Kiwi by dimpled_halo | M | 6080
The last place Louis expects to see Harry again after ten years is performing at a music festival in Chicago.
the one who stays and the one leaving you by dragmedown | M | 10315
Fuck.
He had just slept with none other than Harry Styles.
⛸️
OR the stolen hoodie and lost panties AU
A Few Very Good Mistakes by louisandthealien | nr | 12172
He almost wishes there were a better story.
"Fucked up pop star ends five day bender by wandering into a dive bar alone and passing out in public."
That would've generated press, he thinks, and if there's one thing that's constantly on his mind (or more accurately, on the mind of everyone else around him) it's that all press is good press, and good press is good press but bad press is great press.
Besides, he's 25 and trying to do the whole transition from boyband to solo pop star. He's pretty sure a press-fueled meltdown is, like, a right of passage.
The truth, alas, is a whole lot more boring.
---
Louis falls asleep in Harry's bar. Harry takes him home to hang out.
Prelude to Forever by AlwaysAqua | M | 13503
@StylinHarry: So I kinda fell for a boy yesterday at #ChiPride. Kissed & fireworks went off. Literally. He’s a drama teacher. Goes by “Louis” but I prefer Sunshine. Very pretty. The prettiest. Got separated & I’m a fucking idiot who forgot to get his number. Anyone know him? #helpfindsunshine
Or, Louis and Harry meet at Pride in Chicago and spend the day falling for each other before getting accidentally separated.
Soup Of The Day by jacaranda_bloom | E | 19958
It had been the single minded goal for them since college and seemed simple enough. 1. Study hard. 2. Open their dream restaurant. 3. Take the culinary world by storm.
What could possibly go wrong?
Or the Restaurant AU where Louis and Niall are chefs, Chicago is windy, and cracking the big time is harder than they ever imagined. But when a mysterious man starts grading Louis' soups by leaving little piles of rocks, could it be just the thing they need to get them on the road to success?
i talk out loud like you're still around by vaultingus | M | 24693
photographer!louis / model!harry
chicago, u.s.
louis sighs into empty air and takes pictures for indie labels and promises himself he’ll be better this time. harry still has pink lips but they used to smile so much more and he does his best work when he’s in a war with the camera. it’s hard to be found when you don’t think you’re lost.
Bitter Ends Turn Sweet by allwaswell16 | E | 30164
It had been four years since Harry first heard the song his ex wrote about him and far longer since they broke up. He forgave Louis long ago, and now his life was focused on his career, his family, and especially his son, Max. But Louis was back in Chicago, after all this time, and he’s not an easy man to ignore.
Or a songfic inspired by the song Chicago
You're the Light by allwaswell16 | E | 31285
Before beginning a new graduate school in the fall, Louis Tomlinson decides to spend the summer working in Chicago as an editor’s assistant for the Chicago Tribune newspaper and staying with his old college roommate. What he finds on his first day of work is a tall, gorgeous editor named Harry who has the most beautiful green eyes he’s ever seen—and who also happens to be his new boss.
In The Name of Being Honest by sunflouwerhabit, therogueskimo | M | 123563
Back at his desk, Louis closed his eyes for a moment, trying to settle into the reality of this. He was leaving the UK for only the second time in his life. Suddenly, the holiday he took to Spain three summers ago felt like it paled in comparison. He was going to the U.S. - for work, it was true, but still - alone. He’d been all for seizing the moment when his boss had been looking at him with a gaze of steel, but now he felt vaguely nauseous.
Louis took several shaky breaths, feeling like the air was being sucked from the room, and opened the manila folder, laying it flat on his desk. His breath caught as he saw the destination, centered in a large, block font at the very top of the first page:
Robinson Publishing - Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.
~~~
After two years of living in an everlasting cycle of work, sleep, and regret, Louis finds himself wandering brand new streets perpetually haunted by the ghosts of his past.
The Chicago Fic.
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power by dimpled_halo
Rating: Explicit
Pairing: Harry/Louis
Tags: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Omega Harry Styles, Alpha Louis Tomlinson, Modern Royalty, Alternate Universe- Royalty, Beta Niall Horan, Beta Liam Payne, Witch Zayn Malik, Domestic Violence, Rape/Non-con elements, Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Forced Marriage
Chapters: 3/8
Words: 12.389/?
Summary:
Vellusia has always been sold as this magical place where dreams come true and people live happily ever after, but that’s far from the truth. What they fail to mention is that for omegas like Harry, it’s just the opposite.
—
Harry is the King’s omega, destined to live the rest of his life the way his alpha pleases. However, the King’s patience is wearing thin because Harry has been unable to give him an heir to the throne. With the King’s abuse getting worse by the day, Harry is left to make a very difficult decision. A decision that will prove to change the rest of his life in ways he never imagined.
Chapter 1: It’s not a happy ending
Chapter 2: Losing you is easier than lying to myself (that you love me)
Chapter 3: This is tradition
Summary: Harry feels immediately drawn to Louis when they meet for the first time. Unfortunately it's under sad circumstances that leave Louis as a single father. Before Harry can offer his support, Louis is gone just as soon as he'd come, but he leaves a lasting impression on Harry that he knows he'll never forget.
It isn’t until a year later that they cross paths again and Louis changes Harry’s life in ways he didn’t expect.
Louis raises his eyebrows. “You want to be friends with benefits?”
Harry shrugs, “If that’s what you want to call it then, yeah. Why not?”
Louis brings his hand to rub the stubble on his jaw, seeming lost in his own thoughts. “Okay, I’ll agree on three conditions.”
“One: no sleep overs.”
Harry nods, “Okay.“
“Two: if either of us finds someone else we call it off no questions asked.”
Harry isn’t sure why his stomach turns at that, but he agrees anyway.
“And three,” Louis’ face hardens, “you cannot, under any circumstances, fall in love with me.”
Harry snorts, “Yeah, okay,” he chuckles lightly.
or- When One Direction goes on hiatus, Harry and Louis reconnect, becoming the friends they once were during their days in the X Factor. It doesn’t take long for their friendship to evolve into friends with benefits, unable to resist the physical attraction between them. Things get complicated when feelings get in the way.
Tags: Canon Divergence, Friends with Benefits, 1D Hiatus
I have now spent two years loving and being exhausted by a certain boyband!
What I have also loved (and honestly sometimes been exhausted by but like, the luxury!) is the amount of incredible fics that I’ve read in this fandom. So I’ve put together a list of some of the works that have carved their own little spot in my heart and that I will cherish forever. The fact that I can call some of you my friends is quite astounding and the rest of y’all should come be friends with me already! I’m right here!
Anyways!
List under the cut cause this is pretty frickin’ long!
(Take Me Home) Country Roads by Awriterwrites
The writing in this fic left so much room for me to just experience the story without being distracted and it left my heart BLEEDING ON THE FLOOR OK. The story treats the characters with so much respect and love and I love the take enemies to friends to lovers that never feels forced or random. This fic happens in the grand gestures as well as the tiniest of details and I feel like I could never describe it in a fair way with such few words. Just. Fuck. Read this because like – brilliant writing, lgbt pals!!!, gorgeous setting, WEST VIRGINIA!, complex and beautifully written characters and because I say so because it’s one of my favourite fics ever.
A Word We've Only Heard by lululawrence
I loooove historical fics, especially when the writer manages to capture the era not just in text but in spirit. It’s such a beautifully built story about love that should be impossible but in the end is the only thing right. About finding your place in the universe so that even when you’re not with them you still belong. It’s a story about a journey that starts in two places and ends as one.
Atlas At Last by louisandthealien
Can we just put aside the beautiful writing and the brilliant story arc and wonderful characterizations for just a mo? And talk about THE SPIRIT THIS FIC CAPTURES??? How you feel like you’re right there in that disgusting van (with a bunch of kind of clueless boys) and you love Queen more than anything and you’re falling in love for the first time and you’ve got the whole world in your hands? And at the end you’re left trembling because your heart is bursting in your chest? Yup, let’s talk about that.
Back To You And Tennessee by rippedgloves
I don’t even know what to tell you. This gave me goosebumps several times just by the way the writer describes Louis’ love and want for Harry. How is that even possible. This fic is so painful but it’s so so so soooooo worth it.
Barefoot in Blue Jeans by indiaalphawhiskey
A second after having finished this I went over to tumblr to declare my love to the writer. This fic saved my life. (who are you calling dramatic?) I’m obsessed with stories where they are so completely gone for each other that it could be seen from the moon and yet, yet! Oh god. The relationships in this story are everything. The friendships, companionships and family dynamic is so so wonderful and you have to read this because it will save your life too. Just sayin’.
Been Together Since Way Back When by alivingfire
Now this is the fic I want to live inside. Like make my own little home there and hang out with my pals (Louis, Harry and everyone else) and I’d be so so happy. It’s not a fluffy cotton cloud of a fic, the characters struggle and fight their inner battles, but that never makes them any less beautiful and I love that so so much. Reading this is like finding new friends, everyone has their own shit to deal with, but together you’ll make it out alright in the end (and you might have the best time while getting there as well). READ!
Black with Autumn Rain by whimsicule
I’m amazed by people who manage to create a new world without ever losing the connection to ours. This fic is eerie, creative, utterly fascinating, gentle and so so beautiful. I was scared, my belly was fluttering, I held my breath, had my mind whirring and my tears streaming. It’s stories like this that makes me loose my breath with what people can come up with and how they can put words to those magical thoughts inside their heads.
Cancel your reservations, no more hesitations by 14hrflight (25postcards)
Okay so. For those of you who don’t know – I fucking love ABO. Like. Love it.What I love even more is when people come up with new, norm breaking and challenging ways of writing it and this does that in the best way ever. This story is so incredibly intense, so sweet and hot and gorgeous. Writing ABO can be tricky because there’s a lot of “traps” to fall in to and this fic manages to avoid those while also remaining so wonderfully human. God. Just read it. Please.
Caught By the Sun by metal_eye
This fic is like a dream. It’s what happens between the lines, it’s the tears streaming down my face and my belly aching and me smiling so hard my face hurt. You read this and you don’t know what is happening to you, but you know you never want it to end. It’s so absolutely gorgeous and nostalgic and perfect.
Do Not Go Gentle by afirethatcannotdie
Ya know when a writer takes you on a journey? And lets you experience the ups and downs of real life struggles, about how you’re so passionate about your job that it takes up almost all your time and emotional capacity and yet somehow your life is happening simultaneously and when love appears to be an obstacle but turns out to be exactly what you need? And afterwards you feel all empty because you realise this was just a story and now it’s ended? Yeah. That.
Don’t want shelter by FullOnLarrie
Following this fic as it was posted is one of the most incredible reading experiences I’ve had since I started reading fic (15 or so years ago). It’s no secret that I love stories about “older Larry” and this story beautifully captures the perspective of how time both heals and rips up new wounds. The story is loud and harsh but also manages to be one of the most vulnerable and openhearted stories of love I’ve ever read.
Dress you up in my love by LucyStarkid
MAAAAH!!! I get a little teary eyed (okay A LOT) just thinking about this fic. I was still so new in the fandom and Lucy was one of the first people in the fandom I ever spoke to and reading it is just a very very fond memory. OKAY. The Louis and Harry of this story are some of the most gentle and loveable and beautiful characters ever. My heart cried with happy tears from how much they love each other, how brave they are and how they have FINALLY found the person for them. It’s just. God. I love this fic so much.
Far Away. by dimpled_halo
When it’s not right until it’s right and your heart has to break a few times along the way and you have to find yourself and the other person needs to find themselves but in the end – it’s right. This story is so gorgeously written, the flashbacks tie in so beautifully with the present. I love it when they both struggle and they both fuck up but it is so so apparent through out the story that they love and support each other above everything.
Here In The Afterglow by fondleeds
Screw the “classics”, THIS is it. This is the classic of classics. This is all that should be taught in school and it’s one of my favourite stories ever. It’s the coming of age story we all deserve. It’s got groovy music, nostalgia, lgbtq politics, trying to exist in a world that hates you, falling in love for the first time and finding the place where you belong (it might be a person). You will cry, laugh and fall in love through out this story and you will be endlessly sad when it ends because you never want it to.
If I Had Three Wishes (They'd All Be For You) by phdmama
-insert incoherent screaming for five years or more- Don’t you just love it when you read something and afterwards you feel ATTACKED because the writer changed something within you? They just went ahead and made themselves a permanent spot in your heart? RUDE! This story is so heartfelt from the first letter and I laughed and cried and loved so so so hard throughout the whole thing. There’s so much love and chemistry between Louis and Harry you can basically touch it. Add fucking cabaret, the ocean, beautiful self discovery and a setting so gorgeous you never wanna leave? Yeah.
knives don't have your back by turnyourankle
Oh god, we all love a good thriller right. When your nerves are on high alert and you keep racking your brain to figure out what the fuck is going on and then right smack in the middle of that you add one of the most emotional and tender love stories ever? MY JAM. This is it. You will bite your nails and you will clutch your heart and you will love this as much as I do. That I promise.
Let Me Touch You Where Your Heart Aches by rosegoldhl (MoonlitLarrie)
Okay if there’s someone who hasn’t caught on yet – I’m an emotional mess and I love nothing more than fics that makes me feel so much which. This. It left me a sobbing mess, made me want to smack the characters around (looking at you Lima), made me fall in love and made me laugh so hard because Ri has one of the sharpest snappiest sense of humour I know. I love this fic so much, it’s intense in all the best ways and right in the middle of that is always the most important thing – their love for each other.
like a boomerang by youwilll
This fic is literally about a supernatural event but it still captures so much of what I see in real life Louis and Harry. How the universe could simply never accept them being apart. It’s so clever and brilliantly told, so so beautifully written and I’m so in love with the characterisations and the small but oh so important details.
Little Technicolor Things by tekhnicolor
The first time I read this I had to stop halfway through the first chapter because I could not for the life of me understand how this could be a real thing that existed in the real world. I was crying the whole way through and it was part because it’s an absolutely breathtaking story with gorgeous characters, and part because it’s some of the most stunning words anyone has ever put together ever. Ever.
Little White Lies by xxSterre
MAAAAAAAAH. You want to read something that makes you laugh and makes your heart beat faster and makes you sweat with nerves while the characters have a connection that it so strong it literally sparkles? Yes you do. And you want to read this because this is that and so much more. READ!
Mutability by haloeverlasting
Okay so. This fic. I once said Birbie’s writing makes me want to lie down and rest in their words and that is so true. This fic is so multi-layered, intelligent and beautifully written, but first and foremost it’s so heart achingly, breathtakingly human. It’s about growing, about relearning what happiness feels like in your bones, with a side of poetry and strong opinions about fictional characters. This is fic is my comfort.
My Sweetest Downfall by kiwikero
This is so spectacular. It’s so pure and beautiful and the love in this story is more magical than the fact that one of them is a guardian angel. It’s a gift to write about beings that are not of this world and still make them feel so incredibly, painfully, gorgeously human. This universe is so cleverly built and the story stabs you right in the heart. (which is the best feeling ever of course)
No One Like You by myownspark
Oh my god. I loved how this high lighted the importance of telling the stories of lgbtq people from the past while also being an incredible love story. The switching timelines between now and then, as well as between the different POVs is so clever and beautifully done and the writer manages to capture the atmosphere of both worlds so perfectly. It’s a story that makes you think of the way we see the world, of the “truths” that are being told to us by people with narrow minds and too much power.
Sounds of you sounds like love by sweariwouldnt
You know when you come across a fic that makes you feel seen and loved and cherished? Just because you get to experience the writer seeing and loving and cherishing the characters? And the characters see and love and cherish each other so much? This is it. Right here. This fic deals with mental health issues in such a respectful and delicate way. It’s a story about two people who struggle but still find each other. About how you don’t have to be in a perfect place to find love and how that other person doesn’t have to be your “saviour”. It’s a story about being brave.
Swallow My Words by YesIsAWorld
I’m absolutely obsessed with stories that show how the world is a complex, scary place and that we’re all just creatures trying to navigate, trying to find our way, and it’s not always easy – and that’s okay. This story is so incredibly heartfelt, mixing tender sweetness with fright and doubts. I love how it deals with the coming out process, so realistic and respectful. It’s not about how much you love the other person or how proud you are - there can be a billion factors to count in and that’s okay. It’s also okay to be frustrated over the fact that you want to yell about your love from the rooftops but maybe you can’t. At least for now. Read this and cry and grow so proud of the journey the characters make.
the dead things we carry by MediaWhore
I loved the perspective of what happens after the war, when it’s still so present in the minds and hearts of the people experiencing it and how you (try to) move on from that. I adored the gentle love that blooms between Louis and Harry in this story. About how love can grow even in the darkest of places. This fic is so so beautiful and heart breaking in the best way.
To Give You a Hand to Hold by gettingaphdinlarry
I almost feel disrespectful talking about this fic because I don’t think I can properly put words to how I feel about it. About how incredibly massive it is in the way the writer captures these characters, in the heavy silences and the fragile moments where love and pain and companionship can coexist. I’ll carry this story with me for a long, long time. Just. Read this and have your breath taken completely.
We’re What’s Right In This World by BriaMaria
I think I could write a novel about my love for this fic. I literally started crying within the first paragraph of reading this. With only a sentence my belly would drop to the floor and the next my heart would beat out of my chest. It’s a true talent to write something so emotional and intense yet never making feel over dramatic or unrealistic. This fic is pure emotional brilliance and it’s absolutely gorgeously written. It’s everything really.
We'll Be Seamless by dinosaursmate
AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! Gosh. Just. When you read a summary of a story and go ”holy shit” and then you read the story itself and you go ”HOLY SHIT”. Yeah. This story is so unique, so sensual, so gentle, so funny and so incredibly GORGEOUS. Just all of it – GORGEOUS! The visuals are absolutely stunning, their feelings developing and growing are so intense and sweet and perfect, the sexual tension is to die for and I love the way it portrays sexuality, love and sensuality in such a fluid gracious way. Gosh.
With a whimper by kitundercover
I read all 132k of this in 24 hours and those 24 hours were so fucking intense. This is one of those fics you’re just going to have to read to understand how immense, how impossible, how unique, brilliant and absolutely devastatingly horrifying it is. It is so so beautiful while dealing with the absolute most terrifying thing that exists – the human mind. It’s about breathtaking connections between brave people who fumble in the dark, about how terror can seem like a viable solution and how people try to exist in a world that seems hopeless. It’s about love. This story is so beyond epic. Just read it.
the wonderlands by stylinsoncity
When this fic started out I thought I knew where it was heading, but then it didn’t but instead it told me a story of how we’re all just human, and we’re scared of love, we’re scared of moving on, we’ve got motivations that are hidden to others and no matter how hard we try - we might fuck up sometimes, but at the end of the day all that matters are the people that we love. GOD. God. This fic is something else. Just. Truly. I never wanted it to end.
Wrap You Up in Daisy Chains by objectlesson
When you can recognize someone writing on the very specific way it makes you feel? Like? Yeah. Yeah. Reading this fic brought up so much for me personally and the writer manages to put words to complex thoughts that so many of us have had growing up, while simultaneously writing something so intense and hot and soft. I could barely breathe after I finished this and then I couldn’t stop thinking about girl Larry. I still haven’t stopped thinking about girl Larry. My life is now girl Larry. READ THIS!
Here it comes! The 25 fic long list of fics (yes, I’m measuring length with fics now!) I’ve read this summer. Hope you’ve all had a great time and read amazing fics during the last months! I’ve separated the chaptered and one shots in this fic rec, so hopefully it’ll make this a little less messy. Happy reading everyone!
CHAPTERED
Fool’s Gold by tvshows_addict (55k)
Leaflet for Over Again Inc.
“In relationships, there are three types of people: those who are happy, those who are unhappy but accept it and deal, those who are unhappy and in denial.
Handling this last category is our job: we are professional couple breakers.
To reach our goal, we use all means necessary.”
Or the Arnacoeur AU in which Harry is scheduled to be married to Liam in 10 days and Harry’s mother hires Louis and his team to break them up. THE ROMANTIC COMEDY FIC OF THIS SUMMER!
Mutability by haloeverlasting (108k)
Harry and Louis meet in a book club. Life and fiction have their parallels. SLOW BURN, (read the notes before each chapter for tw)
Come Away With Me by suspendrs (80k)
Louis had such big plans. He wanted so much out of life, and so did Amy. Now Bridget is going to grow up without a mother, and she’s always going to wonder what it would be like if this hadn’t happened. He wonders if she’ll blame him for her mother’s death as she gets older, or if she’ll understand that this is just as painful for Louis as it is for her. Louis doesn’t know how he’s going to raise her on his own, because he’s a fantastic father, yes, but he’s always been the fun parent, and Amy was in charge of the rules. He doesn’t know how to make sure Bridget has everything she needs all the time, doesn’t know how to make her favorite meal or how to do that one braid she loves to have in her hair or how to teach her to be the best person she can be. He doesn’t know how to live without Amy, he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. SINGLE PARENT! LOUIS, MINOR CHARACTER DEATH, FRIENDS TO LOVERS
The Wonderlands by stylinsoncity (150k)
"Somewhere between chaos and control — these are the wonderlands."
Harry's daughter, Andy, is signed to Louis' girl band. Her path to success is marked by competition, chaos, and for Harry, a love affair. FAMOUS/NOT FAMOUS, SINGLE PARENT! HARRY
Just Ask Me To by TellMeThisIsNotLove (120k)
“You’re telling the truth,” Louis whispers.
“Of course I’m telling the truth!” Harry doesn’t even care that he sounds exasperated.
“Oh my god.” Louis grabs the wall behind him as if looking for support. His body slides down against it until he’s sitting crouched on the floor.
He mumbles something but Harry can’t really figure out what it is. He crouches down, and looks desperately at the breaking boy in front of him.
“You’re telling the truth,” Louis whispers. “You were not supposed to–”
“I was not supposed to do what? Tell me please,” Harry urges, taking Louis’ hands gently in his. CANON COMPLIANT, X-FACTOR ERA, FRIENDS TO LOVERS, ANGST
My Lights Stay Up, But Your City Sleeps by PearlyDewdrops (108k)
Harry breaks into his own smile, scrunching his nose when he glances back up, meeting Louis' eyes, his stiff posture loosening. They stare for a beat, Harry's smile dwindling. "So... you're okay with it? That it can’t go anywhere?"
Louis nods easily. "We're on the same page. Promise." He holds out his pinkie to prove it, mind hazy and giddy from alcohol. Harry’s dimples appear in each cheek as he holds out his own, their pinkies intertwining. "We're just two people who like each other, have fun together, and who may or may not kiss and... stuff.” He grins, wild adrenaline pumping through to his fingertips.
Harry sinks his teeth into his bottom lip, lowering his flushed gaze to the floor.
“Just don't go falling in love with me, and it'll be fine," Louis smirks.
Or Louis has trouble sleeping, Harry has a habit of wrapping himself around Louis during the nights, and a mutual agreement to engage in a fun and simple thing quickly turns into something perhaps not so fun, and certainly not simple. FRIENDS TO LOVERS
Do Not Go Gentle by afirethatcannotdie (70k)
“This is all a game to you, isn’t it? Well, it’s not for me. This is a real life or death situation,” Louis says, spitting the words at him. “And I just don’t think you’re cut out for it.”
For a moment, they stare at each other in complete silence. Harry can feel his blood thrumming between his ears, can see Louis glaring at him, feels red-hot anger. And then all he feels, oppressively and desperately, is lust.
Suddenly Louis is surging up to him to press his lips against Harry’s. Harry walks the two of them backwards, pressing Louis back against the door. Louis oomphs in surprise and brings his hands under Harry’s scrub top, scratching at his lower back.
“Lock — oh — lock the… fucking door,” Louis mutters.
When Harry Styles starts his first day as a surgical intern, he expects a lot of things: to treat patients, to observe a surgery, to feel a bit overwhelmed. What he definitely doesn't expect, however, is that the handsome guy he kicked out of his bed this morning is also an intern.
A Grey’s Anatomy AU where tensions are high, Harry and Louis are hooking up in secret, and no one has time for love. Or do they? HATE TO LOVE
If It Kills Me by you_explode (109k)
Harry and Louis have worked together in a difficult office environment for six years. They're best friends; Louis is the bright spot of all of Harry's days. But Louis is in love with Harry, and Harry's engaged to someone else. And that's only the beginning.
The Office AU. More or less follows the first five seasons. A lot of pining and misunderstanding the depth of feelings and rejection and angst, until there isn’t. FRIENDS TO LOVERS, SLOW BURN
Right In Front Of Me Or Maybe You’re In Disguise by zahrasayed (15k)
Soulmate AU
Where when you turn eighteen and are standing in front of your soulmate you get a tattoo around your ring finger (and are basically engaged after that ). Louis gets his tattoo when he's in front of his fourteen year old neighbour, Harry Styles, the kid he couldn't get rid off since his childhood and who he sticks around with only because of his mother (not because he has a urge to protect him or anything). SOULMATES, FAMOUS/NOT FAMOUS, MPREG
Relief Next To Me by dolce_piccante (333k)
AU. What happens when a baker and a graphic designer meet via a very specific Craigslist post? Fate, friendship, food, and maybe more. STRANGERS TO FRIENDS TO LOVERS, SMUT!
Remind Me Again by momentofclarity (28k)
He loves it when they do this, when they find comfort in each other like this, so close, soft and sweet. They have never really talked about it beyond “Oh so that’s a thing we do now” all those years ago, but it’s also something they have silently agreed not to share with their friends. This is just for them, just like the way they sometimes fall asleep in each other’s beds, pressed closed under the covers, or how they love to cook each other dinner and light candles all over the flat. They have lived together since they were teenagers and over the years they have settled into each other in ways that the other boys just wouldn’t understand.
The romantic platonic friends to lovers AU where they are forced to speak about everything that has always been unspoken. FLUFF AND SMUT
This Wicked Game by cherrystreet (70k)
An AU in which The Bachelor is gay, Louis is a contestant, Harry is the bachelor, everyone drinks a lot of champagne, the entire world gets to watch them fall in love, and no one plays by the rules.
Escapade by dolce_piccante (146k)
In the grand scheme of things, finding a date for a wedding should be no problem for Louis Tomlinson. He's rich. He's handsome. He's reasonably well behaved. But when the wedding is for his lifelong best friend (and former boyfriend), and is happening in under a month, finding a date for the ceremony and accompanying festivities becomes more of an adventure than he ever could have planned for. FAKE/PRETEND RELATIONSHIP, STRANGERS TO FRIENDS TO LOVERS
Little White Lies by xxSterre (13k)
the AU based off of that one Craigslist post - how a little white lie takes on an enormous snowball effect, that might accidentally include a Tomlinson too. FAKE/PRETEND RELATIONSHIP
Building Castles In The Sky by SexyAssWoman (22k)
"D-dad? You think I c-can do it? Y-you think i c-can..." Evan trailed off looking down at his chest. And Louis' heart melted.
"I think you can do everything, love. Everything." Louis said while pulling his boy closer. "Because you, my little dandelion, are very brave! And so strong and wonderful and so very bright! You will go up on that stage, and you will blow everyone away. I just know it."
They laid there on their porch while they hugged each other tightly. His little boy was so brave. Louis didn't need to see him on a stage to be proud. He was proud of him already.
"You know,” Evan mumbled aloud again. “Mr. S-Styles says the same t-thing. He s-says I c-can do e-everything too.”
And Louis couldn't help but smile.
or, Where, Louis had a four year old with a stuttering problem. Harry was always there to help. SINGLE PARENT! LOUIS, TEACHER! HARRY
May You Enjoy Your New Life by aimmyarrowshigh (264k)
It begins for them all at the bungalow –
'Alright, time to lay out the cards. We’re in this together and hopefully, for the long haul, yeah? So I think – you know, we should just be honest. It’s deal-breakers time. That thing that like, if we’re gonna hate you or something, just tell us all now.'
When One Direction begins, Harry Styles is a sixteen-year-old boy foundering under the pressure of impending fatherhood. His ability to balance the sobering responsibility of caring for his tiny daughter, Millie, and the exhilaration of seeing his own dreams coming to fruition affects not only his future, but those of Liam, Zayn, Niall, and Louis, who never expected fealty to be the key to their success. But Liam is the first to show him how to grow up without growing old, and Zayn is the first to defend from the public what is private and precious. Louis -- Louis is the first for a lot of things; for most of the moments of Millie's life and for the moments of Harry's that matter. And Niall is the first to toast when Millie is born: Go maire sibh bhur saol nua -- 'may you enjoy your new life.' KID FIC, DOMESTIC FLUFF, FRIENDS TO LOVERS
ONE SHOTS
Carry This Feeling by Awriterwrites, dimpled_halo (49k)
There’s something about Louis Tomlinson that makes Harry feel unhinged. It’s in the other man’s stare, in the way he looks at Harry like he knows he’s hiding something. Like he’s not really all he says he is.
Harry’s not so sure it’s fear he’s feeling. Maybe it’s something deeper. Ever since Louis walked into his house, he’s felt on edge. He’s just being himself after all, and that’s usually enough to get just about anyone to drop their pants. But...it’s clearly not working on Louis Tomlinson. It dredges up something oily and unpleasant inside Harry. He doesn’t like it.
He’s got to lock that shit down tight.
***
Harry knows, objectively, that he shouldn't try to get his ghostwriter into bed. He knows. But...he finds it hard to resist temptation when Louis waltzes into his home and his life and turns everything upside down. And, as it turns out, Louis might just need a little turning upside down too. FAMOUS/NOT FAMOUS, STRANGERS TO LOVERS
Dirty Laundry Looks Good On You by suspendrs (19k)
“So um, Niall mentioned you haven’t lived here long. What brings you to London?”
“What is this, an interview?” Louis smirks, stealing Harry’s drink and taking a sip. “Wanted a change of scenery. Dunno.”
Harry hums and takes his drink back, narrowing his eyes playfully at Louis as he takes a long sip. “Can I buy you a drink, or would you rather keep sharing mine?”
“You most certainly can buy me a drink,” Louis grins, grabbing the bottle back out of Harry’s hand, “but I’m still going to be stealing yours.”
Or, Harry is jaded and sad and resigned to be forever alone, until Niall sets him up with a friend of his whose broken pieces may just fit pretty well with Harry's. STRANGERS TO LOVERS, PAST ABUSE
The Worst Fucking Idea by juliusschmidt (3k)
Liam suggests Harry and Louis do Seven Minutes in Heaven, just like they always used to in high school. SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN
Maybe We’re Perfect Strangers by starprediction (39k)
When an EDM festival in the Caribbean touts itself as a “life-changing and transformative experience,” Harry’s not too sure he buys into it. Regardless, Harry wants nothing more than to please his best friend, so he goes along for the ride. What he doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels for the festival’s organizer who Harry discovers is also the object of his best friend’s affections.
in which it takes three days under the tropical sun for two men to fall in love FAMOUS/NOT FAMOUS
Barefoot In Blue Jeans by indiaalphawhiskey (24k)
AU. Louis Tomlinson is trying desperately hard not to fall for his son’s au pair, but he can’t, for the life of him, remember why. SINGLE PARENT! LOUIS
Tangled Up In You by missandrogyny (45k)
Harry blinks once. And blinks again. And says, his voice dangerous: “Niall, did you get me a mail-order bride?”
Because what the actual fuck. It kind of looks like Niall’s just purchased a person. For Harry.
Niall blinks back at him for a few moments, before throwing his head back and howling with laughter. Harry throws a pillow at him. Hard. “No, what the fuck, Harry.”
“A prostitute then?” Harry also doesn't want a prostitute.
“Of course not!”
“A stripper?”
“No!”
Damn, he’s running out of ideas. He settles for launching another pillow at Niall’s head. Niall bats it away easily, still laughing. “Stop!”
“What did you get me, then?!” Niall must hear the tinge of hysteria in his voice, because he’s pulling himself together, trying to stop himself from laughing.
There’s still a big grin on his face, though, when he says, “I got you a professional cuddler.”
A professional…what. “What?” FAMOUS/NOT FAMOUS
Heart On An Open Highway by afirethatcannotdie (5k)
AU. Harry's a popstar about to release his second album, and Louis is the Radio 1 intern who gets his heart racing. FAMOUS/NOT FAMOUS
On The Go by phdmama (2k)
Inspired by - where louis owns a landscaping company called MANSCAPE and harry thinks it’s some sort of in-home pubic hair grooming company, so he calls to make an appointment, there’s some discussion of whether he wants his bushes trimmed as well, and then when it’s time for the appointment, harry’s like half-naked waiting around in a robe or something and louis shows up with lawnmowers. COMEDIC
Sugar by cheshireflowers (13k)
“I hope our paths will ‘croissant’ again.”
There’s a little smiley face drawn next to the words, and it’s ridiculous, Louis knows, but he can’t help the swell of butterflies that he feels as he reads over the words once more. An odd fellow indeed, he thinks.
A moment later he shakes his head and collects himself, because he really does need to get home; he’s sure that Harry is probably watching him from behind the counter, all sweet, smug smiles and pink cheeks. And if he’s being honest, he’s not entirely sure he won’t toss his groceries into the trash and walk straight back into the bakery if he doesn’t leave now, so… he really does need to get going.
Before he goes on his way, though, he plucks the note from the top of the container and carefully tucks it inside of his wallet to protect it from the rain.
Sound Like a Song by allwaswell16
Lovely what could have been, finally getting it right - Larry AU. So many lovely vegetable puns! Tip: as well read the prequel
When It’s Late At Night by Rearviewdreamer
I love a good Hate to Love AU. They meet during Harry’s week at Late Late.
We’ll Be Seamless by dinosaursmate
Tumblr AU that you certainly won’t forget. ;) One heck of a read - slowburn. ;)
Sweeter Than Wine by letsjustsee
Amazing Hogwart AU that is going to make you laugh.
Keep Your Hands Up, So I Can See by xxSterre
Hogwarts AU with a lovely Enemies to Lovers.
It Had To Be You by FullOnLarrie
It is the Harry Met Sally AU that you did not know you needed.
kiss me on the mouth (and set me free) by tempolarriefix
Fake Marriage AU between two close, platonic friends. Sure.
Far Away by dimpled_halo
I am still not over this Post Break Up/Exes to Lovers AU. <3
King of wishful thinking by Star_Henderson
Pretty Woman AU with a nice twist.
Drawn to You by lululawrence
Soulmate AU too cute for your own good.
Anonymous Said by alivingfire
A tumblr/coming out au that makes your heart melt.
And for a special bonus rec I’ll add this amazing Harry Potter AU’s
Every Little Thing He Does Is Magic (Part 1) by perfectdagger
Sick of Losing Soulmates (I Like You) (Part 2) by perfectdagger
If You Ever Wanna Be in Love (Part 3) by perfectdagger
Relationships: Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik/Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson/Original Male Character(s)
Additional Tags: Post-Break Up, Break Up, Friends to Lovers, Exes to Lovers, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, First Time, Blow Jobs, Anal Sex, Flashbacks, Fluff, Long-Distance Relationship, Jealous Louis, Tattoos, Smut, Eventual Smut, Drinking, Musician Harry, Teacher Louis, OT5 Friendship, Pining, Jealous Harry, Premature Ejaculation, Past Harry Styles/Original Male Character - Freeform, Songwriting, Young Love, Masturbation, Best Friends, Rimming, Anal Fingering, Unresolved Tension
Summary:
Harry swallows hard, clearing his throat. “Hi Lou,” he says, looking at Louis reluctantly. He’s even more gorgeous than he remembers, so much, he feels uneasy looking directly at him, he’s so beautiful.
Louis looks at Harry, does a quick once-over and smiles, eyes so bright and blue—just how Harry remembers. “Harold!” He gets up out of his seat and embraces him into a warm hug. It’s a friendly platonic hug; one that ends way too soon. Harry wishes it would last longer so that he can breathe Louis in and memorize his new but somehow still familiar scent. It instantly leaves his body aching for more.
****
Harry returns to London after five years. Stuck in the past with "what ifs" and "what might have beens", he sees that his friends and ex (and possible love of his life) Louis have all moved on with their lives while he finds himself questioning his own life choices, past and present.
