LOTF One Shots

Bill x Maurice (Fluff)

In the oppressive heat of the day, the group ventured into the heart of the island for another hunt led by Jack. The relentless pace had taken its toll, and as the others pressed forward, Maurice found himself gradually falling behind. His steps grew sluggish, weariness weighing on him like an invisible anchor.

Bill, observant as ever, noticed Maurice's struggle. Breaking away from the group, he jogged back to where Maurice lagged behind. "You alright, Maurice?" Bill's concern was evident in his furrowed brow.

Maurice, attempting to mask his exhaustion, forced a weak smile. "Yeah, just a bit tired, that's all."

Bill, unconvinced, probed further. "You sure about that?" His genuine worry lingered in the air.

Maurice hesitated for a moment before relenting. "Alright, maybe more than a bit tired."

Bill nodded understandingly. "Come on, let's take a breather." Without another word, he scooped Maurice up in a bridal embrace, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared understanding. The forest enveloped them in a temporary sanctuary as Bill's act of support echoed through the dense foliage, laying the foundation for the evolving dynamics between Bill and Maurice.

Bill, after the brief respite, gently asked Maurice, "Ready to be put down?" However, a soft snore was his only response. A fond smile tugged at Bill's lips as he realized Maurice had succumbed to exhaustion, peacefully asleep in his arms.

Rather than disturbing Maurice's rest, Bill embraced the moment, carrying him back towards the group. As they re-entered the clearing, Henry, ever watchful, noticed their return and shouted, "Hey, they're back!"

The group turned their attention toward Bill and the slumbering Maurice. A collective mixture of surprise and amusement spread through the hunters as they witnessed the unexpected tableau.

"Didn't know you had a soft spot for Maurice." Jack chuckled, giving the group a signal to pause.

Bill chuckled at Jack's teasing remark, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, even tough guys need their beauty sleep," he quipped, adjusting his grip on the peacefully slumbering Maurice.

Henry joined in the banter, smirking, "Looks like Bill's found his new hunting buddy."

Maurice, still in the embrace of sleep, shifted slightly in Bill's arms, oblivious to the attention he was garnering. Jack, always ready for a good jest, added, "You planning on carrying him through every hunt now, Bill?"

Bill shot back with a mock-serious expression, "Only on special occasions." The group shared a collective chuckle, the unexpected sight of camaraderie and tenderness breaking through the usual tension on the island.

Roger's scoff echoed through the clearing as he stared at Bill, skepticism etched across his face. "How can we hunt if you're carrying him?" His narrowed eyes betrayed his disdain for what he perceived as a moment of weakness.

Bill, unfazed by Roger's skepticism, adjusted Maurice in his arms, meeting Roger's gaze without flinching. "I can be the eyes," Bill stated, his tone almost emotionless. The weight of his words lingered in the air, a subtle challenge to the conventional notions of strength and utility within the group.

Jack, always eager for an opportunity to assert dominance, chimed in, "Bill's got a point. We can cover more ground with an extra set of eyes."

Roger, still unconvinced, shot back, "We're not babysitters. We're hunters."

Henry's input added another layer to the unfolding debate. "If you say we can't hunt like this, we must wait for Maurice to wake up!" he declared, his gaze shifting between Roger and Bill. The group found themselves caught between conflicting viewpoints, each member contemplating the implications of their choices on the day's activities.

Roger, unyielding in his stance, shot back, "We're not here to wait around. We've got things to do."

Bill, ever the mediator, spoke up, "We can split up. Some can continue hunting, and I'll stay back with Maurice. Once he's up, we'll catch up with the others."

"Fine," Roger huffed, reluctantly turning around. His discontent was palpable as he led the group forward, unwilling to concede more ground to what he perceived as a hindrance.

Jack, never one to pass up an opportunity for sarcasm, teased, "Don't blame us if the beast snags you." He rolled his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips, before following Roger's lead and turning around to resume the hunt.

Henry, caught between the opposing forces, sighed, "Just be careful, Bill." His words held a mixture of concern and acknowledgment of the complex situation they found themselves in.

As the group dispersed, the air in the clearing carried the weight of unresolved tensions. Bill, left with the task of watching over Maurice, settled down by a tree. He patiently sat, with Maurice now adjusted to lay in his lap.

Bill's gaze lingered on the slumbering Maurice, the lines of exhaustion on his face softened in the peaceful reprieve of sleep. The island, unforgiving and unpredictable, seemed to momentarily yield to the simple act of watching over a fellow survivor.

Maurice stirred awake, his face soon growing red with embarrassment. Bill couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, breaking the silence with a slightly teasing tone. "Morning, sleepyhead."

Maurice, still groggy from his impromptu nap, mumbled in response, "Morning... I didn't mean to doze off like that."

Bill grinned, "No worries. You needed the rest. How are you feeling now?"

Maurice sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "Better, thanks." The camaraderie between them became palpable, a shared understanding forged in the quiet moments of vulnerability on the deserted island.

As the day unfolded, the hunters in the distance continued their pursuit of the elusive beast. Maurice, now reinvigorated, sat up, his gaze meeting Bill's. "We should catch up with them," he suggested, ready to rejoin the group and face whatever challenges the island had in store for them next.

Bill shifted, standing up, and extended his hand to Maurice. As soon as Maurice took his hand, Bill pulled him close. Maurice, caught off guard, stared at Bill in embarrassed silence. A soft smile played on Bill's lips as he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Maurice's lips before releasing him.

Maurice was left momentarily stunned, the unexpected kiss lingering in the air. Bill chuckled, breaking the moment with a friendly pat on Maurice's back. "Now, we should go meet up with the others."

The two ventured through the forest, following the distant cries of their peers. Maurice soon caught a glimpse of Henry, calling out to him as he sped ahead of Bill. "Hey!" Bill chased Maurice, the two stumbling as they met with Jack and Roger standing in front of them.

"How'd you enjoy your alone time?" Jack teasingly questioned, a mischievous glint in his eyes as they met Maurice's still-flushed face. Maurice stammered a response, his embarrassment lingering from the earlier unexpected kiss.

Bill, catching up, shot Jack a knowing glance before responding, "We were just catching up, Jack."

Roger, silent but observant, studied the pair with an intensity that left a lingering unease. His eyes narrowed as he noticed their red faces and slightly disheveled clothes, prompting a raised eyebrow. "Catching up, huh?" he remarked, his tone carrying a subtle edge.

Maurice, feeling the weight of the scrutiny, cleared his throat, attempting to downplay the situation. "Yeah, just catching up," he echoed, exchanging a glance with Bill.

Jack just nodded, a sly grin remaining on his lips as he turned back to the path. "Come on you lot!" He shouted, slamming his spear into the ground before heading off. Roger followed close behind him, as did Henry. Bill grabbed Maurice's hand, and the two were able to keep up with the others.