Rec List: TV Show AUs!
Part 4 of the Based On Bonanza is upon us! Y'all showed up in DROVES for this one, we love to see it, and the result is 13 amazing fics -- new and old, short and long, Larry and Rare Pair-y. Do make sure to check the warnings on the recs and the tags on the fics, as some of these are a bit dark -- but I promise you there are some absolute GEMS on here, if you're up for it!
As always, please show these amazing stories and writers some love -- reblog, kudos, comment, share, tell the authors you adore them (I promise they never get tired of hearing it), and get ready for the next category.
Remember Me Before You by kingsofeverything/@kingsofeverything (293821, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
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.
Reccer says: This fic gives me the same warm feelings and laughs that comfort watching the show does. The author put so much thought and heart into it, and it was such a fun ride. An absolutely iconic fic; highly highly recommend for the laughs and friendships. All the best bits of New Girl but with more! gay! boybanders!
the fear in the unknown by lightswoodmagic/@lightwoodsmagic (31000, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: murder, crime scenes, violence
Dr Harry Styles and Special Agent Louis Tomlinson work together to solve murders for the FBI. They are partners, and are pining for each other.
Reccer says: This was all the best bits of Bones wrapped up in one big gay fic. Love the way the case was handled, and the dynamic with the pining and tension between Harry and Louis.
codename: flamingo by orphan_account (6651, Teen, Liam Payne/Harry Styles)
It starts because Harry gets a death threat. A West Wing au.
Reccer says: This fic is so completely and utterly charming! I love the storyline from the show that they adapted, and the author translated it for these characters perfectly.
in the lonely cool before dawn by mozartspiano/@william-nylander (5061, Teen, Niall Horan/Harry Styles) – fic post Warnings: Non-Graphic Violence
Niall is the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House. Harry is his assistant. A West Wing!AU.
Reccer says: This fic is so good! I love narry as Josh/Donna, and how the serious parts and romance are balanced with light-hearted moments (just like the show!)
No Friends and An Empty Heart by Maelstrom_Roots/@bibilyhills55 (36374, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: Mentions of Suicide, Attempted Sexual Assault
When Louis Tomlinson gets an invitation for dinner with the family he's been estranged from for a year, he has only one goal: to get his sister to talk to him again. But when an unexpected guest in the form of a hot priest is also at the dinner table, Louis may have to accept that the universe has other plans for him. A Fleabag Season 2 AU featuring Fleabag Louis Tomlinson and Hot Priest Harry Styles.
Reccer says: This fic got under my skin in the best possible way. Every emotion rang so true and I felt really seen in my grieving process. Fleabag S2 is a high bar and the author cleared it with ease.
Pascal's Triangle Re-revisited by yeah_alright/@uhoh-but-yeah-alright (2375, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
On the eve of his second Fall semester at community college, Louis finds he can’t sleep, too anxious about seeing his study group for the first time after an eventful last night of the Spring semester and a Summer of silence. Thoughts of two study group members in particular are keeping him awake. Maybe fantasizing about them both can help him get to sleep. ~ A Community AU snippet taking place between Seasons 1 and 2
Reccer says: I feel like it's hard to nail that very specific quality that makes Community the show that it is, and the author nailed it!
Wait For It by dimpled_halo/@comebackassholes (119717, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
A How I Met Your Mother au with a better ending. Louis is ready to find the love of his life and when he meets Harry he thinks he's finally found them. Liam and Zayn have been together since college and are ready to take the next step in their relationship, except Zayn might be having doubts. And Niall is happy with no strings attached dating until a new employee at the bar they frequent walks into his life and makes him question his entire existence.
Reccer says: This fic captures all the warmth and friendship and romance of the show, but without any of the pain of its ending. I felt so invested in the story and the characters, I just loved it.
In a Little Bit of Trouble by QuickedWeen/@becomeawendybird (4836, Teen, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
Agent Louis Tomlinson is in hot water and finds help in the most unlikely of places: the sweet waitress at her local automat. Agent Carter AU.
Reccer says: This fic is just so fun to read! Part fast paced spy adventure, part sweet romance. I loved it.
There's Such a Lot of World to See by crinkle-eyed-boo (Kimmie Rocks)/@crinkle-eyed-boo (125080, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: check the tags!
Louis has seen a great many things throughout his travels in time and space, but only one he can’t explain: He keeps meeting the same boy, who says the same thing to him each time. The boy should be impossible. Maybe he is. A love story that defies the boundaries of space and time. Doctor Who AU.
Reccer says: This fic is EPIC. It's such an adventure, and so fun to read, but also the whole range of emotions, all of which ring true. You don't have to be a fan of Doctor Who to enjoy it (I can testify to that!), it's so well written that anyone can become invested.
once upon a dream by thedeathchamber (33319, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence
Louis is psychic and gets caught in the middle of a murder investigation led by FBI Special Agent Harry Styles. aka. the Medium/Criminal Minds-inspired AU no one ever asked for.
Reccer says: Do not read after dark! But DO read, this fic is so well written. You really feel like you're right there along with the characters.
Butter With You by driveinbingo/@joekavaliers (26502, Mature, Nick Grimshaw/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
the Tomlinshaw GBBO AU nobody asked for.
Reccer says: I loved Nick and Louis' flirting disguised as fighting – quintessential tomlinshaw banter in a delightful setting!
you came into my life by disgruntledkittenface/@disgruntledkittenface (57180, Mature, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post Warnings: mild homophobia from background characters, mentions of Jay's death
Queer Eye AU of the firefighter episode in season 1, where Liam is the Hero but the whole fire crew gets to grow and flourish in the Fab Five's healing love..
Reccer says: I will never stop recommending this fic. It mad me laugh it made me cry it made me smile it made me kick my little feet in the air -- it made me feel every emotion in the best way. There is so much love in every inch of this story, in every character, they all care so deeply about each other (not just romantically! platonic and family love are just as crucial!) and it is just. perfection.
The Moon’s Never Seen Me Before by Lovingstheantidote/@lovingstheantidote (7688, Explicit, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson) – fic post
Five moments that changed everything. Or, five times Louis left Harry speechless. Plus one time, he very much didn’t. Or, a Harry & Louis Gilmore Girls au.
Reccer says: Harry-as-Lorelai is perfection!