when 16 met 18

A One Direction fic rec of fics that involve cuddling as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other recs here. Happy reading!

- Louis / Harry -

🫂 tangled up in you by @missandrogyny

(E, 45k, famous/not famous) “What did you get me, then?!” Niall must hear the tinge of hysteria in his voice, because he’s pulling himself together, trying to stop himself from laughing. There’s still a big grin on his face, though, when he says, “I got you a professional cuddler.”

🫂 Find You Home by @kingsofeverything

(E, 35k, fake relationship) When Louis lies to his family and says he’ll bring his new boyfriend home for Christmas, his best friend and roommate Harry agrees to play the part. It’s that, or be left alone over the holidays.

🫂 A Cuddle Guide, courtesy of Louis by MyEnglishRose / @lwtisloved

(T, 23k, roommates) Platonic Louis-centric OT5 fluff with side Larry and a lot of cuddles and platonic fun

🫂 Harry You're No Good Alone by lucy_in_the_sky

(E, 16k, uni) Harry struggles with insomnia and loneliness, almost turning to cuddle therapy when his best friend Louis reaches out to lend helping hand.

🫂 We Chase The Stars To Lose Our Shadow by 5secsoflarry

(E, 15k, omegaverse) Insomniac and someone professionally cuddling with them to fall asleep....They fall in love.

🫂 All at once, this is enough by @lunarheslwt

(G, 7k, omegaverse) Harry, overcome with burn out, wants to nest but he has never nested before, doesn’t know how to. Louis, his best friend, is only happy to help him make a nest and be there for him. Along the way, they find something more.

🫂 Just a Minute more by kingofthefridaynight

(NR, 6k, established relationship) a rainy day in bed, where all they do is enjoy each other’s company.

🫂 Every Time We Touch by wabadabadaba / @badger-bear

(G, 5k, omegaverse) the one where Louis is suffering from touch deprivation so he goes to see Harry who is a professional cuddler.

🫂 Lazy Days and Pancakes for Two by Cyantific / @beyondxmeasure

(T, 4k, established relationship) They haven't seen each other in eighteen days. What better way to spend a much-needed tour break than having a lazy day watching shit TV and having breakfast in bed with your husband.

🫂 Cuddle Up A Little Closer by @jaerie

(NR, 3k, hybrid Louis) Harry's therapist suggests that he should get a pet. Liam might have found the perfect one for him.

🫂 Craving Cuddles by red_panda28 / @red-panda-28

(T, 3k, omegaverse) Omega Harry is pining for his best friend and flatmate Omega Louis, there's some cuddling involved and they get there in the end

🫂 Alpha Heater For Sale by stretchmybones / @lookwhatyoumademelou

(T, 3k, omegaverse) Louis tilted his head at the flyer curiously. It read: Alpha heater for sale! Winter weather got you down? Call Harry for your warm, furnace-like needs!

🫂 The Truth is in the Thunderstorms by SinfullyPresent

(NR, 3k, canon) the AU in which Louis is scared shitless of thunderstorms, but doesn't tell Harry until five and a half years after the X Factor.

🫂 living love in slow motion by ashavahishta

(T, 2k, established relationship) Just a typical Sunday morning.

🫂 spoon time by shiptattou / @wecantalktomorrow

(G, 2k, friends to lovers) There was nothing going on between them outside of the normal bro-pal-laddy-dude things every other set of best friends did. All sets of best friends did things like this. You know, hanging out every day, staying up late, and chatting until the wee hours which usually ended up as a sleepover and bed-sharing.

🫂 Smells like heaven, feels like luxury by marshashlands

(G, 2k, omegaverse) one direction are touring, and well, louis gets a habit of making a nest out of his best friends clothes. until he catches him, that is…

🫂 Bubbles on your skin by TeamLouis

(G, 2k, established relationship) the one where a hot bubble bath and Christmas spirit are all Louis and Harry need to relax before the holidays

🫂 rain clouds are gathering in numbers by flicker_album / @niall-official

(G, 1k, established relationship) Harry has a bad day at work. Louis cheers him up. featuring: cuddles, a warm bath, & lots of love

🫂 like the light coming through the windows by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(G, 1k, uni) Harry loves to watch the sun rise, but Louis has always been more of a night owl than an early bird. But after Louis spends the night, Harry shows Louis all the beauty he sees in a sunrise.

- Rare Pairs -

🫂 (I Was Broke) You Healed Me by @fallinglikethis

Kiss Him You Fool by lanallite

Explicit ⋆ 𖤓 ⋆ 1/1 chapters ⋆ 𖤓 ⋆ 19.3k words ⋆ 𖤓 ⋆ Complete

As teenagers, Harry, Louis, Zayn, Liam, and Niall spent every summer at Harry’s family beach house in Cornwall—a week of sand, salt, inside jokes, and a closeness Harry never took for granted. Especially not with Louis. Harry’s feelings for him were always quiet, tucked between laughter and late-night swims, going unnoticed. He never dared to say anything, too scared to risk what they had. But the summer before university, just when Harry thought he might finally be brave enough, Louis announced he was moving to America for school. Just like that, the week ended, and whatever chance Harry had slipped away. Ten years later, they’ve all drifted—grown up, grown apart. When Harry learns the beach house is being sold, he invites the boys back for one final summer. One last chance to relive the past. And maybe, just maybe, one last chance for Harry to finally tell Louis the truth. or; ten years after their last summer together, Harry brings the boys back to the beach house where it all began, determined not to waste his second chance with Louis.

63k | complete

🔗 read on ao3

🔗 read on wattpad

Step 1: get drunk and sign up for couples therapy.

Step 2: convince a stranger to fake-date you for four weeks.

Step 3: fall stupidly and hopelessly in love.

Hi! Here you go! (including the fic you mentioned as well) Also there’s not much /:

This Wicked Game by cherrystreet (70k) 

An AU in which The Bachelor is gay, Louis is a contestant, Harry is the bachelor, everyone drinks a lot of champagne, the entire world gets to watch them fall in love, and no one plays by the rules.

Like Water Over Fire (Like Water On Fire) by MCSSymon (119k) 

“I’m sorry your highness, I think I misheard you, did you really say that you are hoping to meet your husband?” Oh god, Louis panicked. Was Prince Harry gay? Was he even allowed to be gay? Surely he wouldn’t be allowed to have a selection from a group of men, right?

Prince Harry looked partly like he wanted to laugh, but also very, very nervous about what he had just admitted, “Yes, sir, you heard correctly”

Or Prince Harry has 46 men and 13 weeks to find the husband of his dreams, Louis has a limited amount to time to live out a royal fantasy. They might just be exactly what the other needs.

The Bachelor by Snowy38 (53k) 

“Don’t tell me, you’re Lola,” Louis pointed at the little girl and she crowded her father’s leg shyly, sticking her thumb in her mouth.

Harry chuckled lightly and cupped the back of her head with a large palm, his calloused hands catching the fine strands of her hair.

“She’s shy,” Harry told him. “Plus you swore mighty loud…M'Harry by the way,” he stuck his free hand forward, his diction belying his way of life- slow and casual.

The somewhat dainty-looking loud-mouth flicked a look to his hand, then back to his face. Harry waited patiently for him to take it.

“Louis,” he finally shared, clasping Harry’s hand with his smaller one and giving it a gentle squeeze, placing his other over the top of both of theirs. “Tomlinson,” he added. “I’m your personal assistant,” he added.

Or the one where Harry dates six other guys and still falls in love with Louis Tomlinson ;)

stars are guiding me back by coffeelouis (silverspoonharry) (80k) 

Directing the first ever season of The Bachelor with a bisexual star is a huge career move for Louis. After throwing himself into his career, he finally has the opportunity to prove himself as a director with a unique vision.

For Harry, being cast as the first ever Bi Bachelor means finally putting his ex-boyfriend behind him and starting anew. He’s taking a chance on finding love and determined to do it right this time.

They didn’t exactly think this through.

[or, the BACHELOR AU where Louis directs his ex-boyfriend Harry in his season as America’s first bi bachelor.]

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･:*:･ Please if you give a read to these fics, leave a nice comment and/or a kudo, I’m sure it’ll be appreciated! Thank you! ･:*:･

hiya! here’s a list of my favorite fics (as of september 2020) in no particular order - the main pairing is, as always, Louis/Harry unless stated otherwise. If you enjoy, please don’t forget to leave kudos on these amazing works! :)

***PLEASE ALWAYS READ THE TAGS FOR POSSIBLE TRIGGERS***

☯  Relief Next To Me by dolce_piccante | 333k 

this is one of the first fics I read in this fandom and I’ve re-read it numerous times since. It’s SO good. This fic is so well paced and the writing is absolutely beautiful. There’s a lot of fluff and angst and to be honest, the smut in this fic is some of the best I’ve ever read.

☯  The Second Hand Unwinds by kingsofeverything | 51k

this author’s writing is so great. I like a lot of their other fics as well, but this one especially. I cried reading this, not gonna lie. The first time, the second time and every time after that as well. Great read.

☯  There’s Such a Lot of World to See by crinkle-eyed-boo (KimmieRocks) | 125 k

I have never seen an episode of ‘Doctor Who’ in my life, but I love this fic anyway. Nice writing and pacing of the story. The characters are wonderfully written as well. Unsurprisingly, I also cried multiple times reading this. You’re probably gonna read that in a lot of my comments on this list.

☯  sometimes green and sometimes blue by itsmiz | 511k

Now, this fic (-verse) is just really fucking stunning. Amazing world building and writing in general (yes, again) that I’ve been reading since it was still a WIP. Though I know it’s not for everyone since it is A/B/O. The wordcount is a little intimidating too but you should definitely give it a try.

☯  Victorian Boy by audreyhheart | 101k

I originally read this on wattpad before I switched to AO3 and let me tell you; you’re in for a ride with this one. Victorian murder mystery with heavy angst featuring a slow burn romance. I’ve read this one multiple times too and it gets me every time. 

☯  Red Brick Heart by hazmesentir | 98k

This is the first fic I ever read and I’m pretty sure it’s what pulled me into the world of fanfic in the first place. This fic also encouraged me to improve my english skills. I must admit: I haven’t read it since. I’ll have to though!

☯  Wild And Unruly by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews | 123k

A lot of people have recommended this work to me before, but I just never really got to it. When I finally did though, I fell in love instantly. Great characters. Loved Cowboy Harry and city boy Louis.

☯  Mine Would Be You by crinkle-eyed-boo (KimmieRocks) | 114k

Great writing from this author as always. The angst was - whew! But totally worth it. This is also a fic that just has that kinda vibe. Totally reeled me in and made me pull an all-nighter to finish it + I had a good cry. Exes to lovers with D/s undertones and a very happy ending. Writer Louis / Artist Harry.

☯  Young & Beautiful by Velvetoscar | 227k

There’s been a lot of talk about this fic in the fandom over the years. And I’ve come to the conclusion: one either loves or hates it. I happen to love this work. The character development in this is just - wow. Lots of angst too. 

☯  Tired Tired Sea by MediaWhore | 113k

Do I even have to say anything about this one? Perfect friends to lovers slow burn fic with that vibe I keep talking about. Famous Harry/B&B Owner Louis broke my heart in this one. All in all: absolutely stunning. I also love some of this author’s other works.

☯  my heart is breathing for this moment in time by usedtothebeach | 159k

Another fic that made me cry, but the otherworldly storytelling in this one makes every emotional outburst totally alright. Based on ‘The Time Traveller’s Wife’ Harry keeps waiting for Louis to catch up with him while he’s been in love with Louis for forever. To quote some of the tags: lots of pining, lots of waiting, lots of soulmate talk.

☯  Love Is A Rebellious Bird by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews | 134k

Another fic I put off reading for the longest time. I cannot remember why, seeing as it made it onto this list. The boys make a different kind of music in this one and Louis and Harry have a shared past that keeps coming in the way when they meet again. Angst (as you might have noticed: I love the pain), Hurt/Comfort and Bullying though it is in the past, there are flashbacks and characters talk about it.

☯  Remember Me Fondly by kiddle | 73k

All the boys still make music in this one, though in rivaling bands. Enemies to Friends to Lovers. The plot is very well paced (I know I keep repeating myself but it’s true), as are the flashbacks. The relationship between Harry and Louis is greatly paced as well. Nothing feels too rushed or too slow. I’m only a little sad about there being an end to the story. Could read this for days.

☯  come as you are by stylinsoncity | 77k

A lot of pining and angst with Professor Louis and his Teaching Assistant Harry. Though it isn’t tagged, there’s Louis/Original Female Character(s) in there plus a (tagged) Minor Character Death caused by a Terminal Illness. It sounds all really sad, but it’s a really wonderful fic. There is also poetry and, of course, literature.

☯  To the Ends of the Earth by stylinsoncity | 68k

While the band is on a yearlong hiatus, Louis visits Harry, who spends his time in a cabin in Idaho. During his stay there, long-buried feelings ignite. Very emotional. Some pining/angst and fluff/smut. 

Fic Rec: Fic That I’ll Read Over & Over Again

•         Love Is A Rebellious Bird

•         Wild And Unruly

•         If You Asked Me If I Love Him (I’d Lie)

•         baby we could be enough (i’ll make this feel like home)

•         If Tomorrow Never Comes (We Had Last Night)

•         Sing When You’re Winning

•         Unbelievers

•         Naked & Proud

•         Nicotine

•         Loving You Is Free

•         Want you to want me

•         Absolutely Still

•         for now (and forever)

•         These Roads We Stumble Down

•         Take My Breath Away

•         Cold

•         why don’t we go there?

•         I’ll Crash Until You Notice Me

•         These Constant Stars

•         To the Ends of the Earth

•         Behavioural Ecology

•         my heart is breathing for this moment in time

•         After Hours

•         so keep my candle bright

•         So Much We Didn’t Say

•         like a boomerang

Read more for summary

Hi! Not bothering at all! I only found this fic rec although I think i’ve done more than that. Anyway, here you go: 

He Was a Different League (When I Was Nothing Much) by @afangirlfantasy (21k) 

Sick of being alone, Marcel is forced (by Niall) to join an online dating app. The idea is well and all, except for the inconvenient fact that he hasn’t moved on from his childhood sweetheart - Louis. If only Marcel could learn to let go, he might actually be able to love again.

Or, an AU where finding that ‘someone new’ actually leads to finding that 'someone old,’ and Marcel is painfully oblivious.

STUPID DEEP by NattieFOURLarry (172k) (Not High school AU though) 

An Alternate Universe where Louis is a widowed Music teacher and Harry is a photography student. How their lives crossed paths was quite simple or quite the accident. But somehow it all worked out, somehow their souls were meant to meet, somehow true love was always written in their stars.

Somehow the loss of love could lead to new experiences, new dreams, and second chances.

This Offer Stands Forever by Tomlinsontoes (78k) 

Harry is who high school kids would define as a nerd, he loved going to class and studying, he was just good at school work and saw nothing wrong with liking it. He signs up to tutor students at the middle school down the road where he ends up helping Lottie Tomlinson, younger sister to the ever popular and gorgeous Louis Tomlinson who is also a senior and in a few classes of Harry’s. Harry might have a crush on him and not so sure how to act around Louis but hopes he can get close to the other boy and learn everything about him.

Outcasts by larrystylinsobbing (38k) 

Harry is a well behaved junior in high school. Louis Tomlinson is a high school drop out and nothing but trouble. Louis is intrigued by him and Harry just wants to be left the hell alone.

Rarity by orphan_account (6k) 

Louis can’t seem to put a finger on why he suddenly likes big glasses and vests and slicked back hair, likewise Marcel doesn’t go for bad boys. That doesn’t seem to stop either of them, though.

Mutual - We’ve Discussed It by ariadne_odair (26k) 

It’s like he’s in his own world, the noises of people screaming and laughing and bitching drifting into nothing. It’s just him, and this boy, and warm, warm skin under his palms.

Harry looks up, and he sees blue, blue eyes, and caramel coloured hair, and pink lips. There’s a beat of silence, and all Harry can do is stare, and his heart is beating wildly, his face warm and -

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” snarls Louis Tomlinson, and kicks him in the shin.

Take All of Your Doubts (You Can Throw 'Em Out) by @fallinglikethis (3k) 

Louis Tomlinson is a punk who figures he’s just destined to be alone. Harry Styles is his nerdy best friend who is always there to pick him up when he’s down. Somewhere along the way feelings grow.

Sun-kissed Hurricane, Perfect Storm by iwillpaintasongforlou (7k) 

Harry is the quiet kid in the back of his statistics class who writes a lot and dreams about Louis’ cheekbones . Louis needs a statistics tutor ASAP before he flunks and the quiet kid in the back of the class seems like a good choice. Harry wants to help Louis however he can and Louis wants to see how much he can make Harry blush.

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･:*:･ Please if you give a read to these fics, leave a nice comment and/or kudos, I’m sure it’ll be appreciated! Thank you! ･:*:･

Hello lovely! I think you might have read them all, but I’ll give it a try anyway! 

Wear It Like A Crown by zarah5:

Summary: AU. As part of a team of fixers hired to handle a gay scandal in Buckingham Palace, Louis expects Prince Harry to be a lot of things—most notably a royally spoilt brat. Never mind that the very same Prince Harry used to star in quite a number of Louis’ teenage fantasies.

Word count: 141,303

nothing else but us right here by supernope:

Summary: Louis sighs and gives himself a mental pep talk as he smooths his jumper down over his hips. He can do this. He can resist the draw of Harry Styles, because he is a responsible, mature adult, and as much as he wants to tangle his fingers in that mess of hair and map those ridiculous tattoos with his tongue, he does not want to get his daughter’s favorite teacher fired.

Word count: 35,313

Unbelievers by isthatyoularry:

Summary: It’s Louis’ senior year, and he’s dead set on doing it right. However, along with his pair of cleats, a healthy dose of sarcasm and his ridiculous best friend, he’s also got a complicated family, a terrifyingly uncertain future, and a mortal enemy making his life just that much worse. Mortal enemies “with benefits” was not exactly the plan.

Or: The one where Louis and Harry definitely aren’t friends, and football is everything.

Word count: 136,875

Red Brick Heart by hazmesentir:

Summary: Harry has only had his room for thirty-two minutes when it stops being his.

Uni AU. Harry had turned up at the halls of residence expecting fun, new friends, and maybe a life experience or two. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise roommate who’s loud and dramatic and obsessed with tea and is maybe, actually, all he’s ever wanted.

Word count: 98,194

Just Me, You, And This Box of Matches by tomlinsunshine:

Summary: Louis is fairly sure that his new neighbour is going to destroy him. And also their apartment building, and the dumpsters outside, and all the forests within a thirty mile radius. But. Mostly him.

Word count: 87,020

Let’s Fall in Love in a Place You Want to Stay by embro:

Summary: A George of the Jungle / Tarzan AU where Louis is a model who meets Wild Man Harry in the Congo. He was raised by apes and barely speaks a word of English and turns Louis’ life upside down.

Word count: 134,170

Love Is A Rebellious Bird by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews:

Summary: AU in which the boys still make music. Louis is the concertmaster of the London Symphony Orchestra, Harry is the New! and Exciting! interim conductor/ex-cello prodigy who “has made Mozart cool again” according to Esquire Magazine (Louis hates him immediately, which is definitely why he internet stalked him in his dark bedroom late at night that one time), and Niall is the best. Zayn and Liam are around too.

Don’t hum Bolero.

Word count: 134,891

Sing When You’re Winning by hazmesentir:

Summary: Harry is fifteen minutes late to the office on the day Louis Tomlinson comes out as gay.

Or, the one where Harry’s a chronically underpaid magazine intern and Louis is the Premier League’s first gay footballer and pretty much the last thing they need is each other.

Word count: 90,594

Give Me Truths by iwillpaintasongforlou:

Summary: ‘Just like a little cat,’ Louis thought later, as he drifted off to sleep. ‘A little kitten with his claws sunk right into me.’ It isn’t that terrible of a thought, after all.Louis is a psychology student with a tattoo count as high as his genius IQ. Harry is in a (sort-of) relationship with a homophobic man and hates himself a little more every day. Things fall apart and Louis puts him back together.

Or, the one in which Louis falls in love with a fragile boy and tells him every beautiful truth in the world, as long as it makes him happy.

Word count: 110,330

things have gotten closer to the sun by starseas:

Summary: it’s strange, making the choice to face his past—it almost feels like he’s heading for the sun straight on, like he’s screaming come on and burn me, i deserve it.

when a solar flare is announced to end the world in twelve days, harry reunites with the people that he used to know better than the back of his own hand.

And you just go,

First Impressions by Chelsea Frew (chelseafrew)

Summary:

It’s love at first sight when Louis, a member of popular boyband No Control, takes part in a charity event and meets photographer Harry Styles. After Louis finagles Harry’s number from the charity organisers, he sets off on a mission to go out on a date with Harry. Despite differences between them that might seem insurmountable to some, Louis is determined to prove that those differences are nothing whatsoever when put up against the tremendous spark of their instant connection. Absolutely nothing.

Brokeback Mountain (2003), dir. Ang Lee: