#beelou

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

As an avid One Direction fan fic reader, 2022 has been truly incredible! This may look like a long list for my favorites, but I read so many amazing fics this year that it was so hard to pare it down to just these. Please check out all the other fics I recced this year here! Below you will find fics that made me laugh or cry, brought me joy or filled me with emotion, and surprised or comforted me. I share this list not to say that these fics are better than the rest (although I think they're amazing), but to share ones that left a mark on me.

To all our fandom's writers, I thank you for gifting us with your stories, and I send so much love to all of you!

✼ Larry ✼

The Greatest Thing by @infinitelymint

(E, 163k, canon)  the semi-canon accidentally married in Vegas fic that has been seven years in the making

ghost of you by beckywritesthings / @beckydoesthings

(E, 109k, Star Wars au) a Star Wars AU where Harry is Obi-Wan, Louis is Satine, and somehow there’s a love story between the cracks where there shouldn’t be.

For the Right Reasons by @juliusschmidt

(E, 105k, Bachelor au) Louis may have signed up to be a contestant on the Bachelor, but he’s not interested a ring or a proposal, not from Harry, not from anyone. 

Into the Weeds by kair0sclerosis / @hearyouhowling

(M, 87k, strangers to friends to lovers) This is a story about small-town secrets, found family, queer identities, and the battle between fight and flight.

Late Night Talking by @kingsofeverything

(E, 53k, famous/famous) Louis Tomlinson has a new album coming out and a second world tour on the horizon. Promo season gets underway with a stop at Late Night Talking, the late night show hosted by Harry Styles, and Harry Styles just happens to be the man who blew a chance to date Louis a decade ago.

Chasing, Searching, Dreaming by @parmahamlarrie

(E, 46k, soulmates au) Harry has known who his soulmate is since he was twenty years old, and ever since, he has been waiting for Louis to be ready for him. 

I Like You, Say It Back by ishiplouis / @pocketsunshineharry

(E, 43k, a/b/o) the one where it takes a lot of time for Harry and Louis to figure it out. But they do, they always do, don't they?

Mind of Stone by amomentoflove / @daggerandrose

(M, 41k, mythology au) He needs to find a way back home, and then figure out what the fuck happened at the bar tonight.

yeah, he's a looker (but i really think it's guts that matter most) by devilinmybrain / @thedevilinmybrain

(E, 40k, character study) Five times Oli was asked to do something that was outside of his job description, and the one time he didn't have to be asked.

Set the Sky Alight, Oh Holy Night by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(T, 33k, roommates) One house, five almost-strangers (plus Niall), six new beginnings.

All Out of Love by SunTomato / @sun-tomato

(G, 32k, cupid au) While on a mission to match Liam and Zayn, the distraction comes in the shape of Louis Tomlinson – an overworked and underloved man trying way too hard to do everything himself.

Misbehaving Honeys by thinlines / @thinlinez

(E, 29k, a/b/o) In which Omega Louis can't figure out why the alpha newbie on their footie team seems to hold a grudge against him.

dip you in honey by delsicle / @eeveelou

(E, 28k, a/b/o) Anxious about his performance on his wedding night, he enlists the help of his loyal handmaiden Louis to help him practice everything he needs to know

The Risen by @creamcoffeelou

(E, 20k, cult au) In search of the next breaking story, Harry goes off to do something no one else has been able to do: get the scoop on Louis Tomlinson and his devoted group of followers.

Love On Air by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom

(E, 19k, radio station) the one where Louis doesn't have a type, no matter what Niall says, but if he did, it'd probably be the guy currently trapped in his radio studio and grinning back at him from across the desk.

Breathe me in, breathe me out by @lunarheslwt

(E, 14k, a/b/o au) Louis is drawn into a quaint candle shop in his desire to find ways to soothe himself while struggling with touch depri. It takes him two more run-ins and with the lovely alpha sales assistant, and a drop, to figure out the source of the scent that imprints upon him and calms his omega.

Close Enough to Touch by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf

(M, 11k, tour au) Louis definitely did not need a masseuse on tour. Not even if that masseuse turned out to be gorgeous, kind, and lovely.

Just Your Jinx by @larryatendoftheday

(T, 10k, witch au) Harry Styles may or may not have accidentally jinxed his extremely fit new neighbor, and it's not so easy to make things right.

Wild As You by bluegreenish / @greenblueish

(M, 9k, country au) a story about how Harry figures out whether the ideal of a house with a white picket fence in the suburbs of a medium-sized city is what he wants, or whether Louis' sheep ranch is the home his heart really desires.

Just the Start by @littleroverlouis

(M, 9k, silver fox au) Louis is a fifty-two year old divorcé who has fallen into a rut. He never anticipated a forced day of self care, and a chance meeting with a charming salon owner would shake him out of his comfort zone.

How It Begins (series) by phdmama / @phd-mama

(E, 8k, kid fic) New town, new job, new school for his daughter. It's a chance to start again for Louis Tomlinson, a clean slate. Or is it?

good enough (for you) by localopa / @voulezloux

(G, 8k, a/b/o) in spite of the rule saying he needs an alpha to rule, he creates an impossible olympics to find a worthy mate. 

The Bandits of Sherwood Forest by foreverfanficaddict / @chaotic-bells

(T, 8k, Robin Hood au) There has been a heap of legends and tall tales about him… But this is the story of what really happened in Sherwood Forest.

Mr. Tuesday by @jaerie

(E, 8k, sex work) It was true that most of his clients were regulars, but there was just something about Mr. Tuesday that would make him stand out amongst the others even if he hadn’t booked almost every single Tuesday with him for the past year. 

Will Death Be Our Last Kiss, My Love? by @fallinglikethis

(M, 6k, Potter Direction) As a half-veela, Louis has always had a past full of romantic turmoil. But his past comes back to bite him fully on the ass when a case falls into the lap of fellow aurors, Niall and Liam.

We're Getting Better With Time by @haztobegood

(T, 5k, silver fox au) the one where Louis is single, Harry is recently divorced, and they reconnect on Facebook forty years after they first met.

Seems You Cannot Be Replaced by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird

(M, 5k, high school) Harry and the popular boy in school, Louis Tomlinson, share a tension-filled night together when they're young. Fifteen years later they see each other again.

Love Mail by @neondiamond

(G, 5k, neighbors au) the one where Harry and Louis keep mistakenly receiving each other’s mail (and also fall in love)

ring around the moon by unwept / @peachade

(T, 5k, historical au) 5 slices where they seek shelter in each other.

Simply the Nest (Better Than All the Rest) by @homosociallyyours

(G, 2k, a/b/o) It's been a few months since Louis moved to a new town, and he still hasn't managed to get his nest to feel as comforting as he'd like it to.

Cake Date? by @sadaveniren

(M, 2k, neighbors) Louis is raising money for a bake sale. Harry wants to help.

Check, Check, Checkmate by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense

(E, 2k, Greek mythology au) Harry and Louis play chess... until another game becomes more interesting.

Zoey by @wabadabadaba

(G, 2k, cat fic) Harry has a huge crush on his cat's veterinarian and finally decides to do something about it.

Charm Your Pants Off by 4ureyesonly28 / @evilovesyou

(G, 2k, hospital au) When Harry hurt himself in front of all of his coworkers, he thought his Christmas Eve couldn’t get any worse. That was, until he ended up in an actual ambulance.

Needle by @nouies

(NR, 666 words, dark fantasy) “You didn’t deserve this,” he muttered between hiccups. “She didn’t have the right.”

there’s a house in english bond (somebody planned to stay) by safetyfilm / @larrieblr

(T, 666 words, rules) The Hotel dates back to the mid-17th century, and the owners have invested dearly to make it a home away from home. Please mind our building rules written below in order to have an exceptional stay.

Swings Said by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright

(T, 500 words, swing fic) A love story told by five swings who each were there to see a piece of it unfold.

✼ Rare Pairs ✼

leave my life outside (or let me in) by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed

(M, 52k, Zayn/Liam) Zayn is a 111 year old demon who is trying to decide his future. Liam is a 17 year old human struggling with his own life.

Make It Up As We Go Along by @lululawrence

(NR, 52k, OT5, a/b/o) When a baby is left on their doorstep, their lives become the definition of chaos...but maybe that is exactly what they need to see what has been right in front of them all along.

Sweet Talk (series) by wordsnnotes / @quelsentiment

(M, 14k, Louis/Niall) Louis growls and lunges at the slayer without warning. Niall easily deflects her, though, then grabs the collar of Louis’ leather coat with her unnaturally strong grip and throws her back into the wall where she came from. 

With This Wing, I Thee Wed by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13

(T, 4k, Louis/Niall) “Nando’s?” Niall crosses his arms and pouts, a little line appearing between his eyebrows. “I want Nandos. I like Nandos.” “And I like my dignity,” Louis mutters.

Doin' Somethin' Right by @laynefaire

(E, 5k, Zayn/Liam) While Liam craved the bright lights and excitement of being on the road, Zayn has eschewed his prior fame, instead choosing a life of relative obscurity as the owner of a vineyard and bed and breakfast in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.

Ready Or Not by cherrylarry / @beelou

(G, 4k, Liam/Louis) five times 1D play hide and seek over the years

still, somehow by @disgruntledkittenface

1D Monthly Fic Roundup

Hi, and welcome to the 1D Monthly Fic Roundup for June 2022! Below you’ll find 1D fics that were all published this month in the order they were submitted to the blog. We hope you’ll check out these new fics! If you would like to submit your own fic, please check this post on how to submit or visit our blog @1dmonthlyficroundup​. You can find all our other posts here.

Happy reading!

🔹the hidden love burns by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed [E, 6k, Zayn/Liam]

Zayn loves Liam.

He’s also pretty sure he’s in love with Liam, which is unfortunate, because Liam doesn’t love him back. Because Liam has a girlfriend, a wonderful, brilliant girl who Zayn can’t hate no matter how much part of him wants to, because she makes Liam do that nose scrunch thing that he only does when he’s really happy, and Zayn can’t find it in himself to hate someone that makes his best friend look like that.

It’s partially why this whole thing is so complicated. And it's why every time Liam asks him to go out clubbing there’s always a part of him that wants to say no.

It’s never quite as loud as the part of him that wants to say yes, though. Because apparently Zayn is a fucking masochist.

See, the problem isn’t going out with Liam. The problem isn’t the loud music - although Zayn isn’t the biggest fan of it - or the people that try and flirt with them. The problem is the dancing.

🔹now you're in my life (I can't get you off my mind) by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed [M, 32k, Louis/Harry]

Harry loves romance.

In theory, anyway.

He loves the romantic movies, the careful brush of fingers against the back of a neck, the hand holding and the endless gazes. He loves the possibilities, the tension and the wonder. He loves the idea of falling in love, finding someone to come home to.

In reality, it’s a little different. Because as much as Harry loves the concept of dating, the reality sucks.

🔹Figs by safetyfilm / @larrieblr [M, 55 words, Louis/Harry]

An ode to the wank.

🔹Find Me in the Kitchen by @neondiamond [E, 9k, Harry/Louis]

When Harry sees Louis step in his beginners cooking class for the first time, he’s surprised to say the least. Not only is Louis an Alpha, he’s probably the most attractive Alpha Harry has ever come across. The next five weeks are sure to be interesting.

🔹Good Night by @neondiamond [M, 1k, Louis/Harry]

Harry and Louis’ three year old daughter is afraid of the monster she claims lives under her bed. When she comes into their bedroom and interrupts their alone time for what feels like the hundredth time, Louis finally takes matters into his own hands.

🔹Endgame by @brightgolden [E, 38k, Louis/Harry]

Harry has been told all his life how grateful he should be for being born as a male omega, and how blessed their people were because the heir to the throne would be carried by The King.

What they neglected to tell Harry was what would happen if he failed to become pregnant. OR

Where omega Crown Prince Harry Styles is trying and failing to get pregnant for four years, but all that is about to change when courtesan alpha Louis Tomlinson comes into the equation.

🔹Hex Appeal by @haztobegood [E, 3k, hints at Harry/Louis]

Louis visits The Cauldron of Kindness and discovers that this shop has everything he needs, and even a few things he doesn’t know he needs.

🔹Virginia is for Lovers by @haztobegood [G, 1k, Niall & Harry]

Harry and Niall go hiking in the Appalachian Mountains.

🔹True as it Can Be by cherrylarry / @beelou [G, 11k, Harry/Louis]

“Come into the light,” Harry requests. There’s hesitation but then the figure steps into the moon’s spotlight and Harry gasps.

The beast, for lack of a better descriptor, is tall; large and imposing. Blazing, intense blue eyes glare at her, and Harry isn’t usually that good at reading people, but it’s like she’s staring into the pained soul of this creature that is more human than Harry had originally thought upon seeing her.

At last, large paws with sharp claws pull down the lever to open the metal doors that trap Harry’s mother and Harry reaches for her immediately, pulling her into a hug and whispers into her hair, “I will escape, I promise.”

With that, the beast tears her mother from her arms and practically drags her down the stairs, not forgetting to close the cell on the way out.

a Beauty and the Beast au, but make it girl direction

🔹Watermelon! by cherrylarry / @beelou [G, 600 words, Louis/Harry]

"Veggies and dip, strawberries, grapes, apples," he mumbled, pointing at everything as he said it. "What am I missing?"

Arms wrapped around his waist and Louis rested his head on Harry's shoulder from behind. He kissed Harry's cheek and rubbed his hands over Harry's growing pregnant belly gently.

"Why are you making your disgruntled kitten face?"

"Something's missing from the spread and I can't figure out what it is."

🔹amber-coloured love by docklands / @hershelsue [E, 44k, Harry/Louis]

Harry and Louis move to Teetria after they decide it's the best for their gamma pup. Harry is pregnant, the city is extremely cold, and they face way too many hardships. Can love reach the other side? Series

🔹The Air From My Lungs by Kikiberoski16 / @larrysballetslippers [E, 5k, Louis/Harry]

“Please… Louis, please, help me,” Harry whispered. Begging was even more embarrassing, but he couldn’t endure it anymore.

Louis hummed. “Help with what?”

‘I don’t know.’

“Why are you shaking so much?”

‘I don’t know.’

“And why are you getting so hard?”

Or, Harry doesn't like to take showers in public for reasons he isn't willing to share, until Louis, the hot football captain, rocks his whole world.

🔹a conversation starter by fearsparks / @onlyforbravest [G, 1k, Harry/Louis]

“Who’s Harry?”

A good-looking man was standing a few feet away, towards the other end of the sofa, and he was looking at Harry.

“What?” Harry asked, confused.

“Your hat.” The man nodded at the cap Harry was wearing. “It says Harry’s your friend. So… who’s Harry?”

(Harry is taking a breather from shopping when a beautiful man approaches and starts asking about his cap.)

🔹All I Do the Whole Day Through by @lululawrence [NR, 6k, Louis/Harry]

Louis reached up and grabbed the ridiculously thick jumper that had the planets all over it and slammed the wardrobe doors shut. It was only as he turned around that he realized why Harry’s bedroom door had been shut.

There was a nest on Harry’s bed.

But why was Harry using Louis’ clothes and items that probably smelled like him in his nest?

🔹baby, you're the end of june by @disgruntledkittenface [E, 13k, Harry/Louis]

“Up for it, Harold? We can go over the rundown when we get back. If you’re not busy then.”

“Yeah, sounds good,” Harry says, closing his laptop and setting it on Louis’ desk. “It’s just Harry, though.”

“You look like a Harold,” Louis says, standing up and brushing some brownie crumbs off his t-shirt. Harry briefly wonders how he’s still hungry for lunch after demolishing half the plate of brownies as he stands and moves into the hallway. “It’s the cardigan, I think.”

“You guys can flirt on the way,” Niall says over his shoulder, beckoning for them to follow him as he strides down the row of cubicles. “Come on, I’m starving.”

Harry looks at Louis, but he just laughs as they follow Niall. Oh. He thought he’d been picking up a vibe while they hung out, but apparently not. Well, it’s better to know how Louis feels now, so he can nip his growing crush in the bud. Louis is a great guy, at least they can be friends as well as coworkers.

In which Harry courts Louis. Entirely by accident.

🔹You Make The World Taste Better by LiveLaughLoveLarry / @loveislarryislove [M, 10k, Louis/Harry]

"Nice to meet you," Harry said. "What can I get for you today?”

Louis rattled through the order – a couple loaves of different breads, some pastries, and a dozen cookies. There was a niggling sensation in the back of his mind that he was forgetting something, but he couldn’t think what it might be.

Harry nodded along as Louis spoke, starting to flit around the shop and gather things together. “Is that all?” he asked when Louis finished. “No muffins this week?”

That was it! “Oh yes, a half-dozen of the pumpkin and blueberry,” Louis said. “Almost forgot, thanks.”

“Of course,” Harry said, packing the muffins into a box. “I remember all my regular customers’ favorites. Your mother has good taste.”

Louis smiled. “She usually does,” he says. “I look forward to trying your goods myself, and finding my own favorites.”

~~~Or, a story based on Hans Traxler’s fictional non-fictional text, The Truth About Hansel and Gretel, which is based on the Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel.

🔹Remember Me Before You by @kingsofeverything [E, 293k, Harry/Louis]

Desperate to find a new place to live after he comes home to find his boyfriend cheating, Harry moves into a loft with three strangers.

A New Girl AU.

🔹Right Now I Can’t See Straight by Lhhome / @lh-home [E, 2k, Zayn/Niall/Hailee Steinfeld]

Just as Zayn is about to back away through her open door, the woman opens her eyes and looks right into hers, freezing Zayn into place. Cheeks flushed, she stumbles back into her apartment and closes her door, but not before the woman winks at her. Sitting on the floor of the barely furnished studio, Zayn tries to calm her heartbeat as well as ignore the growing feeling of arousal. The only thing assuaging her guilt is the fact that apparently the women did not mind being watched.

Zayn has some interesting neighbours in her new building.

🔹Bluebirds Fly by Lhhome / @lh-home [E, 2k, Harry/Orville Peck]

Orville would laugh at the cheeky brat for that if he weren't so turned on by it. The words go right to Orville’s dick and he finally lets go of his cock as Harry leans over him to open the drawer in the vanity behind him, deliberately leaning his chest near Orville’s mouth. As Orville reaches up to grab at Harry’s breasts, Harry pulls back with a bottle of lube and some condoms in his hand. It’s Orville’s turn to scowl, holding his mask’s fringe to the left dramatically as he does. He knows he looks scary, but the teasing brat just giggles and pokes his tongue out. “Now, cowboy, no touching these goods right now or we’ll never get to anything else.”

Orville gets railed by his little bluebird on Harryween.

🔹seven hours behind by @justanothershadeofblue [E, 4k, Louis/Harry]

Louis's got a post-show buzz to work off, and a lover across the ocean who's just waking up for the day.

🔹balance between you and me by beckywritesthings / @beckydoesthings [T, 15k, Harry/Louis]

As a successful businessman, Louis is used to the long hours, never-ending work, and constant exhaustion. What hits the hardest, even though he'd never admit it, is the empty apartment he comes home to every day. He's confident, though, that he doesn't need an omega, doesn't even have the skills to court one if he tried.

So when he runs into Harry Styles (literally), he's fairly certain that it won't change anything. Harry is just another omega that he has to work with, one more on the long list of people he's met. Niall is sure that this time, it's something special.

Of course, Niall is right.

🔹Late Night Wanking by sitandadmire / @louistomlionson [E, 4k, Louis/Harry]

“You’re not wearing underwear.” Louis’ brows raise. “So what if I'm not?”

Or: AU where Harry is a writer whose second novel is overdue, and Louis is his friend from university who happens to be the solution to his problem.

🔹Moths and Butterflies by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13 [G, 1k, Harry/Louis]

It seemed like such a good plan a week ago. It had seemed like fate, for the town’s Pride parade to fall at the very same time when work sent him there to charm some clients. Who was Louis, to sniff at a higher power?

It was exciting, a week ago. Now he’s here though, in the thick of it, and he thought it would feel freeing but it doesn't. It just rams home how he doesn’t belong.

🔹edible stars by @solitudeandchaos [E, 10k, Louis/Harry]

“You know what we should do?” Niall interrupts. “What?” “The BDSM test.” or they take a test and the results change things for Harry and Louis.

🔹Almost Misheard by @tommokat [T, 6k, Harry/Louis]

“Also, here.” Harry reaches into the bag again and holds out… A box of toothpaste?

Louis slowly takes the box, recognizing his brand and preferred flavor plastered all over it. “Uh.”

“You also said you were almost out of toothpaste but kept forgetting to get more. And I needed more floss so I was already over in that aisle.”

“You didn’t have to do that, H.” How in the world did he luck out to have the best best friend in the whole world.

🔹Ace of Spades by @allwaswell16 [E, 78k, Louis/Harry]

Living as a sheltered omega in a farming village has not prepared Harry for life aboard the most notorious pirate ship to sail the Atlantic.

Or Louis is a pirate, Harry is his captive, and no one is who they say they are.

🔹Blast In a Glass by @littleroverlouis [M, 1k, Harry/Louis]

Harry and Louis are taking the next step in expanding their family through in-vitro fertilization.

Louis is having a difficult time providing his sample and Harry offers him some encouragement.

🔹Captive Audience by @littleroverlouis [E, 2k, Louis/Harry]

Louis has been trying to convince her wife Harry, to look over real estate listings. Since they now both work from home, their cramped, tiny apartment is smaller than ever.

She is frustrated by her efforts being ignored by her wife, and has tried everything to get her attention— or so she thought.

🔹Empty Nest by @littleroverlouis [E, 16k, Harry/Louis]

Harry has not felt the desire to nest. The thoughts of where the nest should be, or even what items he planned to scent and arrange, have not even crossed his mind. None of the soft blankets or sweaters they own have triggered any nesting responses. Throughout his career as an OB/GYN nurse, all of his patients have spoken of their nests or how the need thrummed through their veins. There was also the knowledge of all of his omega friends and family members beginning to nest before the end of their first trimester. Does this mean he isn’t cut out to be a parent? Why isn’t his body preparing him to provide safety and warmth to his pup? Harry fell in love with his pup the moment the pregnancy test result turned up positive, but what is his unfaltering love isn’t enough?

Or pregnant Omega Harry is stressed about a nest.

🔹Soup, Sex, and Sun Salutations by @littleroverlouis [E, 2k, Louis/Harry]

Louis is bribed with the promise of brownies to spend the summer solstice with Harry in his backyard.

Between the special ingredient taking effect and Harry dancing in the sunshine, Louis is overwhelmed in the best way.

Series

Part 5 of Putting the 'Ho' in Holiday

🔹You & Me Got a Whole Lot of History by @littleroverlouis [E, 6k, Harry/Louis]

Harry is a 'born-lucky' immortal, happily coasting through life as he finds himself back in Burlington, Vermont. His life has been full of fun and excitement, but he lost his one great love three hundred years ago in New Orleans.

Here are the winners receiving gift cards for Fanbruary!

@holylouis $25

@nouies $20

@louandhazaf $15

@allwaswell16 $10

@somethingwittyorother $10

@momrrymilkers $10

@beelou $10

This for the lovely @beelou as a belated Secret Larry Valentine’s Day present! They requested Girl Direction and here she is! Made of lightening and all!

it may have turned out gayer than intended but oh well. I mean, it’s 1D so.

Hi love!

Thanks for this! 

4. Coffee Shop AU && 22. Space AU 

It’s been four months since he last saw him. This stranger that used to come into the coffeeshop every afternoon, like clockwork. Zayn really shouldn’t worry so much, because he’s not the boss of him, the handsome stranger doesn’t owe him anything. 

It’s just. He’s kind of gotten used to seeing him around, is all, and the way he’d smile at him sometimes always made him feel special. 

But maybe he isn’t special and maybe he’s just creepy, instead, and the stranger has stopped coming in because Zayn’s been staring a little bit too much. 

(He hasn’t come in during any of his coworker’s shifts either, though, so maybe it’s not that. Maybe something’s wrong, maybe handsome stranger is dead, and god, why isn’t Louis here to talk him down from these moods?)

Zayn is busy in the back when the doorbell rings, and it’s not until Niall appears at his side, grinning that easy grin of his that can mean nothing and everything at the same time, that he gets distracted from his thoughts, only in time for Niall to give him a cheeky grin. “There’s someone here who insisted that you were the one to serve them.”

Zayn sighs, straightening his back and rubbing at the tense muscles just above the dip of his spine. “Let me guess,” he mumbles, “another fifteen year old who’s going to slide me her number on a napkin, while her friends giggle in the back.” 

He loves working here, honestly, but for some reason a lot of teenage girls come in, and their laughter sometimes gets on his nerves. “Are you sure you can’t get rid of them, Ni?”

Niall smirks. “Sorry mate, the customer comes first and all. Just go out there, and paste on a smile, will you. You’re going to scare away all the regulars if you go out there scowling like that.”

Zayn sighs again, hoping it’ll tempt Niall into a cuddle, but the other man just steps back to make room for him, and Zayn reluctantly pastes on his best customer service smile, reminding himself that it’s just another hour and a half before he gets to go home.

His smile fades when he sees who’s in front of the counter, nervously shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He’s got his hands clenched into a fist, and Zayn suddenly feels nervous butterflies in his stomach, even as the smile that slides onto his face is a lot more genuine this time.

“Liam.” It’s almost breathless. “Hi.” He wills his knees to not buckle as he slips behind the counter, his hands braced on the surface to keep him upright. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

Liam’s smile is tight, but there’s a warmth in his eyes that makes him feel all kinds of gooey inside, like a chocolate lava cake fresh out of the oven. “Zayn.” He says, and his name’s never sounded sweeter. “Hi.”

Zayn hopes that his smile isn’t too bright, but he can’t keep his features in check, so he glances down at the counter, at where his hands have absently reached out to a cloth to wipe over an already clean surface. “What can I get started for you?” He asks, because if he doesn’t ask that then he’ll ask where have you been and he’s reasonably sure that’s not a question he’s allowed to ask.

“Um.” Liam peers at the board behind him, at the specials that Zayn had painstakingly written down this morning, the little drawings that his regulars loved so much. “The, uh, galaxy frappé sounds pretty cool, I guess?” 

Zayn arches one eyebrow. It’s not a drink that he expected Liam to go for, but, he thinks with a pang, maybe Liam’s not picking up a drink for himself. Maybe he’s trying to impress someone. “Okay,” he says easily, punching it into the register. “Anything else?” 

His voice change had been subtle, but not subtle enough apparently, because suddenly Liam’s eyes are on him again, and they’re concerned now, a little worried. Zayn finds that he wants to reach out and smooth away the lines around them. He keeps his hands firmly by his side.

“No.” It sounds almost like a question, and Liam shifts his weight again. “Or. Well. Actually, yeah.” Zayn waits for him to continue, watching Liam’s face as it goes through a few rapid changes in expression, a slight blush deepening the colour of his skin. “I uh. Don’t know if you knew this, but, I’m kind of, an astronaut?” He furrows his brows. “Not kind of, I am one. And well, I was sort of, in space, the past few months?” He pauses. “Fuck, I thought I’d be smoother about this. I thought, I could just work it into the conversation if I ordered the galaxy frappé, but, you still get me all jumbled up.” He sighs. “Anyway. So. Here's the thing.” 

Zayn watches as he lifts his clenched hand, places a rock onto the counter. He blinks at it. Then at Liam, whose brow is still furrowed and who looks rather expectant. “I- thanks?”

“It’s a rock.” Liam clarifies, as though Zayn hadn’t noticed that. “From uh. Space. It’s a space rock.”

He brushes a hand through his hair, and Zayn is surprised to see it shaking. “It’s a space rock because while I was out there, I couldn’t stop thinking about you, and I thought-” Liam frowns again, those bushy eyebrows knitting together. Zayn is surprised he hasn’t melted into a puddle yet. “God, why is this so hard. What was I thinking? Hello, here is a space rock, will you go out with me? What kind of a line is that.”

Zayn bites down on his bottom lip, tries not to smile, lest Liam get the wrong impression. “It’s an original one,” he says softly. “I’ll give you that.” He wipes his hands on his apron, but they’re still sweaty and slightly shaking. “I uh. Have a break coming up in a few minutes,” he’s fairly sure that he doesn’t but he’s also fairly sure that Niall will cover for him. “If you wanted to wait. I could make you a drink you’d actually like, and you could tell me all about space?”

“I’d like that.” Liam smiles at him, tension fading from his face, and Zayn glances at the rock on the counter, the one that Liam brought him from space because he couldn’t stop thinking about him.

He’d pinch himself to make sure he isn’t dreaming, but he doesn’t think he’d come up with a scenario quite like this if he did. "Okay." He says softly, smiles as he pockets the rock. "Me too."

Well that turned into quite a little ficlet! I hope you like it!

I fell asleeeeeep before I could answer but I will get to rest later! Thanksss 😘 from 50/30: