Rec List: Liam-centric fics
It means the world to me how much y'all SHOWED UP for this list -- I can't express how grateful I am to see the love for Liam. With 29 fics, it is officially the second-largest list we've had all year. It has a wide range of ships, from Ziam or Larry to OT5 or Lilo, as well as genfics. There's also as usual a variety of types of fic -- word counts from under 1,000 words to over 100,000, ratings from General to Explicit, stories from Porn Without Plot to So Much Plot to Both Porn And Plot.
I can't believe it's been a month tomorrow -- it feels like it just happened, and also like it's been forever, and also like it's still a bad dream that isn't quite real. Grief catches you in the strangest places, surprises you when you least expect it. To everyone still trying to wrap their minds around this tragedy, trying to figure out a way forward through it -- I see you, I love you, I'm glad you're here, and I support you in whatever you need.
I promise to never forget Liam's kindness, his generosity, his joy, and his heart. I hope these fics serve as a reminder of everything that he was, and everything he will always be to us.
Light Spills in a Flood by unscattered_horizons (162088, Not Rated, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
This is an OT5 + Shawn fic about growing up and into oneself alongside dear friends
Reccer says: This is a tender, thoughtful, meditative fic about love blooming
hold all our secrets by justanothershadeofblue (10000, Explicit, Niall Horan/Zayn Malik/Liam Payne/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: Anger, misogyny, forced closeting.
Post-canon contemporary ABO AU where Liam has been a closeted Alpha for the entirety of the band. He is then outed by a tabloid, and the boys have to come to terms with his secret and how it has shaped their lives.
Reccer says: This one is a little painful in how it goes through each boy’s response to this bombshell, from anger to grief to happiness, including Liam himself. There are five fics in the series, and it ends at a good place, but the author was planning a sixth at the time of Liam’s death. Not an easy read, but a rewarding one -- packs an emotional wallop!
Coconut kiss and a rainbow tail (Italian-language fic) by Sararinaldi87 (Not Rated, Multi)
Louis and Liam are sailing the seas when they shipwreck. Luckily a certain mermaid is there to help...
not even a landslide or riptide could take it all away by we_are_the_same (49177, Mature, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post Warnings: Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Sextape, Leaked Sextape, Liam Payne getting outed, Depression, Emotional Hurt, Suicidal Thoughts
When Liam gets outed via sextape, his whole world collapses around him. In the midst of all the chaos, an unexpected lifeline appears in the form of a DM from Zayn: If you find yourself needing to escape, go here. Even though they haven’t talked in years, Liam is just desperate enough to go. He doesn’t expect to find himself on a farm in the middle of nowhere, face to face with a man he hasn’t seen in years, but who somehow looks more familiar to him than the face he sees when he looks in the mirror.
Reccer says: I think it's just beautiful. Everyone should read this
I ain’t ever fell from a love like this by beardyboyzx (733, General, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
When he looks at the words, after a few seconds, Zayn feels this sort of relief feather-thrum inside of him — a brief excitement grasping him by the neck, gripping hard, as Zayn’s fingers run over the things he’s just written, admiring how they hold the true nature of his yearnings. And this weird ancestral knowledge Zayn’s got ever since he’s met Liam that first time — before One Direction, before X-Factor, when they were just fourteen and chatting awkwardly waiting for a Happy Meal. The stupid knowledge that this is it for him. That Liam is it.
you try to stop it tumbling (but on and on it goes) by We_are_the_same (2715, General, Liam Payne & Harry Styles) – fic post
Harry helps Liam study
Reccer says: Their friendship is very sweet in this
neither wanting more, neither asking why by justanothershadeofblue (40000, Explicit, Niall Horan/Zayn Malik/Liam Payne/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
OT5 Soulmate AU - none of them expect to be fated into a group soulmate bond upon their 18th birthday. But given that they are, what do they do?
Reccer says: A lovely character study of each individual and their role in the group as the relationship develops. Slow-building romance and smut.
My Light by The_Halcyonic_Lachesist (3528, General, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
Liam didn’t know he “swung that way”, until he did. Or, Liam’s journey through his gay awakening.
you came into my life by disgruntledkittenface (57180, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
The Queer Eye firefighter episode, where Liam is the "hero" they're working with, and Louis is his best friend who didn't expect to get therapy along the way to Liam's makeover.
Reccer says: This fic makes me cry the most wholesome healing tears. Everyone is so good and kind, and everyone cares so much about each other. The Fab Five, Louis, his family, Liam, Niall, Nick, everyone is wonderful.
Catching eyes across the room by beardyboyzx (12000, Not Rated, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
Zayn is nineteen when he gets his gift. People say that when you get your gift, you can hear the Magic’s voice whisper what it will be to you the morning of your birthday: Zayn has always wondered what Magic sounded like — but most importantly: what will It say to him?
Now I’ve Got You in My Space by unscattered_horizons (159034, Not Rated, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
Zayn and Liam are both dance students at Roehampton University in London. They're just starting their third and final year, and they've spent the last two at each other's throats, bickering and grumbling and competing at every opportunity. They have a handful of mutual friends, all of whom are sick of being in the middle of their tension, wishing they would just fuck and get it over with already.
Reccer says: This writer writes with brilliant emotional intelligence—this fic shows both Li & Z as flawed characters (but who are still open to possibility!)
it’s a long shot just to beat these odds by we_are_the_same (13945, Teen, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post Warnings: Anxiety
Louis convinces Zayn to partecipate on Dinner Dates, a sort of cooking show mixed with a dating show. He's paired with world-famous popstar Liam Payne, whom Zayn is a big fan of.
Reccer says: Leaving here one of my fav quotes: Liam bites down on his bottom lip, really giving it a proper thought, and Zayn wonders if he knows just how good he looks. Not just right now, with those perfect teeth on show and his hair done up in a simple but elaborate quiff. But in general. He sort of wants to tell him, but he sort of wants to hear Liam’s reasoning more, so he stays quiet, smiling at him when Liam’s eyes meet his. “Well, I liked what you said, on our date. That you’d like to get to know me. The real me, not the version that you’ve seen in magazines or on the red carpet. Remember?”
Remember Me as a Time of Day by justanothershadeofblue (70000, Explicit, Niall Horan/Zayn Malik/Liam Payne/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: discussion of drugs and alcoholism
It's the 20th anniversary of the One Direction hiatus, and the powers that be have decided that it's time for a reunion tour, and ideally, an album. Can five middle-aged lads thrust into a house in the middle of nowhere to make music sort out two decades worth of hurts, grudges, and resentments and come together with enough love to make a show - and a relationship - that works?
Reccer says: Long-form character study of what it would look like for them all to come together and fall in love all over again as real adults with a lot of baggage. A really healing read, in light of the loss of Liam - absolutely my headcanon for what would have been, if they’d been given the chance.
the birth of love like a force of nature by we_are_the_same (22220, Teen, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post Warnings: Talks About Sexual Identity
After moving into a new house, Liam decides to introduce himself to the neighbours. The next thing he knows, he’s tied to a chair and threatened by a small army of fairies.
Reccer says: I just love how magical it is, the author is really good at writing fantasy (and writing Liam)
One to Grow On by yeah_alright (3333, Explicit, Louis Tomlinson/Liam Payne) – fic post
Louis is a sex worker and Liam has booked himself a private session for his birthday to finally properly explore his interest in spanking. This is part of a series but you can definitely read it on its own.
Reccer says: Okay it's pure smut but Liam is so endearing and Louis takes great care of him. And it's so hot!
You are the magic in me by beardyboyzx (2882, Not Rated, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
Zayn is eight when he meets the Prince for the first time. His dad is being knighted — the King has seen the way he fought to defend his village from the enemies of the Kingdom and has decided to gift him a piece of land and a title.
Reccer says: This author really has a way with words. I enjoy the writing no matter how many times I read it.
That's Happiness To Me by louislittletomlintum (25000, Explicit, Liam Payne/Louis Tomlinson/Zayn Malik) – fic post Warnings: Drugs/alcohol consumption
a porn with plot zouiam uni au with all the predictable antics and multi pov
Reccer says: i'm particularly proud of how i wrote the smut because writing 3somes is a challenge, i'm also quite happy with how the banter between all of the boys came across and it felt special to write a liam that was more similar to how we met him in x-factor when he was a little more uptight
Chew Toys, Table Scraps and Fresh Starts by zmmf (94300, Mature, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post
New beginnings, dogs, enemies to friends to lovers
Reccer says: Deep emotions treated patiently and gently. OT5 friendships. A hopeful read.
in the hope of open hands by justanothershadeofblue (21000, Teen, Niall Horan/Zayn Malik/Liam Payne/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: forced closeting; sexism; the ABO equivalent of misogyny; canon-typical sexualization of young Harry
Five times the pack is protective of omega Harry, and one time Harry protects them. Featuring Louis and Liam as alphas, Zayn and Niall as betas, and Harry’s as the band's lone omega. A year and some change in which they’re all falling for each other and not quite getting their shit together (until they do, of course).
Reccer says: A little bit achy but comforting story told in alternating PoVs of the boys finding their footing as a band, and eventually a pack. A couple really good moments between Liam and Harry and Liam and Louis.
A Dim and Airy Spark by green_feelings (50000, Explicit, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
Zayn’s worked hard to become C.E.O. of his own music label -- a position that’s rare for omegas in an alpha-dominated world. It’s not always easy to get people’s acceptance and respect, but Zayn makes it work with the help of his best friend and business partner. When they sign new pop sensation Liam Payne, none of that seems to matter anymore and Zayn has to face some of his greatest fears, and open up old wounds. Or, it has taken Zayn ten years building his walls up, but it takes Liam no time to rip them all down.
If you let me be your man by Lightwoodsmagic (5129, Explicit, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
Zayn can't help but trail after someone's scent when he starts his heat in the middle of their history exam. The man offers to help Zayn get home safely when he literally runs into him, but Zayn mistakenly thinks it's an offer to help with his heat.
Reccer says: It's from Zayn’s POV, and he is so enamored with Liam (same)
even with our oath by starcarnivals (20648, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
Liam has a teashop. Thinking that they could be a good match, and sad that thay are both single, he sets up his coworker Louis with his friend Harry. Harry and Louis don't like each other but agree to fake date for Liam's sake, to make Liam happy.
Reccer says: Very cute story, fun banter and music talk, and Liam caring about his friends :)
If it makes you feel alive (it's alright) by Beardyboyzx (18842, Teen, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post Warnings: Emotional infidelity, internalized homophobia
Lhen Liam was ten years old, Justin Timberlake released Sexy Back. Liam still doesn't know why, but it felt like a turning point, like something that fixed the ever-pending axis of his existence. or: in the first year of university, Liam learns some things about himself.
Reccer says: It's a beautiful discovery of sexuality
Bradford Bad Birb by teaandtumblr (4700, General, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne)
What if Zayn were a duckling? Liam had never meant to be stalked by a duck, but after it had introduced itself via a meme for god's sake, he didn't really have much of a choice. That and the fact that there's something haunting in its eyes.
No One Like You by myownspark (19924, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
"Where Liam and Niall are art historians discovering the truth about two nineteenth century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide."
Reccer says: Such a delicate, amazing story. Liam and Niall realise through old letters and paintings by Louis and Harry that the two French artists were lovers, not enemies.
sadness is a little boy looking out the window by we_are_the_same (6477, Teen, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne) – fic post Warnings: Depressed Liam Payne, Suicidal Thoughts, Bullying, Homophobic Language, Homophobia, Depression, References to Depression
Liam is twelve when he receives the key. It’s given to him on his birthday, in a red velvet box, and something about the weight of the box in his palm gives him pause, makes him hold his breath when he unwraps the bow around it. [...] Because this kind of key, it doesn’t just open any door. It reveals what you need most, when you need it most, and it can only be used once.
Reccer says: The angst in it feels so real, so raw
Midnight in Paris by Beardyboyzx (555, General, Liam Payne & Louis Tomlinson) Warnings: Referenced drug use
Q: What is the craziest thing Louis has ever done? A: [...] He left me on my own while I was being arrested nearly by a French policeman [...] or: Liam gets in trouble in Paris.
Reccer says: Poor Liam gets left alone with the police, oh no!
