Snufkin's voice might've been small and in utter pain, quiet compared to the loud around them, but it boomed in Moomin's ears louder than any cannonball shot.
Taking a deep breath, smelling nothing but blood and fire, Moomin exhaled, his body quivering with tension, trying to gather his own calm, trying not to lose himself. "All of you. Leave my valley this instant. Take your injured and leave. Now." His voice was low and dangerous, the growl sounding unholy, as if he commanded more space than he took. He didn't move his head, but his eyes stayed on Faeden, the fur on his neck raising and eyes a piercing blue while his lips pulled back into a snarl, revealing his teeth and gums. "You're not worth the energy, Mincemeat. Now run…before I show you why we Moomins have such large fangs." He stood taller, shoulders back, claws dripping blood. None of the traitors nor Faeden were worth his time right then.
His friends were and…
Snufkin was.
Snufkin needed space. Quiet. Peace. Not a stalker and not a Moomintroll full of rage.
Little My and the others stayed still, in shock and even some fear, so she missed covering Toivo's eyes or ears. When she glanced at her niece, she did see fear and she stood still as a board, eyes not leaving Moomintroll. The traitors ran as soon as they could, carrying their wounded.
Faeden had grinned, even as a shiver of fear ran down his spine and panged in the back of his mind. Predator. "He'll run from you. He'll come back to me as he should have never left." He took a longing look at Snufkin, his smile curled. "I love him after all. He's mine." Darkened pink eyes bore into raging blue.
"Leave, Coward." He snapped his teeth together once, the clack clean and sharp, oddly deafening, taking large steps and grabbing a burning branch from the fire, ignoring the hot wood against his palm.
With a snarl and a sneer, Faeden saluted and walked away, thinking Snufkin had seen he was right and the vagabond should return to him once he got away from the Moomin. But the Moomin guarding him wasn't worth the effort when he was out of ways to defend himself.
There was a long silence as the group processed what had happened within the span of 15 minutes. Snorkmaiden, Sniff, and Little My flinched when Moomin was the first to move, walking to Snufkin's tent and grabbing the worn walking stick, to everyone's surprise, as opposed to going to Snufkin first. He then slowly got close to Snufkin, as to not startle or scare him more than he was, setting the walking stick, now having a handprint of blood on it, next to him.
Snufkin looked up at him, eyes sad, unsure what to think and wanting to be alone to process it all himself.
"Come on, honey, let's all get home and leave Moomin to grab our stuff." Snorkmaiden's voice cut through the tension as she spoke to Toivotroll. "You're looking dry and blood is gross." She ended up just picking the child up, making brief eye contact with Snufkin to make sure it was alright and My went and spoke to Moomin a moment before their friends and Toivo left, leaving Moomin to clean up the mess and Snufkin to decide what he was going to do.
The only tent Moomin left unpacked was Snufkin's, knowing the vagabond well and knew he'd possibly want time alone. He didn't want that, but he knew what just occurred was possibly overwhelming for the Murmrik.
As he quietly packed, his emotions began to bubble up. "You need to chill out before you hurt him." Little My had warned.
He never wanted to be the cruel captain. He didn't want to hurt anyone on purpose or without reason. He didn't want to be everything opposite of what Snufkin stood for. He didn't want to frighten him. Before he knew it, he began to feel his throat close up and his eyes burn and blur with unshed tears. But, he kept silent as he had all these years, both when he left home and even before, as he matured and knew to stop crying before Snufkin ever left for winter. He had to pack up and meet his friends back home and make sure Snufkin's youngling was safe as well as start a new leg.
Startled, though, he turned his head when he felt a presence behind him, seeing Snufkin leaning heavily on the stick. "Sorry, Snuf, did you want me to pack your things so you could move somewhere else?" He put on a fake smile.
Shaking his head, Snufkin looked hard at the crouched Moomin before him. "You should wash up or your fur will dye that color." He saw the unshed tears and had a feeling he knew his sweet Moomintroll was still there. He was right in front of Snufkin. He had to wonder, though, if all Moomins were like that? Sweet, loving creatures but unmerciful beasts to those who were an enemy?
Moomin let out a fake laugh, quiet and airy. "I will. Are…are you okay? I-I mean I know you're not but… if you could wait a bit, I'll make sure it's safe to wander." He tried discreetly to wipe the blood on his paw off on the grass.
It took Snufkin a moment to realize…Moomin was trying to give him space. Space to be alone since he knew such an interaction was stressful for the Murmrik. His heart swelled with affection and he hobbled close enough where he could put his weight on Moomin's shoulder, the walking stick falling next to them and he wrapped his arms around Moomin's neck, one hand petting the thick fur. "Thank you for protecting us." He said, voice strong and his words sincere.
Moomin stayed shocked, one blink and he'd be crying, so he kept them open. He allowed Snufkin to hold him, unsure if the Murmrik he cared for so deeply knew he actually needed the hug. He didn't dare hug back, not wanting Snufkin to feel trapped by his large arms and bloody paws.
He didn't expect to hear Snufkin's little chuckle, the vagabond's tail reaching out to curl around his own. "You can hug me back. I won't run."
That did it. With permission, Moomin wrapped his arms around Snufkin's middle, beginning to shake as his tears landed on Snufkin's tunic, ears back and head pressed roughly against the side of his head. He cried silently, throat in pain from keeping it closed and only sniffles being heard, wrapping his own tail more around Snufkin's.
Snufkin wasn't used to a silent cry from the large Moomintroll. He had to wonder what his dearest Moomintroll had been through to learn to cry that way and not loudly like when they were kids.
Both stayed silent, allowing themselves to be comforted by the embrace and when Snufkin's leg began to shake from the weight he put on it, Snufkin squeaked when Moomin sat instead and pulled Snufkin into his lap so he wouldn't put unnecessary weight on his only leg. Doing so only made Snufkin squeeze tighter, his heart in pain from how much affection flowed through him.
Moomin nuzzled into Snufkin's neck for a moment once the tears stopped and whispered, "Thank you."
Pulling away and placing his hands on the sides of Moomin's snout, Snufkin simply flashed him a large smile, deep brown eyes crinkling and his freckled cheeks a little pink.
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By the time they were ready to leave, Snufkin deciding to go back with first to at least check on his youngling, it was much too dark to travel down the mountain, so they left Snufkin's tent up and Moomin insisted Snufkin get some sleep and Moomin would keep watch. Snufkin insisted in turn that Moomin wake him in a few hours for a watch shift so Moomin could sleep too, Moomin not wanting to unpack anything again if they were to head back early.
The events and stress of the evening caught up with Snufkin as he curled under his blanket in his tent, oddly comforted by Moomin's shadow over his tent from the fire, feeling safe enough to succumb to a deep slumber, his ears picking up on the song Moomin began to quietly hum.
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Moomin had not woken Snufkin for a watch shift and Snufkin had awoken groggily to the birds chirping and the clang of metal.
Poking his head out, hair the usual unruly mess, Snufkin saw Moomin beginning to make coffee and his fur was back to its white coat. He also kept to himself each time Moomin snapped his jaws together, teeth clacking each time, ears twitching often. When Moomintroll noticed him, he smiled. "Coffee will be ready soon if you wanna freshen up and pack. Your stick is there and I washed the blood off." He pointed to the walking stick next to the tent opening.
With a large yawn, Snufkin walked out to head to the stream. "Weren't you supposed to wake me, Moomintroll?" He asked lightly, not upset but a little worried if Moomin slept at all.
Moomin chuckled, eyes hooded with tiredness. "You needed it. Besides, I wasn't sure I could sleep after all that."
Acknowledging what Moomin said with a hum, Snufkin went to clean up and get ready for the day.
They enjoyed their coffee, talking about small things and adventures they had while apart. Snufkin enjoyed the familiar feeling and welcomed it. The only thing he was confused about was Moomin's clacking jaws which the Moomin didn't even seem to notice he was doing. It was a new development that Snufkin was curious about, but something in him stopped him from asking.
On the way down, Snufkin still couldn't help but admire how strong Moomin was. He was carrying all but Snufkin's and Toivotroll's belongings and even with little (if any) sleep, he carried on and would help Snufkin if it seemed a little difficult for the Murmrik to maneuver around something. Not for the first time, Snufkin kept replaying the same question in his mind: What was this Moomintroll doing to him?
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The group of friends were happy to see them and Toivotroll, now fully rested and healthy, ran and tackled her papa with kisses and tight hugs and Moominmama had breakfast hot and ready so it was a full house in Moominhouse that morning.
Toivo was even more wary of Moomin now that the events of the previous evening happened. Moreso protective of her papa and even Little My, knowing Sniff and Snorkmaiden were big enough to have a chance. She saw him as a threat and that hurt Snufkin's heart more than he'd realized it would. He'd have to try and explain to his youngling what Moomin's intention was and hope she would understand.
As Snufkin helped with dishes, Toivo and My playing in the stream as the sun warmed the valley and Sniff and Snorkmaiden having left after breakfast, he saw Moominmama come in, drying her hands after cleaning up the table with a worried look on her brow. "Something I can help with, Moominmama?" He asked kindly.
She hummed, tapping her chin. "I'm not sure, dear. Has Moomin seemed off to you?"
Snufkin thought and realized he wasn't sure. Moomin seemed fine, maybe a little more quiet than he usually would've been but Snufkin thought it was another habit he picked up through the years or he was tired. But, he wasn't sure if the jaw thing was a concern or not either but maybe Moominmama would know more than him? "I'm not sure if it's anything but he's been clacking his jaws a lot. I'm not sure if he realizes he's doing it." He dried his own hands as the dishes dried themselves and he heard Moominmama hum in thought.
"Would you be a dear and catch us some fish for dinner, Snufkin? I learned a new technique from Mrs. Fillyjonk I would like to try for dinner." She asked, eyes closed with a kind smile.
Snufkin nodded, a little suspicious of the change in subject and very curious as to why, but didn't pry at the moment. He could ask Moomintroll later.
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Snufkin took a break from fishing and decided to braid Toivo's hair as they ate for a lunch break. She'd been helping find bait and other little floor dwelling creatures as well in the creek. Little My sat next to them, soaking up the sun and breeze. None of them had been approached by any of the Moomin's in a few hours. More like the Moomin men, since they could smell Moominmama's baking from there.
"Hey, Snufkin. Grandkit." The Joxter's voice cut through the peaceful quiet they had. "Oh, and Little Mymble." He added when he saw the small redhead.
Snufkin sighed, rolling his eyes. "What is it, Joxter?" He saw the old Murmrik had a small tart he was eating, probably nabbing it from Moominmama.
The Joxter put a hand to his chest in fake offense. "How could you think I want anything?"
"Uh, because you always do, you old man." My snipped.
The Joxter shrugged, patting Toivo's head for a second, having taken a liking to her. "Just looking for Moomint-Moominpapa. Moominmama didn't tell me anything."
Snufkin tilted his head. "He's not around the house? I wonder if he and Moomintroll went somewhere?" He muttered.
The Joxter got a rotten grin. "Ohhh? Moomintroll didn't tell you where they were going? Interesting." He snickered.
Shooting him a glare, Snufkin huffed. "If they didn't want us to know, then of course they wouldn't say."
"That meanie Moomin better not hurt Morfar." Toivo added, going back into the water.
"Toivotroll…" Snufkin warned. He really needed to talk to her, but wasn't sure the right time.
"Welp, I'm going to have a look." He stretched, his rotten smile growing. "I wonder if Moominpapa took him to find someone to get laid with. The little Moomintroll seems tense."
Before Snufkin could stop himself, a wave of annoyance and something he couldn't name passed over him and he hissed at The Joxter, tail flicking irritably. "He wouldn't dare!"
The Joxter, not knowing when to stop teasing, got close. "Why's that? He's a full grown Moomintroll now."
Blushing in embarrassment, Snufkin kept the glare but tried shaking it off. "Moomin isn't like that." He grabbed his rod and tried to begin fishing again.
The Joxter didn't reply to that, only shrugging again and leaving, tail swishing as he walked.
After some silence, Snufkin heard Little My. "You know he was just pulling your tail, right? Moomin would never, even if that was the case."
Snufkin nodded, having calmed down. "I know."
Little My made a loud and frustrated sigh. "You both are fucking idiots."
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It was getting late, after afternoon tea and nearing dinner when Snufkin noticed Moominpapa and Moomintroll coming from the forest, a nice sized amount of logs pulled on Moomin's back and Moominpapa carrying the axes. He wanted to greet them, but Toivo was carving on the walking stick.
"Oh, good. Just in time for a nice supper." He heard Moominmama say next to him on the porch and waving before she folded her paws in front of herself, calmly waiting for her husband and child.
Snufkin gulped. "Where did they go?" It had been eating away at him all day. Especially when he knew Moomin didn't get much rest, the toll obvious as Moomin lagged a little behind, head down.
Moominmama smiled. "Getting logs for winter and planting more seedlings in their place. Among another thing, but we'll have to ask about that." She patted Snufkin's head and went down the few steps to meet Moominpapa, giving him a Moomin kiss.
The gesture made Snufkin's heart pang and he didn't know why. He watched Moomin set down the rack of logs with a heavy thud and slowly walk over, giving Snufkin a tired smile. "Go on an adventure without me?" Snufkin asked, trying to not be obvious in his prying and keep things light, his little smile there.
Moomin chuckled, it was quiet but happy. "Just an errand so I wouldn't call it an adventure, Snufkin. I'm going to take a nap, then I'll start on your new leg. Lighter this time and I can put a protective layer on it. I'll ask Mama to put my share of dinner away, so don't worry if I miss it." He used a rough paw to touch Snufkin's cheek, Snufkin leaning his head gently into it, enjoying the touch since Moomin had been more distant than when they were kids, when he'd hug or hold Snufkin's hand as he pleased and the touch lessened the pain in his heart.
Only to then see a fast little teal creature, his child, run up and bite Moomin's wrist. "Toivotroll!" Snufkin scolded, perhaps a little more stern than he planned and grabbed her, the bite making Moomin move his hand. A truly frustrated look crossed his face and he opened his mouth. "Will you stop trying to attack-" he snipped, but Moomin cut him off, ignoring the bite.
"She's just scared, Snufkin. It's okay, so don't be too hard on her, please. I know all of that frightened her quite a lot." His voice was gentle but his eyes held a sad understanding. "Papa said Mama had you catch us some fish for dinner. I'm looking forward to it. Good night." He looked like he wanted to do something else, but he only nodded and went inside, Snufkin having the urge to go after him, but he stayed put.
The whole thing was weighing on Snufkin but he didn't want to wander. He wanted to check on Moomin, but didn't want to disturb him. He sat in his usual spot, Toivo having a bath with Moominmama and Moominpapa sitting in his chair, smoking. Little My had left after dinner.
"I'm surprised you're not in your tent, Snufkin." Moominpapa spoke finally, getting up to grab a book.
Snufkin smiled at the old Moomin. "I suppose I could."
Moominpapa hummed. "You don't have to. You just look restless, my boy."
Snufkin nodded. He wanted to say something but he wasn't sure, out of all the things in his mind, what to say or ask.
"I heard Moomin gave you all a fright the other night." Moominpapa added and Snufkin wasn't sure if Moominpapa was just talking or giving him an in.
Shrugging, Snufkin smoked his pipe. "It wasn't necessarily Moomintroll. Someone showed up and attacked us." Snufkin used his free hand to grasp his pants. "I admit I was afraid for a moment, but…" he stopped, unsure why he was saying this to Moominpapa.
He heard the old Moomin sigh, long and knowing. "A Moomin's rage is a very scary thing, Snufkin." He smiled at Snufkin, the same look of sad understanding Moomin had earlier cross his face for a moment, opening his book. "Toivo can sleep with us tonight. Why don't you check on Moomin? I bet it would make him happy."
Snufkin thought about it. Would it make Moomin happy? Probably. He waited until Moominpapa was done and headed upstairs before he decided to do just that.
It took him a while to make it up and he hesitated outside Moomin's door, nervous, even though he knew he shouldn't be. Leaning against the frame, he opened the door a crack, seeing Moomin sitting facing the window, ear flicking towards Snufkin before the head turned to meet it, Moomin's eyes wide with shock. "Toivo wants to sleep with your parents." He made the excuse.
Moomin blinked. "Why didn't you go to your tent? You're probably sick of the house by now." He turned, that same spot on his chest unruly due to the scar. "Come here." He motioned with his paw, palm up.
Snufkin began to feel even more nervous. "I-uh-just wanted to check on you." It wasn't technically a lie. He walked over, sitting on the bed and leaning the stick next to the bed frame.
Moomin sat back, leaning against the headboard. "Mmm. Hey, Snufkin." Moomin looked over at him, eyes gently glowing from the moon beyond the window. "Did you eat?"
Snufkin shook his head. "I wasn't that hungry earlier so I thought I'd wait for you. You Moomin's aren't fond of lonely dinners, right?" He blushed, hoping it was dark enough Moomin didn't see since he'd left his hat downstairs, knowing it would be difficult going up if he couldn't see beyond the brim.
Moomin's smile lit up his face, his fangs barely visible but had a genuine smile. "Are you still up for an adventure with me?" He stood, going over to Snufkin and holding his hand out again.
Hoping his blush was hidden enough, Snufkin smiled. "Of course, Moomintroll." A little hesitant but willing, he put his hand in Moomin's paw and he was lifted to his foot with ease.
"What are we waiting for then?" Moomin's voice was low and barely above a whisper.
"I…" Snufkin's voice cracked, feeling his face heat.
Moomin smirked, pressing his nose on Snufkin's knuckles and then using his other arm to pick him up by the waist and grabbing Snufkin's walking stick, feeling smug as Snufkin was a deep shade of red and covering his face with his hands. "Let's have a picnic."
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They walked along familiar paths, both for nostalgia and it was easier walking in the dark in land they knew by heart. Their pace was leisurely, just enjoying the other's company and trading stories, which they continued when they found a spot in a flower field that felt just right, the flowers in full bloom.
"-then everyone was so convinced, that they began to fear unknown waters, leaving them alone, haha." Snufkin finished his latest tale, about he and Toivo pranking a whole town into not polluting their largest lakes.
Moomin simply listened and set up their plates with a fond gaze. "Wish I could've seen that. Here." He handed Snufkin his and didn't bother with utensils with his whole fish.
Smiling, Snufkin ate as much as he could, which wasn't much but he could save more for later. "I need to tell Moominmama this is good." His tail flicked about happily.
"Mm-hmm. Definitely. Snuf?" Moomin asked, noticing how little his secret love ate.
Snufkin looked up, licking his lips with a smile. "Yes?"
Moomin reached out and laid his paw against Snufkin's stomach, hearing him gasp. "How did you have Toivotroll?"
Snufkin's face fell slightly. How would Moomin feel, knowing what had happened? "Uhm…when I was a kit…" he took a deep breath, scooting closer to Moomin and hoping Moomin couldn't see his face that well. He didn't like bringing it up because it involved The Fae and Faeden to some extent. Well, unless he was vague, but he wanted to trust Moomin. "I ran away as a kit and came across the last Siren. As her dying wish, I swallowed the marble looking thing she gave me. Some things happened I don't want to say yet…since they involve The Fae and Faeden…" a shudder of fear ran down his spine so he closed his eyes, unaware of the inaudible jaw snap Moomin made, "…and it turned out once I reached…" another deep breath, "maturity, the marble was the last Siren egg. I didn't even realize at first…" he placed his own hands over Moomin's and pressed over his stomach, "I had passed out due to unbearable stomach pain. I just thought it was a bug or something to do with recovering from losing my leg, but…turns out it was my little hope for the seas." He smiled gently, ever so lovingly as he thought of his youngling. "Toivotroll." He grinned up at Moomin then, thinking in his head, 'My hope and the love she was named after.'
Moomin gazed wide eyed and awestruck at the Murmrik. "You're so amazingly brave, Snufkin." His voice was as light as his breath and he slowly held Snufkin's face in his palms. "And so, so lovely." He smiled back, rubbing his thumbs against Snufkin's cheekbones.
As Moomin's eyes narrowed with affection, Snufkin's eyes widened. He let in a sharp inhale as Moomin looked at him as if he was every star in the night sky. "M-M-Moomee." He stuttered. He wanted to tell Moomin how highly he thought of the troll too, but he was so embarrassed and flustered, his throat closed up and he couldn't form a sentence. 'Smooth, Snufkin. Real smooth.' He thought, bringing a hand up to pull the brim of his hat down.
Removing his paws, Moomin placed one on top of Snufkin's and pulled the hat back up. "Don't hide from me." The other paw he laid beside him, neither realized their tails entwining again.
"Don't tell me what I can or can't do." He defended weakly, not truly annoyed about the command but had to keep up the front.
Moomin chuckled, blushing. "It was a plea, not an order." He laughed. "A Snufkin isn't himself unless he's breaking rules." Moomin pried Snufkin's hand from the hat and lifted it with his snout so he could nuzzle the crown of Snufkin's head, so Snufkin couldn't see him either. "What a beautiful creature you are, Snufkin."
Face lighting up like fire, Snufkin pulled away and rolled away, his back to Moomin and hat covering his whole face. He heard Moomin chuckle deeply.
Some silence stretched while Snufkin calmed from being overwhelmed and Moomin began making a flower crown. The crickets sang and the birds were silent, sleeping as the rest of the valley was.
Snufkin startled a bit when Moomin grabbed his hat and placed the full flower crown on it, a perfect fit. He turned his head, his blush having died down considerably. Moomin's eyes were filled with care and a gentleness that spoke of him and all Moomins and the valley it was named after. "I'll protect you." He placed the hat back on Snufkin's head when the Murmrik sat up again. "And even though I frighten her…I'll protect Toivotroll too."
The memory of an enraged Moomintroll crossed Snufkin's mind. "I can protect myself and her, don't worry. I have been for years."
Moomin closed his eyes so Snufkin couldn't see the hurt before opening them again. "I know. But I'm a selfish and greedy troll, Snufkin. Perhaps the one thing I won't obey from you is that I'll leave you to do that alone anymore. I'll protect you both."
Snufkin stared at Moomin, looking for any sign it was a joke or Moomin just spouting lovely words. He found none and his heart began to ache again. "I want to protect you too." His voice was quiet. He felt Moomin lightly brush his snout against his forehead, the pain in his heart leaving. 'Ah. That's why it was hurting.'
Moomin spoke in a whisper but didn't pull away, not wanting Snufkin to see his face. "You do." He told truthfully, but there was still a bruise of contempt and rage for the deer Murmrik smearing his heart where only love for Snufkin should be.