i’ll bite - these are all rated teen, just in case!
caveated that: “underrated” and “favourite” are obviously relative terms… these fics are largely drawn from my bookmarks as well, because i’m too tired to think properly, so probably missing loads, but it’s already fairly long!
and i don’t know whether it will feel good to be tagged here (because i love your fic) or sad (because i think it’s underrated), but i hope it’s ok.
There’ll Be Peace When You Are Done by somekindofpath
an alternate wayward son, written before wayward son was announced. amazing characterisation, and relationship-plot. this has 480 kudos - but should have MORE. it should be in everyone’s top 10, imo.
A Man of Letters, or Five Times Baz Retreats and the One Time He Doesn’t by @palimpsessed
regency AU, epistolary novel - the courtship, simon’s breakdown, the sword fighting… these things are, imo, not to be missed.
Not an Idiot by RooBadley
post canon/but also an AU - simon learning to use words, amazing smart simon, the snowbaz is lovely - perfect confrontation with the coven.
Could It Be Magic? by @arca9
post watford, they didn’t get together at watford - baz is a birthday party magician. it sounds like a joke, and could not be treated more seriously (but it’s also funny).
Every Living Thing by MeredithKSparrow
university AU except also it’s not - amazing epic plot, slow burn romance, also very funny.
Dance Like a Flame by @nightimedreamersworld
just finished - AU where baz was stolen by the fae and replaced with a fairy child, and carry on happens through that lens. so smart and fun.
head in the clouds (but my gravity’s centered) by @im-gettingby
agatha/ginger, written pre AWTWB, but also for me it sings when it’s about agaha’s relationship with simon. no fic has ever sold their relationship so well (the agatha/ginger is really good too though)
Illuminate by @twokisses
penny&simon early friendship fic about Deepavali
Dancing Lights by @scone-lover
also about diwali - this is snowbaz get together, i think it is more popular than it seems, as it was in a zine which always kills AO3 engagement, but it’s so good.
The Corn COBB 🌽 by @scone-lover
this is advertised as total crack, which it is, but it’s also so much more. i wrote of it:
this is literally the fanfic that rainbow rowell would write if she was inspired enough. (no offence rainbow, you are very good too).it has it all! the delicious lure of the pumpkin patch that invokes both wayward son rennaissance faire and pumpkinheads, but is definitely it’s own thing. shepard being delightful - some lovely established relationship snowbaz where they are, like, HAPPY. and penny and shepard getting together!! like they’re an important part of the narrative, maybe even as important as our leads?? it’s so beautifully done too.
When the Bells Ring by @phoxphyre (mature not teen, to be fair)
and we end with another of my absolute all time total favourites - end of carry on, it’s a wonderful life - simon realises he has to live <3
