Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Oh dear, Oh dear.” Moominpapa exclaimed unhappily. Glaring down at the letter clutched in his paws as if it had personally offended him.

“Whatever is the matter?” Moominmama questioned as she placed a steaming mug of coffee on the wooden table between them.

Papa set the papers down and rubbed his temples tiredly before answering in a subdued tone, “It's a letter from Aunt Jane. It appears she is coming to visit in 2 days. She claims she wants to check on her gold as well as tour Moominvalley since she didn't get much of a chance last time.”

“That's strange. It's been 7 years since her last visit. I wonder why now of all times?” Moominmama pondered as she took the seat next to her husband. She dropped a sugar cube into her small cup of orange blossom tea.

“I'm not sure, but the reason doesn't really matter. The real problem is that, by the sounds of it, she'll be wanting to visit for at least a week this time around. I don't know if I can handle being near her that long.” Moominpapa groaned, taking a sip of his drink and sighing heavily.

“Perhaps this visit will be different,” Mama said hopefully. “After all, this time she doesn't seem to want anything from you other than a small time away from home.”

“I suppose you're right, but I can't help but think there's more to this than just a simple visit. Aunt Jane has never been one for hiking in the countryside.”

“People can change as they get older.” Moominmama reminded out after a sip of tea. “She may just want to get closer to her only living relatives.”

“I hope you're right, Dear.”

Just then, the sound of the kitchen door opening and closing caused the two moomin parents to pause their conversation and glance over to find Snufkin and Moomintroll walking in, covered in mud.

“My goodness, what happened to you two?” Moominmama asked with amusement clear in her tone; her son let out a slight laugh as he held up a small cloth bag.

“We went over to help Mr. Hemulen plow a new garden since his other one was getting too full. He gave us some pumpkin and squash seeds as a thank you.” Moomin explained, handing the bag over to his mama, who gave a bright smile.

“How wonderful, I was just thinking it was time to start planting gourds for the season.”

“They're pumpkin, butternut, and Acorn squash.” Snufkin clarified before noticing Moominpapa looking forlorn on the other side of the table. “What has you looking so distraught, Moominpapa?”

“Oh, nothing, Snufkin, just that Aunt Jane has decided to come back to Moominvalley for a visit.”

“Aunt Jane? What for?” Moomintroll questioned hesitantly.

“Apparently, she wants to check up on her money and tour around the valley. She wrote that she'll be arriving the day after tomorrow.”

“How long will she be staying?”

“A week.” Moominpapa sighed, causing Snufkin and Moomin to both exchange a glance.

“Now, now, everyone. I think this visit is a good chance for all of us to grow closer to Aunt Jane. We are her only family, after all.” Moominmama voiced before turning to the two muddy boys next to her. “Why don't you two go clean up, and then we can all get the house ready for her arrival.”

“Okay, Mama.” Moomintroll agreed and then grabbed his boyfriend's hand to lead them both upstairs to the bathroom. Snufkin sends a hat tilt of farewell to the moomin parents before disappearing through the doorway.

“Now I've got to start planning what meals I'll be serving for Aunt Jane's stay. Since she mentioned touring Moominvalley, I must have her try some of the most traditional dishes we have.”

“Traditional dishes, you say? Like what?” Moominpapa inquired curiously.

“Maybe some Kalakukko or Lohikeitto? Or perhaps she'd prefer something simple like cabbage casserole?”

“Last I knew, Aunt Jane did enjoy fish quite a lot. Especially, fresh caught fish.”

“Splendid! If you wouldn't mind, Papa, why don't you go down to the ocean and catch as much as you can? Then I can prepare them ahead of time.”

“You mean right now?” Moominpapa raised his brows in surprise.

“If it's not too much trouble,” Moominmama replied. “I promise I don't need a lot.”

Moominpapa hummed before chugging down the rest of his coffee and standing up. “Very well, Moominmama. I'll go pack everything I need, and then I'll head out. Hopefully, my fishing rod is still in the shed where I last left it.”

“Good luck, Dear!”

**************************************************************

“Oh, I can't believe Aunt Jane is coming,” Moomintroll grumbled as he and Snufkin were cleaning out the guest room. The mumrik was in the middle of sweeping the floor while the other was stripping the bed in order to lay out new sheets.

“Are you not happy to see her? It's been almost 8 years since she last visited.” Snufkin inquired while humming a tune.

“Well, I guess it is nice to see family you haven't seen in a long time, but the last time she was just so.....cranky.”

“Technically, your aunt was here on business last time,” Snufkin pointed out. “I've found that people are generally more ornery when dealing with business affairs.”

Moomintroll gave it a bit of thought before throwing the ball of sheets he was holding into a laundry basket. “I suppose that's true. I do hope she is a bit more friendly this time around. I don't think Papa could take another visit like that.”

“He definitely got his exercise that day.” Snufkin jested with a small chuckle. Moomin joins in moments later.

“What are you two laughing about?” Little My's voice cut through the air as the little mymble entered the guest room.

“We were just talking about Aunt Jane's upcoming visit,” the white troll explained, causing My's face to screw up with distaste.

“That's crazy lady? She's coming back? What for?”

“Apparently, she only wants to visit to catch up, and to check on her money, of course,” Moomintroll answered as he picked up the basket and carried it to the door.

Little My stepped to the side to allow the troll to exit before turning to her brother, who was still sweeping the floor. “Well, I know that I'll be staying far away from that wacko. If I were you, Snufkin, I'd do the same.”

“Come now, Little My, Aunt Jane seemed to calm down near the end of her last visit and was pleasant enough. Plus, I'm sure Moomintroll would appreciate us being there for him.”

“I don't know. I'm worried about how she'll react to seeing you.”

“What do you mean?” Snufkin questioned, pausing in his task.

“Well, the way I see it, Moomin's aunt is some rich lady from a city somewhere. Chances are that she doesn't have a high opinion of mumriks based on experience.”

“Little My,” Snufkin began with a frown, “We can't just assume people are going to be prejudiced based on their lifestyles. That would make us just as bad as those who judge my species.”

“I'm not saying it's a guarantee that she'll be like that, but I don't want you to have to put up with that in Moominvalley anymore.” The mymble explained with furrowed brows and clenched fists.

“Knowing you, you'd say nothing if she started insulting you just because she's Moomin's family.”

“I've found that butting into family affairs that aren't your own only causes trouble for you with no results. If Aunt Jane does happen to turn out to be as you say, then I will let the moomins handle it.” Snufkin said as he squatted down to pick up the dirt he'd swept up in the dustpan.

Little My watched the other for a moment before going over and hopping up onto the chest located at the foot of the bed. “Is Moomintroll going to tell her that you guys are dating?” At the question, the mumrik-mymble paused in thought before continuing his task and emptying the dirt into a nearby trash can.

“I don't know. We haven't discussed that.”

“Seems like something you should.” Little My said matter-of-factly. “If he is planning to tell Aunt Jane, I think you should find out her opinions on mumriks first before you do.”

“Hmmm.”

“Okay, the laundry is started,” Moomintroll announced as he reentered the room. “Hopefully, Aunt Jane doesn't mind floral pattern sheets.” The troll was holding several bed dressings in his arms, consisting of a sheet, blanket, and pillow case, which he set on the unmade mattress.

“Hey Moomin!” Little My grabbed the other's attention. “Are you going to tell Aunt Jane that you and Snufkin are dating?”

Moomin's brows furrowed as he looked over at his friend. “Why wouldn't I?” he questioned, confused, to which Little My sighed.

“Moomin, don't be stupid. Do you really not have no idea why you should be wary about telling this woman about your two's relationship? She's a rich, old-fashioned lady who lives in a big city surrounded by equally stuffy wealthy people.”

“Well, yes, but-”

“Do you even know her enough to judge whether she'd react well to you and my brother dating?”

“Little My, that's enough.” Snufkin enjoined sternly.

“Look, all I'm saying is that I think it would be best to find out her opinion on certain topics before telling her anything.” the mymble clarified.

“Perhaps, you are right. I hadn't given any thought about how this would go. Maybe we shouldn't tell her at all.” Moomin suggested looking distraught. Snufkin instantly was at his boyfriend's side, taking the other's plush white paw in his own while giving the troll a comforting smile.

“Moomintroll, I have never been one to hide who I am, and I won't start now. We will simply do as Little My says and find out Aunt Jane's stance on my species. Then, depending on how she acts, we will tell her either at the beginning of her trip or the end of it.” Snufkin explained, placing a small kiss on his boyfriend's snout. “Besides, I doubt you would be able to hide our relationship if it came down to it.”

“Hey, I could hide it if I tried,” Moomintroll argued, face flushed pink due to the small sign of affection from the mumrik-mymble. This had Snufkin letting out a small laugh.

“You wear your heart on your sleeve at all times, my dear Moomintroll. Do not fret, though, that is one of the many things I find endearing about you.”

At the other's sweet words, Moomin's face brightened an even darker red, and Little My let out several gagging noises.

“There is no way Aunt Jane won't know you two are in a relationship if you act as you normally do. I'm going to have to keep you separated when she first arrives.”

“No need for that,” Snufkin assured with amusement clear in his tone. “I will simply stay in my tent and out of the way.”

“Oh, but I really wanted you there when she arrived.” Moomintroll sighed with disappointment.

“It will only be a few hours.” Snufkin snickered. “Now, why don't we finish this room so we can go for a walk?”

“Okay, that sounds nice.”

“Count me in! I've been cooped up all morning helping MJ with my nieces and nephews.” Little My complained, hopping down on the floor. “I don't know how anyone would willingly have children!”

Both Moomintroll and Snufkin laughed at the other's irked expression before going back to work preparing for Aunt Jane's arrival.

Chapter Text

The Moomin family, along with Sniff, were all standing beside the river awaiting Aunt Jane's arrival on the ferry. It was another perfect Spring day in Moominvalley, sunny and warm with a gentle breeze. Even the birds seemed to be in a cheery mood, chirping away in the surrounding trees dotted around the grassy field.

Moominpapa seemed rather nervous as he stood beside Moominmama, who, as usual, looked as cool as a cucumber while holding her purse in hand. Moomintroll was just as nervous as his papa. Replaying the conversation he'd had with Snufkin and Little My the other day over and over again in his mind. Unable to stop himself from coming up with the worst-case scenarios when it came to telling his relative about his boyfriend. Even though it had been decided that Snufkin would stay away from Aunt Jane for at least her first day in Moominvalley, Moomintroll couldn't help but wish the mumrik-mymble were here to offer his almost supernatural ability to keep the white-furred troll calm and grounded no matter the circumstances.

“There she is!” Sniff announced excitably, causing the rest of the group to look over and find the ferry quickly floating up the river.

“Alright, everyone, be on your best behavior,” Moominpapa instructed as the boat came up to the dock. As soon as it was safely stopped, Aunt Jane stepped out from under the cloth covering in the center of the ferry and was helped off by the ferryman. Who then fetched her luggage and set it on the dock beside her.

“Aunt Jane.” Moominmama smiled in greeting. “Welcome back. I hope your trip went well.”

“Hit a bit of rain near the start, but all and all, everything went as planned.” Aunt Jane replied properly before turning to her nephew. “I take it that you won't be hiding from me this time, Dear Nephew.”

“Oh no, Aunt Jane,” Moominpapa said nervously. “I have no reason at this time.”

The well-dressed Moomin gave him a raised brow before then turning her attention to Moomintroll and Sniff thoughtfully. “Weren't there two others last time I was here?”

“Well, Aunt Jane, Snorkmaiden will be joining us later with her brother for dinner. Little My is busy helping her sister with her new children, so she will be unable to join us this time.” Moominmama explained, and Jane let out a hum before turning to her luggage.

“May I have some help carrying my bags back to the house?”

“Of course, Aunt Jane.” Moomin quickly replied and grabbed one of the three large bags, while Sniff grabbed the other two.

“Do I get a tip for carrying more than Moomin?” Sniff asked, and Aunt Jane gave a huff in response.

“One does not tip family for helping the way they should.”

Sniff gave a disappointed noise before the group was off back to Moominhouse.

When they all arrived back home, Moominmama made a beeline for the kitchen to begin preparing snacks and tea for their guest. All while Moomin and Sniff took Aunt Jane's luggage up to the room she would be staying in.

“Aunt Jane, may I offer you a seat?” Moominpapa asked, holding out one of the chairs at their small tea table.

“Thank you,” the older moomin responded politely before taking the offered seat. Her nephew joined her on the opposite side shortly after.

“So, how have you been these last few years?” Moominpapa inquired, trying to make small talk.

“Very well. I just had a new fountain installed in my garden last week, and it is most beautiful. Worth every penny. I've also taken to flower arranging lately.”

“That sounds quite lovely.”

“It is very relaxing. It has also given me time to think about certain things of importance. It is partly why I thought to come and see you, Nephew.”

“Oh? What things of importance would those be?” Moominpapa questioned curiously, and Aunt Jane folded her paws over the table with a sigh.

“You see, it has come to my attention that I am growing on in years and there are matters that need to be taken care of before it's too late.”

“Oh, Aunt Jane,” Moominpapa said, looking sad. “You still have many years ahead of you, I'm sure.”

“Now now, Nephew, I am not claiming to be on death's door, but I would like to be prepared for when that time comes. Tell me, is Moomintroll going to propose to that girlfriend of his any time soon? If so, I need to decide how to split up my will for any future grandchildren you may have. There are also family heirlooms that need to be given to the bride before marriage.”

Moominpapa's expression turned to surprise at his aunt's words. “Oh dear, Aunt Jane, did I never inform you in our letters that Moomin and Snorkmaiden broke up some time ago? I'm so sure I did.”

“No, you did not.” Aunt Jane replied, a little miffed. “That seems to be something one would tell their family of once it happened.”

“I apologize. It must have slipped my mind.”

“No matter. Then tell me, who is the boy seeing now? If anyone?”

“Well, as of last year, he is currently dating Snufkin,” Moominpapa informed, just as Moominmama returned to the room with a tray of tea and finger sandwiches.

“Snufkin? Peculiar name for a girl. Have I met her?” Aunt Jane said as she accepted the cup of tea from Moominmama with a polite thank you.

“Oh, I suppose you two were never formally introduced during your last visit. He was the one dressed in green I was playing chess with when you found me in that tent. He also joined us for dinner afterward, remember?”

At Moominpapa's words, Aunt Jane almost choked on her tea before looking up at her nephew in shock. “Moomin is dating a boy?”

“Yes, he is,” Moominmama replied, holding the now-empty tray to her chest.

“But that is so impractical! How does he plan to continue the Moomin family line without a wife to carry his children?”

“Now, Aunt Jane, in this day and age, there is no need for worries such as continuing the family line. After all, family doesn't always have to be related to you.” Moominpapa explained as he added some sugar cubes to his cup of tea. “Moomin's happiness is the most important thing, and Snufkin makes him very happy.”

“Dear Nephew, our family fortune has been passed on for 6 generations. The Moomin name is a proud one that has carried on through floods, earthquakes, droughts, and plagues. If Moomintroll does not produce an heir, then that means our line will die off forever.” Aunt Jane argued, looking incredibly distraught. Setting her tea on the table and staring hard at the two moomin parents across from her.

“Aunt Jane,” Moominmama began in a comforting tone, “If Snufkin and Moomin eventually get married, then there is no shortage of children that could carry on the Moomin family name. After all, Snufkin is related to the Mymble family.”

“No, no, Moominmama. That isn't how it is done! Things such as wills need to be done a certain way. I can't just hand my assets off to random people!”

“Well, I don't know much about wills or things of that nature, but I don't see what difference it makes to whom you leave your possessions to after you're gone from this world.”

“I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you are ignorant of how things are done in proper civilized matters due to your upbringing,” Aunt Jane huffed. “Reputation is everything when it comes to having a family legacy as old as ours. If it got out that our priceless family heirlooms were given to commoners and mymbles, then we would be seen as nothing but a joke in the eyes of our peers.”

The sound of footsteps at the top of the stairs caused Moominpapa to glance up in worry, “Perhaps, we could put this conversation on hold until later, Aunt Jane?”

The older moomin looked like she wanted to say more on the subject at hand, but held off once she too heard the sound of Moomin and Sniff's return. She gave a curt nod before picking her tea cup back up.

“Well, all your bags are in the guest room, Aunt Jane,” Moomintroll announced happily as he and Sniff descended the stairs,

“Thank you, Moomin.” Aunt Jane responded tersely while staring at her tea intently. Both Moomintroll and Sniff noticed the tense atmosphere in the room, and their smiles dropped into looks of confusion.

“Did something happen?” Moomin questioned hesitantly.

“No, no, just boring grown-up talk.” Moominpapa quickly brushed the question off. “Aunt Jane and I were just discussing how she should spend her time here. She has been working hard with family matters lately and surely could use some good old-fashioned relaxation.”

Aunt Jane cleared her throat as she lifted her tea cup once again, “Yes, I find it important for one to take a break now and again. Perhaps you two could give some suggestions on what I should do during my stay.”

Both Sniff and Moomin exchanged a quick look before giving matching smiles to the rich moomin.

“Of course, Aunt Jane!” Sniff proudly agreed. “We would love to show you all the best places for relaxing in all of Moominvalley!”

“There are many wonderful places to enjoy. I'm pretty sure Snufkin and I have found almost every place there is to find here.” Moomintroll added, not noticing how his aunt tensed up at the mumrik-mymble's name.

“Oh, yes,” Aunt Jane once again cleared her throat. “Snufkin is the one in the green hat and coat, correct?”

“Yes!” Moomin confirmed happily. “He's going to be joining us a little later, and I'm sure he would love to help us with finding you places to visit.”

Aunt Jane went silent for a few moments, swirling her tea mindlessly, before her facial expression became determined. The sight caused Moominpapa to frown in confusion.

“Very well, Moomintroll. I would very much like to formally meet this Snufkin. I'm afraid I didn't get much time to do so during my last visit.”

“Of course, Aunt Jane.” The white troll nodded eagerly before Moominmama grabbed everyone's attention.

“Why don't we all enjoy our mid-morning snack before anything else. We have plenty of time after all.”

“Sounds good, Moominmama. Come, you two, let's catch up a little.” Aunt Jane advised Sniff and Moomintroll and the two quickly joined the other three at the table.