F a v o r i t e F i c s O f 2 0 2 3

As an avid One Direction fan fic reader, 2023 has been a truly amazing year for fics! I read so many incredible fics this year, so please check out all my recs for the year here! Below you will find fics that made me cry or cry with laughter. Others brought me comfort during hard times or filled my heart with joy or had me screaming into my pillow in surprise. I share this list with you all not to say that these fics are better than others from this year, but to say thank you to these writers who have left a mark on me with their fics.

To all our fandom's writers, thank you for the gift of your stories! Sending much love to you in the new year!

⚜️ Louis / Harry ⚜️

And What If I Were You by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom

(E, 109k, famous/not famous) For Louis, will losing his sight give him the clarity to realise what is right in front of him? For Harry, will losing the love of his life give him the strength to finally open his heart? And can they find their way back, before they lose each other forever?

De amore ex tempore by @persephoneflouwers

(M, 101k, historical) the Middle Ages AU where Harry is a philosopher, whose thoughts happen five centuries too soon and Louis is a painter, whose art happens five centuries too late. & Or: the Time Travel AU where alternate versions of themselves live simultaneously in different realities and their paths collide every time, until somehow, they converge into one.

Gemma's Dad (Could Use A Guy Like Me) by @lululawrence

(NR, 82k, age difference) Louis wasn't planning on getting home and learning that Gemma's dad had gotten the house in the divorce and was dealing with things by focusing on work, the house, and his newly planted garden. It becomes obvious early on that Harry is a bit lost and Gemma is worried about him. To help both of them, Louis is more than happy to help Harry find himself again.

Teach me how to love by @perfectdagger

(E, 70k, one night stand) The one in which Harry is bad at sex and Louis spreads it all over town and to make up for it, decides to help him with no agenda of getting anything from it, but in the end, he ends up getting more than he bargained for.

your memory over me by @shimmeringevil

(E, 64k, exes) The worst heartbreak of Louis’ life walks right back into it when his parents invite their family friends on an all-expenses-paid trip for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Facing a past that he tried to bury long ago, Louis learns that some people have a way of sticking with you even when they’re gone

saw some things on the other side by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed

(M, 61k, murder mystery) Unfortunately, Louis’ plan doesn’t take into account the fact that instead of writing murder mysteries, he will find himself in one.

and i would search the night sky to find you by devilinmybrain / @thedevilinmybrain

(E, 56k, omegaverse) Harry Styles is a high class, well-bred Omega attending Bosworth Academy - a prestigious boarding school looking over the small town on Kinsey. He has his whole life already planned for him, learning his place as the potential mate for an important Alpha, practicing his home making skills, and be obedient above all else.

Suddenly Last Summer by @disgruntledkittenface

(E, 44k, mystery) Suddenly he has someone who listens to him and cares about what he thinks. Someone who really sees him. But their happily ever after is forever marred by an incident at a party during Labor Day weekend, and Louis is left with a choice to make.

Train Tracks and Porcelain by @jaerie

(E, 41k, historical circus au) Shadows were forming into people and things and, there in the middle of it, Louis watched the humongous head of an elephant emerge from a box car right in front of his eyes. Or a Water For Elephants inspired AU

You're Not My Type (still I fall) by Imogenlee / @imogenleewriter

(M, 38k, omegaverse) This is just a bit of rain; it'll blow over. Then Harry will just... well, alright, he isn't entirely sure what to do when the rain stops because he'll still be stuck and lost. 

My Other Half Was You by @lululawrence

(NR, 35k, small town au) Four years, seven months, and sixteen days after the day that changed everything, Louis turns a corner and literally runs into the man who just might change it all again.

I Really Like Your Styles: The Baking Advent-ure by @homosociallyyours

(T, 35k, coffee shop) Louis isn't much for frills, and the coffee shop he co-owns with his best friend Liam is evidence of that. Yes, it's got a decent sized, well-kept industrial kitchen, but Louis insists that people come to coffee shops for coffee, not mediocre pastry and plastic wrapped cookies. 

You Ain’t Gotta Feel Fear Just Mingle by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(T, 32, coworkers) Harry has been at his dream job for less than three months, and he knows two things for sure; first, his project manager doesn't know what he's doing, and second, someone in the office is apparently pure evil, and no one will tell Harry who it is.

Cowboy Like Me by Rearviewdreamer / @all-these-larrythings

(M, 29k, thief au) Going legit and starting over in a small town was supposed to solve all of Harry’s problems. That was until a string of robberies in wealthy towns brings him face-to-face with his rogue ex-partner and their dicey, unresolved past.

'cause I want you (for the worse and for the better) by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense

(NR, 26k, omegaverse) When Louis gets invited along to Anne's wedding, Harry is prepared to let people think whatever they want about their relationship. That's what Louis said -- let people think whatever they want. 

what's left of my halo's black by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove

(E, 22k, fwb) A year after a devastating breakup, Louis is still trying to put himself back together - but getting over a breakup is hard when you work as a wedding planner. Thankfully, his coworker Harry is the most supportive friend Louis could ask for.

'tis the damn season by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(E, 17k, girl direction) Harry returns to her small hometown over the holiday season and starts to think about the road not taken.

Captain Cupid by @2tiedships2

(NR, 15k, omegaverse) the one where Niall enlists his friends to help start a speed dating side hustle. Things don't go as planned... or maybe they do?

It Will Always Be You by @phdmama

(E, 15k, older Larry) If you had told Louis Tomlinson a year ago that he would be celebrating his birthday by kissing the man who is the love of his life on a Church Street park bench in Burlington VT as the snow drifted softly down, he would have told you that you were extremely imaginative. 

Eyes on the Horizon by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright

(E, 12k, age difference) Freshly dumped, recently fired, and about to turn 40, Harry's friends insist on taking him skydiving to cheer him up.

You Light Up the Path by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird

(T, 12k, mermaid au) Louis Tomlinson left his home in Doncaster as a young man with the intent of making enough money to send it back home to his family and support them however he could. Harry, or so he likes to be called, is the myth and legend himself known as the Staithes Mermaid. 

Sex Drunk Suckerpunch by thinlines / @thinlinez

(E, 7k, sugar baby) Sugar Baby Louis did what any sugar baby should avoid doing but (clichely) end up doing anyways, that is, failing for his sugar mama.

Court Wine by @enchantedlandcoffee , red_panda28 / @red-pandaaa

(T, 7k, omegaverse) after a misunderstanding during a scrabble game, Alpha Louis starts courting Omega Harry without the latter being aware of it.

you give me feelings that i adore by @alwaysxlarrie

(T, 7k, a/b/o) 5 times Louis scents Harry's things and the 1 time Harry returns the gesture.

Truth or Drink by @kingsofeverything

(M, 6k, exes to lovers) Harry and Louis broke up years ago, and they're seeing each other again for the first time to play Truth or Drink. On camera.

Perfect, For Now by @parmahamlarrie

(T, 4k, omegaverse) Moving to a new city is always hard, being away from home, finding your new community - none of it is easy. Dealing with all of this while being touch deprived is even more difficult.

Unplant by @hellolovers13

(M, 4k, neighbors) Louis should've looked where he was going, then he wouldn't have to desperately try to save a little flower now.

nights like these by localopa / @voulezloux

(G, 3k, angst with a happy ending) you smile at me and say “it’s time to go.” but i don’t feel like going home.

sorry for... by stretchmybones / @lookwhatyoumademelou

(M, 1k, roommates) How else was Harry supposed to apologize properly? He was indeed a stress baker. 

Mistletoe Kiss by @neondiamond

(G, 1k, roommates) A little bit of mistletoe is just the thing Louis needed to let his roommate Harry know he’s got quite the crush on him.

Still by downcamethelightning / @downcamethelightnings

(G, 666 words, Halloween) FBI Agent Louis calls Harry to investigate a case believed to have taken place in Harry's own home. Harry is quite familiar with the victim's face.

⚜️ Rare Pairs ⚜️

The Light Out In The Madness (Hold Tight) by @lalalaartje

(E, 46k, Niall/Louis) When Louis ends up with Niall as a roommate after a messy break up with Harry, he considers it truly life saving. They become fast friends and while Louis is sceptical about Niall's idea to start fake dating to take revenge on Harry, it can't be that bad, can it?

neither wanting more, neither asking why (series) by @justanothershadeofblue

(E, 40k, OT5) If Louis is the origin, Zayn the expansion, Liam the complication, Niall the solution, then Harry - Harry's the completion.

Bloom by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13

(T, 28k, Louis/Liam) In early 1970s Oxford, Detective Sergeant Louis Tomlinson has to deal with the dual pressures of a case that hits too close to home, and the arrival of new colleague Liam Payne.

Jump! by @reminiscingintherain

(M, 15k, Louis/Tommy Longhurst) “I absolutely know what this means, lad,” he replied, his voice gentle and supportive. “The way you’re reacting to being out there? That’s exactly why I chose you for the support slot.” He gave a reassuring squeeze. “You deserve this, okay?” 

Cold Spring by @nouies

(E, 8k, Louis/Pedro Pascal) Louis is a coffee shop owner and Pedro is his newest customer.

Chaos by @haztobegood

- HL Fic Library's Baker/Chef Fic Rec -

Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find our other recs here.

🍰 For As Long As I Can Remember (It's Been December) by green_feelings  / @greenfeelings [E, 128k]

After recovering from a severe accident that causes Harry to lose his memory of three years, he moves to London to start his life over as a star chef. Little does he know that when he falls in love with Louis at first sight, it’s not the first time they meet.

Featuring an unintentional game of hot and cold, Harry chasing memories that won’t come back, Louis burying himself in work to try and forget what he can’t forget, Liam being torn between two of his best friends, Zayn as a moral compass and Niall saving the day with good music and brutal honesty.

🍰 promise your whispers are mine by lightswoodmagic / @lightwoodsmagic [E, 94k]

"Where did I say it’s been easy for you, or,” he paused, staring at Harry’s lowered head and willing him to look up, “where have you ever gotten the idea that it’s been easy for me either?” When a few beats had passed and Louis was sure the conversation was done, Harry looked up, straight into Louis’ eyes like he was trying to physically pin him in place. “Our situations are completely different and you know it, please stop trying to - .” “Then let me help you fix it, Harry,” Louis interrupted, desperate to reach out and cover his hand with one of his own. “Let me help, please.”

Harry’s the head chef at Azoff’s Catering, and he loves his job; the opportunity has always been more than he could dream of and he’s proud of the food he creates. Until he meets Louis, an event coordinator rising through the ranks with his own company, and who reminds him of the dreams he once had for his own career. While their easy friendship initially thrives in an industry known for chaos and betrayal, they soon discover they both have their secrets, and maybe it’s too late for either of them to try to find happiness outside of their work. Especially when they realise that their happiness might rely on each other.

🍰 Face Your Fears by @sadaveniren [E, 92k]

Harry is a single father, pretending to be a beta after his alpha mated him and left him. He’s getting by just fine raising the twins when Louis walks into his bakery. Too bad him and Louis will never be a thing.

🍰 leave it to the breeze by @hattalove [E, 81k]

Louis couldn’t be prouder of his bake, but there’s something—there’s something. Something about Harry Styles and the earnest way he measures, pours, mixes, scrapes. Something about the tip of his tongue poking out of his mouth as he knocks the air out of his batter.

or a great british bake off au in which louis cares about winning and winning only, harry is made of sunshine and rainbow sprinkles, and niall sticks his nose into other people's business. also featuring liam as louis's best friend-slash-concerned mother, and zayn as a macaron connoisseur.

🍰 across city skyline (and straight through my heart) by Halos_Boat / @halohamilton [M, 76k]

Louis Tomlinson meets Hollywood Heartthrob, Harry Styles when he walks into Louis' little bakery one day.

Immediately, Louis is charmed by him and Louis thinks Harry might feel the same way, given the fact that Harry has visited the bakery everyday since he'd come to town.

Until one day, Harry walks in with a boyfriend under his arm and a smile on his face.

The one where Louis owns a small bakery that's well known in his town and Harry Styles is an actor who comes to town to film a new movie. Louis is endeared by him, but that doesn’t seem to matter since Harry Styles is already taken.

🍰 Felt Nothing Like Home by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird [E, 61k]

The Bon Appétit YouTube channel has become an unexpected success partly due to the newest series developed by classically trained pastry chef Harry Styles who is intent on making the art of baking accessible to the masses. He and his best friend Louis Tomlinson have been with the magazine for years and they’re unused to the level of online fame they’ve suddenly achieved.

It’s easy for Harry to brush it off and ignore it (despite the teasing they get around the test kitchen) because Louis is happily married and has been for years—since just before they met for the first time. Or, it was easy to brush it off, but at the beginning of the summer, just as they’re leading up to the stress of planning the annual holiday issue, Louis and his husband decide to file for divorce.

🍰 I Know How To Whisk (But Teach Me Anyway) by @2tiedships2 [M, 32k,]

Louis scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. “I don’t understand. Unmated alphas don’t just go into a rut out of nowhere. Unless…”

Louis grabbed onto Niall’s arm in desperation. “Am I a homewrecker? Does Harry have a mate? Oh my God, was he not flirting? Did the change in his scent not have anything to do with my smell yesterday? Did I just make that up!?”

Louis let go of Niall and dropped his face in his hands. “I knew it was too good to be true.”

“You’re an idiot,” Niall stated. Louis looked up to find Niall rolling his eyes. He snapped his laptop closed and moved to stand up. “I need to get some work done. Why don’t you stay here and think back to ABO dynamics 101.”

With that Niall hopped off the couch and headed to his room. He stopped and turned to Louis before he made it to the hall and said, “Oh, and Lou. You may want to reconsider your outlook on soulmates.”

Louis yelled after him. “Soulmates aren’t a thing, Niall!”

Or the one in which banana bread just might make Louis change his mind about soulmates.

🍰 If I had no love to give (I wouldn't give it to you) by @kingsofeverything [E, 30k]

Small town restaurateur Louis Tomlinson needs someone competent to work in his kitchen.

Chef Harry Styles needs a job.

🍰 all the lights are full of colour by @infinitelymint [E, 26k]

So, fast-forwarding eight years from the day Harry met Louis, he is now a twenty-seven year old owner of one of the most up-and-coming eating establishments on the London restaurant scene, father of two wonderful boys and… separated from his husband. Now, that last part definitely was never a part of the original plan.

Or, Harry and Louis are separated, but for the sake of their two sons, they choose to spend Christmas together. It may just lead to a Christmas miracle.

🍰 Heartbreak Anniversary by @brightgolden [E, 24k]

When Harry Styles, an actor who has grown accustomed living in Los Angeles agreed to do The Great British Bake Off in London, never in his life would he imagined that a certain singer-songwriter serial-heartbreaker Louis Tomlinson would be there too.

Luckily, it’s just for two days. Right?

🍰 If We Have Each Other by ishiplouis / @pocketsunshineharry [M, 23k]

“When are you going to accept my offer to go out again? It’s been seven years and you’re still saying no to a fun night?” Niall complains.

“A night in with Mads is a fun night for me Ni, I already told you that.” Harry responds while serving a customer.

“You’re infuriating, I just want my best friend to go out with me tonight, is it too much to ask?” Niall pouts but all Harry does is chuckle and prepare the coffee machine for the double espresso the customer ordered.

“Playing the victim, are we now?” Harry is so used to Niall’s techniques. “Well, I have good news for you, Maddie is having a sleepover at one of her friends so tonight so I’m all yours.”

OR AU where Harry is a single father and a one-night stand is going to change his life forever.

🍰 Boyfriend Material by Speechless / @smokingluckiesalltheway [E, 22k]

What really fucks with his head is the fact that Nick Grimshaw didn't just lie and disguise his evil plan as a birthday present. He didn't simply force Louis into his little psychological torture despite his efforts to keep that from happening. He didn't even stop after involving another innocent person into his cruel game. He also paid Harry Styles, a handsome, charming, young chef, so he would teach Louis how to cook. He told Harry Styles which days Louis works the morning shift and that's why Harry Styles knocks on his door every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

So basically Nick bets Louis he can't go two months without sex. And then he introduces Harry to him. Because he's the Devil

🍰 Soup Of The Day by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom [E, 20k]

It had been the single minded goal for them since college and seemed simple enough. 1. Study hard. 2. Open their dream restaurant. 3. Take the culinary world by storm.

What could possibly go wrong?

Or the Restaurant AU where Louis and Niall are chefs, Chicago is windy, and cracking the big time is harder than they ever imagined. But when a mysterious man starts grading Louis' soups by leaving little piles of rocks, could it be just the thing they need to get them on the road to success?

🍰 'Til I Tasted You by kiwikero / @icanhazzalou [M, 15k]

Louis is Harry Styles' biggest fan. It doesn't matter that Harry is famous for being a food blogger and Louis can't cook to save his life.

At least, until Harry offers to give Louis a cooking lesson. Then it matters just a teensy bit.

🍰 Gimme Some Sugar by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense [M, 13k]

Louis is scheduled to work an overnight shift with Harry, the hot new pastry chef, to complete a special order. Into the late hours of the night, they bond over music and the ability to make each other laugh like no one else... which makes it harder and harder for Louis to hide his crush. Maybe it won't be so bad if he can't.

Or an AU inspired entirely by a manip of Harry with highlights.

🍰 Simply Irresistible by Rearviewdreamer / @all-these-larrythings [M, 12k]

Louis only comes to town to start up a successful restaurant, but finds he can't quite leave once the job is done. Though, that might have more to do with him falling for his quirky neighbor than anything else.

A fic loosely based on the movie Simply Irresistible. A silly and funny movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar about witchcraft, cooking, and sex that everybody needs to watch at some point in their lives.

🍰 Whisk me off my feet by @allwaswell16 [E, 5k]

When Louis locks himself out of his apartment in just a pair of novelty underwear, he hopes his new neighbor can come to his rescue.

🍰 an honest mistake by @disgruntledkittenface [NR, 2k]

“You look different when you’re not covered in come,” he blurts out, immediately regretting each and every life choice that has led to this exact moment. Elevator Guy is going to hate him.

Louis has ridden the elevator with his neighbor all week. The first time they speak, there’s a misunderstanding.

🍰 Read the Recipe by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup [G, 2k]

Louis Tomlinson does not have to be good at baking. He is rich, and has people for that.

i was inspired by @allwaswell16 who does monthly fic recommendations (and much, much more)! i do not have the executive function abilities to do that - i admire her for being able to do so, and just in general, really, but i am in the middle of making a fav fics and fav ao3 writers masterpost, and i’ve *been* in the middle of that since december lol. so, i figured, for now i’d just do a smaller post of fics (this was originally intended to be a *much* shorter post) i’ve been reading these past few weeks that i’ve been loving & fics that i’ve been rereading as well!

are you taking clients? by @jaerie (sex worker harry/rich louis, pregnancy kink, lactation kink, mentions of childbirth, mentions of cults, i’ve been manifesting a part 2 to this since i first read it, light angst, ambigious ending, implied future sugar baby harry)

a million roses (bathed in rock n’ roll) by deLILah (daddy kink, mentions of alcohol/drugs, spanking, music producer louis/singer harry, mentions of past gryles fwb, mentions of closeting, mentions of past haroline, hurt/comfort, harry is louis’ baby, dom/sub undertones, getting together)

a life that we share (i owe it all to you) by @all-these-larrythings (kid fic, single dad louis/single dad harry, it says no angst but then the next tag is bullying so i’d argue that there’s a bit of angst, the fluff and fond in this is *chefs kiss*, harry is louis’ baby, hurt/comfort)

all your mates are here by @londonderrytea (non abo werewolves, lots of top tier humor, some angst, slow burn, subtle courting/flirting, light angst)

all i want is to fall with you by @2tiedships2 (omega louis/alpha harry, courting, light omega discrimination, wary louis, the writing is so funny and witty i love it)

adore you by @isthatyoularry (older louis/younger harry, hate to love, louis is infatuated with harry, harry is louis’ baby, courtship, toxic family relationships, character development, louis just wants harry to be happy and to marry him, miscommunication, minor violent scene, implied smut)

ain’t that a kick in the head! by @karasunonolibero and keysmashlesbian (strangers to minor enemies to friends to lovers, football au, american harry/british louis, famous louis/non famous harry, mentioned/implied closeting, kind of a slow burn, getting together, top tier humor, so many memes we love to see it)

babydoll blues by @thedevilinmybrain (music executive louis/singer harry, sugar baby au, daddy kink, dom/sub undertones, a love triangle of sorts, bdsm elements, angst, i love this sm)

boys fall like dominoes by orphan_account (omega harry/alpha louis, strangers to fwbs, possessive louis, dom/sub undertones, i absolutely recommend part two of boys fall like dominoes)

caught in your gravity by @lululawrence (british louis/american harry, footballer louis/football coach harry (lol), secret relationships, closeting, coming out, homophobia in the football industry, a few momentarily hostile situations, strangers to friends to lovers, fluff, very light angst)

counterculture by @sadaveniren (omega harry/alpha louis, semi famous louis/non famous harry, pregnancy kink, lactation kink, platonic come marking, strangers to lovers, getting together, possessive louis, public sex)

convalescent boy (with a heart of gold) by @londonfoginacup (this fic is so soft and cute i cry, college/university au, mentions of past louis/omc, actor louis, marcel au, strangers to friends to lovers, getting together, slow burnish)

gorgeous (it makes me so mad) by @artxghoul (barista harry/tattoo artist louis, sexual tension, dom/sub undertones daddy kink, healthy bdsm communication, bathroom sex, harry is louis’ baby, strangers to lovers, louis is a seductive minx and harry is a hippie trying his best)

gathered on wings by @twopoppies (artist louis/artist harry, sculptor louis/painter harry, feminization, harry is louis’ baby, top tier dirty talk/smut, desk sex, thigh fucking, angst, sugar baby harry, daddy kink, semi public sex, this is one of my fav fics omg, younger harry/older louis, dom/sub undertones, acquaintances to fwb to lovers, miscommunication turned to healthy communication, getting together)

hard for me to know i might see you around by @coffeelouis (strangers to lovers, tinder au, louis has no shame and i love it, embarrassed harry, somewhat of an ambiguous ending and i usually don’t love those but i do love this fic)

in all its imperfections by @briannamarguerite (coworkers to lovers, healthy communication, virgin harry, anxious harry, punk louis, harry is louis’ baby, getting together, supportive louis, top tier dirty talk and smut)

in dreams by @haydolce (strangers to friends to lovers, neighbors au, punk louis, teacher harry/tattoo artist louis, this shit is so cute, mentions of harry’s ex, slow burn, sharing a bed, mentions of insomnia, secret admirer au, falling in love, louis just wants to see harry happy, getting together)

i don’t wanna be your friend, i wanna kiss your neck by crybaby (omega harry/alpha louis, louis is gemma’s best friend au, drug/alcohol use, hopeless romantic harry, mentions of louis/omc, friends to fwb to lovers, angst, thigh fucking, possessive louis we love to see it, getting together)

it’s halftime. are you ready to go? by @gaycousinlarry (coworkers au, friends to lovers, mutual pining, body worship, prostate orgasm, overwhelming crushes, implied getting together, harry is infatuated with louis what’s new)

introduction to dynamics by @juliusschmidt (college/university au, omega louis/unlabeled harry, strangers to friends to lovers, slow burn, i think this fic is so cute, miscommunication, mentioned tense / uncomfortable family dynamics, light angst, getting together)

knock knock, i love you by @thelovejandles (college/university au, classmates to lovers, virgin harry, harry is louis’ baby, fluff, light hurt/comfort, dirty talk, orgasm denial, getting together, kinda wanted to fight their teacher at one point tbh - no one would’ve noticed if she hadn’t said anything but i digress lol, i love this fic, top tier dirty talk and smut)

let’s talk about making love by istajmaal (phone sex operator louis, dom/sub undertones, self spanking(?), daddy kink, harry is louis’ baby, this fic has such good dirty talk omg, angst, strangers to fwb to lovers, getting together, requires a bit of suspension of disbelief tbh imo but the fic is absolutely good enough to overlook that aspect)

like how your hands feel me up and down by ballsdeepinjesus (halloween au, classmates to lovers, semi public sex, feminization, dom/sub undertones, fics where harry has a crush on louis & they get together & the vibes are very harry is louis’ baby are my shit & this is one of them, getting together, i love this fic)

lemon eyes by @turnyourankle (strangers to fwb to lovers, college/unversity au, alpha louis/omega harry, miscommunication, they kinda share that really, jealousy, angst, minor injuries from a bike accident, slow burn, getting together, harry is louis’ baby, the smut and dirty talk is top tier)

let me outshine the moon by sarcasticfluentry (vampire au, vampire louis/human harry, public sex, dom/sub undertones, exhibitionism, possessive louis, strangers to lovers, implied getting together, pain kink, praise kink)

my service, your pleasure by @hershelsue (best friends to lovers, service kink, praise kink, humiliation kink, dom/sub undertones, roommates, first time au, i betaed this and i love how it turned out)

my pleasure (to make you mine) by @zanniscaramouche (strangers to lovers, piercer louis, pain kink, praise kink, nipple play, slight miscommunication, dom/sub undertones, also one of my fav fics, harry is louis’ baby)

no bunny but you by @crinkle-eyed-boo (strangers to lovers, bartender harry/artist louis, punk louis, semi public sex, dom/sub undertones, slight daddy kink, getting together, light nipple play, face fucking, louis is a minx what’s new)

never be by @cherrystreet (study abroad au, college/university au, strangers to friends to lovers to exes to lovers, minor louis/omc, minor harry/omc, pining, angst, louis is a little shit and harry is obsessed with him what’s new, i love this fic)

our lives, non fiction by @indiaalphawhiskey (marcel au, enemies to fwb to lovers, book tour, author louis/author harry, first time, top tier smut/dirty talk, kink exploration, marcel is louis’ baby, mild angst, miscommunication turned healthy communication, mentions of past toxic/unhealthy relationship, getting together, a very good lesson about love and the standards we hold)

oh glory by @alivingfire (olympics au, swimmer harry/gymnast louis, mentions of zouis, louis seduces harry by breathing and makes his life a chaotic rollercoaster but like. with love, praise kink, dom/sub undertones, light bondage, angst, strangers to friends to lovers, mentions of homophobia in sports environments)

picture this by @kingsofeverything (misunderstandings, flustered harry, light hurt/comfort, light dom/sub undertones imo at least, acquaintances to lovers)

ready to fall by @crazyupsetter (radio dj louis/singer harry, acquaintances to fwb to lovers, harry is obsessed with louis what’s new, courting, louis is a little shit, slow burn kinda, getting together, it reads like harry is closeted in this fic but if so he’s inside of the most clear glass closet ever, but i also could’ve read those parts wrong, semi public sex, bathroom sex, louis is a minx)

skip the small talk by @sadaveniren (omega louis/alpha harry, dom/sub undertones, wax play, breeding kink, bdsm elements, mating kink, overall a top tier fic, harry is louis’ baby)

secrets don’t make friends by @thedevilinmybrain (daddy kink, dom/sub undertones, service kink, domestic kink, feminization, college/university au, harry is louis’ baby, hurt/comfort, this is one of my fav fics)

say something by @kingsofeverything (omega harry/alpha louis, divorced harry, older harry/younger louis, pregnancy kink, mpreg harry, mentions of cheating and assholes exes, angst, miscommunication, harry is louis’ baby)

staring across the room by @allwaswell16 (strangers to ‘enemies’ to lovers, installation coordinator louis/librarian harry, harry thinks louis is annoying and louis just wants harry’s attention, lots of fluff, miscommunication, getting together, smut, cute narry friendship louis teases and seduces harry and i love it. i also love the super cute and funny sequel)

strip that down by @chloehl10 (friends to lovers, college/university au, thigh fucking, waxing, pain pink, semi public sex, louis loves and worships harry’s thighs nothing new here we love to see it)

star strangers by @sunshineandhisrainbows (strangers to friends to lovers, photographer/songwriter/law student/singer harry, tour leader/guide louis, implied/referenced homphobia/homophobic laws, implied/referenced internal homophobia, self esteem issues, sexual tension is written so well i could cry, travel abroad au, minor louis/ofc at the beginning, sexual exploration, hurt/comfort, slow burn, they kind of share that really, mentions of cheating - not larry, all zarry wants is to see louis happy)

stars will align for us by @2tiedships2 (alpha louis/omega harry, strangers to friends to lovers, lots of pining, much fluff, insecure harry, getting together, we all need to admit that harry is us when it comes to actually talking to our crushes ok, i love this fic)

them butterflies by @gaycousinlarry (social worker harry/graphic designer louis, past mentions of louis/omc, coming out, a few scenes with homophobia, they share that really, strangers to fwb to lovers, slight miscommunication, i love this fic tbh)

the flower that blooms in adversity by @hershelsue (strangers to lovers, unlabeled harry/alpha louis, pregnancy kink, lactation kink, light angst w/ a happy ending, praise kink, love this fic)

the money mark by @brightgolden (age difference, sugar baby au, alpha louis/omega harry, hostile/toxic work environment, exes to lovers, miscommunication, semi slow burn, mild angst, getting together)

this is my jam by @disgruntledkittenface (historical/90s au, gay bathhouse, closeted harry, mentions of hiv/aids, strangers to lovers, praise kink, exhibitionism, normally i despise ambiguous endings but i’m not mad at this one, i love this fic sm omg it’s so well done, dom/sub undertones)

we are ghosts amongst these hills by orphan_account (farmer louis/artist harry, soulmates au, reincarnation au, historical au, this fic made me miss a soulmate from the 17th century that i do not have, slow burn, it says a dash of angst and i firmly disagree this shit made me cry, period typical homophobia, angst, when i finished reading i had to go back to look for all the things i’d missed the first time, harry is louis’ baby, getting together, mentioned nemma)

wasn’t expecting that by @yourpricelessadvice (single dad harry, construction worker harry/teacher louis, one night stand turned into forever, hurt/comfort, angst, coming out, louis introduces our mans harry to gay sex, harry is louis’ baby)

want you more than a by @donotdialnine (harry is louis’ baby, best friend’s brother au, they share that really, dom/sub undertones, praise kink, a few occurrences of bullying, first time, domesticity kink, also obsessed w this fic + the alternate ending)

want it flowing through my streams by @screwstyles (tennis au, grand slam au, alpha louis/omega harry, strangers to friends (if u squint) to lovers, bad boy louis, the way their relationship progresses is so cute i love it)

what do you mean he’s coming? by @mediawhorefics (mild angst, famous louis/non famous harry, actor louis/photographer harry, louis is gemma’s best friend au, banter, a break in the third wall at one point imo, harry is louis’ baby, getting together, literally such a cute fic ugh)

young hearts on the chase by @polaroidlouis (college/university au, omega harry/alpha louis, courting, oblivious louis, fluff, this is so cute i could cry, strangers to friends to lovers, getting together)

And Then, You by @all-these-larrythings​ / rearviewdreamer

Words: 26,394 // Rating: Mature

The last place Harry wants to spend part of her summer is in the middle of nowhere prepping for some stupid, age-old tradition she never asked to be part of. Debutante balls are so ridiculous that Harry would give anything to get out of hers. That is, until she meets Louis, and suddenly, she's wishing to never leave.

Superhuman Tonight by Rearviewdreamer/ @all-these-larrythings

Words: 22862

Chapters: 5/5 Fandom: One Direction (Band) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson Characters: Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Original Characters Additional Tags: Misfits AU, freak ice storms, Superheroes, Superpowers, Community Service

Summary:

A group of young offenders doing community service get struck by lightning during a storm, and begin to develop superpowers.

*

Making Waves by haztobegood/ @haztobegood

Words: 30257

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: One Direction (Band) Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson Characters: Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Lottie Tomlinson, Clifford Tomlinson Additional Tags: Overboard AU, Romantic Comedy, Enemies to Lovers, Light Angst, Kid Fic, Amnesia, Panic Attack, Smut, Masturbation, Hand Jobs, Sex Toys, Anal Sex, Barebacking, Rimming

Summary:

After Louis Tomlinson, an arrogant millionaire, is thrown overboard and loses his memory, a mistreated employee convinces him that they are married. Thrust into an unfamiliar life he cannot remember, Louis must learn to live with his new husband and daughters and adjust to a less extravagant life.

Or, the one where Louis can’t remember, Harry needs money, and Niall has a plan. An Overboard AU.

*

Far From The Tree by AlwaysAqua/ @always-aqua

Words: 28425

Chapters: 1/1

Fandom: One Direction (Band)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Relationships: Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson

Characters: Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Jay Tomlinson, Anne Cox, Troy Austin

Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Friends to Lovers, No Smut, Mentions of homophobia, some homophobic language, Louis’ Dad Is NOT A Good Guy, There Is A Lot Of Emotional Abuse, Fashion Designer Louis, Famous Louis, Non-Famous Harry, Best Friends, POV Alternating, Slow Burn, I Feel Like I Should Be Better At Tagging Things, Tags Are Hard, my apologies, For all of this, Popularry Culture Fic Fest, Based Off Of Kelly Clarkson’s Song Piece by Piece, Jay’s Death Does Have A Significant Role In This, Minor Character Death

Summary:

“I love you, you know that, right?” Louis asked with a shaky voice and a delicate hand placed across his chest. He had seen Louis place a hand on his chest hundreds of times as a way to remind himself to breathe evenly.

“I know.” Harry tried to keep the sadness from his smile. He couldn’t recall how many times in their lives they’d had this exact conversation, but somewhere between the five-hundredth time and now, its meaning had changed for Harry entirely. Still, now was not the time to go into all of that. In fact the time never seemed right, so once again Harry swallowed down the ever-present dull ache his heart felt for Louis. “Love you, too, Louis.”

“You’re my best friend,” Louis smiled softly.

“And you’re mine.”

“For forever?” Louis asked, voice small.

“For always.” __________

Or, Harry and Louis have been best friends since diapers (twenty-some years ago) and somewhere in the middle of Harry always picking up the mess that Louis’ father has habitually left in his wake, Harry accidentally fell in love.

*

I wish that I could let you love me by Cherrie/ @exquisitetrouble

Words: 12532

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: One Direction (Band), Little Mix (Band) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson Characters: Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Perrie Edwards Additional Tags: Liam and Jade are there for like two seconds, very background Jerrie, even more background Ziam, Oops inspired, Alternate Universe - College/University, Frat Boy Harry, but he’s not really a typical frat boy is he, Also Louis is really bad with names

Summary:

FIC REC’S OF 2017 part 9 ( november)

We’re starting to get to the Christmas/Holiday season and I, for one, am sooo excited! I wanted to write “I loved this” at the end of each of these fics, so I’m just going to say it here now. I loved all of these. :D Happy reading!

You Love Me, If You Love Me Don’t Let Go by @shadowofyoursong / ao3 (98k) CHAPTERED 

His name is up there. He’s the only Harry in this group. His eyes land on Louis, who swallows thickly. He gives Harry a small smile, brows raised a little. Harry is not dancing a solo. He’s dancing with the boy, who he never remembers. How the hell can he ever get anyone’s attention, when he doesn’t have any connection with this guy.

Or the one where Harry and Louis are students at The Juilliard School of Performing Arts and are dancing in the same group. Harry never notices Louis, the boy who is a year younger than him, mostly sticks to himself and practices hard (or that's what Harry thinks). Louis on the other hand always sees the confident and focused Harry. Now they’re paired for a duo performance and they have to make it work, even though Louis’ eyes are towards London and Harry’s are towards a career after graduation, which he thinks he can only get with a solo performance. DANCER AU, HATE TO LOVE

(Take Me Home) Country Roads by @a-writerwrites / ao3 (86k) CHAPTERED

“Sir, I can help you. Just let me — “ He tried moving closer but the eldest child blocked his way. He backed off, putting his hands out in a passive gesture. “I’m a physician. I can help,” he tried again.

The man shook his head vehemently, passing the cup back to his grandchild. “Tol’ ya. Don’t need ya.” All of the fire had gone out of his voice, leaving behind a frail, sick old man with barely any breath to talk.

“I have medicines...I could make you comfortable…” Louis’ voice was still small, but pleading.

“Mountain Mama cares for wha’s ailin’ me. Don’t need no fancy city doctors.”

Louis blinked at the man, still shaking from the coughing spell. Mountain — well, fuck. That backwoods, uneducated scam artist…

“Of course he is,” Louis said curtly.

OR a Northern Exposure AU featuring Louis as the big city doctor, Harry as a natural healer, Niall as a secretive barkeep, Liam and Zayn head over heels for each other but they don't know it and a lot of hurt, comfort and moonshine in between. HATE TO LOVE

You Might Want To Marry My Husband by @all-these-larrythings / ao3 (25k) CHAPTERED

When Harry’s husband dies, he asks one thing of him; to find love and happiness again without him. It’s a request that Harry is happy to disregard, until he meets the one person who is impossible to ignore. MOVING ON

It’ll Be by @styleandsin / ao3 (13k) ONE SHOT

Louis has always wanted children and he decides he's done waiting for love to come first. However, after adopting a baby girl just days after she's born, he quickly realizes how hard parenting is. Louis hires Harry to be his Nanny, and it all works out great. Until Louis falls in love with him. KID FIC

Oops, Baby, I Love You ( In That Order) by @suddenclarityharry / ao3 (25k) ONE SHOT 

Later that night, when he’s lying in bed thinking of all the things he’s longed for in his life, he can’t stop hearing Fizzy’s words in his head.

Who says you have to get married?

It’s true, Louis wants to get married one day, to have a spouse to encourage his crazy promotional ideas for his book shop, to have someone to cuddle into at night, someone who will love him even on his moody days. But she’s absolutely right, isn’t she? Who says he has to have that before he can have a baby?

When he finally falls asleep, he sleeps restfully, having made a very important decision about his future.

Husband or no, Louis Tomlinson is going to have a baby.

OR The minute Louis Tomlinson decides he don’t need no man to start a family, Harry Styles literally falls into his arms. MPREG

Couldn’t See Past Me, Till I Saw Your Face by @lululawrence / ao3 (12k) ONE SHOT 

“Look at us, living the dream,” Louis said softly. “But Harry, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to finish my last semester with the baby. I don’t know how far along I am or anything. And what about my internship and all of that?”

Harry shook his head emphatically and pulled back once more from Louis, this time placing his large, strong hands on Louis’ shoulders and squeezing them tight.

“We’ll make this work, Louis. I’ll help take care of you and your little one and I know you’ll help me make it through whatever happens with this. We’re always there for each other, right? Just like we promised when we were in middle school.”

Louis laughed a bit and smiled through his tears that finally seem to have left. Again. Hopefully they stayed away a little longer this time.

“We’ll figure it out, yeah?” Harry asked again.

“Yeah. We always do.”

Or the one where Harry and Louis have been best friends since they could remember and their friendship has withstood it all...but an unexpected pregnancy might change everything. MPREG

Home For Christmas by @haloeverlasting / ao3 (22k) ONE SHOT 

The Shameless Hallmark Movie AU you probably didn't ask for.

Or, the one where Harry didn't think he wanted a family, but with a little Christmas magic (and maybe one Louis Tomlinson) he realizes that he is very, very wrong. CHRISTMAS, KID FIC

Waiting For Wonderful by @becomeawendybird / ao3 (13k) ONE SHOT

The university class where he met Louis was the beginning of the end for Harry. It took all of an hour for him to figure out that he was in love with Louis, and there was no way around it. It was a part of his DNA; he was tall, he had green eyes, and he was in love with Louis Tomlinson. Louis was his soulmate, and they were going to be together. Eventually.

Harry is willing to wait as long as he needs to for his best friend to realise that they're supposed to be together, but it kills him to watch Louis struggle in his relationship with Mackenzie. All Harry wants to do is be supportive, and sometimes that's all it takes. BEST FRIENDS TO LOVERS

We’ll Rise Up by @suddenclarityharry / ao3 (18k) ONE SHOT

“So,” Liam begins with a smile, “you were the associate pastor at your last church?”

“Yes,” Louis can already feel himself scrunching down in his seat, shrinking against even the reminder of the church he was forced from.

“Was that a good experience for you?” Liam steeples his hands in front of him as he leans his elbows on the desk in interest.

“It was for a while but, to be honest, things ended rather badly,” Louis leans forward too, he needs to get this out and he wants to tell Liam everything, have everything on the table.

Leaning forward even more, Liam seems to be looking for the same thing, “What happened?”

Louis can feel the trembles in his hands again, so he sits on them, biting his lip before admitting, “They found out I’m gay.”

In the hallway, there’s a terribly loud thump and then a grunt of pain and Louis twists around to see Harry, sprawled out on the ground just outside the doorway.

Or Louis is a Pastor with no church and a heart filled with uncertainty. Pastor Payne is more than willing to give Louis a new place to work, but it's Music Director Harry that helps him rebuild his faith. RELIGIOUS

(We Will Be) As If Chosen by @alivingfire / ao3 (35k) ONE SHOT

There's not a royal in the world who doesn't carry some sort of secret, and Prince Louis has more than his fair share. To protect himself and his family, Louis withdrew from the public eye and tried to live a quiet life, biding his time until his sister Lottie could take the throne in his stead. Unfortunately for him, the national media and the worst person Louis has ever met team up to bring him kicking and screaming back into the spotlight.

Under the watchful eyes of millions, Louis has to figure out how to keep his carefully constructed house of cards from falling, and the first step to accomplishing that is to keep from falling in love with the irritatingly charming Prince Harry, who just won't stop showing up and trying to whisk Louis out of the constraints of his boring life.

Or: the course of true love never did run smooth, because sometimes people are stubborn and sometimes people are scared and sometimes, just sometimes, love can cause just as many problems as it solves. MODERN ROYALTY, HATE TO LOVE

73 Questions by @literlarryreal / ao3 (6k) ONE SHOT

For Reasons Unknown by FallingLikeThis & Rearviewdreamer

Louis has always been a lot to take in. He’s got a lot of mouth and a lot of opinions and he has never been particularly quiet about it, however, he can tell that Harry isn’t like that. He’s soft where Louis is jagged and rough around the edges and his eyes alone tell the story of a man who sees kindness in the world, even after everything he’s been through. Louis had said that he was too trusting like it was some sort of hindrance, but Louis is often too closed off to ever let anyone in, so really, he’s not in a position to make judgments.

Six years after dying, Louis is suddenly thrust back into the life he'd lost. Support Group is supposed to help him adjust to everything that's changed but he finds the experience sadly lacking. Well, except there is one curly-haired lad that's there too. He kind of makes it worth going.

Written by: @suddenclarityharry and @all-these-larrythings