Gentle Smile {Snufkin x Fem Reader}

Chapter {11} Confessions

"Snufkin?" 

We stood in silence for a moment analysing each closely with surprised expressions that pained our faces. I could hardly believe it was really Snufkin standing in front of me. It's only been a few hours since I saw him but he told me that he decided to leave Moomin valley with no idea of when he would return. Why did he come back so soon? Nether the less my heart started to beat with excitement just from the mere sight of him.

His expression turns into a look of concern as he walks closer to me not removing his eyes from mine for a second. He gently lifts my chin up to face him as he closely inspects my eyes filled with tears using the moonlight to get a better look. 

"(Y/N), what happened?" His eyes frowned with pain behind his eyes.

"I..I-I'm fine it's just..." I stuttered turning my gaze away trying to think of an excuse of why I am crying alone in the middle of the forest but couldn't think of any on the top of my head. at least not any believable excuses.  

I wipe away my tears from my cheeks with the hem of my sleeve. 

Snufkin moves his hand from my chin down to grasp my small hands in his. 

"It's okay (Y/N), I just want to help you" he spoke softly with his warm brown eyes looking deep into mine. 

His hands felt so warm and made me feel safe in a strange way. I believe him when he says that he wants to help me and I would want to be there for him when he someone to talk to. Snufkin is a good man, who has always supported me and has always treated me as an equal. I need to tell him how I feel.  

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. "At the ball, I was re-introduced to an old acquaintance that said some comments that makes me feel belittled for everything I do. Whether I'm in Willow Hills or Moominvalley, no matter where I go....." I pause as I choke back my own tears. 

"I'll never be good enough" I whispered softly bowing my head as more tears stream down my cheeks.

Snufkin pulls me into his soft embrace. His arms holding us closer than we have ever been before. 

"That's not true (Y/N)" He spoke softly into my ear. "You are more than enough." 

Those words...

I didn't realise how much I need to hear those words.

I slowly wrap my arms around his back. I rest my head on his chest with only the sound of his heart bringing me the comfort I've never felt before. He smelt like grass after it rains and the smoke from his pipe. It feels so safe in his arms. For a moment we held each other in silence with nothing but our soft breaths and the forest in the background. 

"Thank you Snufkin, I'm sorry to burden you with my problems like this," I said softly wiping a tear from my cheek with the hem of my sleeve.

Snufkin releases me from his embrace as he cups on of my cheeks with one hand and wrapped the other around my waist keeping out bodies pressed together. 

"You could never be a burden (Y/N), I want nothing more than to be there for you." He said brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I understand how you feel, it's not easy to express your feeling with others but I want you to know that it's ok to say how you feel."

I look up with surprise at Snufkin's towering figure above me. I feel my body grow warm and my heart begins to beat.

Snufkin's face slowly leans closer "I know you are always thinking of others and that's an admirable trait to possess but clearly it's not making you happy. You came to Moomin valley because you wanted to gain independence and make your own choices right?." he asked kindly.