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“It’ll soon be my birthday.”
The announcement causes Moomin to tilt too far on the edge of the bridge, almost falling over before catching himself on the railings. He knows he looked foolish, considering the way Snufkin snickered at him, but that smile-while important- wasn’t what he focused on.
“Your birthday?!” Moomin exclaims.” You’ve never mentioned a birthday, or at least, never said you had one.”
“Don’t all living creatures have a birthday?” Snufkin remarks sarcastically, pulling their fishing rod closer to the stream. Moomin nods, his tail swishing ferociously feeling very flustered.
“Well-course, all things have a birthday. You’ve just never mentioned your own,” Moomin explains, hands swaying dramatically through each word. Snufkin hums, reeling the rod back to pull the fish caught. They unhook the fish carefully before placing it by them. They turn their attention back towards the clear blue, a soft smile still plastered on their face.
“I just remembered, that's all.”
They pull the rod back before casting it towards the stream.
_____
Moominmamma places the clean dishes onto the shelves, her son sitting at the table explaining the dilemma that he was facing.
“A birthday party for Snufkin? Well, that does sound nice dear.” Moominmamma agreed.
“I know, mamma, but most parties with Snufkin haven't ended well.” Moomin answered, resting a hand on his cheek, sighing.
It turned out the mumirks' birthday was on the last day of Fall, which would also be the day before they left for their annual lone journey. Moomin had no quell with Snufkin’s departure, but if Snufkin had mentioned their birthday then it had to mean that the mumirk wanted to celebrate it, right? Or perhaps they brought it up only to truly just bring it up. Snufkin wasn’t one to celebrate their own winnings, or anything of their own, only willing to celebrate for others.
Nobody minded, or perhaps nobody had noticed that Snufkin had nothing to celebrate. Moomin wanted to give Snufkin something to celebrate, something that was for them, something to know that Moomin was appreciative of them. Yet, there was the issue that Snufkin wasn’t one for parties. Especially during the later of Summer, as the trees slowly change their colors, Snufkin became more ready to prepare for their travels. A true dilemma, Moomin realized, how to celebrate a birthday for a mumirk who didn't enjoy celebrations.
And worst of all, Moomin didn't know what to gift them. If Snufkin hated unwanted company first, then second would be gifts. They were appreciative of gifts, Snufkin knows it's rude to deny a gift from someone who went out of their way to get one, but their hands become burdened during travel. How does one hold a gift, whilst also playing a tune? Improbable, Moomin realized. A gift, even a new harmonica, wouldn’t be enough. He needed something that was remarkable, yet not graspable. Was there even such a thing?
“You should just get them a new hat, or food,” Little my remarks, getting up onto the table. Little my sat criss crossed across from Moomin, who shook his head at her comment.
“No, you know Snufkin refuses to get new clothes till their socks are holding themselves together by one thread. Plus food isn't plentiful, nor enough, they’re not Sniff you know.” Moomin responds, another sigh escaping as he lays his head dramatically onto the table.
Moominmamma walks over, holding plates of food in her hands and kissing the top of her son’s forehead,” I’m sure you’ll find an answer to your question Moomintroll, perhaps the answer will be more obvious than it seems.”
Cryptic as ever, Moominmamma was, but perhaps she was right. Moomin only huffs, even still that wasn't really an answer.
“Well,” Moominmamma continues.” For now, an empty stomach won’t help you decide what to get your dear Snufkin. Do you mind going to them and asking if they’d like to join us on the porch?”
Moomin nods, getting up from his slump and heading out the door. Little My readies herself off the table before a cough from Moominmamma catches her attention. “I would like some help setting the tables, if you don’t mind.”
And how could Little My refuse Moominmama. So, with a groan she helps set the table.
Moomin jogs towards Snufkin, his tail and hands moving excitedly as he catches sight of Snufkin’s tent. He knocks, calling out to them before the mumirk emerges from their tent.
“Moomintroll.”
“Snufkin!! Oh-Snufkin, yeah, right. Well, Mamma wanted to know if you wanted to join us for lunch.” Moomin stammers. Snufkin grins, their eyes creasing at their partner’s sheepishness even after all these years.
Snufkin nods nevertheless,” of course.”
The mumirk reaches their paw out, which Mooomin accepts, helping them to their feet when he realizes Snufkin had gently gripped the moomin’s hand. With no intent of letting go. Moomin almost wanted to jump in joy, but he realized that would be incredibly silly, and humiliating. Yet, telling by the way Snufkin’s tail swished gently behind them, Moomin knew they both were sharing the same sentiment of fondness.
They walked towards the blue tower, where the whole family sat awaiting the pair.
“Ah, young love, how joyous to see the youth experience it.” Moominpappa said poetically, which caused Litte My to audibly gag.
“Gross, just get your butts down so we can eat.” She ordered, and of course they weren't going to disobey the little mymble.
“I made sure to make your favorite pudding for you,” Moominmamma added quietly. Snufkin gave a silent nod to show their appreciation.
Lunch hadn’t even truly begun before Little My decided to start.” So, Snufkin, your birthday is coming up?”
Snufkin paused their meal. It's odd how a simple mention of a birthday created a tension to swell in the air, whether or not Little My intended to create such a mood. Moomin glanced at Snufkin, who seemed to be formulating a proper response before simply stating,” yes, next week.”
“Same day as you leave, right?” Little My raises her little fork at him before stabbing a carrot that gets shoved into her mouth.
Moomin looks at Little My questionably, wondering what her true motives were, yet Snufkin continues the interrogation.
“Yes, can't help it I suppose.” Snufkin answers softly.” And winter will be longer this year.”
Moomin drops his spoon, a clank sounds from it that causes the pair to flinch at the noise. Moomin stares at Snufkin apologetically,” I'm sorry! Are you going to leave early or stay in your travels longer? Which is fine of course!”
Oh, Moomin is sure he had looked humiliating then. Snufkin only chuckles, waving their hands dismissively,” no, Moomintroll. I am very much happy here, and I will miss you-and everybody else of course.``
“Uh huh.” Little my introjects before getting a glance by Moominmamma that quiets her.
“But genuinely, the winter will be longer this year. I don't see the purpose of arriving at the same time if you’re going to be asleep.” Snufkin explains with a small smile, taking small bites from his meal.
“I could wake up early,” Moomin grumbles, playing with his food. Snufkin eyes soften, a clear pity in them and they open their mouth. Yet they only shake their head and continue their meal, Little My raises a brow at this, curious on her little brother's behavior.
“So, why even bring up your birthday?”
“I,” Snufkin hesitates, eyeing their partner before standing, picking up the now empty plate and cup.” I just remembered, that's all.”
“Well that's rubbish.”
“Little My!” Moominmamma calls out.”Whatever the reason, we have a bit of time to spend with Snufkin before they have to depart, the least we can do is be respectful.”
Yet, when they turned their attention back to Snufkin, they had already trailed back towards their camp. Moominmamma’s dishes were left on the kitchen window. Moomin’s heart drops to his stomach, a pang of guilt and utter despair fills his throat and chokes him from within. A longer winter? Less days to spend with his partner? His whole routine was dismantled before him and Moomin just wanted things to return to normal. He stands, ignoring the half empty plate and prepares to follow after Snufkin. Though his papa places an arm ahead of him, stopping the young moomin in his haste.
“Son, if I could give you any advice on young love, it is that you must be patient.” Moomimpappa says solemnly, placing a hand on his son's shoulder.
But Moomin knew that. He knew countless times, he relearned continuously that he just needs to be patient. Snufkin needed their solitude, Moomin wasn’t going to deny them of such when he already asked so much. But, it's hard to ignore the feeling of resentment he felt. He hates that the season will be longer, he hates how short their time together will be, he hates how selfish he is.
“It'll be alright my sweet, Winter will pass by before you know it.” Moominmamma attempts to quell her son's emotion, it helps, sort of. He knows his mother is right, but it's just not the same.
It's like an odd itch, he knows it's there, and yet if he ignores it it’ll make it worse. Moomin cant ignore it, he can't pretend or find the good, he wishes he could. Desperately he wishes he was better. He knows Snufkin isn't at fault for the season, nor was their decision to stay in the wilderness for the extended time. Moomin just wished things had stayed the same.
______
News spreads fast in the small valley. Snorkmaiden concerned herself with Moomin however, knowing that she couldn't fix the weather or change Snufkin’s mind, but she could at least help her friend out of his slump.
The following day, Snorkmaiden convinces Moomin to accompany her through a forest cave for her brother, claiming she needed someone strong to carry the crystals. It was an obvious lie, Snorkmaiden could easily carry the crystals, but Moomin appreciated the concern and agreed to accompany her.
The Snork handed each of them a map of the cave, instructing them to enter at sunset. In the cave they’d find starry lit crystals that would spark at the touch, almost like a hattifatteners.
The two walked through the forest, each with a basket in hand as they traveled down the forest muddy path.
“Have you figured what you're going to get them yet?” Snorkmaiden asks, glancing at the moomin. Moomin shakes his head no, grumbling at his bare ideas.” No, I need to get him something amazing, but won't be too overbearing. Which is impossible.``
“Well, I wouldn’t say impossible.” She shrugs,” just difficult, but you've faced worse. Besides, I'm sure Snufkin will love whatever you get them.”
Moomin exhales, his brows creasing at the thought,” I don't want them to love my gift out of pity, I want them to genuinely love it.“
Moomin’s grasps on the bucket tightens, their tail swaying more fiercely. Moomin really wasn't the best at hiding their emotions. He quickened his pace, trying to pretend his eyes weren’t stinging. Attempting to hide the ache in his throat. Snorkmaiden stays just a bit behind, her thoughts full of worry for the Moomintroll.
He’s so compassionate it hurts at times. Moomin trully wants the best for every creature of Moominvalley, he adores seeing others feeling the same vigor for life as he does. It's why Snorkmaiden grew to appreciate him as a friend, for how he was so considerate no matter how he truly felt. She knew every winter was an agonizing one of patience. Moomin learned to quell their emotions, knowing that it was okay to let loved ones go. To let their loved one blossom in their own light. However, Moomin was also dependent on stability. Moomin knew it was okay because Snufkin would always return the first of spring, but that day of warmth was now further away. Moomintroll could only learn to move on, and it hurt. It hurt seeing Moomin forced to repress his emotions he's worked so hard to understand.
The pair eventually find the cave, carefully watching their steps through the moss covered stones and mud below them. Snorkmaiden audibly groans as she can tell she’ll have to make sure she's extra clean later, Moomin snickers at her reaction, though he still lends a paw to help her through the dew.
They catch sight of a firefly, then another, and then a whole sparkle of them. The deeper they enter the cave, the brighter they glow. The fireflies gleamed a soft yellow hue, which illuminated the flowers to brighten their vibrant hues, the rocks themselves shone a dark purple edging them to seek further into the cave.
“Wow… it's all so magical,” Snorkmaiden remarks, taking notice of her surroundings as they trudged further before coming to a clearing. The roof of the cave was hollowed through, allowing a perfect sight of the moonlight to gleam its soft light above them. Their surroundings were encompassed by radiating crystals that caught the moonlight in its formation, the petals seemed to form to the light, and the soft buzzing of the fireflies that flew around the pair.
“This-This is magic,” Moomin awes, his eyes wide and capturing the warm hues of the firelight reflected on his fur. He illuminated like a painting, he had never looked so happy since the past few days till now. Snorkmaiden grins at her friend's reaction, and Moomin looks at her with excitement in his eyes,” Snorkmaiden, do you think the Snork would mind waiting a week for those crystals?”
Snorkmaiden raises a brow at him before it clicks. She snickers at her friend's delight. “ Of course, Moomintroll, and I'll convince him if he says otherwise.”
______
“Whatever is the rush?” Snufkin inquires, joy evident in their voice as they voice as they pace through the forest. There was a week until Snufkin had to leave, and the pair could feel the cold wind blow in the air.
The melancholy of bare trees, the cooling temperatures, there was little call of animals. All animals had left for the south, just the occasional squirrel or furry creature. It was mostly the mumirk and moomin in the forest, not that they minded, they barely paid attention to the changing of the season when the most important creature was near them. It didn’t matter if the frigid weather looked around the corner, not when warm paws held each other and childish giggles filled the air.
Moomin laughs, urging the mumrik to hurry. He grasps their paw, their fingers slotting together perfectly after so many months of being together. Snufkin flusters, their cheeks darkening as their smile grows,” this surely must be important if its got you so jolly.``
“Oh it's very important!” Moomin replies.” It's the most special surprise!”
Snufkin chuckles at his response as they entered the cave. They continue talking in small conversation that in the grand scheme meant little, but to them meant everything. The pure joy they felt of having an opportunity to talk to each other alone, in their comfort, and to be as loving as they wanted with no one watching was impossible to recreate.
The path slowly cleared to the same blue flowers Moomin saw earlier. His free hand shook excitedly,” we’re getting there!!”
Snufkin looked at Moomin fondly, their chest full of love. The two continue before Moomin stops and Snufkin softly gasps.
“Oh, Moomintroll…”
The earth truly was a heavenly delight. Alone, in a vast cave the two could share the wonders of illuminating crystals that seemed to hold the galaxies in them. Each flower seemed to be so intricately placed as if they were painted by a skilled hand. So bright, yet not overwhelming, almost if they were being softly kissed by nature's light. A breeze gently swayed through the pair, originating from the hole from above that gave them a look to the night sky above. A portal to the stars that looked so close to touch. The fireflies too, gave an illusion of the stars, little specks of Illuminance that carefully flew by and around them.
Snufkin stood, flabbergasted, eyes wide yet full of glow. Their face glowed from pure joy that radiated to Moomin, who knew that although Snufkin hadn’t said a word they were incredibly happy.
“I knew you’d love it!!” Moomin laughs, holding their hands.
“I-It’s incredible, Moomin, this is spectacular.” Snufkin smiles, rubbing their cheek against the Moomin’s whose fur bristled at the affection.
“Happy early birthday,” Moomin whispers.
Snufkin solemnly nods, yet their face showed only an expression of being impeccably love struck.
They found themselves laying on the grass, snuggling as they talked about simple nothings that held love in each phrase. They watched the stars above them, grateful for the chance to have a small moment of dear affection just for the two.
Though, there was a small lingering thought the two shared.
“Are you going to be ready for this winter?” Moomin questions softly, his paw gently pressing against the mumirk’s paw.
Snufkin’s paw gently presses against the others, their brows furrowing at the thought. “I’m not sure, it will be long.”
Moomin nods,” right. Well. I’m glad we could spend the last week together like this.”
The mumirk doesn’t emote, only sitting up which catches Moomin’s attention. Worry fills his heart, looking at his partner he softly says,” Snufkin?”
“I…I promised you once to take you on a proper winter adventure,” Snufkin answers, not looking at the Moomin, fear mixed with worry evident. “You already do so much for me, and I know it’s important you spend time with your family and hibernating but-if you’d like you could…”
Snufkin’s words die then, biting their lip as Moomin connects the dots,” you want me to come with you this winter?”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you all midsummer,” said Snufkin truthfully.
Moomin smiles widely, eyes twinkling as he practically tackles Snufkin and they both fall onto the grass.
“Yes!!!! I always wanted to go on a proper winter adventure!”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured or-“
“Snufkin!” Moomin interrupts with no menace, just pure joy.” I would be absolutely joyed to travel with you, only if you’re sure you’ll be okay with not being alone.``
Snufkin hums,” I had considered that, but I want to be better with those feelings. I'm sure if I need to be alone we can communicate about it. I promise I considered and I still want you to accompany me.``
Moomin tears up, he hugs Snufkin, the other recopparting instantly. “I love you so much.”
The mumirk laughs softly, pulling away just to give Moomin a peck on the snout,” I love you as well, thank you for everything.”
The pair stayed in the cave a little longer, sharing soft kisses and words before they decided it had become late and they needed to plan their winter journey. Both buzzed with excitement for the winter that would accompany them.