As an avid One Direction fan fic reader, 2022 has been truly incredible! This may look like a long list for my favorites, but I read so many amazing fics this year that it was so hard to pare it down to just these. Please check out all the other fics I recced this year here! Below you will find fics that made me laugh or cry, brought me joy or filled me with emotion, and surprised or comforted me. I share this list not to say that these fics are better than the rest (although I think they're amazing), but to share ones that left a mark on me.
To all our fandom's writers, I thank you for gifting us with your stories, and I send so much love to all of you!
✼ Larry ✼
The Greatest Thing by @infinitelymint
(E, 163k, canon) the semi-canon accidentally married in Vegas fic that has been seven years in the making
ghost of you by beckywritesthings / @beckydoesthings
(E, 109k, Star Wars au) a Star Wars AU where Harry is Obi-Wan, Louis is Satine, and somehow there’s a love story between the cracks where there shouldn’t be.
For the Right Reasons by @juliusschmidt
(E, 105k, Bachelor au) Louis may have signed up to be a contestant on the Bachelor, but he’s not interested a ring or a proposal, not from Harry, not from anyone.
Into the Weeds by kair0sclerosis / @hearyouhowling
(M, 87k, strangers to friends to lovers) This is a story about small-town secrets, found family, queer identities, and the battle between fight and flight.
Late Night Talking by @kingsofeverything
(E, 53k, famous/famous) Louis Tomlinson has a new album coming out and a second world tour on the horizon. Promo season gets underway with a stop at Late Night Talking, the late night show hosted by Harry Styles, and Harry Styles just happens to be the man who blew a chance to date Louis a decade ago.
Chasing, Searching, Dreaming by @parmahamlarrie
(E, 46k, soulmates au) Harry has known who his soulmate is since he was twenty years old, and ever since, he has been waiting for Louis to be ready for him.
I Like You, Say It Back by ishiplouis / @pocketsunshineharry
(E, 43k, a/b/o) the one where it takes a lot of time for Harry and Louis to figure it out. But they do, they always do, don't they?
Mind of Stone by amomentoflove / @daggerandrose
(M, 41k, mythology au) He needs to find a way back home, and then figure out what the fuck happened at the bar tonight.
yeah, he's a looker (but i really think it's guts that matter most) by devilinmybrain / @thedevilinmybrain
(E, 40k, character study) Five times Oli was asked to do something that was outside of his job description, and the one time he didn't have to be asked.
Set the Sky Alight, Oh Holy Night by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup
(T, 33k, roommates) One house, five almost-strangers (plus Niall), six new beginnings.
All Out of Love by SunTomato / @sun-tomato
(G, 32k, cupid au) While on a mission to match Liam and Zayn, the distraction comes in the shape of Louis Tomlinson – an overworked and underloved man trying way too hard to do everything himself.
Misbehaving Honeys by thinlines / @thinlinez
(E, 29k, a/b/o) In which Omega Louis can't figure out why the alpha newbie on their footie team seems to hold a grudge against him.
dip you in honey by delsicle / @eeveelou
(E, 28k, a/b/o) Anxious about his performance on his wedding night, he enlists the help of his loyal handmaiden Louis to help him practice everything he needs to know
The Risen by @creamcoffeelou
(E, 20k, cult au) In search of the next breaking story, Harry goes off to do something no one else has been able to do: get the scoop on Louis Tomlinson and his devoted group of followers.
Love On Air by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom
(E, 19k, radio station) the one where Louis doesn't have a type, no matter what Niall says, but if he did, it'd probably be the guy currently trapped in his radio studio and grinning back at him from across the desk.
Breathe me in, breathe me out by @lunarheslwt
(E, 14k, a/b/o au) Louis is drawn into a quaint candle shop in his desire to find ways to soothe himself while struggling with touch depri. It takes him two more run-ins and with the lovely alpha sales assistant, and a drop, to figure out the source of the scent that imprints upon him and calms his omega.
Close Enough to Touch by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf
(M, 11k, tour au) Louis definitely did not need a masseuse on tour. Not even if that masseuse turned out to be gorgeous, kind, and lovely.
Just Your Jinx by @larryatendoftheday
(T, 10k, witch au) Harry Styles may or may not have accidentally jinxed his extremely fit new neighbor, and it's not so easy to make things right.
Wild As You by bluegreenish / @greenblueish
(M, 9k, country au) a story about how Harry figures out whether the ideal of a house with a white picket fence in the suburbs of a medium-sized city is what he wants, or whether Louis' sheep ranch is the home his heart really desires.
Just the Start by @littleroverlouis
(M, 9k, silver fox au) Louis is a fifty-two year old divorcé who has fallen into a rut. He never anticipated a forced day of self care, and a chance meeting with a charming salon owner would shake him out of his comfort zone.
How It Begins (series) by phdmama / @phd-mama
(E, 8k, kid fic) New town, new job, new school for his daughter. It's a chance to start again for Louis Tomlinson, a clean slate. Or is it?
good enough (for you) by localopa / @voulezloux
(G, 8k, a/b/o) in spite of the rule saying he needs an alpha to rule, he creates an impossible olympics to find a worthy mate.
The Bandits of Sherwood Forest by foreverfanficaddict / @chaotic-bells
(T, 8k, Robin Hood au) There has been a heap of legends and tall tales about him… But this is the story of what really happened in Sherwood Forest.
Mr. Tuesday by @jaerie
(E, 8k, sex work) It was true that most of his clients were regulars, but there was just something about Mr. Tuesday that would make him stand out amongst the others even if he hadn’t booked almost every single Tuesday with him for the past year.
Will Death Be Our Last Kiss, My Love? by @fallinglikethis
(M, 6k, Potter Direction) As a half-veela, Louis has always had a past full of romantic turmoil. But his past comes back to bite him fully on the ass when a case falls into the lap of fellow aurors, Niall and Liam.
We're Getting Better With Time by @haztobegood
(T, 5k, silver fox au) the one where Louis is single, Harry is recently divorced, and they reconnect on Facebook forty years after they first met.
Seems You Cannot Be Replaced by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird
(M, 5k, high school) Harry and the popular boy in school, Louis Tomlinson, share a tension-filled night together when they're young. Fifteen years later they see each other again.
Love Mail by @neondiamond
(G, 5k, neighbors au) the one where Harry and Louis keep mistakenly receiving each other’s mail (and also fall in love)
ring around the moon by unwept / @peachade
(T, 5k, historical au) 5 slices where they seek shelter in each other.
Simply the Nest (Better Than All the Rest) by @homosociallyyours
(G, 2k, a/b/o) It's been a few months since Louis moved to a new town, and he still hasn't managed to get his nest to feel as comforting as he'd like it to.
Cake Date? by @sadaveniren
(M, 2k, neighbors) Louis is raising money for a bake sale. Harry wants to help.
Check, Check, Checkmate by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense
(E, 2k, Greek mythology au) Harry and Louis play chess... until another game becomes more interesting.
Zoey by @wabadabadaba
(G, 2k, cat fic) Harry has a huge crush on his cat's veterinarian and finally decides to do something about it.
Charm Your Pants Off by 4ureyesonly28 / @evilovesyou
(G, 2k, hospital au) When Harry hurt himself in front of all of his coworkers, he thought his Christmas Eve couldn’t get any worse. That was, until he ended up in an actual ambulance.
Needle by @nouies
(NR, 666 words, dark fantasy) “You didn’t deserve this,” he muttered between hiccups. “She didn’t have the right.”
there’s a house in english bond (somebody planned to stay) by safetyfilm / @larrieblr
(T, 666 words, rules) The Hotel dates back to the mid-17th century, and the owners have invested dearly to make it a home away from home. Please mind our building rules written below in order to have an exceptional stay.
Swings Said by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright
(T, 500 words, swing fic) A love story told by five swings who each were there to see a piece of it unfold.
✼ Rare Pairs ✼
leave my life outside (or let me in) by we_are_the_same / @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed
(M, 52k, Zayn/Liam) Zayn is a 111 year old demon who is trying to decide his future. Liam is a 17 year old human struggling with his own life.
Make It Up As We Go Along by @lululawrence
(NR, 52k, OT5, a/b/o) When a baby is left on their doorstep, their lives become the definition of chaos...but maybe that is exactly what they need to see what has been right in front of them all along.
Sweet Talk (series) by wordsnnotes / @quelsentiment
(M, 14k, Louis/Niall) Louis growls and lunges at the slayer without warning. Niall easily deflects her, though, then grabs the collar of Louis’ leather coat with her unnaturally strong grip and throws her back into the wall where she came from.
With This Wing, I Thee Wed by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13
(T, 4k, Louis/Niall) “Nando’s?” Niall crosses his arms and pouts, a little line appearing between his eyebrows. “I want Nandos. I like Nandos.” “And I like my dignity,” Louis mutters.
Doin' Somethin' Right by @laynefaire
(E, 5k, Zayn/Liam) While Liam craved the bright lights and excitement of being on the road, Zayn has eschewed his prior fame, instead choosing a life of relative obscurity as the owner of a vineyard and bed and breakfast in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
Ready Or Not by cherrylarry / @beelou
(G, 4k, Liam/Louis) five times 1D play hide and seek over the years
still, somehow by @disgruntledkittenface
(NR, 1k, Liam/Louis) Louis trims Liam's split ends.
Hii E! Thanks for your questions! I’ve answered the first two already, you can find them here.
🦴 ⇢ is there a piece of media that inspires your writing?
Not really, and yes at the same time, if that makes sense? There’s a lot of media that gives me ideas, sometimes it’s just a line in a song or a scene in a movie or series. Sometimes it’s just imagery.
You should do a fic rec 😭😭😭 you know a lot of fics
hiii so if you're on desktop, there should be a link at the top of the page for THEMED RECS. It includes links to recs with a theme (I know, I'm very creative) -- here are a few examples:
Marcel
Exhibitionism
Questioning Sexuality
annnd since you asked, here are a few fics that I think more people should read and flail over (including one of mine, sorry for the self promo but I do love this one a lot):
Running From The Sun by @quelsentiment (nouis, Buffy the Vampire Slayer AU)
I Said It Wrong, But I Meant It Right by @lululawrence (disaster gay Nick Grimshaw/firefighter Liam)
see-see by @muldxr (deaf Harry/deaf Louis, established relationship)
I Couldn't Write You Off If I Tried by @homosociallyyours (accountant Marcel/stripper Louis)
You Saw Me Standing Alone by @uhoh-but-yeah-alright (larry, Harry and the moon fall in love)
Take a Chance by @bigxrig (larry, strangers to lovers, kidfic)
like sun on the rise by @disgruntledkittenface (astrology Harry/pragmatic babe Nick)
and since you're here, spend some time scrolling! The goal is to boost all girl direction fics and there are so so so many good ones
uuh... I've been really lacking on keeping track of these tags, I am so sorry. I can't even remember the last time I posted a snippet and who tagged me for it, but (i think) I've been tagged semi-recently (the last uuh 6 months? I could be wrong on these tho) by @ladyaj-13 @allwaswell16 @justanothershadeofblue @lululawrence Here is a snippet from my upcoming fic for @1daboficfest which a western a/b/o take on 3:10 to Uma (which I've never actually seen so that's fun!) I am really enjoying writing this one and have completely fallen in love with Louis's horse, Josephine. She is probably my fave OC I've ever written. Be on the lookout for more of this fic to come!
“Say, Tomlinson,” Styles calls from his spot flat on his ass in the dirt, his hands tied to his ankles. “How’s an omega get to ownin’ a horse anyhow?”
Louis spares Josie a glance where she’s grazing on the tough short grasses of the plains. Her ears flick like she knows they’re talking about her, or maybe a fly just got too close.
As with all else Styles has said this evening, he doesn’t bother to respond.
“Now she’s a bit smaller than my fellow, though I always did have a liking for palomino. Sunny’s chestnut ‘s as dark as it goes before black.”
Louis works over that sentence despite his attempts not to allow distraction as he stirs the small pot of stew on the fire. His brow creases the more he thinks on it.
“You named a chestnut stallion Sunny?”
Louis curses himself for breaking his silence when Styles’ face alights at the sound of his voice. Styles sits as casually as a free man, the smile on his face easy as he winks Louis' way.
“He doesn’t seem to mind none.”
Would love to know what everyone is working on!? @larry-hiatus @alwaysxlarrie @paranormalbabydoll @hellolovers13 @cyantific @skipperxao3 @local-troubled-writer @imogenleefic @onlythebravest @louandhazaf @kingsofeverything @beelou @lululawrence @panye @quelsentiment @justanothershadeofblue @disgruntledkittenface
One Direction fics that are slow burn with twists and turns as requested in this ask. You can find all my other fic recs here. If you enjoy the fics, don't forget to leave kudos and comments for the writers! Happy reading!
-Larry-
Truth Behind Golden Eyes by MyEnglishRose / @lwtisloved
(E, 228, royal au) A Fantasy AU loosely inspired by Merlin BBC where one relationship has the power to define the destiny of the whole land.
Love After the End of the World by @mercurial-madhouse
(E, 168k, dystopian au) When staying alive is already a constant battle, the deadliest weakness is to be in love. For Harry and Louis, finding each other sits on top of the endless list of What Else Could Go Wrong.
This Multiplicity of Powers by @helloamhere
(E, 149k, X-Men au) Maybe there’s a universe where he doesn’t have to keep all his secrets on the inside. But this isn’t that universe.
Tainted Saints And Velvet Vices by Toomanytears / @toomanydreamers
(E, 126k, Potter Direction) A self-fulfilling Hogwarts AU in which Louis is new to seventh year and Harry is the resident devil-may-care Slytherin set to make his entire experience a living misery.
ghost of you by beckywritesthings / @beckydoesthings
(E, 109k, Star Wars au) a Star Wars AU where Harry is Obi-Wan, Louis is Satine, and somehow there’s a love story between the cracks where there shouldn’t be.
For the Right Reasons by @juliusschmidt
(E, 105k, Bachelor au) Harry doesn’t agree to be the Bachelor expecting to find love.
The Rose of Whitechapel by @itsmotivatingcara
(E, 100k, historical) Jack the Ripper au - Detective Constable Harry Styles and his partner, DC Liam Payne, lead the case on the Whitechapel murders.
Black with Autumn Rain by whimsicule
(T, 93k, magical realism) Harry is a journalist, Louis has lots of secrets and the moors aren't exactly the ideal place to rekindle a lost romance.
Face Your Fears by @sadaveniren
(E, 92k, a/b/o) Harry is a single father, pretending to be a beta after his alpha mated him and left him.
Nothing But You On My Mind by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense
(E, 83k, royal au) Louis Tomlinson is a PR manager hired to improve the image of royal bad-boy Prince Harry Styles.
technicolor by @creamcoffeelou
(E, 81k, crime au) The slow-burn, hate-to-love, crime au where Harry is a psychic, Louis is a detective, and the world is against them.
Consequences by @allwaswell16
(E, 78k, amnesia au) Two years ago Harry let his powerful family come between him and the love of his life, something he deeply regrets.
Let Our Hearts Collide by @crinkle-eyed-boo
(M, 76k, While You Were Sleeping au) When Harry, a lonely transit worker, saves the life of the handsome commuter he's been secretly pining for, an innocent mistake results in Liam Payne's family believing that Harry is engaged to their son.
All I Wish Not To Remember by thealmightyavocado / @avocadolouie
(E, 71k, The Count of Monte Cristo au) A tragic tale of timeless undying love, merciless revenge, and selfless sacrifice.
After Dark, After Light by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird
(E, 71k, historical) Harry Styles is the laird of Clan Edwards who is just trying to keep his clan afloat when they get word that the Mackenzies have been cutting a swath through the Midlands and beyond, and their sights are set on the northern Highlands next.
-Rare Pairs-
your crimes are quiet, my love by lightswoodmagic / @lightwoodsmagic
(E, 93k, Zayn/Liam) A darker Miss Congeniality AU that follows Zayn and Liam, MI5 agents, partners since training and best friends, as they race to stop a serial killer.
Winter Light by wordsnnotes / @quelsentiment
(T, 57, Zayn/Liam) After his mother's death, Liam is sent to live at his estranged uncle's manor in the North of England, where new friends, mysterious places and family secrets await him. A Secret Garden inspired Soulmate AU
Hii 1, 2, 18 and 22 😊 Hope you're having a good weekend!
Thanks E! I am, and I hope you are too <3
1. Song of the year?
It's so hard to pick a song of the year. Spotify told me it was True Blue by boygenius, and that probably really fits. I spent a lot of time listening to it, and I absolutely love the storytelling in it. When you moved to Chicago / you were spinning out / When you don't know who you are / you fuck around and find out.
2. Album of the year?
Honestly, probably also The Record by boygenius if we're talking about albums that came out in 2023. I also really did love Ed Sheeran's subtract. If we included albums that didn't come out in 2023, I absolutely fell in love with Sarah Harmer's You Were Here. I've known that album for a while, but I got a CD copy at the thrift store and listened to it a ton in my car this fall and it just hit. I also listened to Faith in the Future by Louis Tomlinson a ton this year.
18. A memorable meal this year?
Answered here :) Although I'll also say getting to share meals with my family from far away who visited this summer was memorable. We went to a big family get-together/open mic thing and had a barbeque and it was very nice.
22. Favorite place you visited this year?
I didn't really go anywhere interesting this year, but that's okay. I checked out some new local hiking trails! I always love the Great Lakes and I got to spend lots of time at them this year, so that was lovely.
The tags used most in last year's fest! Links to the fics in order of wordcount, the collection on ao3, and the tumblr masterpost below! Louis Rare Pair Fest 2023 coming soon!
AO3 | Masterpost
Me And You Is All I've Ever Known by restless_rebels / @restless-rebels
[Louis/Zayn | Teen&Up | 24k]
enough to make a girl blush by @disgruntledkittenface
[Louis/Niall | Explicit | 22k]
When you love someone, you make room by louloubaby92 / @louloubabys1992
[Louis/Jamie Campbell Bower | Explicit | 20k]
Running From The Sun by wordsnnotes / @quelsentiment
[Louis/Niall | Mature | 11k]
The Concept Of Controlled Love by Kikiberoski16 / @larrysballetslippers
[Louis/OMC | Explicit | 10k]
over my shoulder by @nouies
[Louis/Sebastian Stan | Explicit | 10k]
something runnin' around my head by andfollowthesun / @halien
[Louis/Niall | General | 7k]
The Seduction Of Draco Malfoy by Stillwriting / @adam-my-adam
[Louis/Draco Malfoy | Explicit | 7k]
Not Sure How To Say This Right by @wabadabadaba
[Louis/Florence Pugh | Mature | 7k]
Cigarettes and Chances by @faithinwalls369
[Louis/Liam Gallagher | General | 7k]
here with me by haveufoundwhaturlookingfor / @sup3rbloom
[Louis/Nick Grimshaw | Teen&Up | 6k]
Worth the Risk by Lhhome / @lhhomefics
[Louis/Lando Norris | Explicit | 5k]
With This Wing, I Thee Wed by LadyAJ_13 / @ladyaj-13
[Louis/Niall | Teen&Up | 4k]
flame colored paradise by cinnamons / @sunbellylou
[Louis/Mads Mikkelsen | Explicit | 3k]
It's All Come and Go by @haztobegood
[Louis/Orville Peck | Explicit | 2k]
Next Door by @allwaswell16
[Louis/Rob Pattinson | Not Rated | 2k]
Demons Hide by sitandadmire / @niallziam
[Louis/Four(Tobias Eaton) | Not Rated | 777 words]
🎃 Please find listed below the full list of our Halloween-inspired ficlets written for this year’s fest, each one exactly 666 words long. Will you find a trick or a treat? 🎃
Accidental Love Laziam (MItCheLlInE) | @guilty1dlove
An Apple A Day lululawrence | @lululawrence
Bloody Squid rainblou | @loubbies
fallin' all in (love with) you eynap | @panye
Foreshadowing Neondiamond | @neondiamond
Ghost Ship cherrylarry | @beelou
head all full of stuffin' Lhhome | @lh-home
Holy Guacamole! bluegreenish | @greenblueish
Hot Pumpkin Guy bangbang_jes | @sxvedbyastranger
i've been looking for the missing piece dragmedown (louismyantidote) | @dragmedown
Meet-Woof littleroverlouis | @littleroverlouis
Needle nouies | @nouies
Scare me, baby TeamLouis | @teamlouis2022
Spellbound yourlionheartx | @djtommotomlinson
Swallowpeen yeah_alright | @uhoh-but-yeah-alright
Sweet Talk wordsnnotes | @quelsentiment
the ghost of love keeps haunting me we_are_the_same | @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed
The Rescue haztobegood | @haztobegood
there’s a house in english bond (somebody planned to stay) safetyfilm | @larrieblr
Who wants to snog a ghost? fallingdefenceless | @fallingdefenceless
You Really Should Keep Driving homosociallyyours | @homosociallyyours
🎃 Please remember to leave all the wonderful authors that contributed kudos and comments! You can find the collections for previous years here, here and here. 🎃
Some that I follow: @pndnj @unapologeticallyzayn @intoxicatedfandom @drunkonzain @itsallaboutzayn
Some Z-friendly Louies: @icarusfallsforwalls @louis-in-red @letthisbeyourgreatest @quelsentiment @goodguydotmp3 @givelovetozouis @biggerthanmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee @divorcedzouis @captainzapperz (not everyone is still active :\)
UAs: @zainmalikupdates @zaynjmsource @keepingupwithzaynmalik and @zaynmalikgallery
See also this post rec'ing blogs (for some reason I can't reblog it)