Chapter 3

I own nothing of Happy Tree Friends except the kids. All credit goes to Mondo Media

Russell couldn't help but stay frozen as the ship sailed closer to the shore as Lumpy tried to shake him out of it. Once he remembered where he was, he blinked and lowered his head towards his left hand, harshly ripping off the wedding ring and shoving it in his pocket. Lumpy's eyes slightly widened at the sight before Russell spoke. "Hide your ring. They can't know." The older bluenette was about to ask before he understood why, and he placed his ring in his shirt pocket as he watched a lifeboat lower itself into the water and row towards them. Lumpy could see the many figures in the boat, and recognized a few faces that stood out to him. He turned to his husband, who took in a few breaths to compose himself. When the boat slid against the sand, the group jumped out, immediately spotting the duo, and shouting in response. "Blimey, is dat who I think it is?"

"It is! It's Cap'n Russell!" The group of pirates began to swarm the two, and Russell tried his best to not look frightened as they drew closer. There were many shouts from the rest of the group who were surprised to see their former leader, mentioning how they thought he was dead after all of these years and paying no attention to the bluenette beside him. Lumpy could tell that the other was overwhelmed, and wanted nothing more than to get away. He wanted to step in and hug the poor guy, but he held himself back.

"Now now everyone, give him room. It be a while since he's seen the likes of us."

The group parted, and Russell's eye widened more when he saw a tall blonde with green eyes who was dressed as the captain. He brought both hands to his mouth as the male gave him a warm smile. "It's been a while, Cap'n."

"B-But, I thought you were dead."

"Am I?" The look on his face made Lumpy feel uneasy, and he didn't like that Russell was talking to him. But, he knew that it wouldn't make him look good if he acted on his feelings. He could also tell that Russell was happy to see the captain, and that was another reason why he didn't act. Russell reached out a hand to place it on the other's chest to make sure he wasn't going crazy, and the touch almost brought tears to his eyes. "I-I can't believe it."

"Believe it. It also means I get to keep my promise." Russell's smile faded as he lifted an eyebrow in confusion as the captain stepped closer. He held a puzzled look before the captain grabbed his chin with one hand, and pulled him in for a deep kiss. The former pirate's eye widened in response as a few other pirates around them snickered. It didn't take long for him to feel Lumpy's anger and jealousy coming at him in waves. The captain apparently noticed and pulled away from the smaller and turned towards the bluenette. "And who are you, mate?" The question was enough to snap Russell out of shock and turn to his husband. "Oh right, I forgot to introduce you. Lumpy, this was my first mate, Alexander. Alexander, this is my roommate, Lumpy."

"Wait, I think I remember 'im now," Alexander took a closer look at him before his eyes widened. "Ah yes. It be the lad who was always on the beach whenever we stopped here for supplies. Ye two were close if I remember right."

"Yes," Russell replied, noticing the concealed glare in Lumpy's eyes and growing concern as he turned to Alexander once again. "So, how long are you staying?"

"We plan to stay long enough for us to gather supplies so we can continue our adventure."

"Where to?" Lumpy was a bit taken back by the excitement in his husband's voice, and looked to see Russell with a happy look on his face. He crossed his arms with a lifted eyebrow, questioning where this conversation was going. Alexander placed a hand on his hip with a smirk. "We plan to find the legendary treasure of Poseidon himself. Said to be in the depths of Davy Jones locker."

"Sounds like fun," Russell closed his eye before turning on his heel. "We better get home so we can have lunch. It was nice seeing you."

"Aye. Let's go mates. We got lots to prepare for." The two parties went their separate ways and out of sight from each other.


Russell sat at the dining table with a BLT in front of him, having a few fingers placed on his lips with lowered eyes. He closed his eye in thought to see if a memory of a promise would come back to him. However, nothing came to mind, and he frowned in response. He almost didn't notice Lumpy enter the room with a frown and sit across from him, folding his hands and glancing over at the former pirate. "So, this promise included a kiss?" Russell automatically knew that would be the first thing he would ask. He was quiet for a moment before a voice spoke in his head.

"I don't know if we'll see each other again, but I promise I'll return your feelings if we do."

His eye widened as he lowered his gaze before he responded. "Y-Yeah, but I don't think I ever responded before we were separated, so it wasn't a full promise." He saw Lumpy lean forward and grab his face harshly and pulling him forward across the table. Russell balanced himself with his hands so he wouldn't fall, and he was met with Lumpy's stern gaze. "Lum-"

"I'm the only one allowed to kiss you." The older bluenette interrupted him with a tighter grip. "I was on the verge of ripping that guy away from you and showing that you belong to me. But, I held myself back cause I know they're not big fans of homosexuality. Also, I kept getting vibes that you were in love with him." Russell averted his gaze in response with silence. Lumpy didn't want to jump to any quick conclusions, but with how their conversation was going, he couldn't help but grow scared of what he might say. Russell gave a quiet sigh before speaking. "A long time ago, I was in love with him, but I couldn't say anything in fear of what the crew might say. After I settled, I didn't think I would see him again, so I moved on," He gazed back at the other bluenette and cupped his cheeks gently. "It doesn't matter now. The one I love is you, and nothing will change that."

Lumpy pulled away and let go of his face, leaning back into his chair with crossed arms. He stood up and stepped over towards the younger's side of the table, lifting him out of the chair and holding him bridal style. Russell blushed madly and held onto the other in case he fell. Lumpy couldn't help but smile as he carried him to the couch and gently setting him down. "That reminds me," Lumpy pulled his shirt down to peek at the hickey on his collarbone. "I hope you haven't forgotten about our deal."

"You want to fulfill it so soon?" Russell lifted an eyebrow as he wrapped arms around his neck to pull him closer. Lumpy gave a seductive smirk and pecked his nose. "Well, if you don't want to be interrupted, then yes." The former pirate grinned before pulling him down harshly for a rough kiss, his hands traveling down to pull off the other's shirt as Lumpy began to do the same for him.


An hour later, the two picked up their daughter from Handy and Petunia after the toddler shouted something about wanting to go to the nearby aquarium. Umi's smile grew as she ran over to another tank filled with different fish, pressing her hands against the glass in amazement, calling over her parents so they could see as well. Lumpy tried to keep her close so she wouldn't run far from them, but it was hard to do so with the excitement she was throwing around. Russell couldn't help but sigh as he followed the girl down the ramp as she shouted something about turtles. He began to follow her until he heard familiar shouts not far from him, and turned to see a few pirates gawking at the fish and saying how much they'd be dying to cook some to have for dinner. Russell was surprised to see them here, and looking presentable in public at that. He pulled his hood over his face and quickly turned and sped back towards his husband and daughter. Lumpy felt arms wrap around him, and he peered down at the younger bluenette. "What's up?"

"Them." The older saw the pirates and nodded, following their daughter down the ramp as she spotted more sea creatures to fascinate her. It didn't take them long to reach the end, and the couple bought the small child a few things before leaving. Russell wanted to make sure that they weren't followed, and he intended to make sure the pirates didn't find out about Umi.

Umi held onto the whale shark plushie in her arms tightly as she was strapped in before her parents drove out of the parking lot and on their way home. She could see the sun beginning to set, and she smiled at the sight with an exhausted look. Russell relaxed in his seat with a smile, looking back towards the child before turning to his husband. He lifted an eyebrow at his face and tilted his head. "Are you still thinking about earlier?" He asked. Lumpy replied with silence and kept his eyes on the road. Russell lowered his head for a moment before holding up his ringed hand. "You see this? I wouldn't have this if I didn't truly mean what I said on our wedding night." Lumpy's eyes lowered somewhat as the memory came back to him. He could easily remember what the former pirate had said to him.

"I didn't marry you out of pity or because we have a daughter to take care of. I married you because I love you, and I want to be with you for as long as possible, even if that means forever."

He stopped at a red light and leaned back in his chair before pulling Russell into a deep kiss. Russell's eyes slightly widened before closing his eyes and kissing back. Lumpy pulled away when the light turned green and he continued driving. "I wasn't doubting your love for me, you know," He spoke with a sigh. "It's just. . . I have a bad feeling about him, that's all. It's just a hunch, but I have a feeling he's not here for just supplies for his trip. Just be careful if you see him, alright?"

"Lumpy, he's my first mate."

"Was," Lumpy corrected him. "He's probably not the same guy you remember, and if that's true, I don't want you getting hurt. Just trust me on this." He cupped the other's cheek lovingly as Russell leaned into the touch. He closed his eyes with a soft sigh as Lumpy pulled his hand away. "Believe me when I say that."

It didn't take long for the three to return home, and Russell immediately put Umi to bed before heading to the living room to cuddle with Lumpy on the couch and watch a movie. Russell had his arms wrapped around the other tightly with a nuzzle and Lumpy had a hand around his waist and his eyes were glued to the screen. At one point, the former pirate crawled into his lap and buried his face in his chest, causing the other to glance down at him. "What's with you? You're more clingy than usual. Not that I'm complaining."

"I just feel lonely sometimes," Russell replied with another nuzzle. "Nothing for you to worry about." Lumpy lifted an eyebrow but shrugged before turning off the TV and scooping up the bluenette in his arms. Russell squeaked in surprise as he was carried upstairs towards the bedroom, gently setting him on the bed and pulling him close. Russell smiled and closed his eye, allowing sleep to overtake him after a long day.