On Opposite Ends. {Snufkin x OC}

-Chapter 13- Jax

It had been four months since the boat trip. I had gotten to know everyone so well as time passed that I know I'm going to feel lonely during the winter. I wish I could hibernate with them, then I wouldn't have to worry about that sort of thing.

"You're welcome in Moomin house anytime during the winter Jax. I have enough strawberry jam to last everyone through the season." Moominmama informed.

"Thank you Moominmama. I'll definitely be thinking about all the good times we've had over the past months." I said taking another sip of tea.

"I'm going to feel awful leaving you by yourself Jax." Moomin said his ears drooping.

"I'll be fine Moomin don't worry. I have the winter wind to keep me company." I said grinning. Though I dreaded the season all of a sudden, now that I've grown attached to the people who live here I don't want them to leave.

"No Jax, I feel terrible. Snufkin leaves today, which means we'll have to leave you. I wish I could stay up with you but it would be fairly hard."

"I appreciate that Moomin, speaking of Snufkin where is he? I have something for him."

"He would probably be in his normal spot packing."

"Thank you. You all have a good rest now. I'll see you on the first day of spring when I depart." I said waving.

"Be safe Jax!" Moominmama said.

My smile soon faltered as I left the house. I walked towards Snufkin's spot hearing the faint sound of his harmonica. I gasped slightly.

"He's leaving!"

I sprinted as fast as I could in the snow towards him.

"Wait! Snufkin!" I shouted.

His harmonica stopped as I came closer to him. I panted, fridgid air filling my lungs.

"Jax! What are you doing?" He asked quite worried.

"I had to say goodbye before you left. Besides, I have something for you." I said grinning.

"Oh?" His eyebrows knitted, puzzled.

I pulled out the tin of black tea I had gotten for him. It was wrapped in red wrapping paper with tiny christmas trees on it, accented with a green bow my mother had added. I handed it to him.

"Merry Christmas Snufkin." I said, my face slightly warming up.

His eyes widened, then his expression softened with a gentle smile.

"Thank you very much Jax." He said observing the wrapping closer.

I looked down at my boots, nudging the snow a bit.

"Well, I won't keep you from your adventure. Be safe." I said looking back up at him.

"I will, until we meet again." He tipped his hat one more time, then headed on his way playing his harmonica into the forest. I waved until I couldn't see him anymore. Now I was all alone. Or so I thought. I turned around to see that there was steam coming from Moominpapa's bath house.

"That's odd." I thought furrowing my eyebrows.

"I wonder who could be using it. I thought everyone would have been asleep." I said to myself.

I walked towards the beach to investigate. My boots trudged through the snow to the bridge, I knocked on the wooden door lightly.

Knock, knock, knock.

The wind blew a little harder now, I closed my eyes huddling into my scarf. The waves crashed as the door creaked open. I was quite nervous, until I heard a gentle voice.

"Oh you poor thing, come in. It must be so cold out there." The voice said, ushering me into the small shelter.

I looked over to see a girl wearing a red and white striped turtleneck. She had short blonde hair, the style almost reminded me of Snufkins.

"Here's a blanket to keep you warm." She said laying it down onto my shoulders.

I held it closer to me.

"Thank you very much for your generosity. My name is Jax."

"Very nice to meet you Jax, my name is Two Ticky."

She looked a little closer at me.

"You're not from here are you?" She asked pouring a cup of tea.

"You're correct. I'm from the town Épiluire."

She handed me the cup, it was quite hot so I put my hands under the blanket and held it.

"Ah, Épiluire I've heard of it. Very nice people yes?" She sat down beside me.

"Oh yes, everyone is very polite. We welcome newcomers, especially travelers. Usually we encourage them to tell stories about their travels. It's very pleasant." I took a sip of the beverage in my hand. It was bitter with a dash of citrus. It was new to me.

"What kind of tea is this? I'm sure my mother would like to try something new." I ask taking another sip.

"It's green tea with a splash of grapefruit and honey. It's my favorite." She said grinning.

"Well, I have to say it is lovely." I said with a smile.

"I'm glad you like it."

I stared at the fire for a couple minuets until Two Ticky spoke again.

"So, where are you staying?" She asked taking my now empty cup.

"Well, I usually stay in this crevasse in between two rocks at the beach."

She was quite shocked at what I said.

"Oh my, in a crevasse? That sounds quite uncomfortable in my opinion."

I had to agree, sometimes I do regret not bringing a blanket with me."

"Well yes, but I never knew anyone else would be awake. I stay down there there to keep myself safe, but this year Moominmama offered to let me stay in Moomin house for a bit."

Then I suddenly remembered the presents I was supposed to give them.

"Two Ticky, can I ask a favor if it's not too much trouble?"

"Well what is it?"

"I told the children about the tale of Santa Claus and Christmas this year, and they were all very excited for it. So I decided to get them all presents and be there personal Santa, and I was wondering if you could help me give them out."

"Is that why they have decorative lights up? Of course I'll help you." She said grinning.

"Oh splendid! Thank you very much."

HEY!

I hope you enjoyed this part! As always don't forget to comment your thoughts and tell me some ways on how I can improve the story for you guys. Today is my last day of school!! So new chapters will be coming out more frequently! I'm very excited and already have the plot planned out ready to go! Anyways thank you guys so much for your wonderful comments and support ILYSM! 

Later~