hey, can u rec fics that deal with loneliness? intimacy issues/ struggling to put urself out there and maintain or form meaningful relations (not strictly romantic). or fics that deal with a deep, encompassing feeling of sadness/grieving? basically an emotional hurt/comfort fic where one character is terribly, terribly sad. please hv a wonderful day

Hi darling. I think I can give you some, yes. 

Literally Making Love by Brooklyn_Babylon / @twopoppies (E, 30K) this one is mine, so here’s the summary:

My husband (29/M) died and has been possessed by a demon and now he’s cooking eggs in my kitchen as if nothing happened, what do I do? by adoreloux (M, 4K) I’ve only recently found this author, but I love their fics. They’re definitely unique, just a bit quirky, and so well written. This one made me cry (I mean, Harry is dead. Sort of).

wishing you were them by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry (T, 20K) This author always has such a lovely way with words. This fic, in particular, does a great job depicting deep depression and loneliness. The depression here is compounded by the specifics of Harry and Louis’ relationship, which makes it all the more moving, but still very realistic. 

your best fake smile by YesIsAWorld / @louandhazaf (GA, 6K) This is a wonderfully written character study that does such a great job of really capturing both the feeling of deep depression and the soul of the location in which the fic takes place. It’s tightly written in the best possible ways – not one superfluous word.

Emperor’s New Clothes by sunsetmog (E, 92K) I read this one years ago and while I always enjoy this author’s writing, I don’t recall a ton of details except that the deterioration of Louis’ mental state really made me cry. But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending!

we should open up (before it's all too much) by @disgruntledkittenface (M, 43K) This was just a really unique and beautiful story about loss, grief, and learning how to open up to someone. 

The Woods are Lovely, Dark and Deep by @helloamhere (WIP, 4 part series so far, mixed ratings, 101K) Amazing world building, complex characters, beautiful writing. It’s still a WIP, but it’s so worth reading (and the author says they’re working on more so…fingers crossed)!

hope you guessed my name by juliusschmidt (E, 9K) Harry is a devil, Louis is human. I don’t know what it is about this fic, but I just adore it. It’s so moving and so beautifully written and yes, I cried over Harry being a lonely cryptid.

Little Technicolor Things by scary_crow (M, 72K) This is truly one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read and it is an absolutely travesty that it’s not being talked about every day. This fic is gorgeous and poetic and romantic and heartbreaking and an explosion of metaphoric images and everything I never knew I needed but now that I have it I want to read it over and over and over. 

Make Your Words A Weapon by HelloAmHere (E, 36K) I read this a second time recently, and it’s even better than I remembered. I love everything this author writes, but this one just really hit me hard for whatever reason. Maybe it’s the way they explore Louis’ anxiety and coping mechanisms and pain and the way he pushes people away and protects himself, but also wants someone to push back just a bit and love him despite all of that. And the way Harry is the perfect foil for all of it, while also feeling like a fully developed character himself. Yeah, it’s probably all of that. Plus soul marks!

Shake Me Down by AGreatPerhaps12 (NR, 209K) this fic will run you through the wringer, but it’s really a great read. I really like the way the author took the boys from enemies to friends to boyfriends, and how we got to see how protective and supportive Louis became towards Harry.

But I’m Weak by @afangirlfantasy (NR, 2K) This was gorgeous. And SO sad. And I would read 50K of this if I was a masochist. 2K is about all I can handle of this level of angst, but boy was it beautifully written.

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You can also check this rec for fics where characters struggle with mental illness this one for hurt/comfort fics and this one for death/grieving fics. Hopefully all of this will give you some of what you’re looking for. 

hi! i really love your recs, thank you so much for always sharing such good reads!! I was wondering if maybe you could think of some fics off the top of your head that remind you of rntm or never be?? where they have a really loving, nice and fun, equal relationship, and it's basically just a long telling of their life together? like, just pure fluff and every day life with some minor plot twists or something like that. have a nice day🥰

I’m putting both of these together because it seems like you’re essentially asking fort the same thing. In regards to the first requesting fics like RNTM and Never Be, It’s been ages since I read either of those, but I don’t really think of those two fics as being very similar so…hopefully I can give you what you want! 

Let’s start with this rec I made recently of “short and sweet” fics, and a caveat that I really don’t tend to read fics that are all fluff, but the following are ones I think fit the overall vibe you’re both going for!

Gimme Some Sugar by nonsensedarling / @absoloutenonsense (M, 14K) This one takes place almost entirely inside a bakery where Harry and Louis are coworkers. It’s sweet and funny and I love awkward, flustered Louis trying to tame his massive crush for Harry. 

show me devotion by mercutionotromeo (E, 1.4K) This is one of my favorite authors when it comes to smutty fic, and this one is just sexy and gentle with lots of banter. I loved the way they contrasted their teen years with current behavior. So well done.

All I See Is You, Lately  by runaway_train / @runaway-train-works (GA, 2K) Such a sweet meet cute. I loved the way Harry learns about who Louis is purely by observing him on the tube.

Just Tell Me the Song and I’ll Sing It by myownspark / @myownsparknow (NR, 40K) While this one does have a nice bit of pining, it’s overall a really tender, sweet fic and it’s so beautifully written, it deserves more people to know about it. 

You Always Make Me Smile by champagneboyband (E, 60K) Yes, it’s a WIP. Yes, I recommend it all the time. It’s 7 chapters of what is probably my favorite fic and I cry whenever I think about how it likely will never be finished. But, for me, this is the closet fic to RNTM I know of, with the addition of some tension and imperfect characters. I absolutely adore. it. 

Some Clear Jellyfish Don’t Sting by gloria_andrews / @gloriaandrews (E, 32K) This one is a such a beautiful portrayal of summer love with some pining thrown in to make the resolution that much sweeter. And yes, it made me teary. 

I’ll Be Your Love Tonight by @dinosaursmate (E, 20K) I love the slow and moody vibe of this fic. It’s almost like watching an indie film. 

i wanna be your lover, baby, i wanna be your man by orphan_account (M, 27K)  I’ve decided that there are not enough fics where Harry and Louis are in the Navy. But there’s this one, and it’s charming and sweet and romantic (and also sexy). 

Sand in My Shoes, Head Over Feet by Awriterwrites / @a-writerwrites (E, 47K) If you’re familiar with this author, you know this fic has a lot of (really hot) smut. But it’s also a sweet summer romance and a fun read. 

turn you on, make you radiate by ballsdeepinjesus (E, 15K) A canon-compliant peek at Harry and Louis’ sex life over the course of 10+ years. Just fluff and smut. Good times! Also, I laugh every time I read this part of the summary: When he finally feels like he’s under control, he presses his lips against Harry’s ear and whispers, “Are you ready husband?“Harry throws his head back and groans. “Call me your spouse.”

leave it to the breeze by hattalove (E, 81K) I wish I could remember the details on this one, other than that I liked it. But this author writes really well and it’s a Great British Bake Off AU, so….win/win! Also, the tag #gratuitous Ben Winston hate makes me certain that this is worth reading. LOL! 

In Dreams by dolce_piccante (M, 24K) This actually might be my favorite of this author’s fics, although I know it’s definitely not the most popular. It’s just soft and romantic and sweet and I’m a sucker for tattoo artist Louis winning over slightly uptight Harry. 

Whether Clouds or Clear Skies by onewasturning (E, 26K) I love everything I’ve read by this author – their fics are always full of beautifully crafted sentences and dreamy melancholy. This one is just slow and sweet and achingly pretty. 

So Darling, Just Say You’ll Stay By My Side by supernope (E, 28K) Another fic I read too long ago to recall details of, but my rather unhelpful notes read, “LOVE! Slow build up, but so sexy!” So…here’s to trusting old me. I’m not too worried, this author is pretty sure bet. 

Thought The Song Was Sung by 100percentsassy (E, 13K) This is both a famous/not famous and a dating app AU. Plus, older Larry. Plus an author who writes great fic. And this one is just sweet and charming and I really like this one.

knock knock, I love you by beautlouis / @watercherrwi (E, 86K) This is a fun, sexy fic with uni-aged Larry and virgin Harry. It’s got a bit of all the good stuff including comeplay, friends to lovers, and Louis encouraging Harry’s terrible knock knock jokes!

Life Saver by objectlesson (E, 31K) Louis’ a punk, theater kid, and Harry is a nerdy boy he shares a class with. Flustered flirting, insecurity, and the dramatics of a high school crush. I always enjoy how this author writes them at this age.

Not the Desperate Type by @lululawrence (NR, 6K) Sweet and funny neighbors fic filled with misunderstandings, a meet-cute, and a very sexually frustrated Harry. 

led by your beating heart  by missandrogyny (E, 29K) This time it’s a game of Call and Delete that reunite Harry and Louis. This author always writes fun and sexy fics. Give this one a shot.

Here are the two the anon mentioned above: 

Never Be by cherrystreet (E, 118K) As I said, it’s been a long time. But this author always writes beautifully crafted stories. The summary: The one where Harry Styles moves to Connecticut from England for nine months as a part of a study abroad program, and he just so happens to move in with Louis Tomlinson and family.

Relief Next To Me by dolce_piccante (M, 334K) So, as the anon said, this is just pure fluff and it’s a favorite for a lot of people. I don’t really get the M rating, as it’s also got a huge amount of smut.

hey so i noticed you’ve been doing fic recs and stuff and i had a kinda weird request. do u know of any like sick fics or hurt/comfort fics that I could read?? preferably shorter ones, and when i say sick fic i don’t mean cancer or anything terminal like that. thank you for your help!! 🥰🥰

Hey there. I totally know what you mean. I have to say, I don’t tend to read this trope, so while I have SOME, most of what I’m recommending is going to lean more towards fics which have an element of hurt/comfort (or sickfic) in them. And….I tend to prefer long fics, so 🙈while I love all of these, I hope that there are some that work for you!

Fever started long ago by mediaville (E, 8K) I love this one (and I love this author’s fics) and it’s probably my favorite true “sickfic” out of the any I’ve read. Sick and needy Harry getting his way is always fun to read. 

like a timebomb ticking by infinitelymint (M, 32K) This was written in 2014, before Louis actually lost any of his loved ones, but it mike make this one too painful for some to read given the subject. Read the tags. Know that it DOES have a happy ending. And it’s a beautifully written portrayal of loving someone through unimaginable grief. 

You Might Want to Marry My Husband by Rearviewdreamer (NR, 25K) Harry and Louis meet while Harry is grieving his husband’s death. Based on a real life story, this fic is really tender and sweet. The author does an especially lovely job with their depiction of widowed Harry.

how i imagined us by Eliane (M, 8K) Just a really beautiful articulation of the struggle that can come with loving someone and being in a complex relationship.

strawberry milk series by wankerville (E, 158K 3-part series) Read the tags, this fic isn’t for everyone, but if you get past that this one is very soft and gentle Louis caring for his boy as Harry learns to heal himself.

Lambing Season by @helloamhere (E, 25K) This is beautiful little emotional hurt/comfort fic and it’s one of my favorites. If you’ve ever wanted to leave your shitty work environment, escape to an idyllic countryside, and find love along the way, read this one. 

Take Me Home (Country Roads) by Awriterwrites / @a-writerwrites (E, 87K) I wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a hurt/comfort or sick fic, but it does have elements of it within the story. Since it’s such a great fic overall, I’m adding it. 

We’re What’s Right In This World by BriaMaria / @briannamarguerite (E, 49K) Absolutely beautiful writing. WWII, blind Louis, soldier Harry, boys in love…emotional hurt/comfort galore. Get your tissues ready (but there’s a happy ending, yay)!

Where Your Heart Is by anchor and tvshows_addict (freetheankles) (E, 154K) One of my all-time favorite fics and an absolute must read IMO. Chock full of hurt/comfort (both emotionally and physically), this fic is so moving and so beautiful and will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. The fic has been deleted, but the link is to an epub download. 

Little Technicolor Things by tekhnicolor (M,72K) This is one of those fics that I had to stop every few paragraphs and just breathe because the language is so gorgeous. It’s pure poetry and somehow this author manages to use descriptive metaphors that feel new and fresh and I just adore this fic. 

These Constant Stars by stylinsoncity (M, 31K) This author has written a number of my favorite fics. And this one is among them. Again, not truly a hurt/comfort fic, but it starts with Harry rescuing Louis, then taking care of and nursing him back to health. Plus, I have a thing for sweet punk!Harry in fics. 

Find the rest of my fic recs here!