#around 22k of nonsensical fic

[damthosefandoms]

my outsiders essay i wrote in eighth grade on "what is a hero? who is the hero in the outsiders? why?" (236 words, all quotes from the book):

my outsiders essay now (2k words, all nonsense but there���s a point in there somewhere):

Juliette Damthosefandoms

Transcribed by Mage Mutopians (because I’m lazy but I still edited it after. if there's typos blame mage they just typed every word i said)

12/23/2024

Hero Essay 2.0

Way, way back in spring 2014, when I was thirteen years old, I was tasked with writing an essay about what the definition of a hero is and who I think the main hero of the Outsiders story was. I said that there was only one character in that story and his name was Johnny Cade and he was “defiantly” the hero. After submitting that essay, there was a day where I was in a PPT meeting (because if this doesn’t make it clear that I have ADHD I don’t know what will), and I have a very specific memory of it being brought up to give me more instruction in adding detail to my writing. Now, I have spent way too much time putting entirely too much detail into my writing to the point where I do not believe in anything that is not a run-on sentence. (I am sorry for making you type this @mutopians.) (It’s okay @damthosefandoms <3) Anyway. In this essay, I will explain what I think the definition of a hero is after having spent many years obsessing over superheroes, which doesn’t apply to the Outsiders, but it could, if you write a 22k fic and not post it. (Drop the fic Julie-) (NO.) Anyway. Again. 

A hero….What’s a hero? A hero is (I think I stand by whatever my original definition was) probably somebody who helps people who are in need or go out of their way to do things to do-Fuck it. I don’t know. If you’re going for the Batman definition, it’s Darry, because he’s taking kids off the street. This also works for Johnny because he took kids out of the building. To quote my essay from almost eleven years ago, “To start, Johnny ran into the church after Ponyboy.  “‘Hey, Ponyboy.’ I looked around, startled. I hadn’t realized Johnny had been right behind me all the way.” (Pg.91-92) He wasn’t afraid to go into a fire to save those kids.” (Me, 2014). (insert Mage and Julie argument over the appropriate way to cite an essay from 2014 in MLA while Julie pets Mage’s cat) If we’re talking about saving people, Johnny fits the bill. 

Moving on, I was rereading that essay and laughing at it so I posted it on Tumblr the other day and did a poll and you guys decided that, as of December 23rd 2024 at 3:18 PM EST, Johnny is defiantly the hero at 65.2% of the 23 votes. Soda and/or Darry have 21.7% of the vote. Other has 13% but nobody actually put in the tags who they thought the other heroes would have been so. I don’t know what was going on there. Ponyboy, I guess it’s my fault for making it biased because I called him the boring answer. But he didn’t do anything heroic so I stand by it. He has 0% of the vote. Not even zero point something. Just zero. So that’s apparently what the internet thinks. There’s five days left on the poll if you want to vote on that, but I don’t think that’s going to change. My theory is that the Johnny thing was winning because I made the joke about the typo earlier in the post and I think Soda and/or Darry are just because of musical fans bias, which I’ll get into in a minute. 

(Right now, at this point, I asked Mage to put in a word count, because I’m having fun.) (Counting this part, there’s 601 words.) (I had to teach Mage how to enable the word counter on Google Docs just btw.) (In my defense it intimidates me when I’m staring at an already blank page) 

What was the point of this again? (Julie then paused to pet my cat and say he was cute.) Where am I? We need to figure out who the hero is. In the musical, let’s talk about that, there’s a lot of bias. Giving Soda and/or Darry as an option didn’t help because I kinda knew that, as we’ve all grown up and reread the book in a different point in our lives and listened to the musical on repeat for six months straight and nothing else and except Christmas music recently and and the occasional One Direction song back in October (RIP Liam Payne), we all know how the story goes. Now that we’ve seen a point of view that’s not just Ponyboy’s and we’ve accepted he’s an unreliable narrator and we’ve all listened to “Finale (Tulsa ‘67)” we know what Ponyboy’s point of view is: “And now I look at what my brothers do for me. They’re the reason that I’m standing here right now. One thing’s for certain, I can say without a doubt. Those heroes paved the way so I could finally make it out.” (Outsiders Musical) (I’m not doing any other in-text citations now because I hate them and they’re stupid and if you’re reading this you know where it’s from. Goodbye.)

Anyway, Ponyboy sees his brothers as heroes at the end of the story. I think that now that we’ve all grown up enough to realize that Darry isn’t abusive and was just scared and that hitting Pony in the face wasn’t intentional, it’s just what siblings do, and if you’ve never slapped your brother before, you’re lying. Obviously in the context of the situation, it wasn’t cool, but sometimes the Cain instinct just takes over. Johnny even says I think later on in the musical that Darry probably didn’t mean it, and if the kid who consistently is getting abused is saying that Darry didn’t mean it, then Darry probably didn’t mean it. It’s also interesting that after it happens, during all of “Far Away from Tulsa,” Darry is still on the stage literally just sitting there on the floor staring into nothing like “what the fuck did I just do.” He did not mean it. Thirteen year old me did not understand this but I grew up and I get it now.

We can talk about Darry a little bit because I do actually think that maybe it could be him who’s the hero because if you think of it from a grown up point of view and not a thirteen year old point of view, he has so much going on and they don’t even realize how much shit he gave up for them. Some of them might, but they don’t appreciate it and should appreciate it more. Ponyboy realizes it at the end and that’s kind of the whole problem of their relationship. It took the whole plot for him to realize it. But, like, he literally could have gone to college and didn’t. To be fair, in the book canon, he didn’t get that scholarship, but in the musical he did. He had to drop out of school, he probably lost a lot of friends in the process, everybody is giving him shit and calling him a soc and being shitty to him and he’s just like…no wonder he’s no fun now, when he’s worried about Ponyboy running around and getting in trouble and risking social services getting called on him. Give the man a break. He’s twenty. He should be at the club. He got punched by his ex-boyfriend because Pony was out past curfew. So let’s say Darry is the hero of the story, and needs a break, and. You know. To not live in 1960s Oklahoma where if he’s gay, his brothers will get taken away. 

Soda’s probably also got a little bit of hero in him, but didn’t get the opportunity to show it much. He probably had his big hero moment way earlier closer to when their parents died but that’s not explained in the book so yeah.. Rigjt now he’s  just there for hugs and to keep his brothers from killing each other. Also maybe for sending that letter? But otherwise if you think about it, what does he do? And I’m a Soda stan, so I can say that. Although, I will give you, that the ADHD/dyslexia combo really does give demigod vibes and by the Percy Jackson definition of the word  that makes him a hero. So. You know. Yeah. Also, he’s like the only thing keeping Pony from total self-destruction. He did step up a lot, too. He dropped out of school and got a job to help Darry pay the bills. He does so much for their family and is very underappreciated, and I say this as someone who only writes fics based  around Soda. I’m just having trouble coming up with examples off the top of my head. This is hard. We’ve just written a 1300 word essay in under half an hour and I’m just talking off the top of my head while Mage types this for me so please excuse me for being stupid. Sodapop Curtis. I fuckin love that kid.

 Let’s talk about Johnny again. Because he…what does he do? Johnny stabs Bob and Bob had it coming. I think in the book Cherry says that Bob had it coming. And I quote, “Maybe Bob asked for it. I know he did. But I could never look at the person who killed him.” (Julie gave in and checked for quotes but still will not put actual citations in.) (I wanted to read that line is my excuse.) It was gayer in the musical. That’s a lie, actually. Johnny and Dally were gayer in the book, but Johnny and Ponyboy were gayer in the musical. We all listened to “Faraway from Tulsa” and “Death’s at my Door.” You know.

BUT. However. I don’t care if I get crucified for this by musical stans. There is something to be said about the part in the book where (and I specify in the book because the book characters are very different than the musical characters and that context is important. It’s a different universe. Pay attention) they’re driving back from the Dairy Queen and it’s not just that, yes, Johnny stood up to Dally at the drive-in and told him to leave Cherry alone because frankly Dally was being a gross piece of shit to her (men are disgusting <3). Dally got mad at him because “I went out of my way to get you this and Johnny was like we’re going to turn ourselves in and didn’t care what Dally thought blah blah blah”. Johnny is a lot braver than we think and they argue like an old married couple (DALLY BEGS AND TALKS TO JOHNNY IN A VOICE PONY HAS NEVER HEARD BEFORE?). And Dally said that they were going to get in so much trouble, and Johnny said it was the right thing to do. He didn’t want Ponyboy to get in trouble. He knew going back and turning himself in was the only way to ensure that he didn’t screw things over for the Curtises. 

Which, kind of the whole idea, is that everyone is trying to do what they can to keep the brothers together. Maybe the real hero was the rest of the gang. Like maybe that’s why Steve didn’t want Ponyboy to ever tag along if he knew there was a chance he and Soda would get in trouble. (Soda’s a lot closer to being an adult than Ponyboy is, so if he got in trouble and taken away and had to be on his own, he could, but Ponyboy’s got a lot longer until he turns 18. It would be a bigger deal for him to be put in a boys’ home than Soda, who is almost 17 and has a lot more freedom and would only be there for a year.) There’s this one part that, it’s in the book and movie where Two-Bit checks if Ponyboy has a fever by putting his hand on his forehead. It’s like they’re all watching out for them because that’s rule number one of being a greaser: stick together. That, and don’t get caught. They do that, help out, because that’s what the brothers do for them, like when Dally calls for help at the very end of the book, and Darry and the gang drop everything to go get him (and just to see him die, but, you know). That’s why Darry keeps the door unlocked. Pony says he could call Two-Bit to come pick him up in his car, but Pony decides to walk home alone anyway. But they’re always around. It’s about COMMUNITY!!!

In conclusion, I still don’t believe in conclusion paragraphs, the only one who’s not a hero is Ponyboy because he didn’t do jack shit. (I guess he did run into the church to save kids. And other things. But. You know. I don’t feel like talking slash writing about that right now.) Want a conclusion? Read what I wrote. The end. 

[sequencefairy]

Hello Jess it's time for fun fic authors self rec! Kindly tell us your favorite five fics you've written, then pass this on to spread the self-love ❤️

Oh! Thank you beloved.

♦ 'Cause This is Devotion - Ten/Rose, Bad Wolf!Rose, 4.6k, M

“You do not get to die on me now, you daft alien, not after I’ve been through so goddamn much to get back to you.” Rose sits up to pound her fist into his chest. “Fucking breathe, damn you,” she swears, and when no one says anything to stop her, she pounds the Doctor’s chest again. She wonders if she can break his ribs the way she could break a man’s. There’s no one left to ask now, not with him so still, so silent; splayed across the asphalt like a puppet with his strings cut. His face is slack, eyes closed and mouth parted. OR: The Doctor dies in the road, and Rose Tyler tells the universe no.

One night, @zjofierose and I were spelunking through our WIP folders and I found the skeleton of this and it sparked something inside of me and I immediately desired to finish it. I love Bad Wolf!Rose, I love creating actions that have far-reaching consequences we do not explore on the page, I love writing Doctor/Rose angst.

♦ Rush Light - Jaskier/Yennefer, canon-adjacent, post-s2, 22k, E

He’d been headed back from the taverns down by the wharf, having done a tour of the establishments to see if one would take him on for the weekend, when he’d seen it: a flash of purple in the light of a street lamp, swiftly followed by several large men in dark clothes. Something had turned over in the bottom of his stomach at the sight. Even if it wasn’t who he thought it might be, this wasn’t a neighbourhood for someone with the kind of coin to afford a cloak that colour to be wandering around in. So, against his mostly better judgement, Jaskier had let himself turn down the selfsame alley, steps slowing so as not to arrive as a too hasty surprise. He creeps forward, glad of the rushing rain as it muffles his footsteps. Some people also forget that he is quite capable of being quiet when needs must. Very good that he did go to this trouble after all; he hears her before he gets close enough to see them. “Get the fuck off me!” she snarls, and oh, Jaskier would know that voice anywhere. In which a sorceress gets herself into a spot of bother, and Jaskier happens to be in the area. It's all rather more serious than he expects.

I finished s2 of The Witcher and immediately descended into my google drive with forty ideas and this was the one that floated to the top. I love this fic. I had so much fun writing it. It gave me back my fantasy voice, it reminded me that I can write things that are fully for my own self and that other people will also enjoy them, and it was fun as hell to do a bunch of silly research for this.

♦ Signal Fire - Prodigal Son gen!fic, Malcolm Bright-centric, post-series finale, 2.8k, M

Dani’s footsteps crunch over brittle and drying grass as she approaches. Her weapon is still up. Sunlight glints off the barrel. “Bright?” she asks. Malcolm doesn't look down.

I got into Prodigal Son before realising that it didn't have an ending and when I got through to the end of what we got, I was left with so many questions. None of them are answered in this fic, but I did reaffirm the love I have for whumping the pretty boy.

♦ For Your Eyes Only - Shyan, 007 AU, 6.2k, E

The door to the elevator opens and Shane's stomach sinks. He’d know the breadth of those shoulders anywhere. “Moneypenny!” Ryan crows, as he sweeps towards Shane’s desk. Shane thinks wistfully of the long rice noodles and sweet-spicy sauce he has been dreaming about all week. Mr Daeng’s Tom Yum would also have been such a nice addition to Shane’s fridge for the weekend. “Don’t call me that,” Shane says, and regrets it immediately. OR: It's Bergara. Ryan Bergara, and he'll have his martini shaken, not stirred. Shane, on the other hand, manages M's calendar with an iron fist and has no time for nonsense. Or does he?

This fic is so sexy, if I do say so myself. It's got spies, it's got a little violence, it's got the author's kink discovery in the middle of it. What's not to love?

This Tornado Loves You - Shyan, Storm Chasers AU, 22k, E

��Thing’s a fuckin’ monster,” TJ says into the phone, “you should be able to see it now.” Shane turns to look out the truck window. The sky is black, and around him, the corn tops are still. Nothing moves. The air feels terrifyingly full. Shane looks under the storm. It takes him a moment, but then he sees it, backlit by a flash of lightning. All the hair stands up on the back of Shane’s neck. Or: Shane Madej is a serious scientist, not just some yahoo with a camera and a death wish. Ryan, on the other hand, has a camera and a plan.

When they said write what you know, I took them at their word and wrote 22k about storms and chasing them and filled it full of weather and romance and the kind of proposal I might even say yes to, if it ever happened to me in the future.

[lire-casander]

commit to memory this path afire (a tale of symphony and rhyme)

[beta] @hannah-writes. Any remaining mistakes are my own.

[word count] 22000+

[rating] Teen & Up 

[recipient] @bisexualguerin for the @roswellprompts Crash Fest Exchange 2019

[prompt] Two: Michael & Alex, sharing music. Just, the two of them being passionate about music and playing their favourite songs for each other. Music as a love language sort of deal.

[summary] you came to me in a crash landing / breathed back into life by fire / eyes locked to mine, gaze scalding / our hearts consumed in the pyre / watch as my soul sets out to find / the way to flare in this bonfire / war forgotten, this spark alights / commit to memory this path afire

[warnings] Angst. Mentions of physical abuse as per canon. Language. Hints to sexual activities (not explicit)

[disclaimer] I do not own the characters nor the lines that you might recognize. They are The CW's and the show writers'. I do not own the songs featured as the intertitles. They are, in chronological order, Undertow by Mid West Kings, The Ghost Of You by My Chemical Romance, Revelry by Kings of Leon, Silenced By The Night by Keane, and Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier. The last song is Path Afire, by yours truly, only lyrics and no music.

[dedication] First and foremost, I hope you like this, @bisexualguerin! Thanks for such incredible prompts, and sorry I couldn’t fit them all in one story. I may have gotten a bit carried away about it, and I am aware that it deviates greatly from the original prompt, but I really really wish you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. It was such a ride, and one I am glad to have taken, even if it’s been hard sometimes.

[author’s notes] This wouldn’t have been finished without the great support system that I am lucky enough to have for myself. Thanks to @theballetslippertheblackhoodie for her help and support with the original lyrics in this story. Thanks to @mandsangelfox and @ubiestcaelum for their endless support when I bitched about writer’s block. And very special thanks to @hannah-writes for her hand holding, her wonderful insight on every little thing about this fic, and her infinite faith in me. I would have never finished this without you. 

[endnotes] Follow the link for more notes about certain events and places from this story.

[playlist] If any of you is interested in the 4+ hours of music I listened to while writing this, please feel free to DM me and I'll be more than happy to share it with you.

commit to memory this path afire (a tale of symphony and rhyme)

[themculibrary]

Female-Centric Fics Masterlist

About a Girl (ao3) - perfectlystill mj/peter G, 5k

Summary: May didn’t know Peter still read books outside of required reading for school, and even then, she has her doubts. She knows Sparknotes. But the stack is tall, a few of the books thick.

Or, 5 things May learns about MJ from Peter, and one things she learns from MJ.

Ain't That a Kick in the Head (ao3) - Faustess M, 16k

Summary: A three-year-old Tony Stark has just become Maria Hill's next issue to deal with... and the fact that the kid latched on Bucky Barnes as his new favorite person... and she has things to consider like creating the most stable environment possible for the boy until he goes back to normal.

Day by Day (ao3) - EssayOfThoughts T, 2k

Summary: Wanda is pushed into a waiting cell. The door is shut. The glass is sealed. Wanda is locked up in a cage, ready to be made to dance or left to be forgotten.

Wanda curls in the corner.

She knows how this goes.

Five Times Pepper Took Care of the Avengers and One Time They Took Care of Her (ao3) - SidheRa pepper/tony, clint/natasha, jane/thor G, 4k

Summary: In which Pepper shows why she belongs in Avengers Tower.

Here's the Pride Before the Fall (ao3) - angree_baratheon T, 3k

Summary: Maria's young when she maps out the rest of her miserable life, however it could be. It's not pretty, and well, she's never completely finished mapping.

Maria Hill, and how she gets to where she is.

it is only here or not here (ao3) - andibeth82 T, 4k

Summary: Natasha looks around, attempting to find her bearings, noticing for the first time a small glowing obelisk reflecting into the sky from the pool below. Ignoring the pain radiating throughout her body, she drops to her knees, fingers scrabbling in the warm water as she attempts to grasp the stone. Blistered fingers close over its pulsating light and she withdraws her hand in triumph, only to find emptiness in the middle of her palm.

“Fuck,” she mutters, spitting out blood. Red swirls in the water, mingling with the orange tinge of her surroundings, a hollow and sorrowful blend.

[Just because you die, it doesn't mean everything ends at that moment. At least, not for Natasha.]

New York State of Mind (ao3) - webofdreams89 peggy/angie M, 22k

Summary: After transferring to the New York office of the SSR, Peggy has fallen into a rut. Her boss and coworkers underestimate her skills and it's been a while since she's felt close to anyone. That all changes when the death of an old friend throws her right back into the game.

Or: It looks like Peggy will be chasing ghosts just a little bit longer.

On Deck (ao3) - ImBadWithWords T, 10k

Summary: After finding out one of her best friends moonlights as a superhero, Michelle comes to accept some weird changes in her life. Namely having a guy dressed like a spider occasionally drop into her apartment to bleed all over her stuff. She gets used to it. She even gets pretty good at dealing with his nonsense.

But there's only so much she can handle.

one of us will break it (ao3) - zauberer_sirin G, 1k

Summary: Natasha is not in the business of soft.

our bruises are coming, but we will never fold (ao3) - liveonthesun T, 3k

Summary: Peggy is twenty-eight years old, hasn't found her first wrinkle or gray hair, feels infinite and unbreakable.

"This is going to hurt," Howard says. "And I'm going to remind you one more time that god knows what this black market shit might end up doing to you and ask you one last time if you've changed your mind."

Prophet (fanfiction.net) - Kpasa pepper/tony G, 5k

Summary: The life of Virginia 'Pepper' Potts comes full-circle. Intended to be a companion piece to my previous story 'Secondary Highways', but can also act as a standalone. Oneshot movieverse.

Simply indispensable (ao3) - spockside T, 4k

Summary: In which bullies from Darcy's school days take up where they left off, unaware of the team that now has her back.

Spiral Galaxy (ao3) - freshbakedlady T, 7k

Summary: Natasha Romanov comes to SHIELD with nothing. They give her clothing and food, a job, a purpose. (The team, she picks out for herself.) With a universe's slowness, her life expands.

The B-Team (ao3) - twistedingenue clint/darcy T, 40k

Summary: Alternate Universes are rarely better than your own. This one is no exception. Clint and Natasha find themselves in a universe where the Avengers don't exist, SHIELD is holding on by the barest thread, and the only people able to keep things together are a very different group of unlikely heroes.

The Hustle (ao3) - anamatics peggy/angie T, 20k

Summary: When Angie's cousin gambles with money that wasn't his to lose, he calls the only person he can think of to help him. Angie's not exactly keen on doing it, but she did teach him to shoot pool after all, she's certainly better than his sorry ass. Only problem is, Angie's not about to get her thumbs broken over some mobster's money.

there is an old cliché under your monet (baby) (ao3) - crimson_noir T, 6k

Summary: A spy over the years, at various galas, in various ballrooms. She tries on different gowns and states of mind as she goes through her life, and maybe people can be more than one thing.

The Trials and Tribulations of Wanda Maximoff (ao3) - Anonymous M, 6k

Summary: Wanda is grieving and in pain. She’s lost everything that she’s ever known: her home, her brother.

She needs some help. And the Avengers are there for her, even if it might take her awhile to accept that help.

Unscheduled Meetings (fanfiction.net) - robot iconography G, 10k

Summary: A chronicle of the early years of Pepper Potts' career.

[joeys-piano]

Joey’s Writing Process - Questionnaire

Was inspired by an authortube questionnaire tag thingy from YouTube and wanted to answer those questions and post them here~

You could say I was tagged by Kelley Tai from the authortube community because I decided to do this after hearing her responses to these questions ^^

What genres do you write?

Being someone who doesn’t write for a specific genre in mind, I dabble in everything and anything -- depending on the concept in my mind. But during the past few months, I can summarize that most of my works would be considered contemporary. Whether it’s young adult, romance, or a few character studies I was interested in. The kinds of genres I typically play with are dependent on the fandom I’m writing for.

  What setting gets you the most productive?

I am the most productive when I’m writing in a quiet, comfortable spot. Preferably, alone because I talk while I’m writing. So because of that, I mostly write in my bedroom or private living space -- it lets me jabber on and on and read as loudly to my heart’s content.

As well, as long as I have a sturdy structure to lean my back against and a soft blanket or pillow to drape over my lap, that is my ideal writing setup as I kickback on my laptop. Somewhere during these past two semesters, I’ve conditioned myself to be my most creative when I’m on my portable laptop because my brain has associated it with “fun” and “chill time” while my workhorse, gaming laptop has been associated with “academic” and “not-so-fun stuff.”

If you have multiple story ideas, how do you go about picking which one to start on first?

The ideal response would me saying: “I’m picking the work that has the most potential, is the most fleshed out, follows the current reading trends, etc…”

But in all honesty, there’s only two criteria I use when narrowing down multiple projects: 1) how am I feeling? and 2) which one will I make time for? I know myself well enough that when I’m very interested in an idea, I will carve out time and do everything in my power to work on that story -- despite all the nonsense I have to do for life and uni. And this is dependent on how I’m currently feeling and what story ideas resonate with that feeling.

I’m well aware that as creatives, it’s unwise to have our emotions dictate what we’re doing because it can make us wishy-washy and that’s how excuses crop up. I get it, I know it, I’m staring it down it down the pie hole. But in spite of this flaw, it works really well with my writing style because I’m more emotion and introspective-heavy. If I’m not feeling for what’s going on, I just shelve the idea for a while and come back to it when I’m in the right vibe. And that works well since I’m a short story writer, and it lets me pivot easily and not be stuck in a specific mood for long. I believe that’s why chapter-works are so hard for me because I’m stuck in a perpetual mood and it’s very exhausting.

  Do you outline?

I only outline as much as I need to know -- meaning that, I outline enough to get the momentum rolling and for me to put thoughts onto paper and to get the story flowing. As a pantser with recurring self-doubts, I use outlines as a way of motivation and to convince myself that an idea isn’t as (insert self-doubt) as I originally thought. Because of this approach, I love knowing what my beginning will be and I will outline the shit out of that while I leave the middle and ending up to my interpretation as I pants my way through the story and see where it naturally goes.

That’s why whenever you read my works, you’ll notice how solid the beginning is and how it meanders towards the end. Because at that point, I’m flowing by feeling and am steering the story to where it wants to go. Having this loose trajectory is great for me because I’m often inserting bridge moments or extra scenes or am embellishing something throughout the story, and that gives my stories the texture that make them a bit more exciting. 

  Do you start your first draft with pen and paper, typewriter, or computer?

I computer everything.

With how weak my finger, hand, wrist and arm nerves and muscles have been, I can’t write by hand for very long and I don’t have the funds to purchase a typewriter, the ink or the special paper that those need. So a laptop is my go-to and it saves me a lot of physical clutter. 

  What do you do to get through writer's block?

Read, watch, and listen to as much as content as I can get my hands on if I’m experiencing a creative burnout and if it’s hard for me to find ideas that I want to devote my time to. If the writer block is stemming from doubts that I have, I like to read quotes from Goodreads and to expose myself to other styles and concepts or just reading how someone worded something in a certain way. Because that expands the choices where I can take my writing or concept, and it’s motivation in its own way as I truck forward with what I’m doing.

  Do you format your project from the beginning or worry about that later?

Font: Times New Roman Font Size: 11 Font Color: White Page Color: Black Line Spacing: 1.15, space after a paragraph

Every time I open up a new word document, those are my go-to configurations for a successful write. I believe a few years ago, I read something about how writing with a dark page is easier on the eyes. So ever since I did that, I’ve never looked back.

  Do you edit as you go or when you're finished with the first draft?

Many writing advices out there say that you shouldn’t write as you go, and they have convincing reasons as to why. However, for my writing style, I do edit as I go and it’s worked really well for me -- especially since I’m a pantser. Because whenever I feel stuck, I know it’s because something earlier in the work isn’t working well for me. So I often reread and edit as I do so and revise and shape the story to where I left off and I know where to go.

It’s why I don’t have a “true” first draft. Because in actuality, different parts of my draft are in different stages of the writing process. So in a sense, I have a living draft that is whatever it wants to be.

I will say that this is much easier to handle when the work is short, but I’ve done this for 12k, 15k, 22k stories before. It’s a lot harder and it’s very exhausting, but it does work and I have systems in place to keep me moving forward.

  After finishing your drafts/manuscript how long do you give it a break before you start going back over it or do you give it a break at all?

As I mentioned in the previous question, I revise and edit as I go so it’s difficult for me to answer this question. However, I try to give myself a few hours or at least half a day away from the story before I come back to it and continue where I left off.

I will take breaks between short story projects (at least one day). But other than that, that’s it.

  Is there something that you prefer to do to get you through writing? (Playing music, tv, having your favorite drink, or food) 

I love starting my writing session by listening to some music I don’t mind repeating for a long time and listening to music that vibes with what I’m doing. And if I’m beginning a story, I like to go on Goodreads and read some opening quotes or random lines to get my gears turning as I approach my writing. If I’m picking up from where I left off, I like to reread from the beginning or from a beginning marker that I’ve left behind and go from there to where I left off so I can get back into the moment.

  Do you schedule your writing sessions?

I write whenever I can -- through pockets of time. So no, I don’t have a schedule.

However, I tend to begin stories or at least through the density of them through the morning to around the early afternoon. In the early evening and late at night, that’s when I’m loosely outlining and brainstorming new ideas because my inner-editor is a lot quieter than those periods.

  Do you have word count or chapter goals for your writing sessions?

No. However much I write, that’s how much I write.

It could be 300 words in one day, or it could be 1.8k words in one day. Wildly depends on how I’m feeling and how I’m scheduling everything else in my life around my writing.

  Are there any quirky things you do to make your projects more fun?

I did a lot of poetry before I got serious with narrative writing, so something that I do to make the writing more fun is that I incorporate poetry techniques into my stories and use that rhythm to have it interesting. This feeds into my writing habit of reading out loud as I work and because I’m stressing on how the rhythm goes and how it sounds when I hear it, much of what I write is meant for the ear -- rather than the eyes. 

  Do you work on multiple projects at one time? 

My brain can only handle one story concept at a time. Already, writing takes a lot out of me and I would run myself ragged if I had to juggle more than one in a single day.

  How often do you research what you're writing?

Depends on the work itself.

If I’m writing my first fic for a fandom or am writing for a character or pairing I’m not comfortable, I’ll research around on fandom wikipedia and read a few works from other writers to get a sense of how I could approach the character or pairing.

I’m working on a story that’s heavily involved in a certain topic or whatnot, I will go ham on that research because I want to know the rules of what I’m incorporating and how I can spin those rules to find solutions. However, it’s been a long while since I’ve done something like this.

  How do you organize your projects? 

I write in a word document whose only purpose is for me to draft, revise and edit on. After I’m finished with that story, I transfer that work onto a new word document and shelve that to a “Completed Folder.”

There’s something about having a word document purely dedicated to just the writing process, there’s something about that helps me out a lot. I don’t know what it is, but it feels like there’s magic there. There’s thousands upon thousands of blood, sweat and tears drenched into that word document and I just build upon that and let it carry me through. It’s very motivating on a primitive level.

  Do you reward or punish yourself for achieving or missing out on your writing goals?

No.

I’ve done something like this in the past and it just didn’t work out because it spiked my anxiety. I don’t know how to define my relationship with writing, but it’s definitely not that. It feels more like a friendship than a -- than a platonic BDSM, work-related creative thingy. I don’t take pleasure in pain nor pain in pleasure, so yeah. No.

  Are there any works similar to your projects that you look for and use - for inspiration and/or comparison?

Again, Goodreads quotes for inspiration. That’s about it. 

  How early do you wait to start looking for and hiring editors? 

Being that this is an authortube writing process questionnaire, it doesn’t apply to me as a fanfic writer. The equivalent to this for the fandom space would be a critique partner or a beta reader. I don’t use either. I just read my things over and slap it through an editing and grammar program before posting for others to see. And if any errors manage to slip through, I let the lucky bastards live.

  If you've finished a first draft or a manuscript. Tell us how you felt afterwards. (Pick your favorite) If you're not through the first draft yet tell us how you're feeling about it at the moment. 

I feel very calm and content after finishing the Ever Given x Suez Canal ficlet I wrote earlier this morning. Given the whirlwind experience March has been, this felt like a great well to close the month with and it was genuinely a lot of fun.

  Tag someone! 

Tagging @nightyelfy because I know you’ve published a book and I would love to see what your responses are.

[keroujack]

Hey, it's your late night friend again :) so to be completely honest I've only been reading your short prompt stories so far and just now found out that you wrote a multi-chapter harringrove fic (you're cold and I burn I believe it was called). I was wondering if you could link the AO3 to me because I lost the post and I'm too lazy to try and find it again 😅

ahhh late night friend! hey!!

no worries at all, here’s the ao3 link to you’re cold (and i burn) and the post link just in case ya want that, too

and i mean, if you want some longer stuff, seventh inning stretch (ao3 link,  post link) is a oneshot, but it’s 22k and i think the sequel to it’s around 11k. they’re my baseball au and like, even if you don’t like the sport, it’s a lot more Them than Sport, so don’t let that turn you off. yk. if you’re interested

and Settle Down is another one, it’s a 5+1 and i split up all the parts into their own chapters, but it’s seriously 19k of just, shamelessly soft nonsense, if ya like that kinda thing

[stylinsonlibrary]

HISTORICAL AU FIC REC

50+ fics set in the past

A Word We've Only Heard (6k)

So, where are you headed?” Liam asked, not wanting to sit in awkward silence for their journey.  It was twelve hours to Chicago, and that was far too long to sit and not chat with his fellow passenger in front of him.

“Chicago,” he answered, his blue eyes meeting Liam’s own.  “It’s home.  Been on the road for quite some time now, it’s the first time I’ll be able to sleep in my own bed in almost a month.”

Liam whistled.  “You must be pretty excited.”

The man gave a soft smile, which made him look younger than Liam initially expected; he might even still be in his twenties.  He wondered what kind of a life this man had led to look so tired until he smiled.

Or, it's 1951, Harry is the owner of a music shop, and Louis is a traveling salesman making his way back home.

I'm Ready to Fall, Love (9k)

Louis doesn't like Harry, except for the fact that he really does.

(Basically: A royal AU with Prince Harry and Stable Boy Louis.)

One Day You'll Say These Words (11k)

Growing up together in Yorkshire has led to a lifelong friendship between Louis Tomlinson, the future Marquess of Rotherham, and Harry Styles, the heir to a viscount. When Harry suddenly inherits his uncle’s title and estate much earlier than expected, Louis must watch his friend struggle under the weight of these new responsibilities, including searching for a wife with a dowry large enough to save his estate. However, sitting idly by as Harry looks for a bride brings some unexpected feelings to the surface.

A friends to lovers story set in the Regency era.

feel my heart beating (12k)

‘90s AU where Louis’ addicted to matchmaking and Harry’s just playing along.

lead me out on the moonlit floor (12k)

In all honesty, Harry was long forgotten, cast aside by a dimpled stranger and too much champagne. He was almost glad, now, that Harry hadn’t come, because he wouldn’t have met this stranger, this tall man who could make his heart flutter with a single glance.

Victorian!AU where Louis is a wealthy lord throwing a masquerade ball for his birthday and Harry is a toymaker who's only confident when he's wearing a mask.

Autumn at Fairbridge Hall (14k)

It is October 1817. Mr. Louis Tomlinson hosts an Autumn Ball and a Fox Hunting Party at his estate Fairbridge Hall, with the intention of finding suitable husbands for his younger sisters.

A Regency AU where Louis does not want to deal with marriage proposals, a stubborn sister and unwelcome guests. The only things he really wants is peace and quiet and..., the handsome Mr. Styles.

To Honor (14k)

Commander Styles leads his men to victory, but at what cost?

Manifest Destiny (15k)

Harry and Louis had fallen into bed together again that night, mouths greedy and hands needy. And now every time Louis stops at Fort Kearney, even if it’s weeks in between, he and Harry spend the night together. The nights are always filled with heat and passion, and it gives Louis something to think on fondly as he rides across the western territories carrying sacks of mail.

They’ve never talked about it, and they’ve never kissed. Louis doesn’t know if he wants either of those things to change, but he knows that his presence in Harry’s life is sporadic at best. Probably best to leave things be.

Or, Louis is a Pony Express rider and Harry runs a station along the trail.

Howls Like A Beast (You Flower, You Feast) (16k)

“You don’t love me,” Louis had said, utterly blasé as he callously fractured the heart of a Harry that was just barely eighteen.

“I do,” Harry had insisted pleadingly, green eyes already watering.

Louis had rolled his eyes, exasperated and flippant in the way only beautiful, young boys could be when faced with the affections of a baby prince. He had run his finger down Harry’s cheek then, had forced him to look into his eyes as he delivered the final blow.

“You’ll change your mind once you’ve seen more of the world,” Louis had teased, pressing a brutally delicate kiss onto Harry’s lovely, pure cheek. “Once you’ve been properly defiled.” He had whispered filthily, delighted by the gasp he heard, the frantic pink blush that had rested high on Harry’s cheeks, the power he had felt at knowing he could make the Crown Prince squirm.

Break Me Down, Build Me Up (16k)

America, as it’s been told, is the world of riches. Men and women alike can come to the land of the free and achieve the American dream, regardless of their background. He wanted nothing more than to create a better life for his sisters, for himself, and perhaps for his future. Harry Styles was never a part of the plan.

[or: Louis moves his family to America to try and find a better life. Harry finds him instead.]

The Man I Love (17k)

It's the Roaring Twenties, a time of blissful prosperity, overflowing champagne flutes, adrenaline-filled dancing, and the rise of the Jazz Age—and Louis Tomlinson absolutely abhors it all. A stickler for modest classics, jazz is the bane of Louis' existence.

Coincidentally, Harry Styles is the bass player for an underground jazz band.

Or The 1920s AU where Louis is a hardworking, no nonsense paralegal, Harry is in love with the greatest city on earth, Zayn is the enigmatic leader of the band, Niall's just there to make sure everyone's having a good time, and Liam is the barber who started it all.

The People's Playground (17k)

It is 1900 in New York City, and Harry Styles has recently immigrated to America from England. His sister encourages him to take a day off from his life as a factory worker and Harry decides to take a trip to the infamous Coney Island where he literally runs into Louis Tomlinson. It looks like Coney Island will be more than Harry bargained for.

Auf Wiedersehen, Sweetheart (19k)

Louis and Harry had been childhood best friends, but had been separated by evacuation as the city they grew up in was destroyed around them. Now, twelve years later, they are both back in London, and through chance they meet again. In a time when you can't admit to being gay, for fear of arrest, admitting to your best friend that you love them seems like an insurmountable obstacle.

Featuring boxer Harry and mechanic Louis, much pining, and a lot of post war Britain

No One Like You (19k)

Dear Niall,

I was glad to have the chance to talk with you again at the AHA conference. Your idea that the Musee D’Orsay Tomlinson painting is in fact not a self-portrait is an intriguing one, and I may have discovered something that will have a bearing on that theory.

Some background: as you may remember, I’ve been researching for a book I’m writing about Harry Styles. I’ve been in communication with Styles’ last living descendant, who is in possession of a trunk that her family believed to have belonged to Styles himself. It held some personal items she presumes to be his, including two unmounted paintings and a small collection of letters.

Upon spending the last few days in Provins studying these items, I believe there to be a connection between Tomlinson and Styles, and I would very much like your opinion.

Are you up for a trip to France?

Sincerely, Liam Payne

Where Liam and Niall are art historians discovering the truth about two nineteenth century painters on opposite sides of an artistic divide.

Dance Like Warriors On A Battlefield (20k)

Down in the arena, the triumphant gladiator places his foot on the back of the loser, holding him there as he waits for instruction on his next move. Kill or let live. It’s barbaric, really, the bloodlust involved in this sport. Louis is pretty sure that if it wasn’t for his distaste for the killing there would be a lot more blood soaking that sand.

As it is, his father rarely gives the kill order anymore. He gives the order to let the loser live. Louis rolls his eyes, turning away. He doesn’t miss the way the gladiator’s eyes linger on him.

threadbare (20k)

Harry Styles was eight years old when Louis Tomlinson kept him from falling into a machine in a Manchester textile mill.

He was 18 years old when nothing, not even the threat of death, could keep Harry from falling in love with Louis.

Un Verso Que Hiciste De Mi (20k)

Harry froze as he looked up to his handler’s face. He found himself staring at the most beautiful twin pools of blue he’d ever see, and had to take a second to breathe before he remembered what to say.

“Please, don’t kill my friend,” he whispered.

Louis looked over at the red headed man. “You are to go back to your manor, and tell his family he will only be brought back if my ransom is met.”

or a Scottish Borderlands AU where Louis is a laird that kidnaps his rival’s betrothed, and Harry just happens to be that betrothed.

Damn the Dark, Damn the Light (20k)

“Why is this face of beauty ringing so true?” The genuine confusion in Harry’s voice causes Louis’ chest to painfully twinge. “You’re a complete stranger in my eyes, William Shakespeare, but not in my heart. How is that possible?”

Louis wants to live out every romance plot he has ever written in his own life. He wants to be the protagonist of his own narrative, the hero who finds true love and gets his happy ending. Instead, Louis is stuck with only dreaming of such wild fantasies and writing them down. He can create entire romances in his dreams, yet he can never live one.

let it shine under the morning star (22k)

It's the summer of 1891, and Bruges has significantly more angry swans and accidental Irish revolutionaries than Harry was anticipating being faced with on his summer holiday.

the dead things we carry (25k)

September ‘49 

He hasn’t seen him since that day in France, that horrible muddy day where for one terrifyingly long second, Louis really thought he was going to die. He winces with the phantom pain, the hand not holding his cane going to his stomach automatically, remembering the franticness, the tenderness, of Harry’s hands while Louis was bleeding out.

This is the man who saved Louis’ life.

For one second, Louis fears Harry won’t recognise him, but his eyes widen when he turns to his left and they meet Louis’. He takes a step forward, reaching for him with a shaky hand before stopping himself.

“Louis,’ Harry says with a shudder and Louis doesn’t think his name has ever carried more weight.

This is the only man Louis ever thought about kissing for real.

“Oh,” Mrs. Padley says, clearly taken aback. “You two know each other?”

There are some things people never fully come home from. Until, one day, if they’re lucky, home comes to them.

Is it too much to ask for something great? (26k)

It is the dawn of the sixties and the whole sexual revolution may as well never happened since Harry still has to muffle his groans in the pillow when he fucks. God forbid neighbours would caught on. But maybe he wants to scream, maybe he wants his moans to carry through the wall and maybe he even likes to think that they would irk the person there somehow, but no. No such thing happens with Louis, because apparently he is the only person on the planet who doesn't care who you fuck. Being a fag in Greenwich Village is great, lots of fun, being a fag who is in love with his painfully straight best friend Louis? Torture. He should just let the whole thing go. Louis doesn't care for his moans, he produces a lot of them on his own, and those on the other hand haunt Harry's dream, and he's pretty sure that ten days on the road with Louis and Louis alone is actually going to kill him.

And he doesn't even like Beach Boys.

Box of Rain (26k)

that in his free time informally works as a ring boy. Somehow he manages to always get tangled on the ropes and at the same time charm the pants off of all the fighters and patrons. They meet in Manchester in 1977 and, even though they don't seem to have much in common, they... Well, they just sort of click, really.

The one with a friendship ruiner game of Monopoly, Harry always ending up in jail for wanting to save the world, Louis face to face with his archenemy and way too many references to 70s music.

Also staring Zayn as a brooding anarchist punk rocker, Liam as the nerdiest and nicest boxer in all Britain and Niall as a bookmarker that can easily convince people to bet fortunes, but can't make his friends realise their mutual crush on each other.

autumn leaves (27k)

“Brave?” Harry frowns, caught off guard. “No, not particularly.”

“You seem brave,” Louis decides, pushing off the wall and stepping on the butt of his cigarette. “You are strong, and you are not mean. That’s good,” he assures, touching Harry’s arm gently.

“Thank you, but that’s not true,” Harry smiles ruefully. “I’m really not anything special.”

Or, Harry is an American soldier in France during World War II, and Louis is a French waiter that doesn't mean to fall in love with him.

What Happened to 'Never Say Die'? (28k)

The 80s were one of the best decades to be a teenager in America. Just ask anyone who's seen a John Hughes movie. Louis would beg to differ. At least today he would, while he was stuck cleaning out his family's basement - part of his grounding after a senior prank gone wrong. But when he finds a box containing details of the biggest unsolved crime in Luna Hills, he and his friends decide to sneak out for one last adventure before they're all off to college. That is, as long as the mayor, who also happens to be Louis' mother, doesn't stop them before they discover the truth.

Or, a coming of age American AU inspired by classic 80s movies like The Goonies and Stand By Me where everyone has a secret and no one wants to get caught.

the beginning of everything (30k)

“How do you take it?” Harry asked, pouring tea into a cup.

“Just a dash of milk, please,” Louis cast a look over the small table, filled to capacity. “They’re very fond of you.”

Harry ducked his head, grinning. “They’re trying to impress you.”

Louis smiled, shaking his head. “Why would they want to do that?” he asked as he took the cup Harry passed to him, their fingers brushing for an instant.

“Empathy,” Harry said under his breath.

A Belle Époque AU set (mostly) in Paris in which Harry is a struggling artist, in more ways than one, and Louis is a successful theatre critic and a failed writer, more or less.

Our Stable Heart (30k)

Louis Tomlinson had it all. A beautiful mansion in the country-side of London, a well known job in the heart of downtown, and a lovely fiance he would soon marry...

But what happens when Louis' world is turned upside down just from gazing into a pair of dreamy, green eyes?

Something Louis could never have imagined himself...

i could marry that smile you're wearing (34k)

Louis is lost in his thoughts. Harry has found his new purpose in life. Both meet very unexpectedly and it is all full of cliches you can expect.

Ancient Greece AU - Louis as a member of aristocracy and Harry as a common slave.

what this world is about (34k)

An eighties American high school AU; there are first times, football games, and feelings.

Gem and the Hunters: The Treasure of Babylon (34k)

Louis Tomlinson wished, for one thing, his whole life: to find the ancient city of Babylon. After one failed attempt, he swore to never again attempt a search for the city. His friend, Niall Horan never pushed the issue, but when his family finds themselves in trouble, Niall’s only option is to convince Louis to try and find Babylon again.

Niall enlists the help of two famous treasure hunters: Harry and Gemma Styles and their friend Liam Payne. Harry and Gemma love ancient cultures as much as Louis and would give anything to find Babylon. Liam is just along for the ride, running from a shade in his past.

The five embark on the adventure of a lifetime… and find much more than any of them bargained for.

The Boy with the Red Scarf (35k)

It’s 1925 and Harry has left his small home to chase after his father’s footsteps. He wants to be a movie star, make money to keep his family comfortable just like his mother had told him his father had. But when he makes it to Chicago, he finds that people aren’t what they seem. The parties are grand, the women charming, and the money rolls. What he doesn’t understand is that behind that beautiful mask of a city there is something lurking in the shadows.

Starring Harry as a struggling actor and Louis as Al Capone.

If we meet sometime in the after years, my darling, I trust I will find your love still mine. (38k)

1970s AU.

The boy at the dinner table isn’t as much of a stranger as Louis thought, and somewhere between the diners, concerts, and the way the moonlight falls just right, the summer is enough time for realizing just that.

Felt the blood rushing through my veins, I still remember (42k)

Harry is the heir to his father's estate and wealth and he knows he is the most eligible bachelor in all of England. Louis is the stable boy who everyone loves and adores even though he can be a touch too bitter sometimes. They can't stand each other, and the pride of one and the prejudice of the other disallows any other feelings they might have.

Coeur du soleil (48k)

After assuming the throne when the Cardinal dies, Louis becomes King of France in 1661. He thinks he has everything under control and is determined to prove himself the leader he knows France needs, but his plans are quickly thrown aside once he meets a curly haired English Ambassador.

Harry's only job was to observe the King, and he ends up observing a little closer than expected. Featuring Captain Payne of the Royal Musketeers, Ambassador Malik from the Ottoman Empire, and Lord Horan from Ireland.

We're What's Right In This World (48k)

“Why did you talk like that in Brighton? If you weren’t planning on ever telling me?” Louis asked. “Is it because you think you’re going to die?”

“It’s war, Lou,” Harry said finally.

The words were a knife slipped between his ribs. Everything hurt and he was bleeding. He shifted up, his palms cradling Harry’s jaw, his lips against his boy’s. Not kissing, just resting there, so Louis could feel him. “Promise you’ll come back to me.”

Harry’s hands smoothed down the sides of Louis’ body. “You know I can’t do that. I’ll never lie to you.”

“Promise me. We’re going to have our cottage. And our dogs. And our breakfast in the garden where nothing grows because of the wind from the sea. Promise me.”

“I won’t.” Stubborn as always, his boy. “I’ll promise you, I’ll love you all my life. I’ll promise you, you’ll never leave my thoughts. I’ll promise you, you’re my forever and my always. But promising you something I can’t cheapens the things I can.” Or the World War II AU where Harry goes off to fight and all Louis wants to do is be the boy who brings him home.

the last person on earth i could ever marry (50k)

A Pride and Prejudice AU, where Harry is fed up with rich men and Mr Tomlinson is a very rich man.

For the Sake of Propriety (52k)

Louis Tomlinson is the caretaker of an estate that is not truly his, and when his Uncle calls upon him to take it back, Louis knows he will soon be out on the streets with four overly zealous sisters to care for. His only solution: wed the eldest two off and pray for the best. When an even better solution unexpectedly presents itself in the form of the charming Mr. Styles, Louis is faced with a difficult choice. But as with all things in the regency era, reputation very well may threaten to outweigh the fleeting matters of his heart.

Back To You And Tennessee (57k)

Louis Tomlinson rises to rock and roll fame at age twenty three and is thrown into a life of luxury and excess, but being on stage isn’t easy for a boy who has always stuck to the side-lines, and Louis struggles to deal with his new fame as he joins the Grand Ole Opry and is sent out on tour with names like Liam Payne and Elvis Presley. His life takes a turn, however, when his childhood role model, Harry Styles, joins them on tour, and the two become closer than two men in the spotlight are allowed to be.

OR, the one where Louis is Johnny Cash and Harry is June Carter

I Hunger For Your Beautiful Embrace (57k)

Legatus Harry is governor of Capua and Dominus of his estate. He governs with a firm and harsh rule and has never been known to be soft. That is until Louis comes into his life. A beautiful slave who creeps into Harry’s house and heart.

But in the times of Ancient Rome, when sex, wars, and death are the entertainment of the times, life and love are rare commodities.

Paint The Sky With Stars (62k)

On 10 April 1912, Harry Styles boards the finest ship the world has ever seen. Still grieving the death of their mother, he and his sister are being sent to America to live with a callous uncle who cares more about his business connections than family. Harry prepares himself for a long, disappointing voyage alone in his stateroom.

Louis Tomlinson has borrowed and saved, and finally has enough to purchase a Third Class ticket to America. With all of his belongings in a single ruck sack, he boards the Titanic filled with hope for a brighter future. Never one to sit still, he can’t resist exploring the massive ship, and soon goes sneaking into First Class in a stolen steward’s uniform.

By a twist of fate, Louis finds himself in Harry’s stateroom, entranced by the most attractive man he’s ever laid eyes on. He keeps returning day after day, even if he doesn’t understand what it is about Harry that continues pulling him in. That’s all right; Louis has a week to figure it out, and Harry is plenty willing to help.

Except they don’t have a week. They have four days. Because on 15 April, their entire world will be turned upside down.

Or, the historically accurate Titanic AU with a happy ending.

Life Had Just Begun (63k)

Stand up. Breathe. Run. Survive.

Back on his knees, Harry can wipe the blood from his eyes and see again, blurred and in slow motion, but he can see. He doesn’t think, he just moves. He gets to his feet, stumbling as his brain goes white in time with the lightning strike.

Run. Run. Run.

It’s 1985. All the cool kids are wearing Members Only jackets and acid wash jeans. The gay rights movement might be gaining traction around the country, but for a small town in Colorado, even listening to Queen is an invitation for a beating. Louis Tomlinson’s life is turned upside down when he comes face to face with the afterlife, and is given one seemingly simple mission: save Harry Styles.

The Art of Being a Gentleman (64k)

Out of all four of the Styles children, Harry has always been the most adored. He is the handsome, intelligent, and oh so charming golden child of the family, the perfect son who will soon be married to the perfect woman, a beauty queen named Victoria Astaire. Despite how loved he is among all who reside in the affluent town of Alton, his siblings absolutely despise him. In order to stain his squeaky-clean reputation and get their traditional, old fashioned parents to despise him as much as they do, they devise a plan that involves Harry’s giving nature, the desperation of a mother and father, and a mischievous boy who doesn’t give a damn about what’s proper.

Such Good Luck (66k)

Louis smiles at Harry’s words, leaning into his touch. “Tell me again.”

Smiling, Harry takes Louis into his arms. Pressing gentle kisses to his face, Harry murmurs, “In six months’ time, I will have my twenty-fifth birthday. On that day, my portion of the inheritance will become legally mine. And I plan that very day to announce to my family that I have found love.” Harry chuckles as he runs his lips lightly along Louis’ cheekbone. “That, in fact, I found love when I was twenty-one years old, and that I have loved and been loved every day since.”

Or, an Edwardian AU where Harry is a young aristocratic lord and Louis is a working class dairy farmer. Secrets are a necessary part of their relationship, but Louis has one that could topple their whole world.

Adore You (66k)

“We invited our new acquaintances from uptown. You’ve simply got to meet their oldest son!” said his mother with a flourish, and suddenly it became abundantly clear as to why his parents had so adamantly demanded he join them in Deansville for the entirety of the summer.

Against his wishes, Harry spends the holidays at his family’s summer estate, and is reluctantly pulled into a courtship he didn’t ask for. Harry doesn’t want to get married, but Louis does. They don’t fit, but then again they really, really do.

Vaguely set in the 1920’s. Headpieces, jazz, fashionable canes, and flapper dresses, and that.

The World Turned Upside Down (71k)

In September 1984, Harry Styles starts at Manchester Polytechnic with two goals: to take pictures and to join the Lesbian and Gay Society. He’s never paid much attention to the news, but everyone he meets in Manchester supports the miners. He realises how right they are when he meets Louis Tomlinson, a striking miner who flirts with him. A month later they are both at the founding meeting of Manchester Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, trying to bring down the government. Through letters and visits they build a relationship, in a world very much not of their own choosing.

Manchester and Doncaster in the 1980s are grim, hopeful and alive. Niall is president of the Young Labour club, Nick Grimshaw is in love with the singer of an up and coming band, Fizzy wants to know more about the women of Greenham Common and Harry and Louis are brave.

A Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners/Pride AU.

modern love (72k)

It's August 9th, 1985. "Shout" by Tears for Fears is the top song on the Billboard charts, Back to the Future has been the #1 film in the country for five weeks straight, and Harry has just moved to what he believes to be the shittiest town in the Midwest.

Louis has been wasting away in East Chicago for over five years, Harry is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to him, and both of them are hiding a dangerous secret from their best friend: they're, like, totally sprung on each other.

Chasing Empty Spaces (79k)

The year is 1934 and Harry Styles was to inherent the largest tobacco firm in the south. His parents have picked out the “perfect” girl for him to marry and he has the privilege of receiving the highest education possible. The problem was, Harry hadn’t realized he didn’t actually want any part of that future until he met a mechanic named, Louis Tomlinson.

This Feels A Lot Like Love (80k)

Harry didn’t expect for his senior year to be filled with a blue-eyed boy with sharp cheekbones and an even sharper tongue. Then again, he didn’t expect to fall in love either.

Closeted romance, false promises and stolen kisses ensues. Set in the 90’s era.

Victorian Boy (81k)

Victorian AU. Harry the virgin Duke of Somerset knows little of love, while Louis the sly Duke of Warwick knows too much. When the two dukes come together for the Bilsdale fox hunt in York, Harry finds himself drawn into Louis' bed. But when secrets from Louis' dark past come to light, Harry fears that the fox isn't the only one being hunted.

Atlas At Last (83k)

He doesn’t know what he had been expecting out of the road trip itself besides burping contests and too much shitty gas station food with Oli and Stan, but in the brief moment before Harry ambles up his driveway, Louis idly wonders if this is about to become some sort of Gay Coming of Age story.

Maine to California in ten days. In which Zayn’s an open-shirt hippie they meet somewhere in Ohio, Liam’s the pastor’s son running away from home, and Niall’s the number they call on the bathroom wall.

It’s 1978. Harry and Louis are just trying to get to San Fran in time for the Queen concert.

And down the long and silent street (86k)

The year is 1881 and if you’re alone in this world you might as well be dead, because starving dogs have no mercy.

Or: Wherein Louis and Harry are on the opposite ends of the social ladder, but their paths still cross on the filthy streets Louis calls his home. The odds are staked against them from the beginning, and even more when Louis' past finally catches up with him.

Coax the Cold (86k)

England, 1897.

English Professor Louis Tomlinson’s passion for the occult has been a source of mockery and derision for most of his life. When he hears whispers of a travelling freak show newly established in London claiming the existence of a monstrous sea hybrid, half-man, half-fish, Louis sees it as his ticket to credibility amongst his peers. The summer he spends undercover working on the show, however, gives him much more than that.

Here In The Afterglow (88k)

“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.

Resist Everything Except Temptation (100k)

The lethargic sound of heels clicking against wood resonated across the sea. Footsteps descended the staircase, every assured step creating a menacing aura as it grew closer. Perspiration gathered along Louis’ palms as the rhythmic sound halted in front of him.

“Captain,” Malik greeted.

Louis watched out of his peripheral as Malik’s boots shuffled back a few steps. Sweat matted the hair along the nape of Louis’ neck as he waited for something to happen. He felt as if a sharp blade was twisting his gut as the silence became tangible. There was a metallic slide of a sword being pulled out of its sheath, the sound startling Louis out of his cocoon of sterile shock. His shoulders jumped as the tip of a blade flattened underneath his jaw. Louis’ distorted reflection stared back at him in the polished metal. Engraved rose petals twisted his appearance as they crawled up the length of the sword. The sword lifted and took Louis’ chin with it.

Standing in front of Louis was Captain Styles.

OR The one where Louis is the commodore's son who is forced to become a part of Harry's crew when he is captured.

Butterfly Gun (100k)

Harry has never been much of a fighter, but—as always—where Louis Tomlinson is concerned, a lot of things stop being true.

1940's AU. Even after six years apart, they can't forget their shared wartime childhood.

Through Eerie Chaos (102k)

For as long as anyone can remember, Old Hillsbridge Manor has always been believed to be haunted. Everyone in the village agrees and keeps a respectful, fearful, distance. New in town after a bad breakup and an internship that led to disappointment rather than a permanent job, Harry Styles figures taking pictures of the decrepit building could be a great new creative project. Or at least a much-needed distraction while he searches for a job and crashes at his parents’ new house. No one warned him about the apparitions though; about the music, the laughter, the people who flicker and vanish when you call after them, the echoes of a past that should be long gone… Harry has never believed in spirits but even he can admit that there’s something weird going on. What starts as mere curiosity evolves into a full-blown investigation and soon enough, Harry finds himself making friends with an aristocrat from the 1920s and struggling with finding the best way to tell him that he’s dead.

The Ghost Hunter AU where Niall lives to prove ghosts are real, Zayn is a skeptical librarian and Harry gets caught up in a century-old mystery and catches feeling in the process.

Landslide (143k)

The year is 1976. In November, Jimmy Carter will take control of the White House. Americans are meeting Laverne & Shirley at their apartment in Milwaukee. Hotel California diverges from the reign of Kool & the Gang. And the FBI is still reeling from the repercussions of Watergate, the tragedy at Wounded Knee, Operation Family Secrets, and the strategic terrors of the anti-cult movement.

That's what Special Agent Harry Styles has been told is the basis of his mission to an abandoned farmhouse in rural New Hampshire.

With his hair grown out long and his shirt untucked, he's going undercover to do reconnaissance on suspected cult leader Louis Tomlinson, who has led a group of people out into the middle of nowhere, leaving no record of the life he'd had before. All Harry knows is what the agency gave him: Tomlinson's name, and instructions to figure out what he's doing with the eleven people he brought with him.

In the year that Harry spends undercover and under Louis Tomlinson's wing, he learns more than he ever expected.

Love Endless (series; 3 completed works/1WIP; 696k)

The year is groovy 1973, and eighteen-year-old Louis Tomlinson is perhaps the gayest teen to ever grace the gloomy, hateful town of Fortwright. Would be fine if he wasn't so viciously bullied at both home and school for such a "harmful" sexual preference.

Yeah, yeah, we've all heard this story, haven't we?

Believe him, Louis didn't think he was anything special either.

Until he found the mansion. The notoriously haunted mansion hidden deep within the forests of his tiny blip of a town in Bumfuck Nowhere, Idaho. No one with a brain ever goes near it, but Louis could use a little excitement in his life...and possibly a Band-Aid or two.

After discovering the mansion was less abandoned than he'd thought, he's now left with the most riveting mystery of a lifetime; every new finding leaving him with more questions. Who is this elusive owner, and why won't they show themselves? Why is there a set of journals in the same handwriting that span over centuries? Why in the world is there a padlock on the refrigerator...and who the hell is Alexander?

[suspendrs]

2017 is finally coming to an end, so i thought i’d celebrate with another fic rec!!! here, have just a few fics i really loved that were posted throughout the year!!

only in love and war by louisexxcobain (3k)

Harry gets called to Dunkirk by the draft, but all that matters to him is getting home to his Lou.

with you in your dreams by lululawrence (4k)

“And how are you boys doing?” Professor Trelawney asked as she came to their table. Her wide eyes blinked at the two of them before peeking into the cup. “Ooh, a heart! How interesting…”

Harry’s eyes widened and he looked at Louis. Louis was just looking into the cup in interest. “Should I note that as well, then?”

“Absolutely, Tomlinson. What others do you have?” Trelawney looked at his scroll and she let out an overdramatic gasp. “Oh my my. It looks like someone definitely has love in their future! Those signs all stand for love, marriage, stability, togetherness, and when combined like this predominantly new love! Very interesting reading you’ve done there, Mr. Styles.”

She gave a wink at Harry and then whisked herself off to the next table.

Or the one where Professor Trelawney plays a very unlikely matchmaker.

strawberry swing by fondleeds (5k)

louis’ mouth tastes like nectarines and summer and his fingers are sticky and grimy with dirt, mulch and tiny wood chips clung to the static of his shirt, in his hair, and above him the swing is floating lazily back and forth.

today they’re nine and soon they’ll be ten and he’s got paint on his cheeks and harry is humming nonsense under his breath and painting tiny m birds on his palm. today they’re at the park and things are simple in the way that only children know.

our garden grows by ladylondonderry (5k)

Harry lives a rather mundane and dreary life, full of the same sorts of routine day in and day out.

One terribly dull and rainy day, a letter arrives from an L.T. who would very much wish for Harry to write back.

Too bad Harry can't figure out how.

baby, hold on to my heart by tightropeofhope (6k)

Here was the dilemma: Louis and Harry were out with their mates window shopping because there was nothing else to do and Louis brought an antique ring, hoping to pawn it off to get some quick cash. It was a small, old thing, all rusted and gold, but it had its charm. The owner didn't take it because of the minuscule crack down the middle of the jewel, so Louis just shrugged and handed it to Harry without a thought.

Louis gives Harry a ring as a joke, but Harry starts wearing the ring everywhere he goes.

let’s go get away by letsjustsee (6k)

When Louis had moved to the island a year ago, he only wanted two things: to serve good food to good people, and to live on the beach. Was that too much to ask for? Apparently the universe thought so, because Louis had only gotten three months of blissful, uninterrupted beach living before Harry Styles moved in to the empty shop next door. Louis was hoping whoever took over the space might be a tour guide, or even another restaurant (with non-competing menu options, of course), but no – he had gotten Harry Styles. The guy who wore Hawaiian dad-shirts unironically. The guy who spent his time making soap by hand out of goat’s milk.

Or, a fluffy AU in which Louis owns a restaurant that's next door to Harry's shop, and Louis is completely unaware how smitten he really is.

sea salt and chocolate by cupcakeL (10k)

“How can I help you?” He looked at the customer and wow, Harry was pretty sure this guy had the bluest eyes he had ever seen. When the guy opened his mouth Harry could almost feel the venom in his voice.

“Do you have some kind of truffle that passive aggressively says ‘fuck you’?”

Or Harry owns a confectionary/café and Louis is an aspiring musician who needs to break up with his boyfriend via truffles.

far afield by quickedween (11k)

Harry Styles is a witch who owns the best flower shop in Manchester. Lottie Tomlinson is planning her wedding, and brings her brother along to her first appointment. Both men have been having a bad day and sparks fly.

murmur by reveries_passions (12k)

"The sun warmed their skin, dried any and all remnants of Louis' tears, made Harry's curly hair glow. The sounds of the city below seemed to disappear; it was just them, overlooking everything, the only two people in the world who understood each other."

in which louis is a little bit empty, harry is a little bit new to all this, and, coincidentally, they're both just about as deaf as two lonely teenagers can be.

sound like a song by allwaswell16 (14k)

In high school, Louis Tomlinson lit up Harry’s world like nobody else, even if Harry did most of his pining from the safety of his tightly knit circle of friends. Ten years later, Harry is ready to make some changes. He’s tired of having so many regrets and not taking charge of his life, and he still hasn’t forgotten how brightly Louis shines. He’s about to get a long awaited second chance.

Or the one where Harry helps out at a farmer’s market and gives Louis free vegetables.

(make you want to) scream by lululawrence (16k)

While Louis' left hand plays with his nipple, his right reaches down and wraps around his dick and that's when he really knows something is wrong.

The dick in his hand does not feel like his own.

damn the dark, damn the light by hrrytomlinson (20k)

“Why is this face of beauty ringing so true?” The genuine confusion in Harry’s voice causes Louis’ chest to painfully twinge. “You’re a complete stranger in my eyes, William Shakespeare, but not in my heart. How is that possible?”

Louis wants to live out every romance plot he has ever written in his own life. He wants to be the protagonist of his own narrative, the hero who finds true love and gets his happy ending. Instead, Louis is stuck with only dreaming of such wild fantasies and writing them down. He can create entire romances in his dreams, yet he can never live one.

you know sometimes words have two meanings by alienharry (22k)

"... Two souls are sometimes created together and in love before they're born." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Harry and Louis navigate the universe.

resist everything except temptation by domesticharry (100k)

The lethargic sound of heels clicking against wood resonated across the sea. Footsteps descended the staircase, every assured step creating a menacing aura as it grew closer. Perspiration gathered along Louis’ palms as the rhythmic sound halted in front of him.

“Captain,” Malik greeted.

Louis watched out of his peripheral as Malik’s boots shuffled back a few steps. Sweat matted the hair along the nape of Louis’ neck as he waited for something to happen. He felt as if a sharp blade was twisting his gut as the silence became tangible. There was a metallic slide of a sword being pulled out of its sheath, the sound startling Louis out of his cocoon of sterile shock. His shoulders jumped as the tip of a blade flattened underneath his jaw. Louis’ distorted reflection stared back at him in the polished metal. Engraved rose petals twisted his appearance as they crawled up the length of the sword. The sword lifted and took Louis’ chin with it.

Standing in front of Louis was Captain Styles.

OR

The one where Louis is the commodore's son who is forced to become a part of Harry's crew when he is captured.

thanks for a gr8 year of gr8 fics everyone!! catch me trying to keep up with monthly fic recs in the new year!!!

[yavemiel]

Top Ten Fic Recs

Tagged by  @callioope and @justkeeponthegrass thanks guys!

This says top ten fic recs and I was like ‘I guess I can limit myself to ten’ and now having started going through them I’m like ‘ahahahahahahah NO’ so without further ado, split into three categories, here are thirty-nine of my favourite Rebelcaptain fic recs, listed in no particular order, because you see how easy it was for me to cut down the list I have, there’s no way I could chose between them. The only concession I could make was to keep it to one per author, but know that if one is on the list, all the rest of their stuff is amazing too! All the links are to AO3 and I’ve tagged the authors on Tumblr when I know their handle, but if you spot one of yours and I’ve not tagged you, let me know! :) Recs are below the cut because this is a LONG POST.

List One (>20,000 words, complete)

- floating, sinking by @shu-of-the-wind (shuofthewind), NR, 188k words [One of the quintessential Rebelcaptain fics, which tells an AU version of A New Hope. The character voices are so spectacular in this, every point of view is perfectly written, and it’s so SO believable. Cannot over-recommend]

- to treat everything as if it were a nail by @things-with-teeth (thingswithteeth), M, 103k words [What if Jyn had been found on Lah’mu and been taken by Krennic? This fic answers that question spectacularly, which such depth and character strength you kind of forget it’s not how it happened in canon]

- gray areas (series name cassian andor nonsense) by @theputterer (theputterer), T, 371k words [This series is a love song to Cassian Andor. If you’ve been looking for the tragic backstory that explains how he got where he is in Rogue One, THIS IS WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. Bring tissues. Also goes well beyond Rogue One into what might have happened to Cassian and Jyn in this universe, an unbelievable epic]

- Won’t You Let Us Wander by angel_deux, T, 243k words [I have so much love for this series, it’s Cassian/Jyn focused but the other characters are so amazing as well, particularly Leia. It’s basically 243k words of Cassian and Jyn working through their respective issues and building a family and a team as they go and it is a delight.]

- The Words Would Only Rhyme by @betweentheheavesofstorm (betweentheheavesofstorm), T, 51k words [I really love this story, Jyn has visions and it takes a completely different tack to canon AND has ‘fake relationship’ one of my favourite tropes ever and I really don’t think I can do it justice without spoiling it, so just take my word for it and read it] - as the fates unwind by Jaxin, T, 45k words [A look at what might have happened if Lyra had lived to bring up Jyn, it’s been a while since I read it, but the thing that sticks in my memory about this one is the characterisation, it’s Spot On]

- Intersections by Caedus501, T, 139k words [This series is spectacular: intersections is a great name for it, it basically retells the history of Cassian and Jyn if they had run across each other in various guises during their pasts, and how that would affect the events of Rogue One. Excellent writing.]

- For A Good Time Call by @jynsanity (jormaperalta), T, 28k words [This is SUCH a feel good fic, sweet and funny, I can’t tell you how much I love it. A modern AU where Jyn writes her name on the wall of a bar and Cassian texts her, and it works so well.]

- in the spaces by @gizkasparadise (nymja), E, 27k words [I come back and re-read this fic so often, I really feel like it’s one of the truest to canon characterisations out there: Jyn and Cassian are so committed to the cause, but also to each other, and the conflicts that that causes are obvious and heart-breaking and perfectly perfectly written.]

- spes semper mihi adest by @rain-sleet-snow (rain_sleet_snow), T, 27k words [this is another one that I’ve re-read so much, it’s amazing, following Cassian and Jyn all the way through the original trilogy in a way that really makes you believe they probably were running around in canon. Also has a lovely coda set during The Force Awakens called but sometimes it rhymes which I would also highly recommend]

- In the Shadows by @hurricanedancer (StormDancer), M, 21k words [The White Collar AU you never knew you needed! I love this one, the characters work so damn well in their transplanted home, particularly Jyn as the ex-criminal trying to go straight but chafing at her bonds.]

- long way home by @realitycheckbounced (noelia_g), E, 25k words [I love this series, it’s so feel-good, and the relationship between Cassian and Jyn is so joyful!]

List Two (>20,000 words, WIP)

- Resistance is Built on Hope by @chronicolicity (ChronicOlicity), T, 133k words [A stunning WWII AU which actually follows the plot of R1 pretty closely within that setting, fabulous writing and characterisation, and a really really great slow burn relationship between Cassian and Jyn]

- Jagged Edges by @mediumsizedfountain (jncar), M, 105k words [Essentially a story about the survivors of Rogue One learning to live with the consequences and finding their place within the Rebellion, and about Cassian and Jyn figuring out where they stand with each other, a really lovely read]

- In a dark time, the eye begins to see by @imsfire2 (imsfire), NR, 87k words [I love this story so much: Cassian is an artist and Jyn is his muse, but it’s more a canon divergent fic than an AU, as the events and motivations of Rogue One are still very much centre stage] - Chaconne by @ibohe (ibohemianam), T, 221k words [This is one of the first series I truly fell in love with in the fandom and it remains a firm favourite now! A great take on a possible backstory for Cassian, and a look at how he and Jyn might work through their issues together after the war, with a generous smattering of EU influence throughout. I especially love the way they’re written together in domestic scenes in this series: their issues and foibles are all still there but they’re so happy in each other nonetheless] - Whatever I Do (I Do It To Protect You)  by @callioope (Callioope), T, 62k words [Another look at what might have happened if Lyra had lived to raise Jyn, first within the Partisans and then within the Rebellion, and a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL slow burn relationship between Jyn and Cassian]

- per ardua ad astra by @anghraine (Elizabeth (anghraine)), T, 58k words [I don’t want to give too much away about this fic, but essentially, Cassian, Jyn and Bodhi end up on the Death Star and this is the story of how they manage to survive that and infiltrate one of the most secure parts of the Empire. This is so well written and seems so plausible as a continuation of canon!]

- And The Next by @mienuxbleu (ienablu), T, 52k words [This is essentially Groundhog Day Rogue One style but infinitely, infinitely more heart-breaking! It’s so well thought out and so engaging, and you really really get a fantastic insight in Jyn’s character]

- The World Through a Scope by @ruby-red-inky-blue (guineapiggie), T, 46k words (One of my favourite modern AUs, in which Cassian and Jyn meet in the waiting room of their counselor’s office and are drawn to each other despite their respective issues, before finding out that their lives are far more closely entangled than even they realised. A real gem!]

- The Germans Wore Grey, You Wore Blue by @justkeeponthegrass (randomdreamer01) [This is a collection of WWII AUs that are mostly unrelated, and they are so SO well researched and well written, you really get a sense of the history behind the stories, and the characterisation is always spot on]

- only fools rush in by @andromeda3116 (andromeda3116), T, 36k words [I love, love, LOVE this AU, it’s a modern setting and basically has all of my favourite things rolled up in one: fake relationship, bed-sharing, protectiveness, pining: it’s an absolute delight!]

- The Remembrance of Pain (Time Will Explain) by @operaticspacetrash (Jaded), T, 22k words [I could have chosen literally any story by this author and gushed about for a few paragraphs, she never puts a foot wrong! This particular one is a Persuasion AU set in the Star Wars universe, and it’s brilliant, so well conceived and written and you can really feel the shared history and the pain between Cassian and Jyn]

- the light by @ssimpleandclean (Irelando), E, 71k words [A fabulous post Scarif series that runs through what our favourite crew might have been doing during A New Hope, and then continues to describe their adventures and their coming together as a family long after that, great read!]

List Three (<20,000 Words)

- Talk Tonight by @rapidashpatronus (RapidashPatronus), T, 1213 words [I cannot overstate how much I absolutely love this story. The subject matter is so tough and so important, but the ending is hopeful, and honestly, every time I read it (which is often), I come away crying but uplifted. Everyone should read this one.]

- Counting Weeds by @rapidashpatronus (RapidashPatronus), T, 8021 words, WIP [I said only one per author, but I literally couldn’t chose between this and Talk Tonight, so I’m breaking my own rules, surprise surprise: I adore this story. It’s so original, the characterisation is so great, the OCs are a delight, just...gah, everything! Definitely one to subscribe to!]

- I fought the war (but the war won) by @incognitajones (ephemera), E, 9075 words [Ahhh my favourite AU ever: the MSF AU that I didn’t know I needed until it showed up and now I re-read on a near weekly basis! I can’t describe how well this works, Jyn as a roving war reporter and Cassian as a harried MSF doctor, it honestly has to be read to be believed, and their relationship is just perfection.]

- This Here Now (it’s where we touch down) by @mosylufanfic (mosylu), T, 1772 words [Jyn and Cassian become farmers and put down roots and are happy and this is one of my favourite stories, I always feel warm when I read it]

- the sharp edge of survival by @longclaws (with_the_monsters), T, 3950 words [I think the summary of this fic does it far more justice than I ever could: “They're heroes, now, but the not the type of heroes the Republic wants. Not bright and clean and effortlessly Light. Not able to sit still or give up the fight. The fight built each of them, after all. Made them what they are.“ It’s painful and beautiful and excellently written and you should all read it.]

- where my caution should be by @venusmelody (ivyspinners), T, 1242 words [I don’t want to say too much about this one for fear I’ll give the ending away, but suffice to say it’s 1242 spectacularly written words that will rip your heart out in the best possible way. Bring tissues.]

- the road that sets into the sun by @thegirlwholied (lyin), G, 5190 words [A beautiful story set in the EU, about how the end of the war might have looked for a Cassian and Jyn in that slightly different universe. The ending of this one in particularly is just so hopeful and beautiful!]

- the quiet we hold by @dazy-laze (ithacas), NR, 12228 words [Cassian and Jyn both suffer from PTSD after Rogue One and go somewhere quiet to recover. This is such a lovely story, painful in parts, but in a good way, and watching Cassian and Jyn heal together is a joy.]

- when we were young and crossed the stars by @leralynne (katsumi), G, 4008 [Jyn joins the Rebellion at a much younger age and grows up around Cassian. I love this story so much, it weaves their backstory seamlessly and their relationship is so believable.]

- my knees are cold (running home) by @jynersq (jynersq), T, 7302 words [Cassian and Jyn recover together after Scarif, both physically and mentally. I really love how much they look after each other in this story, warms my heart every time I read it]

- all the rest by tomorrowsrain, T, 8334 words [This fic is the best written aftermath of torture I think I’ve read, it’s heart-breaking and difficult but beautifully written and ultimately hopeful.]

- a person can be a home by @ladytharen (mollivanders), T, 3047 words [A really gorgeous look at Jyn and Cassian’s developing relationship in the aftermath of Scarif, the characters are so perfectly written here and their relationship progresses so naturally, I love it]

- The Last Poem of Jedha by @schweinsty (schweinsty), T, 15486 words [This is actually a Bodhi-centric fic with the Rebelcaptain firmly in the background, but there was no way I could leave it off a rec list because it is AMAZING. I am in awe of the world-building for Jedha, the description of a culture and a way of life and the poetry and literature and everything, it’s just...read it, you will not regret it]

- cast some light by @brynnmclean (brynnmclean), E, 16049, WIP [This verse is spectacularly NSFW in the best possible way, it is hot like BURNING, but also with excellently written character voices and really great interactions, such a favourite of mine!]

- Trading Favours by @mellamymake (caramelle), E, 7206 [Another one for the ‘hot like burning’ club, this is roomates-to-lovers modern AU via friends-with-benefits and I love it, it’s so well written and humourous, always makes me smile!]

And that is it, finally the end of the list! Happy reading! :)

[nottooldforthisship]

Here’s the fics I read (and like) during June! (friendly reminder I read almost only Explicit or Mature fics)

☾ King of the Road, by Stoney : Derek sees the guy--all long lines, furtive glances, hungry--leaning against the diner out in the middle of nowhere. Yeah, Derek's hungry, too. (30k, E)

☾ He Gets Me High , by talktowater  : Stiles and Derek act like a couple. But they're not. Seriously! Derek has a boyfriend and Stiles has a girlfriend. They're just friends, overly-attached and possessive friends, but that's it. Right? (11k, E)

☾ even a bad cup of coffee (is better than no coffee at all),  by vlieger :       AU where Derek and Laura stay in New York and open a coffee shop after the fire, and Stiles meets them when he moves there for college. (13.6k, E)

☾ The Second Coming (of Werewolf Jesus), by  lupinus, uraneia : Stiles was enjoying his senior year until his crazy English teacher decided he made the best candidate to gestate Derek's kid. Now Stiles is a seventeen-year-old pregnant dude and he and Derek have to figure their shit out, because in nine months they are going to be tied together for the rest of their lives. (40k, E)

☾ Balloon Animals Are Awesome , by DiscontentedWinter  : Stiles is totally in love with Lydia. Until one day he's not. Fuck his life. And seriously?  Derek? Derek Hale? He can't be in love with Derek Hale. Derek hates him. Doesn't he? (22k, E)    

☾  no aphrodisiac like loneliness, by thepsychicclam : Stiles is 27 now, with a master’s degree and a career and a house and a serious boyfriend and a life in San Francisco that doesn't include Derek. But then Stiles unexpectedly shows back up in Beacon Hills, and Derek would recognize that scent anywhere. (20k, E)         

☾  And miles to go before I sleep,  by  Heart_Of_Steel_And_Fandoms :     Stiles leaves Beacon Hills at the end of Sophomore year. He's been abandoned by the pack, scarred by the hunters, and carries the equivalent of a volcano of magic inside him. Needless to say, his life sucks. But when Stiles comes back to Beacon Hills, over a year later and with a new persona, he isn't the same powerless human the pack remembers. And when demons threaten Beacon Hills, he proves to everyone that sarcasm isn't his only defence. (112k, E)       

☾ In the Mountains , by GiaUrsula  : Feeling overwhelmed by his parent's control and the pressure of law school, Derek moves to the small mountainous town of Beacon Hills to find himself and figure out what he wants in life. He finds love in the form of diner owner and single parent Stiles and Derek soon learns what real responsibility is. (48k, M)

☾  Little Wild Animal  , by DiscontentedWinter:  Derek Hale finds a feral human on his pack's property. Humans are supposed to be extinct. But then, Stiles is full of surprises.  (61k, E)

☾ Not Quite Lost (Not Quite Found) , by alocalband:  A year after the nogitsune is defeated, Derek is living a quiet life in the mountains above a small town in Colorado. Then Stiles shows up (25k, E) 

☾ Ever After , by Sybilina  :   Four years ago, Stiles left Beacon Hills, to go to college, to get away from the pack, to try to mend a broken heart.  He thought he'd succeeded but right when graduation came around, his whole world fell apart.  Again.  There's only so many times Stiles can deal with his world falling down around him.  This was one time too many.It isn't about getting the girl, or the guy, because romance and lovey feelings aren't a cure for depression. (57k, M)

☾ If you asked me if I love him, I’d lie, by dereksstilinski (greyslittlediaries) :  Derek has already typed the entire report out and even got all of the stuff prepared for the poster that Stiles and him will have to present. Derek found that he actually didn’t mind doing all the work when it was Stiles he was doing it for, but he wasn’t going to let Stiles get away completely. He was going to get Stiles to come over and help with the poster, so help him god. (37k, E)     

☾ The Moon's Gonna Follow Me Home , by  turningterrific : Derek doesn’t want to call the window repair guy. He doesn’t want to sweep up the glass. He’ll inevitably miss a few shards and pull them out of the bottom of his bare feet for weeks. He doesn’t want to try to make this place feel like home when it isn’t. Derek stayed in Beacon Hills and tried to make it work because he wanted pack, wanted purpose. He gave his best effort and found himself back where he started: alone, with a few begrudging allies. He’s tired, and even though his werewolf body heals quickly, he feels the weary ache down to his center.He packs his car with the few things he cares about enough to drag them from place to place. He locks the loft and calls a realtor about listing the building he’d bought in a misguided attempt to secure a future. And then he leaves. (82k, E)

☾ Shelter , by five_ht  :   After the rave, Stiles can't go home, and Derek doesn't want him to. (8k, E)

☾ Out of Sight , by FiccinDylan : What's going on with Derek and Stiles? is the question that seems to have all of the Hale-McCall (McCall-Hale? McHale? They're working on it) pack preoccupied.  As they try to figure it out, the town slowly starts to get attacked by a malevolent force.  Will our group of modern day superheros be able to save the day, or will they too succumb to the magic?aka What happens when a "sex pollen made them do it" story isn't exactly what it looks like. (23k, E)

☾ Back-up Plan, by   janonny  :   Stiles couldn’t hold up against Gerard’s beating. What were the chances he could hold up against equally crazy kidnappers who were also werewolves? (11k, M) 

☾ Running Up That Hill,  by  maypoison : “What the hell are you doing here Stiles?”Stiles can’t help the way his eyes bulge at the werewolves no-nonsense tone of voice. He takes a cautious step backwards. After all, he was still an Alpha, even if he wasn’t his Alpha. “Wow. Way to sound welcoming.” “You’re in my territory.” Derek grumbles in response, and crosses his arms over his chest.  Stiles nods jerkily, before gulping. “Yeah, and I’m kinda regretting that right now …” The Sourwolf interrupts, cutting Stiles off before he can even try to explain how he found himself outside the burnt frame of Derek’s childhood home. “You’re not part of my pack.” And that, that hits Stiles harder than when he was accidently knocked out by Isaac with a Lacrosse stick. (107k, E)        

☾ Salty Sweet  by  secondstar  : Derek works at a porn store. One day, Stiles comes in asking all sorts of TMI questions about different toys. That's where it all starts. (46k, E)

☾ One Day I'll Accept Normalcy (But That Day Is Not Today), by jettiebettie  : “You know this still really weird, right?” Stiles asks around the toothpaste in his mouth.“What's weird?” Derek asks. Stiles spits and rinses his mouth out.“The cuddling. The cuddling is weird. This-” Stiles says, holding up his toothbrush to the mirror. “-is weird. The fact that I have spare clothes here is weird.” (15k, E)

☾ You're the Riddle of the Century, by  stayingputwouldbeablunder  : “Okay,” Stiles says, drawing out the y. “Well, I’ve gotta go, Derek. Plenty more clueless individuals like yourself waiting to learn how to operate the majestic electronic device you hold in your hands.”“I’m not holding it.” Derek doesn’t know why he does it but he waggles his fingers in front of the camera; the tablet is propped up against his legs. “See?”Stiles rolls his eyes, smiling. “Goodbye, Derek. And thanks for calling Amazon today. Catch you on the flip side.”“Bye, Stiles.”Oh shit.In which Stiles is a tech advisor for Amazon and Derek really loveshates his Kindle. (45k, M)        

[louisfeatharry]

* newly added fics to my fic rec page as of 08/18/17 (29 fics in total) all fics are larry unless specified otherwise • more recent recs

✨ indicates favorites of mine!

✨ Be Still by thisonegoes (150k) [zarry, au, detectives, angst, prose]

Zayn hears the telltale sound of stretcher wheels bouncing up over a weather strip. A tech backs out of the door first, as both Zayn and Harry turn to watch. They wheel the black body bag out and lift it down the stairs, to take her away. She's officially cleared for transport, no longer a resident of the household. She's now just a corpse wrapped in plastic.

When they finally turn back to one another, Harry blinks and then shatters into pieces.

Detective Zayn AU.

call me a safe bet (i’m betting i’m not) by mrsenjolras (29k) [lirry, au, friends to lovers, friends with benefits, angst, pining]

They agreed that it would be too hard for them to keep up their relationship long distance, that they didn’t want to risk losing their friendship. So it made sense that when Harry was away, they saw other people. They’re the same as they always are when they’re together--Harry guesses you could call them friends with benefits, but he doesn’t think that really encompasses what they mean to each other. Louis calls them idiots, which, well, probably isn’t all that inaccurate.

It’s not really that big of a deal. Harry is happy. Liam is happy--well, Harry’s pretty sure Liam is happy. So Louis can just shut it.

[Or: Liam and Harry have an arrangement, and it all goes great, until it doesn't.]

Can’t Fool Me by emma1234 (25k) [au, uni, secret relationship, fluff, smut]

“I hate frats,” Louis repeats for what feels like the millionth time.

“Yes, I’ve heard, once or twice or every day for the past three years,” Liam says. His careful tone reminds Louis of how his mom always sounds when one of his siblings is on the brink of a tantrum.

Louis glances speculatively at Liam’s frat brothers, who are still huddled together and chatting, with the exception of the one who’s looking in Louis’ direction. Maybe Louis shouldn’t rule out a tantrum. While making a scene wouldn’t actually free him from fraternity nonsense in the future, it would at least be entertaining.

AU where Louis hates fraternities and would never be into a frat boy. And one of these things is definitely not a lie.

Counting The Steps Between Us by zarah5 (24k) [au, pining, friends to lovers]

AU. So, yeah. That year abroad helped Harry establish that he is in love with his best friend. Now, if Louis would stop treating him like a little brother, that would be awesome. (Additional ingredients: a collapsing tree house, a lot of pining, the other three boys as Louis' new best mates from university, and a camping trip. Serve hot.)

End of the World Tonight by whoknows (12k) [ou, exes to lovers, coming out, angst]

“You remember when you told me that you wanted to live with me for the rest of your life?” Louis asks. His voice trembles a bit, exposing exactly how much he hates what he’s about to do. How much he wishes that he wasn’t about to do it.

“I remember,” Harry says. His expression is a little lost, like he thinks that they’re about to have a fight and he’s not sure what they’re supposed to be fighting about. Louis closes his eyes because he has to, has to take a second to regain his courage. He can’t keep doing this. He can’t keep suffering, can’t keep killing himself trying to hide this. He’s ready. He’s been ready for a long time.

feel so foolish by juliusschmidt (13k) [au, high school, pining, fluff]

Louis and his friends keep laughing at Harry; he's sure of it. But he's not sure why.

for now (and forever) by orphan_account (83k) [au, military/war, fake relationship, friends to lovers, slow burn]

"It's nice that you want to offer that, but I just can't do that. First of all, it's illegal."

Louis shakes his head vigorously. "No, no. It's not like one of us is gunning for a visa."

"Listen to yourself," Harry laughs, shaking Louis' shoulders. "Don't you think it's a bit weird to con the country you're supposed to be serving?"

Louis is going into the Army, Harry is going nowhere, and there's nothing like a little identity fraud between friends.

glimpse of the silhouettes by orphan_account (7k) [ou, pwp]

Harry isn't sure what the rules are for this. It's hard to believe that there are any, that's there's a handbook just waiting for him to buy: why is my best mate getting hard in my lap when I touch his arse?

✨ Here In The Afterglow by fondleeds (88k) [au, historical/past setting, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, out, pining, angst, fluff, smut]

“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.

If I Fall For You, Would You Fall Too? by slashter (29k) [zourry, au, fluff, famous/nonfamous, smut]

“Fuck, Louis, most of us can’t even find one person to date, and you go and land yourself two!”

Louis flips Niall off and closes his eyes, trying his hardest to ignore the blond’s peals of laughter. It’s true what Niall says, he can’t have them both. And this is him imagining that either of them would even want to get with him, which he knows is pretty much ridiculous considering the fact that they’re obviously seeing each other and why the hell would you pick Louis Tomlinson over Harry Styles or Zayn Malik?

[Or the one where Louis is a uni dropout who's just managed to land a new job as a housemaid, and he ends up getting to clean the shared apartment of well-known socialites Harry and Zayn]

Infinity in Always by cumquat (22k) [au, hurt, angst]

A stranger greets Louis whenever he looks in a mirror—a stranger with sunken eyes, sharp cheekbones and hollow cheeks, whose strands of mousy hair tangle into intricate knots; curl into something akin to a broken halo.

Every morning he recites, speaks to no one but himself so he could try and remember that, “This is me. This is how I look like.” The simple act is done so often that it has become more like a ritual than a routine; and even then it’s only part of what he must do the second moonlight dies and day breathes again.

(In which Louis suffers from prosopagnosia; he can’t recognize faces, even familiar ones. He can’t remember his own face, let alone Harry’s, but he remembers the way his skin feels under his fingertips, how he trembles under his touch as if Louis is fire, and Harry is nothing but mere paper, disintegrating into ash)

✨ keep the light on by renlyne (43k) [gryles, ou, friends to lovers, slow burn, angst]

but·ter·fly ef·fect noun 1. (with reference to chaos theory) the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. 2. a cumulatively large effect that a very small or seemingly insignificant natural force may produce over a period of time. In which Harry Styles tears up over glitter, and Nick Grimshaw’s life becomes immeasurably more complicated.

Or: it’s 2020, and really, better late than never.

✨ Like an Endless Summer by Anonymous (87k) [au, summer, slow burn, friends to lovers, pining, fluff]

“You just wanna go fawn over Styles as soon as possible,” Zayn grumbles.

“I do not. Plus, he probably got ugly this year. Eighteen is an awkward time...I bet he’s got acne and one of those terrible fuckboy haircuts all the hipsters are getting these days, with the shaved sides? Just watch, the first year we’re gonna get any time together is gonna be the first year I don’t have a stupid crush on him.”

---

Or, Louis is a riding instructor at a summer camp, and Harry is a fellow counselor who he’s been successfully managing his crush on for the last two summers. That is, until Harry shows up this year leveled up and lethal, and all Louis’s formerly perfected veneer of nonchalance melts like a popsicle in the sun.

✨ Lost for Words by AGreatPerhaps12 (102k) [ziam, au, summer, hurt/comfort, innocent/bad boy, fluff, angst, pining]

"Zayn was so stunning and so consistently kind to Liam that his stupid heart had the annoying habit of practically vibrating in his chest whenever they were together. Liam wasn’t deep enough in denial not to know what that meant anymore, but he was still forcing the feeling down as vehemently as possible. It was difficult, though, when Zayn turned to Liam with that smile and said his name like he was worth time and attention, and all the while in the back of his mind there was this chant of—

Get the fuck out of my house. I’m not having a fag for a son. I want you and your shit gone by the time I get back.

—Yeah. That."

Or: The one where Liam has a stutter and zero self confidence, and Zayn has a carefully controlled temper (also starring Louis and Harry as that disgustingly-in-love couple and Niall as the only straight guy around, apparently).

One of the Beautiful People by cantgetnoworse (24k) [au, fluff]

Louis is a sparkly go-go dancer on Saturdays. Zayn is his lifelong best friend with benefits. Zayn falls for someone new and Louis' world turns upside down.

✨ pray for some sweet simplicity by delsicle (237k) [au, a/b/o, enemies to lovers, sports, secret relationship, angst, smut]

Louis is the only omega to ever make it in the cut-throat world of competitive motorcycle racing—that is, he would be if anyone actually knew about his identity. Now, his sights are set towards competing in—and winning—the European Grand Prix, the biggest and most difficult race of the entire year, so he can disappear underground for good. He’s close enough, too, until an alpha sports journalist is assigned to follow Louis’s every move as he prepares for the event of his career.

Or, an AU where motorcycle racing is the biggest sport in a heavily divided world, Louis is trying to take control of his own destiny, and Harry is in for more than he bargained for.

Small Doses (Loving You It’s Explosive) by Anonymous (38k) [au, enemies to lovers, smut]

Louis Tomlinson finds himself at Vitality Fitness to try and turn his life around after having left his cheating boyfriend of four years. The gym's owner, Liam, quickly becomes a good friend, but his right hand man is rude and dismissive from the get-go. Louis and Harry continue to clash all while Harry is trying to move his way up the ranks in Manchester's amateur boxing circuit, but they can't seem to stay away from each other.

Something That Scares Me About Love by justyrae (51k) [lilo, ou, friends to lovers, angst, hurt/comfort, kid fic]

Louis has always been fairly good at hiding things he didn't want to share. If he doesn't learn to start sharing, pretty soon he won't have anyone left to hide things from.

Something to Be by aguantare (12k) [au, uni, sports, angst]

Louis plays football for UCLA; Harry used to love football.

Standing on the Edge of Forever by EllaO (55k) [au, kid fic, angst]

“So let me get this straight. You took Mr. Squiggles from the classroom habitat, took him with you on your fieldtrip to the zoo, and released him in the aviary?”

Harry Styles is a single father, just trying to keep his life organized after losing his husband four years earlier. Between his daughter, Liam's hellion twins, and Sophia throwing him into any romantic tangle she can think of, life gets a little crazy. Of course, everything changes the moment Lo and the twins get interested in their school musical, The Wizard of Oz. Because the new director, Louis Tomlinson, is just about the most attractive man that Harry has ever seen.

Featuring adorable Dad Harry, hotshot actor Louis, three sassy kids, a badass Sophia Smith, and a Liam who just wants all their kids to be well behaved.

Take Me Back to Where We Started by amory (27k) [au, exes to lovers, famous/nonfamous, angst]

Harry and Louis haven't spoken since they broke up four years ago. As boarding school sweethearts they once spent every waking moment together, but now they can hardly stand to be in the same room. When their five year class reunion comes around, both boys decide against their better judgement to return and (hopefully) have a good time.

The only problem is, they're both still hopelessly in love.

Starring Harry as the petty ex, Louis as the new James Bond, Niall as a boy genius and fake boyfriend extraordinaire, and Liam and Zayn as two friends just trying to make it out of this weekend alive.

✨ Tell Me How To Feel About You Now by justyrae (38k) [au, famous/nonfamous, friends to lovers, exes to lovers, smut]

Louis thought it would feel different once he got to LA. He knew it was best for him; a fresh start as far away as he could get. But when the plane touched down and he stepped out into the hot air around LAX, Louis felt exactly the same.

There's still a hole in his chest where his heart used to be; ripped away even after trying for so many years to keep it from happening. He knows it's not all his fault, not by a mile, but it doesn't stop him from blaming himself for it all going wrong.

If he'd just stayed strong, if he'd said no when he said yes, maybe everything would be different.

Or, Harry has been trying to convince Louis to date him for years, but Louis has always been wary of Harry’s fairly obvious commitment issues. Louis eventually gives him a chance, opening his heart up to the one thing he fears.

under me, you by hazzafrazza (12k) [ou, friends to lovers, pining]

You Won’t Believe Who Was Spotted Leaving Harry Styles’ Primrose Hill Pad!

If Harry was being completely honest, it probably wasn’t the best idea to be a world-renowned popstar and an infamous vigilante.

(Especially when all the comic books said never reveal your secret identity to keep your loved ones safe – which was all well and good, until Louis.)

Or: Harry wants a lot of things – fame, glory, Louis – but that last one is particularly hard to get when everyone thinks you’re dating your secret superhero alter-ego and suddenly you’ve become your own worst cockblock.

✨ we’ll play hide and seek to turn this around (give me love like never before) by Wankerville (19k) [au, uni, hurt/comfort, fluff, angst]

“So here's the thing,” he starts. “I didn't mean what I said a few weeks ago to like, hurt your feelings or anything. If you like painting your nails, then you should do that, and not like, care if anyone else doesn't like it because their opinions shouldn't matter, you know?” Louis takes a breath, finally glancing over to see the boy wide-eyed and pink-cheeked. On a whim, he adds, “And like, I noticed you scraping it off and you haven't been wearing any and I think you should because that's what you like.”

or an au where harry paints his nails and drinks strawberry milk and is too nervous for it to be nothing and louis' just trying to figure out whats wrong with him

We’re Like Bumper Cars by sincehewaseighteen (31k) [au, high school, sports, enemies to lovers, smut]

“I have won, I won the final cross country. I win, Harry--”

“Whoever gets to fucking nationals wins it, pretty boy,” Harry teases. “You haven’t won. Interhouse is nothing compared to nationals, or interstate. You haven’t even won interschool. You can dream all you fucking want that you’ve won.”

Louis becomes so ignorant he decides to no longer eye the boy taunting him. “Trophies prove it all, Styles.”

“Where’s your trophy for biggest asshole?”

“Where’s yours for winning cross country?”

Harry growls before hooking his fingers in Louis’ belt loops and bringing them together for a flat kiss.

Or the AU where Louis and Harry are rivals of the century and Cross Country competitors before things get complicated and they play pretend.

What’s Stopping You? by kikikryslee (14k) [au, neighbors/roommates, friends to lovers, online, pining]

That shirt was what held his attention again. How many other guys had the same shirt that H and Harry had, and – wait. H… Harry. Harry did yoga. So did H. They both had the same shirt, and had both gotten home ten minutes ago and were cooking dinner.

No way.

Louis looked at the picture again, and stared more closely at H’s lips. They were pink and pouty, with the lower lip a bit plumper than the top, just like Harry. And H had brown, curly hair that reached his shoulders, just like Harry.

Louis looked over at Harry, who was putting his hair back up into a bun as the kitchen was most likely getting warmer.

“Holy shit,” Louis whispered. Have I been flirting with my own roommate all this time? --- Or, the one where Harry wants to get over his crush on Louis, so he makes a Grindr account to find someone new. Of course, Louis messages him, not realizing H's real identity. It only takes a few days for them to figure it out.

✨ You’ll Be The Death of Me by YinAndYangOnIce (58k) [au, high school, pining, innocent/bad boy, slow burn]

Louis is a punk who is failing history and Harry is a nerd who's really good at surprising him.

You’re a Rabbit, Louis by sunsetmog (5k) [stylinshaw, ou, fluff]

"Maybe Louis turned into a rabbit," Nick suggests. They both laugh. Louis doesn't. Harry is an idiot and Nick is an even bigger one.

Louis stomps past both of them on four tiny, furry, baby rabbit paws, and into Nick's flat. "I hate you both," he says. He sits on the rug by the TV. "And you can stop following me around too," he says to Pig, who sits down next to him on the rug.

"But seriously," Harry says, from the door. "Where's Louis?"

Louis thumps his back leg on the floor. "I'm here, you idiot."

"I'm not really suggesting this could be true," Nick says carefully, "but are we sure he isn't a tiny baby rabbit?"

✨ You’re A Universe by Jiksa (15k) [au, angst, hurt/comfort, kid fic, established relationship]

Harry doesn’t ever mean to hurt him; Louis doesn’t know how to tell him that it’s the only thing he ever does anymore.

Or, Louis’s a stay-at-home dad in London and Harry’s a business expat in Qatar. Louis doesn’t know how much longer their marriage can survive the distance.

[ankyouweek]

Second Time Around

Time travel fic, 22k, character deaths. 1 - A Good Future

The future was supposed to be good, they said. No monsters, no dodgy science, no political scandals. 

Karma never expected the government to come clean with what had happened, but he had hoped they’d learn their god damn lesson and stop any weird shit they’d been doing behind the scenes. It wasn’t often that he was wrong, but when he was, it generally ended up badly for everyone.

They’d been promised a good life due to their hardships. Maybe the others hadn’t realised it, but they’d given more than just cash when Koro Sensei’s life had ended. Kayano probably didn’t notice, thinking the absence of the media prying into her life was down to good management. The thought probably hadn’t crossed anyone else’s mind. But Karma had wondered why they weren’t being hounded by the press when they were part of an international scandal, mere teens fighting a monster, when they were chased like prey when the scandal broke. 

He wouldn’t say anything, but he knew for a fact his record had been wiped clean of petty misdemeanours. His student file had been altered, saying he was a charming personality, an asset to all around him. It sounded like the smary bullshit that was on Asano’s profile. The difference between them was Asano twisted people so they saw him that way, despite being just as much of a demon as Karma was. Karma was insulted his character had been changed, but he did see the benefits in it.

Seeing those two changes had been enough. He wouldn’t mind betting that other occurrences in their lives had been planned, or helped along by the government. An unproportionate amount of them got scholarships, they all got their dream school or next in line, medical treatment had miraculously become available to those with sick family members under the guise of medicine trialling - the list went on. After all, there was no reason why 3-E couldn’t sue the government, all the world’s governments, for everything they’ve been through. Obviously it wouldn’t be easy, but a few sob stories would give them public appeal, and the redhead wouldn’t mind betting Asano Senior would like a bit of revenge for being forced to relinquish his school, his pride and joy.

Sure, they’d agreed to a verbal contract, though they’d been underage and therefore unable to give consent at the time. Who could possibly expect them to fully understand the consequences of their actions? Even adults wouldn’t have grasped every possibility that could have happened! Takaoka or Nidaime were unpredictables to say the least, and that’s without Yanagisawa and the many minor incidents that took place over the year.

After everything that had happened, Karma expected, at the very least believed they deserved a good life. A good future. 

Maybe it was just bad luck. Maybe it was fate, destiny.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

The government didn’t stop with experimentations, human or otherwise. He didn’t watch the tv anymore, or read newspapers. When he was a kid, guns blew people to bits and bombs exploded towns and cities into pieces. Now weapons were monsters, once human more than likely (he’ll never forget Nidaime’s monstrous shrieks) or animals at the very least. Someone’s pets? A loved one? A criminal on death row or someone on their death bed?

He didn’t know. Didn’t want to know. 

Poisons had been adapted to the new world, gas attacks becoming more frequent. Missiles were shot frequently, leaving families on coast lines fleeing or living in fear. Hospitals were at a breaking point, governments draining resources from everything and anything to follow their twisted goals and ideals. 

He honestly wasn’t sure what they were fighting over any more. Back in the day, they fought against terrorists and for oil and because nations had grudges from decades back and it was the principal of the thing. 

After Sensei had died, things were quiet. But one reporter got nosey, too curious for their own good, and straight up vanished. Another followed. People assumed they’d been checking out drug dealers or the headquarters of other criminals and got caught, leading to a snuffed out existence. Three more met the same fate before word could get out. 

Yanagisawa was out of the picture but his research wasn’t.

Karma was fine with the theoretical study of all of Yangisawa’s ideas. What did theories matter if they weren’t used? Shouldn’t people be expected to think outside the box? That’s what Sensei had always said anyway.

Maybe Sensei was wrong.

Because thinking was one thing, but results could only be gained by doing. So Yanagisawa’s ideas were revised, changed, and reimplemented. A new breed of monster emerged. They were written off as cyborgs, androids at first. 

“We’re helping humans with no hope.”

Of course, that generally meant criminals, psychopaths, sociopaths, with no care for others, using this as a way to extend their own lives, to commit more crimes without having to face punishment. The government could use them without worry - few would raise a fuss if it was criminals killing other criminals and criminals dying to save people. 

The other times it meant lying to someone on their last legs, saying they were joining a special trial for new medicine, that there was a chance of recovery if they let themselves be injected. Of course, the families were always told the medicine had an adverse reaction and their loved one had died. 

Japan was relatively safe, having been the creator of these monsters, the ones who had advanced the knowledge, the ones with the most experience of fighting them. And of course, 3-E had helped them out, detailing their experiences, what they had tried, what they hadn’t, what worked and what didn’t. Okajima and Terasaka, talkative and proud, took that the hardest. They thought they were helping out (hadn’t they all?) and spilled everything.

Karma had decided to ignore everything. He was a government worker and he was busy and he was tired. He only stopped one monster due to it being more human the beast, having an entire class behind him. He couldn’t save the world. He wasn’t that type of person.

Karasuma begged to differ.

Karasuma was looking worse for wear, exhausted, lanky in a sickly way. But he still worked every day, longer than harder than everyone else. Karma thought it was admirable.

Though it turned out Karasuma wasn’t working at all.

“You’re trying to tell me the government has a secret time travel device that they think works but nobody is sure because they’re too chicken to try it out?”

“Yes.”

“And you want me to try it out and somehow save the world like I’m some sort of superhero?”

“Exactly.”

“That’s insane.”

“The world is, yes.”

“You’re insane!”

“Possibly.”

Karma groaned. It was like talking to a robot! Karasuma was vague on the details. Apparently the machine was already being built before Karasuma joined, and was improved for years. The final step was Yanagisawa’s notes. Apparently the man had lost his mind and was a little deranged these days and would happily chat your ear off about his ideas (that was the official story, though Karma had heard about a supposed truth serum, and while that sounded like fantasy novel nonsense, so did giant yellow monsters and people with tentacles).

“And nobody has used this machine before now, why? Surely someone was stupid enough to get in it!”

“It’s been untested on humans. Tests on rats, pre-Yanagisawa’s notes… didn’t turn out too well.” Karma grimaced. “So history hasn’t been changed before.” A pause. “Or so we believe.”

He quietly added, “The last lot of rats didn’t die, however.”

Shaking his head, Karma really wanted this conversation to end. “You really aren’t doing a good job of convincing me, y’know? I know this world. My friends are here. It’s far from perfect, but it’s mine. You want me to risk my life going to the past, maybe encountering myself and what then?” He gave Karasuma no chance to answer. “Go through school again, and try and figure out the best way of righting the world even though we have no idea how?!”

He was straight out yelling at this point, and he was glad he was at home. Karasuma had refused to speak to him at work and he now knew why. At least he knew this place wasn’t bugged.

“What was the turning point for this hell? What am I supposed to change? Do I kill someone? Should Sensei live? What do you want me to do?”

Karasuma was silent.

“Do you know anything that would be useful?”

A short pause. Karasuma didn’t want to give things away but he needed to win Karma over. “We don’t know. We have ideas, theories. Obviously the catalyst was when he died. Or, more obviously, the fuss around killing him by the government. People got curious about the monster. Scientists had amazing new research material. Governments are unorthodox and corrupt.”

“So Sensei should live?”

Karasuma shrugged. “What then? Where does he go? The government wouldn’t just stop hunting him.”

“Then what?”

Karasuma finally met his eyes. “That’s up to you.”

Karma was furious. Much more calmly than he thought he was capable of, he went to the kitchen to find a drink. Something strong, honestly didn’t matter what as long as it was booze. This wasn’t something he wanted to think about now or ever.

Downing the bottle, he asked Karasuma another question. Or five. Counting was hard when you were pissed in both ways of the word.

“Why just one person? Can’t you send numerous people back in time? Will the machine hold more than one? Why not send one and another and another, a whole team, a qualified team, let them meet up with each other and go from there?”

He glared at the bottle, as though it was its fault for being empty. “Why me?”

Ignoring his other questions, Karasuma got straight to the point. “Because you’re strong. Physically and mentally. You can lead under pressure, can form plans quickly. You know when to give up and when to keep pushing, you know everyone’s skill sets better than they do themselves. You’re still in a position where you can do this without being too emotional. You’re our best hope.”

“And if I die on the way there?”

Karasuma looked away. “I personally think there’s a high chance of success, now that we’ve made improvements.”

“What if I go back and fail?”

“We’ve lost enough that the risk is worth it.”

“Won’t you lose your job?”

“We’ll stage something, make it look like you ran off or went on holiday or something. If you do things right, nobody will ever know this world was a reality. They’ll never know time was tampered with. They’ll never know the world they inhabit is a redesigned version.” The man shrugged, not having much to care about nowadays. “At least I’ll have my wife.”

Eventually, Karasuma left. Karma had argued semantics, ideals, concerns until it was three in the morning.

Neither of them slept that night.

—

Three weeks later and Okuda’s and Takabayashi’s broken bodies were removed from their lab on the outskirts of Tokyo. The lab had been bombed, materials and notes stolen. Nobody had laid a claim to the attacks, and there was no evidence to trace.

The funeral was simple, family and friends, the media watching like starving dogs from outside the temple. Karma was stony throughout the whole thing. He wasn’t one for tears and didn’t appreciate Okuda’s mother tugging on his sleeve, saying how much “Manami-chan talked about you” or watching Terasaka give his condolences to Takabayashi’s grief stricken father.

Before he snuck away, he found Karasuma.

“I’ll do it.” 

“You’ll go tonight.”

A nod and he left. He had a lot to do, after all.

[shippingwithstiles-blog]

Can you rec me some nice healthy fics where everyone's or at least the pairing is happy? I've just read a lot of painful fics lol. Any ship is fine ☺

Stiles/Peter:

Love Thy Neighbour by cywscross (22k, complete, teen)

In which Stiles is an emancipated minor, and – after Peter Hale comes back from the dead – gains a zombie werewolf for a neighbour.

Domestic Bliss and Other Nonsense by moonstalker24 (8901, compelete, general)

"So, I think we should get married."

Peter chokes, fumbles for a second, then manages to set his mug of tea down on the coffee table. He turns to look at Stiles, who is sprawled over the end of the couch, flipping through an old book.

"What?" Peter asks.

Stiles turns bright amber eyes on the stunned werewolf. "We should get married."

“Why?”

“So all the books can be in one place.”

The Unexpected Marriage of Peter Hale by moonstalker24

This is the story of how Peter gets married without technically dating anyone.

“You can bring your boyfriend with you,” Talia says.Peter stops giving Henry more bits of dried fruit to stare at his sister “Boyfriend?”“Of course!” Talia gestures at Stiles who looks around behind him with wide eyes. “I’m sure the whole family would be interested in meeting your young man.”

Stiles/Danny:

Thanks for Nothing by queenitsy (8602, complete, teen)

Jackson is not a nice person and he doesn't do nice things. So when he finds out Danny has a thing for Stiles, he definitely doesn't try to get them together. Really.

Wizard’s Worth by Chash (4158, complete, teen)

Hogwarts AU! Danny is the nicest Slytherin ever, except for the part where he doesn't like Stiles. Stiles assumes being Potions partners will not improve this situation.

The Letter of Your Name by HugeAlienPie (2603, complete, general)

The Name on Danny's wrist looks like a cosmic joke. At least he has his crush on Stiles to tide him over until he meets this Baothghalach guy.

Stiles/Allison:

The One Where Stiles Gets the Girl (And the Cake) by yauksiei (820, complete, general)

Chris Argent is just so happy that his daughter is with a human instead that he wants to celebrate in his own way.

I hope these fics are what you were looking for! :) 

-K

[stylinsonlibrary]

Hello, sweetheart(s). Could you please list some enemies to lovers aus that are sort of underrated? Just, generally undiscovered. Thank yiu very much

UNDERRATED ENEMIES TO LOVERS FIC REC

(Enemies to lovers fics that have under 10k hits!)

I’ll Be There (5k)

Louis is less than thrilled to find out his roommate has coerced his nemesis to check on him whilst he’s sick in bed. However, Harry seems to take great pleasure in taking care of Louis. Maybe this green smoothie drinking, hot yoga instructing, hair in a bun wearing, pretentious art history studying wanker isn’t so bad after all.

On Monday, Louis thinks Harry’s a twat. By Friday, he’s thinking of reasons for him to stay.

Let’s Go Get Away (6k)

When Louis had moved to the island a year ago, he only wanted two things: to serve good food to good people, and to live on the beach.

Was that too much to ask for?

Apparently the universe thought so, because Louis had only gotten three months of blissful, uninterrupted beach living before Harry Styles moved in to the empty shop next door. Louis was hoping whoever took over the space might be a tour guide, or even another restaurant (with non-competing menu options, of course), but no – he had gotten Harry Styles. The guy who wore Hawaiian dad-shirts unironically. The guy who spent his time making soap by hand out of goat’s milk.

Or, a fluffy AU in which Louis owns a restaurant that’s next door to Harry’s shop, and Louis is completely unaware how smitten he really is.

Vanity and Pride (9k)

“And you have more important faces to remember than the one who helps you get all pretty for the people you actually care about impressing, yeah I get it.” Louis says, raising an eyebrow and shaking his head. Unbelievable.

“No, it’s just-” Harry tries to explain.

“Look, it’s fine. You’re definitely not the first conceited model to inadvertently snub me, don’t you worry.” Louis tells him, and a part of him wants to go full-on Made in Chelsea and throw what’s left of his vodka tonic in Harry’s stupid pretty face.

One Taste And He Want It (9k)

Stan: Yeah, dude. Listen to Steve and Oli, as much as I hate to say it.

Perrie: Well I’m supportive. If you two actually got together, it would be super cute. Perrie: Jesy says she stans you and supports your marriage

Stan: Shut up, Perrie. He doesn’t need more fuel for this. Stan: For real, Louis, I don’t think it’s a good idea.

Louis: Too late. I’m captain, which means my vote counts more than yours, and my mind’s already made up. I’m gonna woo him and learn about his team and we’re gonna kick their asses.

Or the one where Harry and Louis are the captains of the two Frisbee Battles teams in the finals, and Louis has to find a way for his team to win. Seduction is, naturally, the only option.

Same White Shirt (10k)

“Oh my God. What are you holding?”

Harry was startled to hear an English voice coming from behind him that he didn’t know. He’d thought he knew all the English employees around here. When he turned around there was a man with the most stunning eyes and incredible cheekbones known to man in the doorway looking with absolute distaste at the suit Harry had just been thinking of so fondly.

“It’s my suit for the show,” Harry said firmly. This guy was obviously an assistant if the badge and plate of fruit he was holding were anything to go by, but as he began walking to where the table was in the room, Harry noticed he was walking with a slight limp. Oh shit.

Or the one where Harry’s on the Late Late Show for a week and several misunderstandings with a certain mouthy assistant James recently hired make things that much more interesting.

feel my heart beating (12k)

‘90s AU where Louis’ addicted to matchmaking and Harry’s just playing along.

Rush Hour (14k)

“You know,” Harry says,leaning against the wall of the tube. “I could do a photoshoot of you and your calculator. I’d give you a generous discount.”

They stop at Oxford Circus and Louis scoots closer to Harry in order to make room for those exiting. “Well there’s an idea I’ve never thought of before.”

“I’d be very tasteful,” Harry nods his head. “It could be a nude shoot! Nothing but your calculator to cover your, um, your Piccadilly.”

“Oh my God!” Louis exclaims, laughter coming out in between words. “You did not just call my dick "my Piccadilly.”

or the one where Louis is an accountant in the City who hates his job and Harry is a photographer with bad jokes. They have the same commute on the tube.

Cuffed (15k)

What would you do if you were handcuffed to your enemy for 48 hours?

You’re So Square (Baby I Don’t Care) (15k)

“So does it say who my new co-counsellor is?”

“Yeah, it does.” Zayn doesn’t even try to hide his smirk and Louis just knows.

He sucks in a breath. “It’s that bloody Styles kid, isn’t it?”

Zayn starts cackling, and Louis takes a moment to rethink every life decision he’s ever made, figure out where he went wrong and why karma hates him so much.

“I’m stuck with Britain’s Biggest Boy Scout for the rest of the summer, aren’t I?”

Or a summer camp au where Louis tries to sort out whether he wants to murder or snog his perky co-counsellor.

You’ve got me running from the daylight (15k)

If there was one thing that Louis had never, ever wanted in his whole vampire life, it was having to protect a bratty newborn from five fucking vampire clans. Too bad he got stuck with the assignment anyway.

Or the one where Harry and Louis are both vampires and acting like assholes towards each other until at some point they can’t anymore.

The Man I Love (15k)

It’s the Roaring Twenties, a time of blissful prosperity, overflowing champagne flutes, adrenaline-filled dancing, and the rise of the Jazz Age—and Louis Tomlinson absolutely abhors it all. A stickler for modest classics, jazz is the bane of Louis’ existence.

Coincidentally, Harry Styles is the bass player for an underground jazz band.

Or The 1920s AU where Louis is a hardworking, no nonsense paralegal, Harry is in love with the greatest city on earth, Zayn is the enigmatic leader of the band, Niall’s just there to make sure everyone’s having a good time, and Liam is the barber who started it all.

hope your heart is strong enough (19k)

Doctors AU. Louis and Harry were taught in medical school that you will not be able to save everyone but that’s just life, it happens. That doesn’t mean they’re not going to try.

Can’t Start A Fire Without A Spark (22k)

Louis Tomlinson is the pop sensation with his first new single out since taking a personal hiatus from the spotlight. Harry is a paparazzi hired to photograph him during promo. Louis hates paparazzi with a passion, but there’s just something about the pretty young pap with wide green eyes and chocolate curls that Louis can’t shake from his head.

Dust to Dust (23k)

“There’s no way it’s true.” Harry shrugged, letting out a small laugh. “Louis can’t be… dead.”

Dead. The force of the word hit Harry like a ton of bricks. There were actually rumours that his Louis was dead. His heart rate picked up. It wasn’t true. No way.Harry, an active participant in the One Direction Tumblr fandom, comes across a rumour that Louis died and has been replaced with a lookalike.

On The Open Road (24k)

Harry and Louis grew up together, they shared childhood and teenage memories, but they never really got along.

What happens when they reunite after four years of not seeing each other, and they find out that the person they hated so much is not the same person anymore?

Or a short roadtrip!au in which Harry and Louis have to travel together across the US, deal with the past and of course, share a bed.

Gold Running Through My Veins (24k)

Harry can’t help himself when he leers. No one ever said you had to be unaffected by your own teammate’s body. Louis has a great one. He’s compact with muscle, curves in places Harry could only dream to touch one day. They hate each other, on the surface. It’s always been this way. Some ribbing here, some eyebrow raises there. But Harry would be lying if he was forced to admit he’s never thought of Louis in a different way.

“Take a picture, Styles. It’ll last longer,” Louis says as he ambles past with Zayn. His board shorts brush Harry’s shoulder, water droplets cool to the touch.

“Fuck off,” Harry responds. He’s got his part to play.

Or, an Olympic gymnastics AU that finds sworn enemies Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson on the same Olympic team, battling it out for gold medals in Belgium while they fall, quite stubbornly, in love. Featuring a steamy striptease in an empty gym, Harry canoodling with a gymnast from another country, a bit of sight-seeing in gorgeous Belgium and some really delicious waffles.

As Good As It Gets (27k)

Louis’s arms fling out, almost hitting Harry in the face. “Of course you did! You constantly made me feel small, insignificant, Harry. It wasn’t until that last day that you really made me feel worthless though.”

“I had no idea…” He says in wonder. Did he really?

“You had no idea? Why is it so hard for me to believe that? You knew Harry, and you enjoyed it. Because when you made me feel small, you made yourself feel big. But I decided I wasn’t going to be around to prop you up anymore. And I’m not going to be around to do it now, so just, please, leave me alone.“

Or the enemies to lovers/roommates AU where Louis and Harry really don’t get along until they just kind of… do.

Sail into the Sun (31k)

Prince Louis Tomlinson is sick of the closet. Harry Styles is a con man with a hatred of rich people. Louis needed a way out, Harry needed a husband. It was a mutual agreement. Doesn’t mean they have to like each other.

How Far We’ve Come (32k)

“This is Harry Styles,” Chiron offers.

He’s beautiful. His eyes are a stunning green, the color of new foliage. The new kid’s limbs are long and lanky—he looks extremely uncomfortable and uncoordinated. Louis internally smirks to himself, guessing the kid probably won’t be too skilled with a sword, or a bow, or anything sharp, most likely. His hair falls to his shoulders in sets of loose, brown curls. The color is rich and luscious, resembling soil so much that it looks like flowers could sprout from his hairline at any moment. But Louis’ eyes are stuck on his soft looking lips, pink as flower petals and slightly parted as his eyes scan the horizon of the camp.

“Welcome to Camp Half-Blood, Harry.”

Before We Evaporate (37k)

Louis Tomlinson; executive chef and owner of his own five star restaurant, been voted one of the top chefs in London, and has won several awards for his work in the kitchen. He’s always dreamed of being on Chopped, but never believed it would actually happen. Until it does. Now that he’s officially made it onto the show, there’s one tall, curly haired distraction that might just ruin everything for him.

Or the kinda sorta enemies to lovers Chopped AU with far more smut than necessary.

Move On Back To Me (41k)

Louis Tomlinson had moved on, made a new life for himself in London as a successful solicitor, so why now did his past have to resurface after all this time. Despite the years that have gone by, a ridiculous growth spurt and an obnoxious man bun, he would still be able to recognise Harry Styles anywhere, even if it just so happened to be in his office’s kitchen making tea.

A lawyer AU, featuring reluctant case partners, hurt feelings, a footie team that can’t seem to catch a break and a misunderstanding, but ultimately a plan for love to win out, along with the help of some good friends.

Crying lightning (42k)

Louis doesn’t remember the accident, and when he wakes up he finds that he doesn’t remember any of the last ten years of his life either. All he knows is there’s some curly-haired bloke by his bed claiming to be the husband he shares a house, a dog, and a life with, two siblings he’s never met before waiting for him in the waiting room, and more niggling questions at the back of his head than anyone can physically answer.

This really isn’t how he planned to spend his Wednesday.

Here (In Your Arms) (42k)

College AU where Louis is the upperclassman frat boy with problems too deep for alcohol to drown out, and Harry is the stereotypical freshman with plans to figure out who he is.

OR Louis has a lot more issues than not letting anyone into his room, and Harry can’t help but help the needy.

You Took My Soul And Wiped it Clean (Our Love Was Made for Movie Screens) (48k)

His world began to grow back. He graduated with his three best mates, went off to uni, was majoring in education, managed to get decent grades. He was doing fine without Harry Styles in his life. One boy who he knew for five weeks five years ago was nothing. Harry Styles was nothing.

Except he wasn’t. Except that whenever something happened, Louis wanted to call up Harry and tell him. Except that whenever Louis ate a pastry, he told himself that it’d never be as good as the ones Harry could make. Except that coffee no longer tasted as good as it had when he’d been sitting across from a pretty boy with pretty curls and pretty lips and pretty green eyes. Except that in spite of everything, Harry Styles was still everything.

Louis was doing a pretty good job at pretending Harry Styles didn’t exist in the world - up until one of his housemates moves out, and he and his three best mates are in search of a fifth person to split the bills with and Harry Styles shows up on their doorstep.

Galileo (63k)

“Dangerous? Not haute?” Harry mused. “Why not haute?”

“‘Course you’re haute, babe,” Louis smiled. He reached out to fix a stray curl that had dropped down onto Harry’s forehead. Harry stared at him with a dimpled smile, and Louis reared his head back to laugh. Harry craned his head back in parallel with Louis’s, watching him. He couldn’t peel his eyes away. Louis Tomlinson laughing was the most beautiful thing in the world.

“You’re a whole other level of charming, you know that?” Louis said. Harry leaned forward to kiss Louis. They both closed their eyes, savoring the moment. It was a kiss that should have happened ages ago.

Louis was captain of the state championship high school soccer team. Harry was that gorgeous, scarf-wearing, long-limbed British kid in his art class. They weren’t supposed to be friends.

But somewhere along the line, Louis Tomlinson opened the locked mystery that was Harry Styles.

Tastes like Gold (73k)

AU. A lot of musicians dream about making it big and Harry is no exception. He has all the pieces to build a rocket ship to the music industry, but he’s missing the key. The songwriter. Ft. overbearing mangers, stunts, and a grumpy Louis Tomlinson.

you’re cold and I burn (77k)

Louis’ love for pretty colors and aesthetics, paired with his immense passion for painting beautiful flowers has stars in his eyes and thoughts of a successful career.

unfortunately, budding artists will struggle at first, so, cue the unwanted roommate. it only gets worse when the new addition is a sarcastic, flirty, and style-ignorant annoyance. all complete with a dingy leather jacket and a vast array of tattoos.

Bullet in the Dark (93k)

Louis hates college. But he hates Harry more. Well, sometimes hate can turn to love though… right?