Chapter Text
Something close to disappointment filled Snufkin when he awoke to the sound of raindrops against the tent canvas that morning.
This Summer season had been terrible, nearly turning the lush Moominvalley into a barren Moomindesert, so rain was a welcome gift from nature.
The blessing had continued all week long.
Miraculously, it didn’t rain hard enough for a flood, but it was still too much for a proper adventure. Snufkin did not mind relaxing in his tent or under a tree, but it was a shame to waste yet another day to spend time with Moomintroll (who he had seen little of lately, thanks to the weather).
Darling Moomintroll. Oh, Snufkin was in trouble. He had been holding onto a terrible secret for quite some time. A terrible secret involving his best friend and the love he felt for him every time they talked together, sat near each other, made eye contact… the list could go on.
He was in great trouble because he was afraid someone would figure out about his crush. Then Moomintroll himself would learn about it and hate him as a result. But he couldn’t help himself and stuck by his side at any given opportunity.
So when Moomin called for him outside of his tent, inviting him into the house for a warm drink and games with the rest of their friends, Snufkin found he could not refuse even if he wanted to.
It was Snork who greeted them first when Snufkin and Moomintroll entered the drawing room. “Finally! Two intelligent minds who can talk some sense into these hooligans!” He gestured to Snorkmaiden, Little My, and Sniff, all sitting on the other side of the low coffee table. Each place had been set with a cup of tea, and a large plate of cookies and bread sat in the center (of which Sniff had already eaten most of).
“Careful, or your first dare is going to involve swallowing your teacup whole.” Snorkmaiden threatened her brother sweetly.
“What’s going on here?” Moomin asked, suspicion mounting. “Truth or dare? I thought we agreed to play cards.”
“Yeah, but cards are boring!” Little My retorted, slamming her paws on the table. “We want to play a fun game!”
“But cards are fun…” Moomin mumbled, his words overtaken by Sniff shouting helpfully, “I suggested Go Fish, but no one was interested!”
“Well, I wanted to play Slap Jack, but SOMEONE said it wasn’t a good idea, either.”
“You hit too hard, Little My,” Snork replied, rubbing his left paw. “I think I still have a bruise from last time.”
“Oh, boo-hoo!”
Moomin cut in before the conversation escalated any further. “Okay, but why truth or dare, though? What about… I don’t know, hide and seek?”
“And hide where, exactly?” Snorkmaiden, who’d had her chin propped up by one paw and was boredly listening to the banter, chimed in. “There aren’t a whole lot of places left in the house that we haven’t used before.”
“But you think truth or dare is going to be any better? We’re all still stuck playing indoors.”
“Not true! We could take a rain check on some dares,” Sniff said. Little My smacked him on the back.
“Atta boy, Sniff! Good one!”
Snufkin silently listened to the whole conversation. He was happy to play any game they decided on, though truth or dare had certain risks to it. He was confident he could circumvent any truths, and there weren’t many things he was afraid of doing, so dares didn’t frighten him, either. Moomin sighed and turned to him. “Well, what do you think?”
He smiled at him and approached the table, taking his place and patting the floor next to him for Moomin to join them. “It sounds like truth or dare might just be our game to play.” The table erupted in cheers (and Snork’s groaning), and they settled in to begin the game.
“I’m the oldest, so I’m going first,” Little My stated matter-of-factly. She glanced around amongst her friends, then set her gaze on Snorkmaiden. “Well, go on. Truth or dare?”
“Me? Oh, um… dare, I guess.”
“Great! I’ll be right back!” The small mymble hopped up from her place at the table and trotted to the kitchen. She returned only a moment later, running with a pair of scissors under her arm.
“Don’t run with those, Little My!” Snorkmaiden scolded, snatching them away from her the moment she got close.
“I’m glad you’re so eager to take them, Snorkmaiden, because I dare you to cut your hair with them!”
“W-WHAT?” Snorkmaiden’s fur color rapidly shifted to a deep violet hue. “Absolutely not! No!”
“I’m not daring you to cut ALL of it off. Just a tiny bit. Unless you’re too scared,” Little My teased. Snorkmaiden stuttered, her fur changing to an odd lime-green color.
“Y-you’re lucky you’re my friend! Otherwise I would… I…!”
“Snorkmaiden, you don’t have to do this,” Snork interjected. “It’s just a game.”
For a moment, Snufkin was worried that Snorkmaiden might shout or throw the scissors. But to his and everyone’s shock, she took a deep breath, lifted the scissors to one small lock of hair on her fringe, and snipped an inch of it off. As everyone gawped in silence, she dropped the tool and the sad remnants of hair onto her side of the table. “There! Now I’m not a coward. And I don’t think it’s fair to make me do something so cruel. Just look at my hair! I’m hideous now!” The difference in her appearance was actually quite minimal, near invisible, but no one dared to bring it up for fear of upsetting her even more.
Little My clapped. “Bravo! You’ve got some real guts! But unfortunately for you, you can’t pick me this turn, so shoo that glare off of me and choose someone else.”
Fair enough, Snufkin thought, otherwise the game would go on forever stuck between two angry players.
Seemingly having gotten over her haircut, Snorkmaiden’s fur returned to its usual white hue, and she looked at everyone until her gaze stopped on Sniff. “Okay, Sniff, truth or dare?”
“You’re gonna dare me to do something scary, I know it!” Sniff said nervously, twisting the end of his tail in both paws. “Truth!”
“Truth it is! Tell me where you keep your coin stash hidden.”
“Snorkmaiden! Whatever for?” Moomintroll gasped. Snufkin was glad he had asked, because he would have if not. She simply giggled.
“It’s still my turn, Moomintroll. Maybe you can use your turn to ask me that.” His meager attempt at deflection was lost on Sniff, who had gone pale.
“M-m-my coin collection? I don’t have such a th-thing!” He crossed his arms. “You can’t make me talk! I won’t say a word!”
“The fact that you’re so defensive means you DO have a stash hidden away! Won’t you play the game fairly and tell me?” Snorkmaiden batted her eyelashes cutely.
“No!”
“Ugh, fine. Will you tell me if I ask where one coin is hidden away?”
The room was quiet while Sniff thought about his request deeply. He was spending a rather long time thinking about his answer, and Snufkin was beginning to feel impatient. Finally, he shifted in his seat, ears drooping defeatedly as he murmured his answer. “…I-in my fireplace… I keep a gold coin hidden in one corner of it.”
“Inside?” Snork asked incredulously. “That is foolish at best and dangerous at worst.”
“I have to agree,” Snufkin said. “Surely, you don’t keep it hidden in there when the fireplace is lit, right?”
“Nevermind that! I’m the one asking the questions now!” Sniff pointed at Snufkin. “Tell me where you go in the wintertime!”
“Sniff, you’re supposed to let him decide if he wants a truth or a dare,” Little My said, annoyed. And Sniff, to his credit, looked a little embarrassed. But Snufkin simply smiled.
“I’m happy to tell the truth. I travel south in Winter.”
“But we already know that! Where do you go, though?”
“I’m sorry, Sniff, but I agreed to tell a single truth, not two.” Snufkin was pleased at having dodged what could have been a tricky truth to tell (for many places he had been, and how could he choose just one to talk about?), but he caught Moomin slouching disappointedly next to him. While the rest of the table complained about the wasted turn, he leaned in close to Moomin and whispered to him, “I’ll tell you where I’ve been later.” Moomin perked up and grinned at him, and a marvelous feeling filled him up at that moment. He returned his attention to the table, ready to take his turn.
“Snork, I pick you. Truth or dare?”
“I’m not too keen on dares, so truth.” Snork acted nonchalant, but he removed his glasses and wiped them before setting them back on his snout, a nervous habit he’d picked up at some point.
Snufkin considered his options carefully before asking him “what have you been working on in your workshop since last week?” The older Snork began to sweat, his fur color very slightly changing from white to light pink, and he took off his glasses to clean them again.
“Oh… my current project? That’s, ah… well, you see….” He glanced at his younger sister for help, but Snorkmaiden stared back at him just as expectantly as everyone else at the table was. “W-well, if I MUST tell the truth, then it should be kept a secret from anyone else! Please. As friends?” His request for privacy was readily agreed to, and he sighed. “Okay, but it’s actually not working out as well as I’d hoped. I’m trying to create a personal flying machine.”
“But didn’t you make one already? Two or three, in fact, and they all fly beautifully,” Snufkin replied, surprised.
“Yes, but this one is a personal flying machine, meant for only one rider. It’s not a ship or a balloon or… oh, but it’s hopeless. I just can’t figure out how to make it work.”
“Oh, Snork. No wonder you’ve been skipping dinner lately.” Snorkmaiden reached across the table and patted his arm comfortingly. “It’s why I dragged you over here through the rain with me in the first place, you know. I won’t bug you as often, but try to take better care of yourself.”
“I certainly don’t need a reminder like that,” Snork huffed, though he patted her paw gratefully in return. “I suppose now it’s my turn. And one I’ll use for my own benefit, if you don’t mind. Moomintroll, I choose you, though you should know it doesn’t matter whether you pick truth or dare. My request will be the same either way.”
“Oookay…” Moomin replied uncertainly, sharing a confused glance with Snufkin. “Give me a dare, then.”
“Moomintroll, I dare you to create a solution to my project’s conundrum.”
“You want him to do what?” Sniff asked.
“Exactly as I said. Moomintroll will provide an answer to my problem. It won’t be the first time I’ve relied on his good ideas, after all.” No one argued against this. They all turned to look at Moomin instead.
“Wait, you need to—you have to give me a second to think here!” Moomin rambled, suddenly nervous with all eyes on him. He lowered his head and started mumbling quickly to himself, growing more nervous by the minute.
“Any day now, Moomin!” Little My barked out.
“Patience, Little My.” Snufkin couldn’t help the frown he sent her way. He turned to Moomin, placing a paw on his shoulder and leaned in close again. “Are you alright? Do you need help?”
“I’m, um… I can’t think that fast. It’s like my brain has gone completely blank,” Moomin admitted to him in a hushed voice.
“Hey! You can’t help him out, that’s cheating!” Little My again yelled, but they ignored her.
“It’s okay, Moomintroll. Think carefully about what Snork is asking for. You can do this.”
Moomin gazed back at him and, for a moment, time seemed to stand still. “…Thank you,” Moomin finally replied—breaking the strange moment they just had—and reached up to squeeze Snufkin’s paw on his shoulder. “If it’s a personal flying machine,” he said as he turned his attention back to Snork, “then that means it has to be something small or easy enough for a single person to carry. Small things won’t fly… or at least, won’t be strong enough to carry someone, but maybe something bigger? Like… I don’t know, a bag?”
“Like a bag…” Snork repeated, eyes closed and pondering carefully. “Like a bag… or….” He gasped and his eyes flew open. “Or a backpack! It’s genius! I knew you could do it, Moomintroll! Thank you!”
Moomin preened at the praise. While Snorkmaiden was attempting to stop Snork from leaving to work on his project right then and there, Snufkin patted Moomin on the back. “Well done. I knew you could do it.”
“Thanks, Snuf,” he smiled back at him, blushing, and Snufkin felt that funny, giddy feeling in his gut again. Moomin smiled at him a moment longer before looking back to his friends who were all now watching them again, this time with varying degrees of confusion or impatience. He laughed a little, then cleared his throat. “Say, Little My, I think it’s your turn to choose. Truth or dare?”
“About time, too! I was starting to regret bringing this game up.” She hopped to her feet and bounced in place, ready for whatever he had in mind. “Dare!”
“Dare, huh? Dare… like Snufkin, you’re far too brave for any crazy stunts or pranks.” This time, Snufkin blushed at the unexpected inclusion.
“Give me a good one! I’m up for anything!” she warned, and it was just what Moomin wanted to hear. He smirked deviously.
“Only if you insist. Little My, I dare you to give Stinky a nice, big hug when you see him again.”
Snorkmaiden gasped, and Sniff began coughing on his half-eaten cookie. Little My stopped bouncing instantly.
“…You want me to do what?!” She demanded once she’d recovered from her shock.
“You’ll have to take a rain check, of course, but it can’t just be a quick squeeze.” He lifted a finger, challenging her to back out. “A full-on, genuine hug. At least five seconds long. I dare you.”
She didn’t reply, as though weighing the pros and cons of this dare. It really wasn’t such a bad one, but for Little My, it was inconceivable. Moomin grinned and challenged her to back down. “What’s the matter? You’re not scared, are you?”
“I’m not scared of anything!” Little My yelled back, but Moomin wouldn’t yield, pressuring her harder.
“Then why are you hesitating? Just one little hug. So easy. But if you’re too afraid….”
In this moment, Snufkin sensed a rather unusual, quiet sort of rage emanating from his sister. The likes of which no one had seen before. Moomin was right. She was brave, indeed, but brave enough to hug the notorious valley mischief-maker? She was exactly where he wanted her to be.
“Fine,” she gritted out through her teeth, then lifted a paw. “Let’s shake on it, then.”
“I don’t trust that you won’t bite me, so I’ll just take your word for it. After all, if you really do it, we’ll hear about it in no time.” Moomintroll crossed his arms triumphantly. Little My lowered her paw, fury burning in her eyes, then set those burning eyes on Snufkin.
“Truth or dare, little bro?” Snufkin could hear something in her tone that made him uneasy.
“…I choose dare,” he replied slowly, on guard instantly. She pointed at Moomintroll.
“I dare you to slap Moomin for me.”
“Little My!” Snorkmaiden rounded on her. “We’re not going to start hitting each other over a game!”
“Truth or dare is scary….” Sniff muttered and looked like he was about to start crying as he shoved more cookies into his mouth.
“So the game IS over now, right? I can get back to work?” Snork made a motion to stand, but one look from Snorkmaiden assured that he didn’t move any further.
“I will not,” Snufkin said, his frown returning. “Rules of the game or joking aside, I won’t be hurting any one of you.” Moomin sat up a little taller.
“It isn’t fair to throw a tantrum, Little My. Just look at what you dared poor Snorkmaiden to do.” It was perhaps revenge on her behalf that inspired Moomin to make this dare, Snufkin surmised.
“Alright, alright. I know the rules, of course. I’ll change the dare.” Little My acquiesced, and Snufkin felt relief wash over him.
“Make it nice, Little My! No funny business,” Moomin said. And to that, her face twisted devilishly.
“Oh, it’ll be nice, alright. Snufkin, I dare you to kiss Moomin instead.”
The room went dead silent. Snufkin felt his heart drop.
“I’m… I’m sorry?” he tried vainly, though he knew what he heard. What everyone heard.
“Don’t play dumb with me. I dare you to kiss him.”
“Little My…” Snorkmaiden chided, but in a much softer tone than before. She, too, was clearly interested in what was about to happen. Snork cleared his throat.
“Well, it’s not a dare that’s putting anyone in harm’s way,” he reasoned. “There’s nothing to say it’s not allowed, but of course it’s your choice. One I hope you’ll make quickly.”
Snufkin felt a blush crawling up his face rapidly. Did he want to kiss Moomin? Of course he did! But in front of everyone? And revealing his feelings to Moomin, himself? Snufkin felt frozen and hot all over at the same time. He chanced a tiny glimpse at Moomin. The troll was equally flummoxed, with reddened cheeks, his ears standing straight up, and his tail thrashing behind him. He, too, glanced at Snufkin but looked away just as fast when he met his eyes.
Somehow, it felt like the beginning of a rejection.
“What’s the matter? Aren’t you in love with him?” Little My egged him on, laughing and making kissy faces. Snorkmaiden didn’t stop her this time, choosing to join her.
“It could be really nice, Snufkin! Why don’t you give it a try?”
“You’re not suggesting they’re actually in love, right?” Sniff tossed in absently, no longer interested in this dare now that the danger had seemingly passed.
“Haven’t you ever noticed them when they’re together? It’s textbook romance!”
“If we could please just make a decision…” Snork said impatiently, drumming his fingers on the table.
“Go on then!” the small mymble yelled. “Get smooching!”
“Oh, give them some time!”
“So they ARE in love, then? Can someone please explain?”
“Hurry up already.”
"Hurry up!"
“Guys, stop! This isn’t… I-I don’t want—” Moomin began, but Snufkin couldn’t listen anymore.
“That’s enough!” Snufkin cried out over the commotion. He rushed to get his feet under him, his knees bumping the table with a loud clatter as he stood up. “I came here to play a game, not to be harassed!” All eyes were squarely on him now, and he felt himself trembling with humiliation, blood rushing in his ears. He opened his mouth to say more, but nothing came out.
All it took was one look at Moomintroll’s mortified expression for him to turn and run out the door.