Hi there!! Thank you so much for your recs, they are honestly so good for finding great fic! I was just wondering if you had time, could you at some point do a rec where one or both of the guys have a really interesting career/job that doesn’t get written about a lot that plays a big part in the plot/setting? Sorta like Love is a Rebellious Bird or Into The Blue? While I like the typical teacher/barista/writer fics, it’s always nice to read something completely unique! Thank you so much!
Ooh! Ok. I love this request and yes, I have some really good ones to suggest.
First of all, the two you mention are among my favorite fics, so let’s start with those…
Love Is A Rebellious Bird by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews / @gloriaandrews (E, 135K) Everything about this fic is glorious. I’m always struck by how well the characters are fleshed out, how their behavior lines up with their backstory, how ridiculously hot the chemistry is, and how agonizing the angst is. So yes, no shocker, I cried buckets. Thank god for a happy ending. Conductor Harry. Concertmaster Louis.
Pull Me Under by zarah5 (E, 140K) One of the very first fics I read when I came into this fandom…and I’ve read it multiple times since. Zarah’s fics hold up every time. This one has it all, great pacing, ot5 friendship, banter, super sexy smut, etc etc. Plus, Louis being super jealous of Harry’s best friend. Pro Footballer Louis. Student Harry.
Make Your Words A Weapon by @helloamhere (E, 36K) I recently read this a second time and it’s even better than I remembered. I love everything this author writes. This one just really hit me hard for whatever reason. Maybe it’s the way they explore Louis’ anxiety and coping mechanisms and pain and the way he pushes people away and protects himself, but also wants someone to push back just a bit and love him despite all of that. And the way Harry is the perfect foil for all of it, while also feeling like a fully developed character himself. Yeah, it’s probably all of that. Plus soul marks! (Musician Harry/Music Journalist Louis)
Literally Making Love by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 30K) -Scientist/Inventor Louis / Robot Harry
Holding up one of the android's eyes to the workshop’s windows, he smiled as the light picked up the gold flecks in the pale green of his irises. Louis had always paid attention to even the tiniest details.
All Louis intended to do was rescue someone in need from loneliness. He had no idea it would be himself.
Saving Symphony Hall by @helloamhere (E, 125K) I’ve recommended this one quite a bit because it’s just chock full of so much wonderful stuff – great story, great OT5 friendships, great banter, sexy smut…so much good stuff. In addition I really enjoyed how Harry as an artist was fleshed out. I also really liked the juxtaposition of Artist Harry (who’s also an Alpha) and data driven/left brain Louis (who’s also an Omega). A great read (also, there’s a terrific prequel you might want to start with if you like the concept of the fic).
Our Lives, Non Fiction by @indiaalphawhiskey (E, 114K) this is, quite literally, the best fic I’ve read in years. It’s so well written, clever, funny, emotional, and sexy. Its draw you in immediately and you’ll end up falling in love with these characters before you know it. Don’t miss this one. Harry and Louis are both authors
An Invincible Summer by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 45K) this one is mine, I hope you like it:
Never content to stay in one place for long, a few months down south researching for his novel seemed like an idyllic, slow-paced summer to Louis. He wasn't ready for the blistering heat, the backbreaking work of watermelon picking, or how stifling the attitudes in rural Georgia would feel. And he definitely hadn’t anticipated falling in love with the farmer’s son.
The summer of 1946 would turn out to be everything worth writing about. Farmer Harry / author Louis
Ever Since I Tried Your Way by flowercrownfemme / @lesbianiconharrystyles (E, 26K) I loved everything about this fic, from the setting to the characterizations to the slow way Harry discovers himself and how Louis supports everything about him. It’s just beautifully written and wonderfully moving. Farmer Louis / eventual farmer Harry
Mine Would Be You by @crinkle-eyed-boo (E, 115K) Beautifully written, flawed characters and an emotionally engaging and ANGSTY plot. Super hot smut that made me cry like a fool. Banter, OT5 friendship, and the gritty realness of New York as a backdrop. Loved this one. Artist Harry / Author Louis
For As Long As I Remember (It’s Been December) by green_feelings / @greenfeelings (E, 128K) This author always delivers on the angst, so yes…I cried. I loved the sense of the inevitable with these two characters — as in real life, they’re just meant to be. But first they’ll go through hell. Chef Harry / Lawyer Louis
Stranger Stars by shaylea / @sunshineandhisrainbows (E, 212K) It’s a really unique fic that takes place on a 6-week safari through Africa. It’s incredibly detailed and the author does a lovely job with the character arcs and with setting the scene. Photographer Harry / Tour Guide Louis
Nothing But You On My Mind by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense (E, 84K) I couldn’t put this down from the minute I started. Everything about it was such fun. Terrific banter, great chemistry, unique story, beautiful writing. I literally read the first 9 chapters in one sitting. Starting at 1:30 in the morning (like an idiot). Prince Harry / PR manager Louis
These Constant Stars by stylinsoncity (M, 31K) This author has written so many great fics and this one is really lovely. I also always like when one of the boys is not what he seems to be on first glance. Student Harry. Fashion Designer Louis.
You Always Make Me Smile by champagneboyband (E, 60K, WIP) Yes, it’s a WIP. I’m listing it because even as a WIP this fic has everything I love. The characters are multi-faceted, the sexual chemistry is off the charts, the background story is complex enough to give the story numerous possibilities for angst and everything else. WHY MUST IT REMAIN A WIP??? Chef Harry / TV producer Louis. This fic has been deleted, link is to a download.
our little corner of the world by brownheadedstranger (E, 30K) This fic reads like original fiction in the best sort of way. Come to think of it, I should have added it to my Locations rec because the whole fic makes you feel like you’re stuck in the hot, dusty little town along with the boys. It’s beautifully written – slow and wistful – and I really need to re-read it now that I think of it! Line cook Harry / diner worker Louis.
Remind Me Again by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry (E, 29K) Every sentence in this fic is so effortlessly beautiful. I love that the miscommunication between them is done in a totally realistic way. The fight and make up like real people do and that makes the angst more painful and the making up more emotional. One of my favorite authors. Florist Harry/architect Louis
Etched in Salt (is a cathedral of the world) by @helloamhere (E, 24K - FBI) I’ve recc’d this fic a few times, but here I go again. It’s that good. You all know I love this author’s writing –– this time she gives us a dark, American, thriller with a bit of psychic goodness. Psychic / telempath Louis. FBI agent Harry.
Tied Down by HamPalpert / @ham-palpert (E, 49K) Harry and Louis are criminals in this one, the other boys are the detectives, and I really liked how original and layered this one was. If the tags concern you, contact the author (or me) –– the fic is a wild ride, but so worth the read!
everything that shine ain’t always gonna be gold by sarcasticfluentry (E, 49K) You don’t need to know anything about the movie that inspired this fic (it’s an Inception AU). What you do need to know is that it’s got great OT5, it’s super sexy, it’s got a terrific story line, and the pacing is just right for a nail biter. Extractor Harry and Louis.
where your lips land by BriaMaria / @briannamarguerite (E, 12K) Ok, I’ve recommended this one a few times and I really do love it. Anyway, I love fics where the two of them are both artists of some sort (Louis is a poet in this one, Harry is a photographer) because it allows for another layer of understanding and connection and support. I particularly love the way Louis’ tattoos are woven into this story with layered meaning. And, as always, just beautiful writing.
Looking down from the clouds by Star_Henderson / @tommosgun (E, 18K) Fun, sexy, and lighthearted. This author does those three things really well in this famous/not famous meet cute. Airport security expert Louis/luxury home builder Harry
Lambing Season by @helloamhere (E, 26K) This is beautiful little emotional fic and it’s one of my favorites. If you’ve ever wanted to leave your shitty work environment, escape to an idyllic countryside, and find love along the way, read this one. Actor Harry, Farmer Louis.
Close to Nowhere by @angelichl (E, 35K) I really enjoyed the unique story and the way Harry and Louis relate to each other in this one. It’s fun and quirky and sexy and keeps you on the edge until the end. Definitely worth checking out. Both Harry and Louis are psychics.
written in the stars (that’s me and you) by @fackinglouis (E, 23K) To be honest, the prompt asking for “bratty Louis” kept me from reading this at first, but I’m so glad I did anyway, because I really, really liked this fic. It’s sweet and funny and the story has a tense little twist. Plus, both Harry and Louis’ characterizations are charming. Journalist Harry. Psychic Louis.
buttercup baby by cabinbythesea (NR, 16K) Childhood acquaintances become adult best friends and fall in love (naturally). This one has a fair bit of foreplay and flirting before anything happens. It’s a fun, sexy, lighthearted read. Art dealer Harry. Pilot Louis.
Into The Blue by zarah5 (E, 117K) honestly, I love all of this author’s fics, but I think this is my favorite of theirs. Louis as a flirty scuba instructor? Newly Single Harry who just wants a fling? Boys living on other sides of the world from each other who only have a few weeks together? Please….give me all that shit.
Wild and Unruly by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews / @gloriaandrews (E, 124K) One of the OG classics in this fandom. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out. It’s just a great, original story. Plus, cowboy/ranch owner Harry, city boy paralegal Louis, bad guys to hate, nail biting drama, hot af sexual chemistry and smut, and a super satisfying ending.
Run Like the Devil by Benzos (E, 140K) If you like supernatural elements and demons and dark themes, this fic has it in spades. In a way it’s almost more of a character study, and it’s unsurprisingly pretty OOC, but it’s very well done. Read the tags. Demon Harry. Demon Hunter Louis.
Soul of the Sea by vurdoc (E, 33K) A gothic romance set in a small Scottish village. Mysterious, melancholy, tender, and such a pleasure to read. Army vet Louis. B&B owner Harry.
Switch Out the Batteries by istajmaal, LoadedGunn (E, 88K) So, one of the things I really love about this fic is that because it’s dual POV, you get this story told from both the Dom POV and the Sub POV which makes it super fun and interesting. These authors always write truly amazing smut and this is no exception. I actually love the first part of this series, and I recommend it, although it’s not necessary to read it first. Sex shop owner Louis. Musician Harry.
The Second Hand Unwinds by @kingsofeverything (E, 52K) Aerospace Engineer Louis. Also known as “the NASA fic”. This one has such a unique and well thought-out storyline. Add in time travel, exes to lovers, ot5, and excellent pacing….you’ve got yourself a great fic!
The Finish Line (Is A Good Place For Us To Start) by LoadedGunn (E, 122K) F1 racers Louis and Harry. I really need to read this again because it’s been ages. But suffice it to say that this author always delivers with pacing, smut, and an exciting story. This time we’ve got race car drivers, great banter, and great OT5 friendship.
Be My Little Good Luck Charm by 100percentsassy (E, 35K) First of all, great pacing and sexual tension. Snappy, witty dialogue. Sexy smut scenes. I’ve read this one a few times and like it more each time. Amateur golfer Harry. Sportscaster Louis.
Take Me Home (Country Roads) by Awriterwrites / @a-writerwrites (E, 87K) Probably my favorite of this author’s many fics. Set in rural West Virginia, this hate to love fic is funny, touching, super sexy, painful and features big city doctor Louis vs country boy healer Harry.
i wanna be your lover, baby, i wanna be your man by orphan_account (M, 27K) I’ve decided that there are not enough fics where Harry and Louis are in the Navy. But there’s this one, and it’s charming and sweet and romantic (and also sexy).
Take My Breath Away by @realitybetterthanfiction (E, 154K) I’m grouping the navy fics together I guess! Also known as the Top Gun fic, this one is told from Harry’s POV, and is such a wonderful, intimate characterization – you really get to see so many sides of him and this author writes them all so well. The fic is action packed, funny, sexy, deeply moving, and has such a satisfying ending. Naval flight instructor Louis. Navy pilot Harry.
In Vogue by otpwhatever / @thecelineharry (M, 121K) This one is just….so much. The intensity of the characters, the crazy hot smut (oh god, the window scene), the FASHION, the angst (I had to take a walk around the block after reading it), the epic love story between two men who could rule the world if they could just figure their shit out. Loved it. Fashion magazine editors Louis and Harry. This fic has been deleted, link is to a download.
So Darling, Just Say You’ll Stay Right By My Side by supernope (E, 28K) Another fic I read too long ago to recall details of, and my rather unhelpful notes read, “LOVE! Slow build up, but so sexy!” So…here’s to trusting old me. I’m not too worried, this author is pretty sure bet. Chief of police Louis. Deputy Harry.
Wear It Like A Crown by zarah5 (141K) One of my favorites from this author. Really unique storyline, complex characters, great smut, great pacing. Plus royalty! Prince Harry. Fixer Louis.
The Road Less Travelled by freetheankles / @anymerrylilthought (E, 98K) Also known as “the lumberjack fic”, this fic is an instant classic. The author makes widowed Louis’ pain and depression so real and so moving. The characters are three-dimensional and complex and the well written sexual tension is finally relieved with super hot smut. The fic has been deleted, so the link is to a download. (Teacher Harry/Lumberjack Louis)
stormborns
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