Archive of Our Own ^beta

Moominmamma and Moominpappa sat together on a blanket in the field in front of their house. The cool autumn air breezed across their fur, and the grass danced along. The two smiled gently at their children who were playing down by the riverbend. Little My chasing after a screaming Sniff, Snorkmaiden picking flowers in the field, weaving flower crowns for the others. Moomin and Snufkin laid near the river, the little mumrik tracing over the keys of a tune on his harmonica and their son gazed at the other boy with unbroken interest.

Snufkin had a soft grin pulling at his lips, laughing at a joke that Moomintroll must have told him. Moominpappa fondly gazed at how grown all the children of the valley had grown, and nuzzled a kiss on his wife’s cheek.
“They’ve grown quite a lot.” Mamma whispered between them. “All of them.”

“That they have. It won’t be long now for them all to start their own journeys.” Pappa replied.

Most of them had not changed much, aside from clearly growing from adolescence into their adulthood. Sniff, the rat like creature, had stayed mostly the same with the only difference being his light brown fur getting thicker along his chest and within the curves his face. Little My had grown some, however despite that her smaller height still had everyone towering over her, not showing any sign of fully growing into her Mymble features in the near future. Moomintroll and Snorkmaiden had grown into their muscled bodies well, easily being nearly full grown and their heights even now taller than their friends. Yet Moominpappa couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity everytime he looked at Snufkin.

It wasn’t the same familiarity he had with everyone else, the familiarity of their time knowing each other. The boy had been so young when he stumbled through the valley over five years ago, at the time being so small and still so full of wisdom.

It was hard to look past the maturity that the child had, hard to look beneath the kids sunken attitude and laid back personality. Snufkin had been merely a baby early in his teens when Moomin had brought him along, introducing him as the new friend he’d found on his travels through the mountains.

At the time all he really paid attention to was the fondness his son had over the boy, and the way the young mumrik had back for his son. He wouldn’t trust Moomintroll’s life in anyone else’s hands other than his own more than he trusted him with Snufkin. By this point he had considered Snufkin more as his own kid than a random visitor within his house. Pappa had seen the boy through some of his best and unfortunately through his worst. The boy was his own in everything but blood, and the pride that swelled through his heart at the man he had become. While at the same time, he could be proud that both his boys had the opportunity to grow into fine men together.

“Pappa?” Moominmamma voice sounded next to him. He hummed in response, eyes continuing to look towards the field the kids all were playing in “Snufkin is Mymble is he not?”

“He is. Though I’d never believe it had he not said so himself.” Pappa replied. “And even then it took My to bring it up for him to even acknowledge it.”

“Yes, but how come he looks so…” Mamma trailed off, eyes glancing to the ground beside her.

“So what my dear?”

“Well the older he gets, the more he looks like-“

“The Joxaren?” A shrill voice interrupted behind them. Both the older trolls jumped at the voice and turned to see Little My’s noisy face.

“Yes.” Mamma answered. “Just like him.”

Pappa’s eyes squinted toward the Mymble, and his head turned to where his boys sat by the river. Sniff and Snorkmaiden were now bothering them, and it was hard to miss Snufkin’s now clearly aggravated face. Yet it made the older Moomin think. He couldn’t ignore the way the fur grew thicker and darker on Snufkin’s cheeks, his eyes piercing through those he looked at. His frame became tall and lanky, and his appearance was scruffy and untamed. Had his eyes not been a deep brown and his auburn hair shining similarly to the other mymblings, he’d be able to say that Snufkin and the Joxter were identical.

“Is he?” Mamma asked. My huffed and crossed her arms.

“Well obviously. What other cat-like vagabonds do you see complaining about park keepers and itching to escape conversation every chance they get?”

Both Mamma and Pappa blankly stared at the mymble, still and unmoving. My rolled her eyes and sat down between the two.

“I’m surprised he’s never said anything when I’d tell my stories aside from the normal questions. I figured it would have come up a few times.” Pappa said, gaze traveling back towards Snufkin.

“I don’t think he knows. Joxter wasn’t around when he was born.” Little My replied. She plucked at the grass and her face tore up. “And I don’t think Mymblemamma ever said anything. Snufkin left when he was super little.”

“Yes, I do remember him mentioning that.”

“But,” My continued. “It’s not like he ever pressed about it either. None of us knew our dad. So why would he care?”

“So it’s true then? I’d had my suspicions.” Mamma sighed, shooing Little My off to go play with the other children. The mymble stuck her tongue out at the two parents and ran off, going to shove Sniff into the cold river.

“How dreadful, any child without a father would be.” Mamma whispered. Her hand gripped Pappa’s, squeezing tight. “What are we to do?”

Pappa looked once more at Snufkin, his smile bright and his laughter loud. He had not known much about how he grew up, as that was something the boy kept to himself. There were many things that Snufkin kept private and the sadder and harsher times in his life had been some.

The troll's lips pressed tightly together, face torn and heart heavy.

“We continue to keep him happy and free the best we can.”

Cold bitter air breezes across his tanned face, the Joxter’s eyes squinting the windy tears out of his eyes as he focused on the area around him. The footpath to Mymblehouse was coated in the deaden brown leaves, and the creatures around him were scurrying up their last bits of food before the harsh winter came upon them. Autumn’s face had shown herself early, which caused the older mumrik to head his way back home to his lover earlier than expected.

His tail fluffed in anticipation to finally be reunited with his lover and her gaggle of unruly Myblings. The vagabond, who once itched and weeped at the idea of being held up somewhere too long felt as a fond smile formed upon his lips, the idea of finally allowing himself someplace to call his own warming his frosting skin.

He’d returned to The Mymble numerous times throughout the years. Sometimes it would only be for weeks at a time, allowing him to recover from whatever wild adventure he found himself in previously. Other times he’d stay for months, relishing in The Mymble and her children’s company.

That had been routine for the past however many years. He comes and goes, whenever he pleases and wherever he's pleased. However the lady didn’t mind, and always welcomed him back with the largest smiles and the most ferocious kisses.

He readjusted his pack and ushered himself forward, the faint yells and roars of laughter from all his lover's children reaching his ears. The worn shingles of the Mymblehouse appeared above the naked trees and the footpath he’d been walking on turned to smoothed down stone and pebble.

Some children shoved past him, chasing each other as they forced their way through into the woods behind him. His grin widened as he met the gaze of Mymble’s, her own eyes brighten as they met the bright orbs of the Joxter’s.

“Hello my beautiful Mymble.” Joxter said, tipping his hat as he approached the veranda that she stood upon. The Mymble’s smile softened as she took his paw into her own. The red haired woman squeezed his hand as she pecked his lips upon his own. The man smiled into the kiss as he let a low purr rumble from his chest.

“It’s not been some time since you’ve been back my restless kitty. Did you miss me that much?” Mumble whispered back, eyes lowering to his own.

“While my old spirit yearns for constant pilgrimage, I am afraid my old bones aren’t much in favor of the cold weather.” He chuckled, rubbing his arms to better warm himself. The Mymble laughed along, her fiery red hair bouncing as it blazed against the warm colors of fall. She stepped aside, gesturing her arms to the open door and The Joxter gratefully took the invention inside, the warmth inside embracing him fully. He released a deep breath through his nose and watched as The Mymble gently placed more firewood within the hearth. Joxter watched her fondly, his tail swishing admiringly back and forth as he sat himself at a chair close to the flame.

“So where have your journeys taken you these last few seasons?” Mumble asked, as she sat down on a larger armchair next to the mumrik. The Joxter smiled excitedly in response.

“Oh just everywhere! This time I took my journeys down to the south for the summer season. I had heard many stories of their vast lakes and forests and wanted to see them myself.” He exclaimed. “The pictures I had seen in books don’t do them justice.” Joxter said fondly.

“Had you gotten into any trouble?” A little mumble nearby asked, his siblings peering curiously behind.

“Oh yes my little ones!” The Joxter exclaimed. “There was a very rich and greedy man who had wanted to burn down a section of the forest to develop a new house!”

“Oooooohhh!” The children’s voices chorused, as more and more scrambled in front of his chair. The eldest child brought over some coffee to himself and her mother, eyes looking in anticipation as she waited for the continued story.

“How scandalous of him.” Mumble laughed into her hand.

“He was the worst! So when he wasn’t looking, I rummaged through his pack and found not only his permit to the land, but some of his wealth as well!” The mumrik shouted in pride. All the children around him gasped in amazement, fond whispers and praises being heard along the huddle.

“What did you do with them?” The eldest mumble spoke up, joining her smaller siblings near the fireplace. “The deed and funds I mean.”

“Well I took the permit and burned it of course, the southern land is no place to be owned by anyone. As for the money, I used some for myself to better stock up on supplies and ditched the rest.”

“What?”

“You just got RID of the money?”

“We could have been rich!”

The shouts of the children roared within the room, their angered faces glaring at the older man in front of them. Joxter laughed and the eldest mymble daughter smiled back in response.

“Now what did you actually do with it Joxter?” The Mymble Mother asked.

“I tell no lies! I dropped off the money pouch in front of some orphanage or something.” He waved them off, and The Mymble planted a kiss on the man’s cheek.

“You can act all tough and mighty as you like, but you’re nothing but a soft kitten aren’t you?”

“Now Mymble love, not in front of the children.”

“Sorry dear, the way you hide your kindness just makes me adore you more.” She said fondly and the man felt a blush creep up his neck.

“It amazes me how much alike you are to Snusmumriken.” The eldest Mymble daughter sighed underneath her breath. “He always talks very fondly of the south also. He goes there every winter.”

“Who is Snusmumriken?” The old mumrik asked, his head tilting to the side and his ears twitched in curiosity.

“You don’t know?” One of the younger mumblings asked, her dark brown eyes squinting with disbelief.

“Yeah brother Snuf travels to the south every winter! He came one time and told us lots of fun stories!”

“You let one of your children travel all by himself?”

“Well it’s probably because he takes after you.” The eldest daughter said aloud. “It makes sense he takes after his instincts, no?”

“Whatever do you mean he takes after me?” The Joxter jumped up quickly, causing some of the children sitting on his lap to drop to the floor. The man mumbled apologies to the grumbling children as he tore his gaze to his lover, who looked nearly as confused as him.

He stood there in utter array and disbelief, his coffee disregarded in front of him. He stared at Mymble with wide azure eyes, and his mouth stayed agape, unable to form any words.

“I’d assumed you knew. I mean surely either myself or one of the children has mentioned him throughout the years you’ve stopped by.” The Mymble stated, blowing cooling air on her coffee before taking a sip. Joxter glared at her and opened his mouth.

Just as quickly as he did, his head snapped to the side. “Children let your sister take you outside for some fresh air.” He said sharply, piercing eyes staring toward them all. “Mymble, please.” His voice whispered hoarsely, pleading to the eldest child in the room. She nodded her head sharply, and quickly ushered all the little ones out the front door towards the gardens.

“And how can you be so sure-“ Joxter snapped, breath hitching as he started his sentence.

“That he is YOURS?” Mymble cut him off, emphasizing the ‘yours’.

“There’s really no doubt. You were the only one I’d slept with since Little My’s father decided to run off at the time.” She hummed in thought, barely catching the man’s gaze. “And the way he acts there’s absolutely no doubt.” Her lips curled up into a smile as she thought of the boy. Joxter gazed at her hesitantly, almost pleading that she was joking.

“I have a kid? A son?” Joxter questioned softly to himself. The word son rolled off his tongue a few more times, testing the word and its authenticity to himself. His tail flickered back and forth as he repeated the word under his breath.

“Well?” Joxter questioned. The woman raised an eyebrow at him as she set her cup down.

“Well what?”

“Where is the boy? My son?” The mumrik asked mutely, eyes gazing over to his lover.

“Our son.” Mymble corrected. Joxter looked at her longingly and let out a slight chuckle.

“Of course my love.” The Joxter jumped up in excitement grabbing Mymble’s hands. A huge grin spread across his face as he bounced like a thrilled child. “ Our son. Where is he?”

“And I don’t know.”

“You don’t..what?” Joxter’s smile fell and the excitement fled his eyes. The Mymble let out a long sigh and removed The Joxter’s hands from hers.

“Why, he left years ago. Mighty young but mighty determined.” She explained, eyes shining brightly towards his own.

“ Determined ?”

“He…., he left a note. I ‘oughta give it to you.” She started, and her face showed struggle. “He just said he couldn’t handle it anymore. So he left.”

“He couldn’t handle what Mymble? How long ago was this?” The Joxter demanded, his shouts becoming exasperated before he glanced towards the window near the door. The children were watching.

“It’s been a few years.” She said hushed, also aware of the peering eyes from behind her. “He’s about seventeen now, so he was probably six or seven at the time. And for what he couldn’t handle, I’m not sure. The noise, the children, who knows.”

Her voice stayed in a whisper, hands going to rest on top of the man’s. She let out a sigh and gripped his paw tightly. “He always preferred being alone, and heaven knows he couldn’t get it here.” “So he left!?” The man hissed out, throwing his arms into the air.

“And he’s seventeen Mymble. Seventeen! Why am I just now finding out about him? I know for a fact this isn’t the first time I’ve seen you in all these years. Why was he never mentioned!?”

“I thought I had told you, I must not have. You were gone traveling for years after he was born, so I could see why I forgot. I wanted it to be a surprise of sorts, then he left...”

“Mymble.” The man let out sharply. “Mymble where is he?” Joxter demanded. The Mymble hummed, and walked over to a desk near the wooden staircase. The drawer she opened whined and creaked as she pulled out a worn and crumpled up piece of paper.

“I went to Moominvalley last winter.” Mymble started. “Quite as welcoming as always.”

“Don’t change the sub-“ She put a hand up to his face, stopping him.

“Let me finish Joxter!” She snapped out. Joxter shrunk into himself and angrily folded his arms. The Mymble rolled her eyes, and continued. “I went to Moominvalley last winter. And stopped at an old friends house.

“Moomintroll perhaps?” Joxter questioned.

“Well, Moominpappa now.” Joxter’s eyes widened in astonishment. “It had been awhile since I’ve seen Momminmamma and I wanted to catch up. Since I was passing by, I might as well stop for a quick vacation. Of course, I had all the kids with me and I must’ve woken them up from their hibernation. Silly me I forgot!” She chuckled.

The man smiled softly at the woman’s laughter, face wrinkling up with admiration.

“But while I was there, Moominpappa had asked me to give you this when we next crossed paths. I insisted that it might not be for awhile, since you like to run off to god knows where. But he said it was urgent. You should read it.” Joxter had snatched the letter from Mymble’s hand, fingers tracing along the pressed seal.

“Joxter, Hello my dear friend, I’m glad I have this opportunity to write to you. Your lovely maiden stopped by, but you seemed nowhere to be found. So unfortunately it’ll have to be stated this way. A few springs ago, my son found a young vagabond sitting at a camp site. They have since them become absolutely inseparable. He stays from Spring to the last moments of autumn, then retreats for the Winter. However, whenever I see the young boy, I can’t help but be reminded of someone. I believe it’s time you meet your son, my old friend. Forever yours, Moominpappa.”

His eyes skimmed the letter over and over again, just to make sure he read the letter correctly. Once he was sure he understood what it said, he had The Mymble to read it once more to make sure his sloppy literacy was failing him.

“Moominvalley.” He whispered to himself. The man shot up and tumbled towards the calendar. “Mymble my dear how close is winter from now?” He asked, the lingering chill outside crossing his mind. Mymble thought carefully, counting the days on her fingers.

“I’d assume in about a month's time. Why do you ask?”

“It’s time I’ve finally met my son. My Snusmumriken.”

Since then, a few weeks had passed and The Joxter had started his journey back to Moominvalley for the first time in many years. He considered the last time he may have traveled there, whether to or through, yet his mind came up blank.

All around him were an array of reds, yellows, and oranges, the colors of the trees, and the animals creating their dens to prepare for what the early winter would bring. The breeze whipped around him, while the sun above gave little warmth through his smock. As he walked down the path he admired all around him from the leaves that fell from the trees, to the lingering birds who were starting their voyage to the warmer fields south. The tree’s shadows cloaked around him, causing protection from the figures that could be lingering around. His radiant eyes cut through the darkness as he traveled down the path before him. The frigid wind nipped at his hair and stung his face, causing him to pull his hat further over his eyes. A low hiss escaped his mouth as he shielded himself from the cool autumn air. The Joxter had been traveling practically nonstop the past few weeks, and nothing was going to prevent him from reaching his destination as soon as he could.

His feelings bubbled in his stomach, and he was so conflicted on how to feel. Overall, he was excited to reunite with his past friends, once more getting to joke and adventure with them. Yet at the same time, he was meeting his son. His son of all people. The one he had just found out about, and seemingly kept secret from for years upon end.

Mymble, who he still loved with all his heart, apologized profusely. He understood of course, with all the other children she had running around, but this one was his. The man couldn’t help but feel a little bitter, and a simple letter stating ‘Hey by the way I’m pregnant and it’s definitely your child’ would have been easy enough. He wanted to feel angry with her, but she had given him something he thought he’d never have the blessing to have. Then, there was the fear that the boy wouldn’t want anything to do with him. After all those years Joxter honestly wouldn’t blame him. All those years the boy spent alone and away from home there was no saying how much pent up aggression was being held against him and the rest of his family. Joxter groaned into his hands. After everything he’d been through, this would be the most nerve wracking by far.

His eyes gazed at the surrounding area, trying to distinguish where he was. Sure, it may have been years but there was no doubt the Moomin household was just ahead. Meaning his son was more than likely close to follow. Eventually the trees lessened and the dense forest turned into fields of green grass and the autumn flowers. The Joxter gazed around until his hazel eyes landed on the first house he saw. His face lit up and he continued down the path to Moominhouse. As he approached however, his nerves got the best of him and he stopped in front of the door.

‘My old mind isn’t ready for this’ he thought to himself. He closed his eyes and reached out to knock on the old, worn down door, yet his hand simply hovered in the air and waited.

And waited.

And waited for what seemed to be forever until his presence must have been felt, regardless of not knocking, and the door ahead of him opened.

“...Joxaren? Joxter? Is that really you?” The soft voice in front of him gasped. Joxter pried his eyes open to gaze at the wonder of the voice. His lips formed a small smile and he spoke.

“Moominmamma. It’s been a while.” Her eyes widened and ushered him inside. He shuffled nervously on his feet, and he anxiously looked behind him.

“My gosh, Pappa said he was expecting you to come anytime! I didn’t believe him since we hadn’t heard from you. Goodness it’s been quite a while hasn't it?” Moominmamma asked, sitting him down at the table. She called for Moominpappa and started to heat up the kettle. “Is there anything you’d like? We have lots to catch up on.” Joxter laughed and looked at the Moomin.

“I suppose so. And water is fine, maybe tea, actually do you have any alcohol I feel like I might need it after tonight- Actually no I wouldn’t want to make-“

“Joxter, my old friend! It’s great to see you!” Joxter jumped at the voice that cut him off. He turned around only to be engulfed in a huge hug. The feline wrapped his arms around his friend and chuckled.

“It’s good to see you too Moomintroll.”

“Moominpappa now, remember?” Joxter beamed at his friend in response “And it would seem I’m not the only father around here. Why didn’t you tell me?” Moominpappa asked. Joxter flinched and cast his eyes downward.

“I hadn’t known to be honest. Mymble just told me. That’s my fault though, it never really came up in conversation and I never stuck around long enough for it to.” Joxter replied. The Moomin couple glanced from him to each other. “Had I known he wouldn’t have to be alone all the time. Have you seen him recently?” The man asked.

“Well of course we have! Him and our Moomin are the best of friends. They went out earlier with their friends and Little My, something about finding treasure-?” Moominmamma trailed off. Pappa nodded and looked towards his friends.

“They’ve been gone for a few hours now and they’re due back anytime for dinner.” The Moomintroll responded, taking a seat next to his friend. Joxter sunk down into his chair and put his face into his hands.

“I don’t know if I can see him.” Joxter mumbled, raising his head to look at Moominpappa. Moominpappa rolled his eyes as Momminmamma set down two mugs of coffee in front of them.

“You’ll be fine, he’s an awful lot like you-“

“I’m not sure this was the best idea. Maybe I should come back after the season.”

“Now Joxter I am sure there’s no need for that.”

“Or maybe never you know the lad seems fine on his own! He doesn’t need someone like me butting in on his life -“

“MAMMA, PAPPA!!!” A voice called outside.

“Well regardless you’re about to find out I’d assume.” Moominmama said softly.

Joxter jumped up and went to spring out the back window, feet already getting ahead of him. Moominpappa took hold of his smock and held tightly, pulling him back towards the living room. The mumrik’s stance hardened and he hissed lowly at the troll. Before Joxter could fully prepare himself, Moomintroll and Sniff barged through the door.

“What is this Moominpappa? Surely we can sell it right??” Sniff asked, shoving an old looking coin into Moominpappa’s face.

“No you aren’t! Snufkin and I were the ones to find it, which means it’s ours to keep. What is it Pappa, do you know?” Moominpappa took the coin and examined it, leaving Joxter disregarded, shadowed in the background.

Moomin and Sniff crowded to look at it more. Joxter sighed and crossed his arms as the three fussed over the coin, and Mamma sympathetically glanced at him.

“Well it looks like a normal coin to me.” Joxter stated, slouching down into a nearby chair. The two children looked at him with curious eyes, not noticing the stranger until now. Moomin gazed at him up and down, wondering who the man sitting in their kitchen was.

Sniff scoffed and moved closer to the Joxter. The creature's eyes tracing over The Joxter’s figure suspiciously. The mumrik shrunk in his chair, the gazes upon him causing him to feel awfully dreadful.

“Wow, you look a lot like-“ Sniff started, his nose pushing into the man’s face.

“Moomin?” A voice cut him off. At the front door, stood Snufkin with Little My on his back. My jumped down and walked further into the house, and Snufkin followed. “If you really think it’s that big of a deal you can keep it. I won’t need it. I’m sure you’ll have more use than I-“ Snufkin stopped and looked at the unfamiliar man standing in the Moominfamily’s kitchen.

“Oh. We have a guest?” Snufkin question.

The three adults in the room whipped their heads over to the boy, hesitation filling their eyes. The man gulped and stood up, taking his hat off. He nervously walked over and stood directly in front of the mumrik. Snufkin looked up at him questionably, and Little My below him with a sneaky grin.

Joxter sighed deeply, eyes wide and face sewn with stress. “I know this might be hard to take in, and I’m not expecting you to take it easy,” The Joxter started, he spoke slowly as he tried to form the words in his head.

“Yes?” Snufkin pressed, looking behind the Joxter to Moominmamma.

“My name is Joxter. You’re Snusmumriken I assume?”

“Snufkin is fine.” The boy reached his paw out, and Joxter gripped it. Snufkin shook it up and down before hesitantly pulling away. “Do I know you?”

“Well no, I suppose you wouldn’t.” The man responded, eyes trailing to look towards his shoes.

“Joxter? Like from Pappa’s stories?” Sniff asked quietly.

“Precisely so. My dear friend has some important news he’d like to share.” Pappa proudly said, patting the other man on the shoulder. Joxter grimaced in response, words not being able to form in his mouth.

“Yes, well, I’m not sure...” The man stumbled.

“Yes?” Snufkin pressed again, his tail swishing nervously behind him.

“Snufkin.”

“Joxter.”

“I am not sure the best way to say this, but I am your father.” He blurted out quickly. Sniff and Moomin’s eyes widened in astonishment, and Little My just scoffed and walked into the kitchen.

Snufkin stood there dazed, and his face showed hardly any emotion. He looked at his father then to Moomin, whose face was just as confused.The gears started to turn in Snufkin’s mind, and dozens of emotions filled his face.
His mouth felt dry as his throat tightened up. His father?

Surely he knew he had one but the fact he was actually here, in front of him, was just such a nerve wracking and confusing moment. His eyes started to water some, and his chest tight. He’d gone his whole life without a dad and now there was someone barging into his life. His father was here. His father.

“My...father.” Snufkin stated, looking back at the Joxter. The man seemed just as anxious and nerve wrecked as he was. Snufkin blushed as he realized all the eyes on him and started to panic. “I, uhhhh- I think I need some time to myself right now if that’s okay?” Snufkin asked, almost pleadingly. His eyes didn’t meet The Joxter’s however, they looked past him to both Moominmamma and Pappa. The Joxter looked followed his gaze and met that of Moominpappa’s. The older troll let out a deep breath and sadly looked back to the little mumrik.

“Take as long as you need Snufkin.” Pappa responded.

The boy mumbled a quick thanks and quickly exited the house, leaving everyone behind.

The house was stiff and silent, no one daring to make a sound. As if they were all afraid that even the thought of movement would cause everything to crash beneath them, that staying still was the only way things would stay okay.

“Sniff,” Mamma broke the silence, looking towards the boy. “I think it would be best if you headed home now.” she said. Sniff jumped and nodded his head, not needing to be told twice. He told Moomin to keep the coin, and grumbled that it wasn’t that cool anyways. Moomin looked at him as Sniff left, who was eager to accept the invitation to leave the awkwardness.

“Pappa?”

“Moomin, Little My, could you guys go up to your rooms real quick. Mamma and I need to talk with Joxter.” Pappa has stated. The two children looked between the parents and retreated up the stairs, My stealing one last glance before she entered her room.

“He hates me.” Joxter stayed plainly. Mamma walked over and rested her hand on his shoulder. “There is no doubt about it.”

“Now Joxter, I don't think he hates you.” She said, leading him over to the couch. Joxter fell onto the chaise, and groaned in frustration.

“He does. My own flesh and blood hates me!” He yelled. “I wish Mymble would have let me know then maybe, maybe he would’ve,”

“Also left and taken the same exact path as he did without you?” Moominpappa offered the answer. “The way Mymble explained him to be, he’s been gone traveling for years my friend. You being there probably wouldn’t have changed anything. He likes being alone.” He started, sitting down next to his friend. “Give him time to play things over in his head.”

“I like being alone too, we could’ve been alone together at least.”

“I don’t think it works that way!” Little My yelled from the top of the stairs. You could hear Moomin scold her and then shuffling back to their rooms. Joxter chuckled and looked at Moominpappa.

“Do you think he’ll forgive me?” Joxter asked.

“He’s very forgiving of most everyone. Not very fond of park keepers really, but him being your son I’m not surprised. It must run in his DNA” Pappa mentioned. The man let out a loud laugh.

“But there’s still so much he needs to learn about himself. His family, his instincts?”

“He has family here. Whether that’s Little My biologically or ourselves in spirit. He’s been plenty comfortable.”

“His instincts?”Joxter questioned.

“Not as harsh as yours, but he has his feline moments as any young kit would.” Mamma replied.

“I am glad,” Joxter said quietly, glassy eyes glancing between the two trolls. “That without my presence, you both were here to aid to him.” He bowed his head softly and sighed. Both Moominmamma and Pappa smiled warmly, their fond looks gently bringing him comfort. To think, his son had grown up to be so similar to him without any of his influence.

“He is a good boy Joxter, just give him time.” Pappa said softly.

He stood up and walked over to the door, putting his hat back on.

“And where are you going?” Moominmamma asked.

“To get to know my son.” And like that, before anyone could stop him the Joxter made his way out the door.

A father.

He had a father. And his father was here, in Moominvalley of all places, to see him.
His father was here.

And he left.

All the prying eyes and emotions got too much for him. The room became too small and everything was too overwhelming to deal with. If he had stayed he surely would’ve gone crazy. He had no idea how to feel, and he couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t breathe. A sob escaped his mouth and his hands shot up to his mouth in an attempt to try and control his emotions.

He was so dumb.

The day had started out so amazing and it all came crashing down within a few seconds. Snufkin harshly shoved his fists into his eyes in an attempt to prevent tears from falling, and let out a huge sigh.

His head was pounding and his body shook. He hadn’t had time to sit here and feel sorry for himself, as he was the strong one. He shouldn’t be letting his emotions get such a hold on him. Then he pondered if it would be best to leave a little early this year.

The vagabond knocked the thought off his mind fast, and shook his head. There was no way he could do that to Moomin. He had already promised not to leave until Moomin started his hibernation, and despite the chill to the air autumn still had quite some weeks left.

But he definitelydidn’t want to be here anymore.

He was sure that his father must have despised him, and he couldn’t see any other reason why with how long he hadn’t been in his life. There must have been something the older man wanted out of him, because why else would he just show up for no reason? The Joxter had to have hated him, and more than likely wanted nothing to do with him, and after Snufkin left suddenly so suddenly, there would be no reason for him to want him.

Yet at the same time Snufkin was livid. The man had never been in his life prior and honestly, Snufkin could do the rest of his life without. He had been completely fine the way he was and didn’t need someone else trying to pry into his inner thoughts.

He had a family with the Moomin’s, he felt comfortable with his older sister My, and he had some relationship with his mother that took him ages to be able to properly manage without her always fretting over his wellbeing.

Now suddenly some man he has never met suddenly made an appearance and just claimed to be his father?

And how long had Moominpappa and Moominmamma known about this? Was it a secret they’ve always kept to themselves and all the kindness they had shown him was simply out of pity of knowing his long lost father? Moominpappa had been telling stories with The Joxter in it for years and never once thought to mention the possibility of them being related?

The entire thing was ridiculous!

Snufkin huffed as he rummaged through his bag in search of his pipe, his paws shaky and clammy. Once he had found it and a small bag of tobacco he’d stored away, he made his way over to his tent flap and hesitated to open it. He’d probably be safer just to linger inside for a bit longer, best to avoid anyone who might be waiting for him outside.

Moomintroll knew better than to bug him when he didn’t want to, however Little My on the other hand had a bad “big sisterly” habit of always butting into his personal affairs. And not to mention The Joxter, whose eyes he could practically feel glaring at him through his tent. His instincts were screaming at him to just stay in his tent where it was warm, and safe, and quiet, and there wasn’t any chance of danger.

He swallowed his nervousness down and eventually and peered outside, eyes gazing over the empty campsite. A sigh escaped his mouth as he rose up, making his way over to his campfire and sitting down on one of the dry rocks he’d set aside. Snufkin sat there for a bit, taking in the noises around him. The birds and trees, the gentle flow of the river. He pulled a match out of his pocket, promptly lifting it up to his pipe and lighting it. He discarded the lit stick into his campfire and threw on some bark and twigs that he found nearby. Smoke filled his mouth and he puffed, breathing in deeply and letting the calmness take him over.

He could still feel eyes watching over him. Mamma and Pappa’s from the house, Moomin from his room, he wouldn’t be surprised if My was somewhere hiding under a rock, waiting for him to acknowledge her presence. And it there was nothing aside from pure feeling when he felt his eyes linger, over to a tree hidden in the wood.

Joxter sat there, high in the tree and hidden, watching him. The naked branches barely covered his form, and the man’s piercing catlike eyes slitted and still. Snufkin’s eyes looked away slowly, catching the fire back in his view.

“I said I'd rather be alone. Not peered on about like prey.” Snufkin scoffed, and he could see The Joxter tense before creeping lower behind the tree’s branches, the older man’s tail swishing back and forth and ears pressing flat against his head. Snufkin felt his own droop, and his eyes squinted as he turned his head to face his father. Before he could even react, The Joxter pounced from the tree and onto Snufkin, large paws pinning down the smaller mumrik’s arms.

The younger growled and kicked the man off, claws swatting at his attackers arms. Snufkin had barely managed to nick the flesh of his father, small pebbles of blood already appearing from the claw marks he’d left.

“What’s your problem?” Joxter hissed out at him, eyes in slits. Snufkin, despite trying to put on a dominant demeanor, couldn’t react enough to shove his instincts down. His hair stood up stiff and his defenses were on standby. He stepped back from the Joxter as the older man moved closer to him.

“What’s your problem?” Snufkin asked, eyes traveling from the scratches that laid on the Joxter’s wrist to the man’s face. “I was fine! I didn’t need you to come and try and rescue me like I’m a lost kitten!”

“But you are a lost kitten. I’m trying to fix that!”

“I don’t need fixing!” Snufkin said, arms raising in annoyance.

“That’s not what I said.” Joxter mumbled, breath catching a little near the end of his sentence.

“You might as well be trying to make an appearance after all this time!” Snufkin sternly shouted.

“How else was I to ‘make an appearance’? I hadn’t a clue where you were!”

“Did you even make an effort? It’s not like I don’t spend most of my time here.”

“Son-“

“Don’t call me that!” Snufkin hissed, eyes flashing with anger. “The mymble’s all knew where I was, Mamma knew where I was.”

“I didn’t know-“

“Didn’t know what?”

“I didn’t even know you existed! Had I known I even had a kit I sure as hell wouldn’t have forced you to stay in Mymblehouse, trapped and-“

“What?” Snufkin’s voice interrupted.

“I said I wouldn’t have kept you trapped. I had been gone for years after you were born. I surely could have helped you grow up with a father before you decided to wander off on your own.”

“No no not that.” The younger boy said. “You didn’t know I existed?”

Joxter blushed and turned his head away sheepishly. “I can go if you’d like. I know Moominpappa said you liked being alone and you said you liked being alone and I shouldn’t have pounced on you like that.” The man turned around and started to walk away, until he felt a hand wrap around his own.

“We can talk. I don’t mind.” Snufkin hesitantly said. The Joxter smiled and sat down on a log by his sons fireplace. Snufkin moved to sit down beside him, folding his hand in his lap.

“So,” Snufkin started.

“So?” Joxter echoed.

“How could you not have known about me?” The boy asked. His face fell downcast, finding that twiddling his thumbs was the most interesting thing at the moment.

“Would you believe me if your mother actually forgot to tell me?” The father supplied. Snufkin’s head shot up and looked at his dad, eyes widening as he scoffed.

“Mymblemamma forgot to tell you? How?”

“It never came up in conversation until recently. Mymble daughter was the one who brought you up and your other siblings spoke as if you’d always been around.” Joxter whispered, and Snufkin’s brows lifted.

“Moominpappa had written a letter to me a few seasons ago about your presence here in Moominvalley. As soon as I read it I nearly sprinted my way here. Your mother could barely get my pack refreshed before I left.”

“Moominpappa wrote about me?”

“Oh yes. All good things so no worries there. The Moomin’s adore you as if you’re their own you know?” Joxter mentioned.

Snufkin only hummed in response, his tail nervously twitching behind him. He glanced over to the tall blue house that laid atop the hill and smiled fondly.

“They’ve been good to me since I happened upon everyone in the mountains.” The younger boy clarified. “They make it hard to stay away.”

“Moominpappa and I were super close when we were younger. He was quite clingy. I never thought I’d be able to pry myself away from his constant nagging.”

“Oh I am sure!” Snufkin thought, reflecting on his own Moomintroll.

The next few hours were spent exchanging stories, both of their travels and their youth. Joxter would talk about himself and Mymble, his adventures with Momminpappa, what he’d recently been up to. While Snufkin raves about Moomin, how he ended up in Moominvalley, why he originally left home. Voices and laughter could be heard throughout the valley well into the night as father and son reunited.

They each shared their interests and realized how similar they really truly were, and even the things they didn’t have in common. Finally their conversation came to an end, and Joxter looked at the dying embers in the fire.

“I’m sorry I missed out on your life.” The older man said suddenly, shining eyes staring tiredly into the glowing remains of firewood. Snufkin’s stayed silent before glancing over to his father, lips pressed firmly into a line before he spoke.

“I apologize for not being there the times you visited Mymblehouse.” Snufkin replied. “I was always curious on why I was so different from my brothers and sisters, I guess it helps to finally have an explanation.”

“What can I say, you got your mother’s looks and my personality.” Joxter nudged his son, which caused Snufkin to laugh lightly. The Joxter stood up and dusted himself off, eyeing his every move with close eyes.

“It’s getting late.” Snufkin said, standing up as well.

“I suppose. Moominmamma insisted I stay the night in their guest room, and I’d hate to keep them waiting up.”

“I understand.” Snufkin said lightly. The mumrik stood in front of his father, shuffling awkwardly, shifting the weight between his feet. He reached his handout towards The Joxter, readying himself for a handshake. Joxter looked at the outstretched hand questionably, bright eyes gazing at his son's face.

“I am glad we were able to have this talk. It was nice.” Snufkin said, trailing off and looking towards the ground.

Before he could react, Joxter grabbed onto the side of his arms, squeezing them tightly with his hands. The older man studied the expression that laid on the teens face before pulling him into his chest. Joxter hugged Snufkin tightly, bringing his face into the shoulder of the other Mumrik. Snufkin’s face tore up in surprise, eyes widening and body stiffening up.

“I am so proud of you son. You will never comprehend how much I love you.” The Joxter mumbled into his shoulder, squeezing tighter. Snufkin took in the embrace, gently wrapping his arms around his father’s in response.

“Thank you.” Snufkin whispered back.

After both father and son were content with their hug, the Joxter finally pulled back and smiled, hands refusing to leave the teen’s arms until he gave one last final squeeze. The man removed his hands, and gave a quick tip of his hat before turning around towards the path to Moominhouse.

“Goodnight son, I look forward to your future endeavors!” Joxter shouted before quickening his pace to the houses porch. Snufkin watched as his father met with Moominpappa at the door, the troll giving the man a quick pat on the back before inviting him inside. The boy’s lips lifted up into a small smile, before turning back towards his tent.

“Goodnight, Pappa.”