#monthlyrecs

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Monthly Midnight Memories (Admin Recs)

Links last checked: March 21st, 2025

Cait

Going Forward (ao3) - softiejace

Summary: When Phil Lester signs his students up for a mental health workshop, no scenario he's prepared for includes running into his ex...

Pas de Deux (ao3) - scifi (orphan_account)

Summary: for ten years they’ve been friends with benefits; no messy feelings, no exclusivity, and no commitment. for ten years that arrangement was great, except dan’s hopelessly in love with his best friend and he can’t keep doing this. not when phil doesn’t love him back.

Tori

A Stranger I Know Well (ao3) - SoManyRegrets

Summary: “Phil’s got a secret boyfriend," Louise said. "That no one knows about.”

“That is what ‘secret’ means, yes,” Phil told her kindly, patting her head and offering her one of the remaining chairs.

“Does he not go to this school?” Caspar asked, kindlier still. “Does he live in Canada?”

Phil has a secret boyfriend, and everyone wants to know.

Like Father, Like Son (ao3) - INeverHadMyInternetPhase (BirbWatcher)

Summary: Phil is a good teacher, he is. He just can’t control Samuel Howell. And turns out he can’t control Samuel Howell’s single dad, either. (Or, the one where Dan's a single dad and a bad influence, and Phil's the teacher who has to deal with the consequences)

[one-d-library]

July 2020 Fic Recs

Here In The Afterglow by fondleeds 

{not rated, 88k, 3 chapters, 1970s AU, highschool AU, period-typical homophobia, friends to lovers, angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, OT5 friendship}

“If you hadn’t noticed, I don’t have many friends,” Louis whispers, the blossom of insecurity in his stomach unfurling and clawing its way into his throat.

Harry is silent for a long time, and then he speaks; a soft, slow uncurl that makes Louis’ stomach shake. “I’ll be your friend.”

1970’s AU. In a tiny town in Idaho, Louis’ life is changed forever by the arrival of a curious stranger.

My opinion which no one asked for: I really really love this fic!! The character arcs and dynamics are just written so perfectly, so much so that I felt as if I personally knew the characters. I normally don’t drift toward fics set in another time period, but this has completely changed my mindset toward them. The Harry and Louis in this fic deserve absolutely everything in the world. Niall in this fic is also amazing!!! If you take one thing away from this whacko post, please let that be read this fanfiction!!

Can be found in: 

Different Time Period 

Friends to Lovers

High School Fics

Longer Fics

Iconic Fics

Soft Hands, Fast Feet, Can’t Lose by dolce_piccante

{mature, 112k, 6 chapters, American Uni AU, pining, angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, OT5 involvement + friendship, character development}

American Uni AU. Harry Styles is a frat boy football star from the wealthy Styles Family athletic dynasty. A celebrity among football fans, he knows how to play, he knows how to party, and he knows how to fuck (all of which is well known among his legion of admirers).

Louis Tomlinson is a student and an athlete, but his similarities to Harry end there. Intelligent, focused, independent, and completely uninterested in Harry’s charms, Louis is an anomaly in a world ruled by football.

A bet about the pair, who might be more similar than they originally thought, brings them together. Shakespeare, ballet, Disney, football, library chats, running, accidental spooning, Daredevil and Domino’s Pizza all blend into one big friendship Frappucino, but who will win in the end?

My opinion which no one asked for:

I really enjoyed this fic! I’ve come across it multiple times but the description kind of put me off as I’m not a huge fan of the frat boy Harry in fics sometimes, but someone rec’d this fic on twitter and I gave it a shot! I’m so glad I did!! I read this in a couple hours, like I purged through it big time! Really I urge you to give it a shot, the author also sounds absolutely lovely in the notes at the end of the book!! I’ve read this author a couple times before, I’m going to read more of their work. The character development is something i just live for!!

Can be found in: 

Iconic fics

Friends to lovers

Uni AU

Walk That Mile by purpledaisy

{mature, 149k, 10 chapters, slow burn, angst, fluff, smut, strangers to enemies to friends to lovers, road trip AU, nouis + narry friendship}

Harry stares at him, the line of his jaw standing out scarily. “I wanted to get the most out of this trip so I planned it carefully.” His voice is low and steady and somehow that’s worse than when he was yelling. “So far, you’ve put your sticky fingers on everything I’ve tried to do.”

“Sticky fingers?” Louis repeats, offended. “Are you saying it’s my fault you got stung by a bee? Had you been alone you would have gotten halfway to the Dotty Diner and ran the car off the road because of an allergic reaction, so don’t go blaming me.”

“Polk-A-Dot Drive In,” Harry spits before getting out of the car. He slams the door shut with a deafening reverb and Louis rolls his eyes. A Route 66 AU where falling in love was never part of the plan.

My opinion which one one really asked for: 

This fic played with me. The slow burn was so emotionally written and charged that my heart was all over the place. Louis and Harry were written so carefully, each of them have their own character arcs and troubles. But ultimately, the author showcases how they’re better together. I really recommend this fic!! It’s a well known fic and I really see why, it’s amazing!! Go read it!! I read it overnight, literally that amazing!!

Also can be found in: 

Friends to lovers

Road trip fics

Iconic fics

Red Brick Heart by hazmesentir

{explicit, 88k, 9 chapters, slow burn, angst, pining, fluff, smut, friends to lovers, uni AU, OT5 friendship, Little Mix friendship}

Harry has only had his room for thirty-two minutes when it stops being his.

Uni AU. Harry had turned up at the halls of residence expecting fun, new friends, and maybe a life experience or two. What he doesn't expect is a surprise roommate who's loud and dramatic and obsessed with tea and is maybe, actually, all he's ever wanted.

My opinion which no one really asked for: 

I really loved this fic!! I stayed up till 4am reading it all in one go. I really reccomend you go read it. It’s not one of my all time ‘sjfjkfghslkfghjsdg’ favourite fics but it’s up there!! A cute little room mate fic with angst and pining but with a happy endning! 

Can be found in: 

Uni AU 

Longer Fics 2

Friends to lovers

Iconic Fics

Faking It by TheCellarDoor

{mature, M/M, 46k, slow burn, angst, smut, pining, fluff, OT4 friendship, fake relationship, uni AU, friends to lovers}

A uni AU in which Louis has been Harry’s best friend since he offered him cubed fruit on the playground, and they spend more time cuddling in their dorm beds than they do apart, but it’s not like that. Or is it?

Aka Harry pretends to date his best friend to escape unwanted attention from a too insistent classmate and hopes it won’t blow up in his face. Featuring embarrassing dildo accidents, awkward boners, longing, first times, late night conversations, emotional discoveries and Niall as the exasperated friend with bad advice.

My opinion which no one really asked for: 

I enjoyed this fic, I wouldn’t say it was one of my all time faves but it was enjoyable. I would’ve liked a bit more fluff and to know what they did as their relationship blossomed, felt as if it was solely focused on the build up to that then cut it off. A cute lil room mate uni AU with a fake relationship and friends to lovers involvement :) 

Can be found in: 

Friends to Lovers (2)

Uni AU 

Swallow My Words by YesIsAWorld

{teen and up, 32k, 6 chapters, hurt/comfort, homophobia, highschool AU, athlete!Louis, athlete!Harry, OT5 involvement, Narry friendship, established relationship, coming out, fluff, smut, angst}

Senior year is stressful. On top of balancing school work, family, and friends, Harry's lacrosse team is vying to win the state championship, he's not sure where he's going to college yet, and he has a secret boyfriend that no one can know about.

My opinion which no one really asked for: 

I really enjoyed this! I wouldn’t say it didn’t have it’s fault but it was very well written and progressed at a good pace. Would read again and recommend. I know highschool AU’s aren’t for everyone, but I really love this one!

Can be found in:

Hurt/comfort

Highschool Fics

Want You More Than A by TheCellarDoor

{mature, 77k, 15 chapters, highschool AU, brothers best friend AU, nerd!Harry, hurt/comfort, bullying, fluff, cuddling, smut, pining, kinks}

Falling in love with your step-brother’s best friend is a disaster enough. When he happens to be the boy everyone loves and you’re a nerd who wears sweater vests and cries during rom-coms, it takes it to a whole new level.

My opinion which no one really asked for: 

I loved loved loved this!! I’ve never read a brothers best friend AU fic before and had even seen this exact fic before but decided against it. I’m so glad I ended up giving it a shot because I was desperate for some highschool AU fics. This pining/nerd!Harry/comfort/soulmates tropes is something I’m gonna be reading more of!!

Can be found in: 

High School AU 

Iconic Fics

Fav Fics

~

more fic recs can be found here!

[vmficcatalogue]

March 2019 Recs

I’m trying something new! These are my personal favourite fics from the month of March. I can’t promise to get a list up every month, but I read so many good ones this month that I wanted to share. 

over and over; could it really, really be by restlessvirtue -- The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I have yelled into the abyss about this fic more than once and I will continue to do so until I lose my voice. It’s a stunning masterpiece, angst that is elegant is the best way I can think to describe it.

THIS IS MY EVEREST by centralperks -- Tessa and the one thousand ways in which humanity survives. Sometimes you just need to stand on the side of a mountain and yell until you figure out what tf anything actually means. 

(my darling) what wonder have we wrought here by peacefulboo -- Five times Scott watches Tessa parent, plus one time she watches him. Cute and fluffy adoration of each other and their family, this is the softest. 

coming back to the why by resistate – Scott’s reasons for coming back aren’t pure. Worlds 2017. Soft post competition relationship talks complete with a yeehaw dance party, what more could you want?

redemption has stories to tell by iwantthemtostay, only_because3 -- They meet in February. Everything changes in April. This fic man. This damn fic.

Conversations with Dead People by falsettodrop -- Tessa and Scott die. That’s kind of the beginning. This is only the first chapter but I know how amazing this fic is going to be. It’s an incredible piece of characterization and world building.

[the sound of silence] by runnyc33 -- What if one half of the greatest ice dance team was hard of hearing? I knew this story was going to be an absolute beauty right from the first scene.

let me photograph you in this light (in case this is the last time) by awakeanddreaming -- She runs her hand over the delicately beaded fabric, traces a finger over the zigzag pattern on her chest, along the collar, feels the delicate mesh in between, her other hand resting on the smooth material pulling tight across her abdomen. Thirteen months later and I’m still so goddamn emotional about their Olympic skate

fields of gold by virtueoso -- In a lull between training blocks, Tessa and Scott find themselves back in Ilderton for the weekend. Suspend your disbelief for a second about the practicalities of sex in a field and this is really, really hot.

All I Know by thatsamoireh -- Whether it was a picnic in the park, dinner in, or Scott stopping by her shop with a warm chocolate croissant from that bakery near his place, they haven’t gone a Tuesday without seeing each other since they met, and Scott is a giant romantic sap. Pure untainted sweetness for your and my consumption.

just a young gun (with a quick fuse) by lolohannah -- Scott's idea to move past his fixation on Tessa doesn't quite go to plan. Canton era smut. C’est magnifique - that’s all there is to say

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Mey’s Monthly Memorables

Links last checked: August 8th, 2025

Admin recs of January, 2021

Cait

Strictly Come Dancing but make it GAY (ao3) - natigail

Summary: @danielhowell: maybe i’d actually consider doing @bbcstrictly if they allowed same-sex couples. who wouldn’t want a sexy man spinning you around? it’s not just a girl’s dream. c'mon people let's see some pretty and fierce girls pair up and handsome and strong boys get it on. i dare you.

Dan Howell calls Strictly out on Twitter for not allowing any same-sex couples and accidentally volunteers himself to be one of the contestants if they were to change that. It was a joke. It had so clearly been a joke. Why did they take him up on it?! He’s sure he’ll trip over his own feet and hate every second, but then he meets his partner, the endearingly clumsy dancer Phil Lester.

I found - wildflowerhowell

Summary: Dan Howell and Phil Lester hate each other, and everyone at the Ida Gatley school of dance knows it. So what happens when the two are paired together to choreograph and perform a duet at England's most renowned contemporary dance competition?

our house - sierradeux

Summary: Enemy is a harsh word. Rival sounds so immature, like Dan’s the star of some teen drama on Netflix. Competition is close, but not quite there.

In simple terms, Dan has a distaste for Phil Lester. Otherwise known as AmazingPhil in their line of business, for some reason that’s beyond Dan. What makes him so amazing anyway?

There’s a reason the network wanted Daniel Howell and Phil Lester for this specific series, and Dan guesses there’s really only one way to find out that answer.

or

And they were co-hosts. Oh my god they were co-hosts.

for the rest of our lives -  lyricallyharley, writtennotsung

Summary: “Dan's kept a lot of secrets in his life.

The ring is the biggest one though.”

Every time Dan attempts to ask Phil one simple question, something goes wrong. Perhaps even some of the most important events in his life don’t have to be perfect.

Or alternatively, the five times Dan tries to propose to Phil and the one time he gets it right, although not in the way he expected.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Mey’s Monthly Memorables

Admin recs of October, 2020

Christy

Your Crowning Glory (ao3) - pasteldanhowells, rainbowchristy

Summary: Dan is 18 years old when the news is suddenly sprung upon him that he is next line to be the next king of Genovia, but things don’t go as smoothly as he thought, between having a suddenly busy schedule, a new lifestyle, an arranged marriage that Dan has no control over, and worst of all, Philip Lester trying to steal his crown.

Tori

Your Crowning Glory (ao3) - pasteldanhowells, rainbowchristy

Summary: Dan is 18 years old when the news is suddenly sprung upon him that he is next line to be the next king of Genovia, but things don’t go as smoothly as he thought, between having a suddenly busy schedule, a new lifestyle, an arranged marriage that Dan has no control over, and worst of all, Philip Lester trying to steal his crown.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Mey’s Monthly Memorables

Admin recs of May, 2020

Links Last Checked: August 21st, 2025

Christy

30 Days to Fall (ao3) - kawaiikanai

Summary: (TW) Dan’s scraped by in life, never really enjoying it due to persistent bullies, stern parents, and loneliness. When a mysterious man from his past tells him he only has 30 days left to live, he finally takes the initiative to make the best of what time he has left.

Tori

Comet Me, Bro - counting2fifteen

Summary: Dan and Phil are chosen to be the first colonizers of Mars. They’re the perfect choice: they get along incredibly well, they graduated training at the top of their class, and they’re both incredibly ready to spend years, perhaps an entire lifetime, as far away from humanity as possible.

The problem? Dan has a crush on Phil. And Phil doesn’t know.

OR:

“Phil? We meed to have a talk,” Dan said.

“Wow,” Phil said. “You look so serious. Sa-turn that frown upside down.”

“See, that’s what it is,” Dan said. “Your space puns are driving me literally insane.”

sometimes I wonder (¿qué pasaría?) (ao3) - basl

Summary: Dan looks at him and smiles, and the sun frames his face and suddenly the landscape is the second most beautiful thing Phil has seen that day.

or dan and phil meet at a hostel au.

When The Lights Go Down at 3am (ao3) - Yiffandquiff (princesslexi763)

Summary: Dan is used to procrastinating on everything in his life, whether that be doing assignments or getting books from the library. However, one night when he ventures to get his books, a storm hits and knocks the power out in the library, causing him to be alone with a very cute fellow student named Phil.

Alexis

A Royal Pain - jilliancares

Summary: Dan Howell is a prince. Unlike most, known for their benevolent behaviors and elegant manners, he’s known for his sullen mood and vituperative remarks. After all, being a prince is not much fun; not with the lack of friends and the abundance of dumb tasks, such as trying to find the perfect bride and hosting dinners with nobles. Dan only has one friend, a prince from the neighboring kingdom Leona, and his days improve greatly when Phil finally comes to visit. However, with Phil comes a variety of strange accidents, all of which putting his friend’s life in danger. Is someone trying to assassinate Phil? And what can Dan do to stop it, to save his friend?

Bruising the Sun (Ao3) - waveydnp

Summary: the bedsharing friends to lovers roommates au i was always destined to write

Disturb the Universe (ao3) - iihappydaysii

Summary: Dan and Phil are a successful YouTube duo, best friends and next door neighbors. Phil’s married with two kids and Dan’s long term boyfriend is like the queen’s cousin or something. Their lives are fine–perfectly acceptable–but when two unrelated emergencies land Dan and Phil living together for the first time since 2012, they’re forced to examine the choices they’ve made and confront the feelings they’ve kept quiet for nearly a decade.

Monochrome (ao3) - intoapuddle

Summary: When you build your life out of fear that your mental illness could worsen, it leaves little room for excitement. Luckily, Dan has found a space online where he feels comfortable.

Alex

Give Me All Your Hopeless Hearts (ao3) - itsmyusualphannie

Summary: Dan is a university student who doesn’t believe in love, but when Valentine’s Day rolls around, he feels himself suddenly falling for the boy who sits next to him in his writing 101 class. When they’re assigned a project together, Dan has the brilliant idea to ask Phil out - for research! “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”

Just Let Me Adore You (ao3) - Yiffandquiff (princesslexi763)

Summary: Dan didn't know what to expect when he agreed to go to Switzerland with his brother to 'find themselves' again. But he certainly wasn't expecting a massive snow storm to pass by and completely shut down any roads, train stations, and airports. However, when the snow gets worse, a mysterious man stumbles into the hostel he's staying at, and Dan figures out pretty quickly that he and the man are going to have to get to know each other fast.

Workaholic - fiction-phan

Summary: Dan and Phil can’t stand each other but Phil’s son loves Dan and Dan is actually a very good babysitter. Phil can’t afford to lose him, no matter how much he hates him.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Mey’s Monthly Memorables

Admin recs of April, 2020 

Links last checked: November 15th, 2024

Alex

Babies (ao3) - dannihowell (iguessicantry)

Summary: Dan overhears the adults talking about making babies. He soon believes he and Phil have made a huge mistake.

Alexis

distill the life that’s inside of me (ao3) - waveydnp 

Summary: Video games are a useful distraction, and writing is still a thing they try to do at least a little every day, but this? This is fun. This is dopamine and exercise and connection, and sometimes even a little adventure.

Holding Paws (ao3) - intoapuddle 

Summary: Phil wants a peaceful two months to work on his novel, but his parents' cat hybrid has other plans.

Let Me Down Gently (ao3) - INeverHadMyInternetPhase

Summary: AU in which Dan is (briefly) a lawyer, until he gets fired and kicked out by his girlfriend. Wandering alone at night looking for a place to stay, he happens across a slightly strange man who introduces himself as Phil and who owns a B&B. Without much choice, Dan takes up the offer to stay there, and quickly grows to have a certain fondness for Phil. There’s only one problem: Phil runs the B&B with his long-term partner Alex.

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Mey’s Monthly Memorables

Admin recs of February, 2020.

Tori

begin and never cease (ao3) - palomeheart

Summary: Dan is a grumpy second year law student living with reclusive, perpetual grad student named Phil. When the holiday season brings out a side of Phil that Dan’s never seen before, Meanwhile, when Phil finds out Dan hates all things festive, he makes it his goal to change Dan’s mind before Christmas. And also to find the perfect mince pie.

Homo Howell vs The Heterosexual Agenda (ao3) - CanDanAndPhilNot (enbycalhoun)

Summary: Dan had a normal life. At least that’s what he would have said two weeks ago. Before he found that creek-secrets Tumblr post about the closeted gay kid at school. Before he made a secret email account so he could respond with a simple “THIS.”Before his daily routine was staring at his phone and computer anticipating the next email from Fish. Before Matthew, the seemingly innocent nerdy theater kid found and screenshotted said emails. Before said nerdy kid was blackmailing him. Yeah, Dan had a normal life. And if by normal, you meant dealing with all of that on top of trying to hook Matthew up with one of Dan's best friends so he wouldn’t tell the entire school about Dan's sexuality? Sure, Dan's life was fucking normal.

aka a Love, Simon AU that's based on both the book and movie.

Shining Bright and Growing Strong - queenofallcorgis

Summary: Game of Thrones Crossover. Phil was not pleased that his father had basically bought him a husband in exchange for an army. He was equally displeased that his new husband was scared to death of him.

Christy

Coming Clean and Kisses on Screen (ao3) - hygge

Summary: Dan and Phil are finally ready to make the news of their marriage and their new family public.

Love The Way I Hate You (ao3) - HelloAnonymousWriter

Summary: Dan and Phil have a fake rivalry at school when they’re really dating.

The Valentine's Day Classroom Helpers - Yiffandquiff

Summary: Dan knew the day was coming but that still didn't mean he was prepared, so when his son Oliver brings home a note saying Dan is due to be a parent for his classroom for the Valentine's Day party, he already feels a bit of dread. Reluctant to go, he meets Phil, another parent: who just happens to be the father of Oliver's best friend. And he realizes maybe it's not so bad after all.

Alexis 

berlin (ao3) - waveydnp and dizzy 

Summary: dan and phil meet at a hostel in berlin

give me all your hopeless hearts (ao3) - itsmyusualphannie 

Summary: Dan is a university student who doesn't believe in love, but when Valentine's Day rolls around, he feels himself suddenly falling for the boy who sits next to him in his writing 101 class. When they're assigned a project together, Dan has the brilliant idea to ask Phil out - for research!

shapes and weights to choose (ao3) - queerofcups 

Summary: Getting to interview Phil, Phil Lester, feels like the kind of recognition he's been working towards for years and Dan doesn't know how to handle it. 

Dan's a sex toy blogger, Phil's a nearly-retired porn star. They fall in love, eventually.

Some Other Light (ao3) - jestbee 

Summary: Dan works the night shift because it's easier to exist in the dark

‘til death (ao3) - waveydnp 

Summary: in which dan and phil are young, in love, and so, so impulsive