the house, the bugs outside, watching Moomintroll sew a patten into cloth, most likely picking up the skill from Moominmama.

Initially out of curiosity, Snufkin twirled some of Moomintroll's fur between his fingers, surprised at the softness of it.

"S-S-Snufkin…w-what are you…doing?" Moomintroll stuttered, cheeks turning pink, but Snufkin was far off in his own head.

The thoughts he was having, he chalked it up to maturity. He didn't like his growing realization that was forming in his mind, but at the same time, it was like he couldn't bring himself to care. Moomintroll would always understand his needs. He always respected them.

He sighed. Moomintroll didn't deserve someone who would leave him each Winter, possibly alone.

"I should…I should probably head back to my tent." He stopped his hand running through Moomintroll's fur on his neck, not having been conscious he was doing it.

Even Moomintroll's ears were pink, but he nodded, getting up to walk Snufkin to the door. It was unnecessary, but Snufkin just thought it was a normal Moomin custom, since each one did the same to other guests as well. "I hope you have a good sleep, Snufkin. You can grab your fish in the morning and…would you care to have breakfast? I can make us pancakes and we can go on an early morning picnic. Then have your fish for lunch. Or we can play with everyone or if you wanted alone time, that's fine too."

"To be honest, I'm surprised you aren't asking me to spend the night. You usually do." Snufkin replied instead.

Moomintroll looked away. "Well…I knew, after spending some Winter days thinking, I might've made you uncomfortable asking that so often or without a necessary reason. So…I decided to give you some space and instead ask about adventures or meals." He scratched his nose nervously.

Snufkin's eyes widened as a small blush rose to his cheeks. "I…we-Uh-can see how things go in the morning. Can't make too solid of plans, then it's just asking to be ruined. See you then, Moomintroll." Snufkin lowered the brim of his hat to hide the blush. He bit back the impulse that had his hand twitching to reach for the Moomin.

Moomintroll looked at him softly, his bright ocean eyes, now a calm rushing river. "Goodnight, Snuf. I hope you have sweet dreams of wonderful adventures."

Snufkin saw how Moomintroll clenched his own paw, probably stopping himself as well. "You too, Moomin." Forcing his legs to move, Snufkin went to walk away, only to stop short when his tail yanked. Looking back, Moomintroll doing the same, they saw their tails had entwined at some point without them realizing.

Snufkin bristled and blushed, unraveling his tail and bolting before either of them spoke.

Almost a week later had Snufkin back at Moominhouse, helping Moominmama peel and chop potatoes, onions, and getting jams and jellies ready for the party in a few days.

Moomintroll was outside helping Moominpapa make a large table plus some. The valley had grown since the year previous. Mainly because of Mymblemama.

Snufkin went outside to fetch herbs from his tent he thought would go well with some dishes when he spotted Moomintroll working hard, lifting heavy logs and using an axe expertly.

Shaking his head from his thoughts running to impossibilities, he rushed over to his tent. "What has gotten into me?"

"Puberty. Gross." A little voice said behind him.

He startled, fur on end when he saw it was Little My. He glared. "No it's not. I've been perfectly fine before, even with the darkening marks." His tail swished agitatedly.

She snorted. "Yeah…but you're also part Mymble. Speaking of, are you gonna be alright with Mymblemama at the party?" Little My actually looked at him worriedly.

He should've seen this coming. "I'll just stay clear. I'm bound to run off at some point anyway."

The small Mymble rose a brow.

"Okay. I have to get these to Moominmama." He grabbed the herbs, going passed his elder half sister.

"Snufkin!" She yelled after him, but he ignored her, his pace slowing once he got closer to the house where everyone was taking a snack break.

He caught Moomintroll's eyes and smiled himself when Moomintroll handed him a iced water and a small snack, his fingertips lasting maybe a bit too long on Snufkin's fingers.

He still believed Little My was wrong. He also couldn't believe he allowed himself to grow so close to someone.

He secretly glanced at Moomintroll again, who was having an animated conversation with Snorkmaiden about the project he and Moominpapa were working on.

Snufkin was so lost in his "whys" and "how's", that when Moomintroll looked to him, smiling brightly, Snufkin didn't catch it till it was too late. He slow blinked once at Moomintroll.

Slow. Blinked.

Everyone excluding Moominpapa looked at him confused, since after Snufkin realized his slip, he buried his face in his hat, utterly embarrassed but too embarrassed to move.

When he peeked, Moominpapa was mumbling some sort of prayer and Little My, the only other who'd know what that meant, was gripping something for dear life as she cackled and heaved and laughed.

He just hoped they wouldn't tell.