Anywhere With You Gift Exchange

A FirstPrince-centric, Alternate Universe, RWRB fanwork exchange Must be 18+ and have an Ao3 account to participate Current Event Schedule // Rules // FAQ

[anywhere-with-you-event]

AUTHOR REVEALS!!

DAY 1 (LINK) maybe life really is serendipitous by onthewaytosomewhere(mae)

l'amour et la mer by PorcelainMortal

What Kind Of Magic Is This? by anyroomsrio

the (cat)astrophe of you and me by benwvatt

“So that’s why I could never walk in a straight line” - Alex Claremont Diaz by MyShipLife

When We Touch, We Are Caressing Stars by LK_42

knight in shining armour by buttercupkisses

code of conduct by thesleepyskipper

DAY 2 (LINK) rest on your patient lips by silvermaples

Let's Take This Offline by jafffacakes

and your eyes look like coming home by berrybluefae

Love, Royal Style by Romcomdeplume78

Haunting the Narrative by dwell_the_brave

Build Me Up, Buttercup by Lien_BE

Barking Up The Right Tree by KJBee81

Vitamin D by LouiKazooie

DAY 3 (LINK) Daydreams on Prince Consort Road by emmynotoscar

let the body keep the score by caterpills

Checkmate, I Couldn't Lose by marvelouslysherlockedhunter

life happens, coffee helps by glasshouses_and_stones

Loose Lips Sink Ships (All The Damn Time) by Lien_BE

Elevator Guy by DragonflyLady77

Wouldn't it be nice? by Luminous_Bluebell

Phantom of the Oxford Library by clockwrkpendrxgon

DAY 4 (LINK) waiting for you (to come home) by miharaikko

Tastes Like Forever by dani_dabbles

A Tinseltown Christmas by starry_pisces

No Split Ends by cmere

you're my craving by princebutt

all in good time by 14carrotgold

the constitutional safeguard of a flannel waistcoat by leiyth

Break The Ice Around My Heart by LadyKnightEllen

DAY 5 (LINK) The End of the End (We Live Again) by chamel

Dream A Little Dream Of Me by sillyberry

break my soul in two looking for you (but you're right here) by theprinceandagcd

benefits of finding yourself a gym buddy by onthewaytosomewhere(mae)

Welcome To Your Life (There’s No Turning Back) by MayQueen517

Shelved Hearts by unkn0wn_1o1

til the last drop by EmmaLostInWonderland

DAY 6 (LINK) Eleven Eleven by MarzelGrimm

Cups of Brew (for Me and You) by DezInTheCloud

A Saturday Night (or the rest of your life) by shesfrmboston

Dealer's Choice by bleedingballroomfloor

50 first dates by ninzied

love me 'til my heart stops (love me 'til i'm dead) by dreakawa

Love between shifts by Tsuwrites

DAY 7 (LINK) prima facie by 0npurpose

Mixed Up in Glass by happilyappled

One Month to Forever by quill_and_ink

somewhere to replace the time that we have wasted by darwinsfinches

Get my timing right by Luminous_Bluebell

totally, completely, definitely platonic by onthewaytosomewhere(mae)

constant as the stars by EmmaLostInWonderland

Crash Into You by High-Seas-Swan

(original posts for each day can be found by following the links)

[ladyknightellen]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Red White & Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Alex Claremont-Diaz/Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor Characters: Alex Claremont-Diaz, Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, June Claremont-Diaz, Original Characters Additional Tags: Book Club, Meet-Cute, Henry runs a book club, Alex Is In Law School, Autistic Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor, Alex Claremont-Diaz Has ADHD Summary:

Maybe reading a popular romance novel after a messy break-up wasn’t the best idea, but it’s too late to go back now.

[cha-melodius]

The End of the End (We Live Again)

It’s not that he’s not thrilled for his best friend, or doesn’t want to be part of his big day. Henry wouldn’t miss Pez’s wedding for the world, and it’s going to be a wonderful day. But these days, weddings mostly serve to remind Henry of how far away something like that is for him. He hasn’t had a serious boyfriend in years, and he’s not getting any younger. It’s fine. It’s just one day, after all. He just has to focus on Pez, on being happy for him and Liam, and he’ll make it through.

(After traveling to Texas for his best friend's wedding, Henry makes some questionable decisions, meets a gorgeous and intriguing stranger, and ends up kissing said stranger beneath the starlit sky. It's not a bad day. But maybe not the one he intended to spend the rest of eternity in.)

E, 25k, Palm Springs AU. Read it on AO3.

[miharaikko]

waiting for you (to come home)

Oneshot • Rated T • 17K words • Read on AO3

Alex didn’t plan to be a dad. Scratch that. Alex hasn’t even thought about being a dad. Kids are something for future Alex to—maybe, possibly—someday consider, once he has his shit together. Present-day Alex doesn’t know how to feel and what to think. His career has just started to grow wings. But the thought of having a child and knowingly abandoning it—just like he was abandoned—Alex can’t even think about that.

Or: When Alex knocks up his one-night stand and ends up raising the child as a single parent, his roommate steps in to help.

This is my humble contribution to the @anywhere-with-you-eventcollection, which can be found here in its entirety 🥰

This is a gift for @glasshouses-and-stones. Thank you for the 'single dads' prompt. This idea had been plaguing me since forever and I finally had a reason to finish writing it. 💕

[onthewaytosomewhere]

AWY FIC REVEALS

3 fics this time for the @anywhere-with-you-event! all of them so much fun - hopefully for you to read as much as for me to do :) (since i'm curently on vacay in new orleans we're making this a 3-in-1 post)

benefits of finding yourself a gym buddy

for @louikazooie

Alex’s hatred of Henry had started the way most gym rivalries start—with theft. Equipment theft, to be precise. Henry had stolen the squat rack Alex had been marching toward with righteous purpose. And, of course, that was practically a capital offense in Alex’s book, on top of the spectacularly shitty day he’d already been having. Henry wasn’t just a stranger in compression shorts anymore—he was an enemy. His gym nemesis. His arch-rival in spandex or skimpy little shorts depending on the day. So the fact that there was now awkward flirting between them was confusing and infuriating and—if Alex were being honest with himself—kind of fucking hot. or gym rivals becoming more through so much awkwardness

maybe life really is serendipitous

for Lien_BE

Henry and Alex meet on a stormy evening at a diner in a north Austin suburb. At the end of the evening, Mother Nature intervenes once again and Henry loses Alex's number and wonders if it's fate speaking. Alex waits patiently for Henry to call, then less patiently. He searches, unable to find the man he had a connection with at the diner. Henry, who still holds out some hope despite giving up, makes one last attempt to push fate along in their favor, hoping it's enough.

totally, completely, definitely platonic

for duarsafin

Alex and Henry have been telling everyone from day 1 that they are strictly platonic. Even if others don't believe them they know it's true, that's really all that matters. It's been that way for years, and there is no reason for them to change how they are just because others don't' get it. Why does alex start to feel that things might not be so platonic after all, if nothing has changed, though.

there are so many great fics for the event this year - have a read if ya haven't!!

[dragonflylady77]

Elevator Guy

firstprince | Teen & up | 3,565 words | Mutual pining, neighbors who share a balcony

 Summary

Alex is pretty sure he's developing a crush on his neighbor. They share a balcony and chat most nights. The only problem? He has no idea what the guy looks like, thanks to the dense trellis separating their respective sides.

This fic was written for High-Seas-Swan (FangLang) as part of the @anywhere-with-you-event. It's my first proper firstprince fic (as in, over 1.5k) and I feel all kinds of ways about it... I hope you enjoy it, I certainly had a good time writing it.

I picked the second long prompt provided.

Balcony neighbors: Alex and Henry’s apartment balconies are side by side, separated by just a thin divider. Maybe one overhears a private phone call? Or they start leaving each other coffee/tea when it’s most needed. Late night insomnia conversations?

I also added some Mutual Pining, Banter, Fluff, Kisses and HEA because they're my bread and butter.

Huge thanks to my bestie for the feedback when I went to visit. It led me to starting over from scratch and write just over 2k in one day, before I had to chop and change and edit stuff. ILY, Rhi.

And @spaceofentropy and @shieldofiron for the beta <3

The first time Alex heard the intimate gruntings of two male voices, right after he moved into his apartment, he felt embarrassed, yet unmistakably aroused. The discussion he had with Nora about it a few days later forced him to confront a few truths about his sexuality. He came out as bisexual to his best friend and his sister, and started taking notice of the appraising looks men sent his way, as well as letting his gaze linger over the male models on billboards.  

The next time it happened, Alex was watching the sunset, busy ignoring a phone call from his mother when he heard someone come out on the balcony.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” a man asked when Alex’s phone stopped then started ringing again.

“Nope. Is your boyfriend always so loud?” Alex retorted, trying to see what the guy looked like but whoever had installed the trellis with the fake greenery between their balconies had clearly wanted absolute privacy.

“He’s not my boyfriend, so I wouldn’t know.”

“Oh, okay, sorry. I’m Alex, by the way.”

“Do you make a habit of listening to people having sex, Alex?”

Read the rest on Ao3

[porcelainmortal]

💞 l'amour et la mer 🧜‍♂️

Written for @anywhere-with-you-event 2025 for @ladyknightellen!

🌊 merman/human au 🌊 beach vacation, romance, falling in love 🌊 mild angst with a happy ending 🌊 rated M 🌊 14,770 words

Thank you to my betas, @onpurposewrites and @exitariel000. I could never have done this without you both. 💕

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[anyroomsrio]

What Kind of Magic Is This?

my @anywhere-with-you-event contribution for @kj-bee ✨

💫 8.8k | m | rival magicians au | silly but sincere

Read On AO3

“So, Henry Fox has a new routine he’ll be testing out," Zahra says. Alex’s eyes drift helplessly to the Henry voodoo doll on his desk, needles sticking out of his replica Armani jacket. He tries to sound indifferent. “Why should I care what Prince Charming is up to?” “You call him that like it’s a bad thing." “It is a bad thing. Prince Charming is boring,” Alex says, “Who would ever fall in love with a dud like that?” Images of Disney princes — perfectly handsome, but perfectly boring — cross his mind. Heat creeps up to his neck. “Well, lucky for you, I’m not asking you to fall in love with Henry. I’m just letting you know that the contract you just signed, agreeing to do a magic show with Henry, includes a test run that’s in two days —” “Wait, what!?”

Or: Alex and Henry are rival magicians, except Henry has real magic and Alex has heartburn.

[sillyberrywrites]

Dream A Little Dream Of Me — a firstprince soulmate fic

Every night like clockwork his strange dreams persist, and with them, Henry wakes up with an unexplainable itch to paint the images that appear to him throughout the night. A scratched knee, a faceless silhouette running, a pair of worn out converse, a boy standing on a glistering field. The scenery changes, but the boy — the same mystery boy appears in all of his dreams, without exception. He can’t see his face fully in his dreams, only glimpses of him, close ups, the back of a head. But one thing is for certain, Henry has never seen the boy before in his life.

14.2k | Rated G | Soulmates au | Painter! Henry x Mystery man! Alex | Childhood best friends to lovers (with a twist) | Memory loss 🔗 https://archiveofourown.org/works/73624701 ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 🌙✨☁️🎨 Written for @anywhere-with-you-event ✨ Please check all of the fics in the collection!! Everyone is incredible.

[solifelessblog]

Love between shifts

My piece for the @anywhere-with-you-event ! I had so much fun with the prompts i was given and in the end, it was the firefighter/paramedic AU the one that called me ❤️

You all should go and give a read to all the amazing fics in the collection!

Please reblog, don’t repost :)

[theprinceandagcd]

break my soul in two looking for you (but you're right here) | 10k | M

Alex blinks down at his hands again, studying the lines more carefully. The marks are faded, like they were made days ago, and they’re not painful so much as irritated, like they weren’t made by his own hands. He touches one of the marks, and there’s only the slightest sting in response. No, definitely not his. And if the marks aren’t his, then they must be— It hits him like a slap in the face, his breath catching in his throat. He pushes back from his desk and stares at his skin for so long that he gets a little cross-eyed. They belong to his soulmate. Alex has a soulmate. --- Or, a soulmate AU where whatever happens to someone's body shows up on their soulmate, too.

written for @anywhere-with-you-event <3

[caterpills]

let the body keep the score

E | 10.3k | Read on ao3

🏒 one night stand + light angst + missed connections + hockey game = hea

Alex is lost. The next logical step would be to try to track him down, like, in person. But he’s not going to do that. That’s insane behavior. Those are the actions of someone who doesn’t know how to take a hint, even though Alex can’t scrub the words you’re incredible from his mind. He’s folded and refolded the note a hundred times in an effort to forget. James wouldn’t write that if he didn’t mean it. Right? But Alex is not, he is not, going to prowl around the city with irrational optimism that James will also be out on the same street. He's not that desperate.

Or: Alex's one unforgettable night with a mystery guy named James turns into a search across New York City to find him again. He's just missing a key few details along the way.

Had the absolute best time writing this fic for the @anywhere-with-you-event. There's firstprince, hockey, and just some "hollanov for fun". It's been over a year since I wrote and posted a fic, so I hope you love it just as much as I did writing it!

[anywhere-with-you-event]

DAY 7 REVEALS!!

prima facie for cmere | E 18k

prima facie (law) adj. based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise Henry dislikes Alex. That's alright, though, because Alex dislikes Henry right back. But then Henry does something unforgivable. He's kind to Alex. And, Alex? Well, now that he's looking at all the evidence before him, he's realising that on the balance of probabilities … Henry maybe doesn't dislike him as much as Alex initially thought.

Mixed Up in Glass for anyroomsrio | T 16.3k

The first time was a distraction. The second time was an experiment. The third time, however... well, the third time was very much premeditated. — Or, the lunch experiment feat. Alex, Henry, and nothing more than an innocent mix-up at the office.

One Month to Forever for caterpills | E 12.8k

"Hi, I, um... I have a reservation under the name, uh... 'Washington'?" he says, glancing at his email again to confirm the name, as if he hasn't double-checked the email at least twice an hour since the reservation came through earlier that afternoon. "Oh, yes! The other member of your party has already arrived and been seated, if you'll follow me," she tells him cheerily, and Alex's heart beings to pound. Oh, God, it's happening. It's actually happening. He's finally going to meet 'H'. His mind is spinning as he follows the hostess through the restaurant. He's going to learn his name and find out what he looks like and what he sounds like. He's going to be able to touch him and see the way he smiles and hear his laugh. His own smile widens as they round a corner to a private little both, only to be faced with... wide, horrified blue eyes staring up at him from beneath a coif of carefully styled blonde hair, pale skin somehow even paler from shock. Henry fucking Fox. What the fuck.

Get my timing right for marvelouslysherlockedhunter | E 2.1k

“Hello,” Pretty Guy says, and oh god no that’s worse. He’s hot, blond, and British. His crystal blue eyes are sparkling and the corner of his mouth is quirked up like he’s just heard something mildly amusing. Alex feels his face getting a little hot, because oh fuck what if he knows. He mentally shakes himself out of that ridiculous thought spiral before it even starts, and manages a very calm “hey, nice to meet you!” He even extends his hand out for a handshake like a normal person. “I’m Alex.”  “Henry,” Pretty Guy responds, “pleasure.”  And, yeah. Yeah it will be.

somewhere to replace the time that we have wasted for MarzelGrimm | G 3.6k

“So, let me get this straight, you want to have a sleepover with the girl who dumped water on your head because you didn't pass her the ball during soccer practice?” “Yes, dad.” OR Alex was glad his kid was making new friends at school, but he really wished her new best friend wasn't Henry Fox's daughter.

totally, completely, definitely platonic for duarsafin | T 4k

Alex and Henry have been telling everyone from day 1 that they are strictly platonic. Even if others don't believe them they know it's true, that's really all that matters. It's been that way for years, and there is no reason for them to change how they are just because others don't' get it. Why does alex start to feel that things might not be so platonic after all, if nothing has changed, though.

constant as the stars for benwvatt | T 2.6k

“Instructions are to continue as planned. Rescue crew is standing by for the water landing.” “No changes, Houston?” “Affirmative, Prosperity. No changes.” There’s another pause, and Henry knows in his heart that it isn’t the distance. Alex is smart – incredibly, infuriatingly smart. He knows the risks. “Alright. Preparing to splash down then.” // Alex is on a return trip from Venus somewhere in the future, but when things plans start to falter, he has one thing he knows he absolutely must say.

Crash Into You for starry_pisces

All Alex needed was a quick bookstore stop. Like, twenty minutes, tops. What he got was a name tag, a gorgeous stranger hiding in the stacks, and a night that changed everything. Or, how one wrong turn led to exactly the right person.

(if you're the author of one of these fics remember to change the date on your fic so it floats up on the ao3 tags)

link for the collection

[anywhere-with-you-event]

DAY 6 REVEALS!!

Eleven Eleven for silvermaples | M 33.3k

“I, umm, have something for you,” Henry whispers just loud enough for Alex to hear over the dull hum of late-night traffic. “It’s, well, a birthday present.” Alex watches Henry pull a small package, perfectly wrapped in simple blue paper. He handles it like it’s precious; in the way Henry handles most things, Alex included. Henry places the present in Alex’s lap, careful not to let go until Alex grips it in his fingers. Alex, never overburdened with patience, tears in, throwing aside the wrapping paper. In his lap sits a blue leather-bound journal, a strap wrapped around it, its ends meeting in a wishbone-shaped gold clasp. Alex runs his fingers across the words engraved along the cover just above the strap: Alex’s Songbook. *Or* As child-stars and best friends, Henry gifts Alex a notebook to write his songs in. Friendship becomes love, but everything falls apart. Alex puts himself back together, and finds his voice through the songs this notebook helps him write. Across the years that follow, Alex finds success, self-acceptance, and his way back to Henry.

Cups of Brew (for Me and You) for miharaikko | M 10.6k

P.S.: Comment on my arse and tongue in a single message? Is this how American boys flirt? *** ps: presumptuous much? sorry i’m not obsessed with you like everyone else your majesty. *** P.S.: I want to believe your post script, but something about the fact that you take time out of your busy day to come to your neighbouring department just to antagonise me makes me think otherwise. *** Piss off. You do the same with me. *** And when did I deny being completely enamoured by you? When Alex finds his misplaced coffee in the trash, he writes a scathing note. What he doesn't anticipate is a reply.

A Saturday Night (or the rest of your life) for chamel | T 8.7k

Alex likes meeting people, he likes learning about other lives and other journeys. He is an observer. Alex can tell more about a person based on their drink order and the way they say hello, than most people can after an entire evening with someone. He certainly knows a hell of a lot more about the patrons of the bar—the regulars, the travelers who are only passing through— than they will ever know about him. “So, what’s got you visiting me tonight?” Alex asks, leaning his hip against the ice well and giving Henry his attention. He has the time tonight; although he’s pretty sure there will never be a time where he doesn’t give Henry his complete attention while he’s sitting in front of him. Refilling his own glass with water, Alex brings it to his lips, and takes a long sip. “I actually have a proposition for you.” Henry says with an air of nonchalance one usually reserves for ordering a coffee, and for the second time since Henry’s walked in, Alex nearly chokes

Dealer's Choice for onthewaytosomewhere(mae) | E 5.4k

But if Alex can bone this guy that apparently is larger-than-life compatible with him, he’s planning to do exactly that. It’s been too long since he’s had sex — okay, any kind of intimacy, really — and this back-and-forth he’s had with this complete and utter dickwad on Reddit isn’t helping. There’s literally nothing that gets him more riled up than a good argument, and as much as he hates Reddit user mostardently and their completely wrong opinion on Star Wars, he can’t deny the thrill that zips down his spine every time he gets called an insufferable prick by them. Or, an online feud throws a wrench into a seemingly perfect matchmaking event.

50 first dates for quill_and_ink | T 6.7k

The guy grins and walks up to Henry. He sticks his hand in Henry’s face for a fist bump and says, “Hey bro, it’s Vincent. We went on a date here the other week.” “Err—right,” Henry says, looking awkward. “Can I help you with something, Vincent?” “I’m here to shoot my shot again,” Vincent says confidently. “I just feel like we really could’ve connected if—” Which is when Alex slides his chair over, slings an arm around the back of Henry’s seat and says, “Sorry, bro, but he’s already taken.” - In which the hot guy at the coffee shop keeps bringing all his first dates there when Alex is just trying to study. His name, not that Alex is eavesdropping (much), is Henry. Henry likes dogs and his tea with a splash of Jane Eyre and honestly Alex would make a way better first date for him than all those other guys combined. When one of Henry’s old dates shows up uninvited, Alex is only too happy to prove his point.

love me 'til my heart stops (love me 'til i'm dead) for sillyberry | M 3.1k

After three months of tireless work on his case, Alex Claremont-Diaz wins. He should be happier, but between lost sleep, his guilt over working so much when he has a daughter at home who misses him, and a best friend, Henry, with whom he's quickly realizing he has feelings, he's more exhausted and overwhelmed than anything. Thankfully, he quickly learns how loved he is—and that his feelings aren't one-sided.

Love between shifts for dani_dabbles | G ART

The boys taking any chance they get to love each other.

(if you're the author of one of these fics remember to change the date on your fic so it floats up on the ao3 tags)

link for the collection

[anywhere-with-you-event]

DAY 5 REVEALS!!

The End of the End (We Live Again) for darwinsfinches | E 25.6k

It’s not that he’s not thrilled for his best friend, or doesn’t want to be part of his big day. Henry wouldn’t miss Pez’s wedding for the world, and it’s going to be a wonderful day. But these days, weddings mostly serve to remind Henry of how far away something like that is for him. He hasn’t had a serious boyfriend in years, and he’s not getting any younger. It’s fine. It’s just one day, after all. He just has to focus on Pez, on being happy for him and Liam, and he’ll make it through. (After traveling to Texas for his best friend's wedding, Henry makes some questionable decisions, meets a gorgeous and intriguing stranger, and ends up kissing said stranger beneath the starlit sky. It's not a bad day. But maybe not the one he intended to spend the rest of eternity in.)

Dream A Little Dream Of Me for clockwrkpendrxgon | G 14.2k

Every night like clockwork his strange dreams persist, and with them, Henry wakes up with an unexplainable itch to paint the images that appear to him throughout the night. A scratched knee, a faceless silhouette running, a pair of worn out converse, a boy standing on a glistering field. The scenery changes, but the boy – the same mystery boy appears in all of his dreams, without exception. He can’t see his face fully in his dreams, only glimpses of him, close ups, the back of a head. But one thing is for certain, Henry has never seen the boy before in his life.

break my soul in two looking for you (but you're right here) for unkn0wn_1o1 | M 10k

Alex blinks down at his hands again, studying the lines more carefully. The marks are faded, like they were made days ago, and they’re not painful so much as irritated, like they weren’t made by his own hands. He touches one of the marks, and there’s only the slightest sting in response. No, definitely not his. And if the marks aren’t his, then they must be— It hits him like a slap in the face, his breath catching in his throat. He pushes back from his desk and stares at his skin for so long that he gets a little cross-eyed. They belong to his soulmate. Alex has a soulmate. --- Or, a soulmate AU where whatever happens to someone's body shows up on their soulmate, too.

benefits of finding yourself a gym buddy for LouiKazooie | E 7.5k

Alex’s hatred of Henry had started the way most gym rivalries start—with theft. Equipment theft, to be precise. Henry had stolen the squat rack Alex had been marching toward with righteous purpose. And, of course, that was practically a capital offense in Alex’s book, on top of the spectacularly shitty day he’d already been having. Henry wasn’t just a stranger in compression shorts anymore—he was an enemy. His gym nemesis. His arch-rival in spandex or skimpy little shorts depending on the day. So the fact that there was now awkward flirting between them was confusing and infuriating and—if Alex were being honest with himself—kind of fucking hot. or gym rivals becoming more through so much awkwardness

Welcome To Your Life (There’s No Turning Back) for Tsuwrites | E 4.6k

Alex laughs, watching the sly smile that creeps onto the familiar face. He has to be a Henry. They're always Henry. Like a cruel joke - "I'll find you in every lifetime" - except that Alex is never the one Henry (any Henry) chooses. Alex cant resist, though; as if he misses the sun so he seeks it out in golden strands.

Shelved Hearts for dwell_the_brave | Not Rated 4.9k

By the time the new term rolled in, Alex had stopped pretending he was there for the books. There were moments - tiny, fragile ones - when their eyes met and neither looked away. He didn’t know what to call it yet. Maybe he didn’t need to. All he knew was that every time he left the library, he already wanted to come back.

til the last drop for jafffacakes | T 2.3k

Henry bites his lower lip and glances past Alex towards the bar area. “I, er… Christ, I suppose a rescue wouldn’t hurt. I definitely can’t keep conversing with him if he ever comes back.” “If you mean getting talked at by Boastful McEgo for another hour as he gets more and more drunk… yeah, no.” Alex stands up and offers a hand to Henry. “Wait, the bill-“ “-is his problem. Come on, I bet there’s a crepe stand or something open late. I’m absolutely making sure you don’t starve if nothing else.” “Charming.” Henry cracks a smile and takes Alex’s proffered hand. “Lead the way.” // Alex steps in when he witnesses a stranger on a hellish first date. Little did he know how well that would turn out for the both of them.

(if you're the author of one of these fics remember to change the date on your fic so it floats up on the ao3 tags)

link for the collection

[anywhere-with-you-event]

DAY 4 REVEALS!!

waiting for you (to come home) for glasshouses_and_stones | T 17.1k

Alex didn’t plan to be a dad. Scratch that. Alex hasn’t even thought about being a dad. Kids are something for future Alex to—maybe, possibly—someday consider, once he has his shit together. Present-day Alex doesn’t know how to feel and what to think. His career has just started to grow wings. But the thought of having a child and knowingly abandoning it—just like he was abandoned—Alex can’t even think about that. Or: The one when Alex knocks up his one-night stand and ends up raising the child together with his roommate, turned best friend, turn—

Tastes Like Forever for elucidate_this | T 15.4k

“Oh Christ. You’re the baker?” His words pluck Alex’s most sensitive nerve. It’s the same pompous skepticism people use when they’re trying not to say the offensive thing out loud. You’re a bit young, aren’t you? or Someone like yourself should have more realistic expectations. and his least favorite Maybe you should tone yourself down a bit to appeal to a wider customer base. Annoyance vibrates through him. He crosses his arms. “That’s my name on the building, sweetheart. Is that going to be a problem?” OR, Alex is hired to make a wedding cake and Henry is his most annoying customer ever.

A Tinseltown Christmas for dreakawa | E 14.2k

Henry and his child get lost during a snowstorm and have to find shelter in the nearest town: Tinseltown. There they find themselves at the mercy of a very helpful handyman, who seems to not only know how to unclog chimneys but hearts too.

No Split Ends for buttercupkisses | E 8.3k

"I have just the man for you. One of our master stylists," Percy says. He brings Alex through the main salon area to a small back room with just three chairs and tells him to take a seat. There aren't any windows in here, but it's overflowing with plants and vines in all different shades of green, giving the feel of a secret garden. Moments later, Alex is faced with a tall, young, blond man who is objectively beautiful, all symmetrical lines and a tight little waist that expands out to a broad chest and shoulders. A man who immediately puts his hands in Alex's hair, brushing strands aside, finger-combing, tugging this way and that. It's really nice, and Alex is feeling some type of way about being touched like this when no one has touched him in months. Years, a small voice in the back of his head pipes up, but he ignores it. "What are you looking for today, Senator?" His voice is like silk. Alex blinks at the man in the mirror in front of them. He can see nipples peaked through his tight black t-shirt. Fucking hell. Alex is a newly elected senator. Henry is a much younger hair stylist at Senate Hair Care Services. Everything is going to be...fine.

you're my craving for 0npurpose | E 4.4k

It’s late by the time he gets to the hotel – almost 10 PM, and Alex is sure he has circles beneath his eyes and looks worse for wear, because the hotel clerk who hands him his keycard gives him a sympathetic look as he reaches for it. She instructs him that the elevators are to the left and down the hall, and that his room is 424. Alex is grateful for her putting it into simple terms for his sleepy brain, because he follows her directions exactly and winds up right in front of room 424 in less than five minutes. As he scans his keycard, all he can think about is fluffy pillows and clean, crisp bedsheets waiting for him on the other side of the door. He huffs a sigh as the card takes a minute to read, and pats at his rumpled dark curls with impatience. Finally, the light flickers green, and the lock clicks, and Alex shoves inside, bag dragging behind him. What he hadn’t expected to see was someone. Specifically, someone’s ass, as they’re naked and bent over their suitcase. --- OR, Alex and Henry are forced to share a room at the NHL All Star Weekend. What they aren't expecting is sparks to fly between the longtime rivals.

all in good time for thesleepyskipper | T 4.3k

Henry inherits a broken wristwatch from his father, and there is more to the simple gift than he could have ever expected.

the constitutional safeguard of a flannel waistcoat for chibibinch | T 3.6k

With no recollection of how he got there, second year Ph.D. student Alex Claremont-Diaz wakes up hungover in a stranger's bed. Said stranger turns out to be Professor Henry Fox, who Alex is TAing for in the new term. But in the classroom, Professor Fox is an upmost professional, pretending nothing ever happened between them. It makes Alex want to commit an HR violation. Well, technically he already had, but not that Henry would look at him any differently, would touch him any differently. And so, Henry would wrap up lecture, and Alex would shove his rising feelings back under and hurry off to his next class. After all, how do you cross a line you already left behind?

Break The Ice Around My Heart for EmmaLostInWonderland | G 3k

Maybe reading a popular smutty romance novel after a messy break-up wasn't the best idea, but it's too late to go back now.

(if you're the author of one of these fics remember to change the date on your fic so it floats up on the ao3 tags)

link for the collection

[anywhere-with-you-event]

DAY 3 REVEALS!!

Daydreams on Prince Consort Road for DizzyMissLizzie (LK_42) | E 28.1k

Co-stars AU in which budding actors Alex Claremont-Diaz and Henry Fox star in the modern remake of "A Nightmare on Elm Street"!

let the body keep the score for looking4orion | E 10.3k

Alex is lost. The next logical step would be to try to track him down, like, in person. But he’s not going to do that. That’s insane behavior. Those are the actions of someone who doesn’t know how to take a hint, even though Alex can’t scrub the words you’re incredible from his mind. He’s folded and refolded the note a hundred times in an effort to forget. James wouldn’t write that if he didn’t mean it. Right? But Alex is not, he is not, going to prowl around the city with irrational optimism that James will also be out on the same street. He's not that desperate. Or: Alex's one unforgettable night with a mystery guy named James turns into a search across New York City to find him again. He's just missing a key few details along the way.

Checkmate, I Couldn't Lose for princebutt | G 8.9k

So, here’s the thing — about a year ago, Henry had been stupid enough to say it. They’d been arguing, again, and the words had slipped out, careless and half a challenge: “So you think you can make more arrests than me?” Henry hadn’t meant for it to stick. It was supposed to be a throwaway jab. But Alex, being Alex, had just raised an eyebrow, that damned spark lighting up his eyes like a match catching fire. He had challenged, “And you think I can’t?” Henry had shrugged, which was a huge mistake on his part because well, it had made Alex snark back, “I bet I can make more arrests than you in a year.” And just like that, it had become a thing — a stupid bet between the two best detectives of the NYPD. A story about a bet and two idiots in love.

life happens, coffee helps for berrybluefae | T 8.3k

Alex smiles back at him, small but genuine this time. “I’ll see you around, Henry.” Henry waves and stops halfway, awkwardly putting his hand back down. Lydia’s words ring in his head. He’s adorable. “Bye, um…?” “Alex.” Henry nods, thoughtful, corners of his mouth twitching a little bit wider. “Bye, Alex.” - or: Five Times There Wasn't a Second Date, and One Time There Was

Loose Lips Sink Ships (All The Damn Time) for wi22iou | T 3.7k

Alex rolls onto his back so he’s looking up at Henry from in his lap. It’s hard not to drown in the chocolate pools. “But my eyes are open, Hen. I already know you’re the one.” Henry chokes on his own spit, and tries to cover it with a cough. “What do you mean, Alex?” He sees Alex drifting towards sleep. “Alex, love, talk to me.” But it’s too late – Alex has succumbed to the pull of unconsciousness. OR: Three times when Alex’s broken brain-to-mouth filter throws Henry off-kilter, and one time when Henry retaliates.

Elevator Guy for High-Seas-Swan | T 3.5k

Alex is pretty sure he's developing a crush on his neighbor. They share a balcony and chat most nights. The only problem? He has no idea what the guy looks like, thanks to the dense trellis separating their respective sides.

Wouldn't it be nice? for MyShipLife | T 2.8k

“You alright, Ritz?”  “Yeah, it’s just a little weird seeing Henry somewhere that’s not the library.”  He’s about to make a quip when he looks in the same direction she pointed out, and every word he’s ever been capable of thinking dies on his tongue. Holy shit. “That’s Henry?”  Because, no. No way. Nobody has any right to look as good as that Greek statue of a man does in a fucking cardigan. Alex makes a sound that’s halfway between a squeak and like he just choked on his own spit.  “Ask that a little louder, Nino, the people in Australia didn’t hear you.” Ritz mutters, either amused by his suffering or just not impressed by it. “Yes, that’s Henry. Can I go say hi or are you gonna be weird about it?”  Or: a hyperlexic teenager, her godfather, and a librarian walk into a bookstore.

Phantom of the Oxford Library for 14carrotgold | G 2.7k

The Oxford Library is alive, and it has trapped Alex and Henry in it until they figure their shit out.

(if you're the author of one of these fics remember to change the date on your fic so it floats up on the ao3 tags)

link for the collection