On Opposite Ends. {Snufkin x OC}

-Chapter 1- Jax

"Warming up already? Well, I best say my goodbyes before I hit the road." I said to myself.

I began to button up my tunic, preparing for the frigid weather ahead of me.

"Jax, where are you going? Why do you look like you're preparing for a blizzard." My mother asked me. She looked at me as if I had two heads, I forget that I must remind her of my departure during the spring here in Épiluire. Due to her short term memory, she doesn't remember by the time spring arrives.

"You won't be needing your tunic, it's such a beautiful day outside."

"Oh, mother. I must travel north for the spring. I do every year, remember?"

Her face shifted a bit before remembering.

"Yes, that's right. Why don't I give you something extra before you leave," She began to walk towards the kitchen and pulled out the jar of loose Oolong tea. I watched as she began to pour it into a small cloth sack. She finished by tying it off with a strand of twine.

"Thank you mother, this is my favorite type. How did you remember?" I said with a smile.

My favorite is actually Green tea, but I adored the gesture so much that it didn't matter. She seemed surprised at what I said.

"Is it now? Wow, maybe your ol' mama is getting her memory back."

"I suppose you're right."

I tucked the sack into my bag for safe keeping before throwing on my plaid scarf. My mother gave me a tight hug right as I was reaching for the doorknob.

"Be safe lovely, come back home to your mother will you?"

"I always come back mother, I promise you I'll be back before the Christmas carols start to play on the radio."

"I'm going to miss you Jax," My mother said on the verge of tears.

"I am too mother. I always do, but wherever the snow goes I must follow."

"I know dear, I'll be waiting for you when you return. Goodbye now."

"Goodbye, I love you."

"I love you too. Don't forget to play that fiddle of yours for the lucky people you meet."

I looked at my instrument case with adoration, remembering all the songs I have played.

"Trust me mother, I won't forget."

I closed the door to the home I grew up in, and started my way to Moominvalley. I looked at my boots as they trudged down the dirt road before I heard a familiar voice.

"Jack of spades! You playing tonight?" I heard the barkeep shout from the doorway of the tavern. He looked to be washing the windows by the wet cloth in his hand. I was hesitant remembering my plans.

"Oh wait a minute, it's that time of year again isn't it? I wouldn't want to keep you from your travels."

"What makes you say I'm leaving?" I said with a smirk.

"Your attire? You look like you're about to head up Mt. Everest!" He said laughing.

I flushed with embarrassment, knowing my foolishness.

"I suppose I can be fashionably late this year." I said, my face sinking into my scarf desperately trying to hide.

"Ha! Gotcha, Jack of spades! It's good to have you a little longer." The older man said with a twinkle in his eye, smiling.

When I got inside, the place was already bustling with chatter and laughter. A faint sound of a guitar playing on stage. They looked like they were tuning up before their performance. Which reminded me to do so as well. Some familiar guests started to trickle in.