#phandom finder fest

[templeofshame]

Phanfic Finder List 1: Fic I Already Know

sex tape: seen your video by @queerofcups - This is so clever and fun as a twist on the sex-tape-leak prompt. But it’s more than the twist, it’s seeing their reflection on their history with the topic, how they deal with panic... It’s so thoughtful and in-character

featuring Jimmy: a little street where old friends meet by @alittledizzy - I love getting Jimmy’s POV in this simple, awkward Tesco moment. If you like outsider POV or Jimmy (don’t worry, it’s phan) check this one out. Also if you’ve ever avoided an acquaintance in public, or failed to and had an awkward encounter.

de-aging/aged up: Disturb the Universe by @iihappydaysii - I’ve talked a lot about this fic. You’ve probably read this fic. You’ve probably had your heart broken and patched up by this fic.

hot tub: The Jacuzzi by wantyoumorethanbreathing -  Listen, the accidental voyeurism masturbation getting together fic is a classic formula for a reason, and I’m only slightly ashamed to have read a lot of them in my day. This one get some definite mileage out of its twist, being set in a jacuzzi. There’s a kind of relaxing vibe from that, into the tension that comes with the territory.

creepshot wars: To Start With by everythingisalot - You might guess that I’m a sucker for them taking photos of each other, and fic about what that means. I love the details in this, evoking specific photos real or imagined, the “pranks” and the heart-eyes motivated ones. I also love the way Phil reacts at the reveal, the middle ground that’s not a move or an apology. And the delayed reaction, too. It’s all just lovely and thoughtful and sweet.

fic set in 2010: I Wonder How Biology Can Explain... by @yikesola - I am a sucker for some LDR phan and the number of great 2010-era fics is crazy. The details here sell it hard, both about Dan and Phil together and about Dan’s Wokingham life and the separation he keeps. I love going along on this journey, an impulse buy and a grimy morning and the soft and kind of desperate appreciation of the time and privileges they have when they’re new and fleeting, and when the little things have so much weight. There’s also a line that reminds me of how I feel when I rewatch Firefly, and maybe if you’ve read this you’re judging me but like, I really fucking love Firefly okay.

bakery AU: when i sing, you sing harmonies by @leblonde - You probably read this before I did; it’s a classic I managed to avoid until now because I am afraid of commitment. But it’s lovely, a fully realized world with a lot of baking and a sprinkle of magic. And a Dan and a Phil who don’t need magic to make each other better.

fic with under 5 comments: heartlines by @velleitees - The description in this fic is so poetic and lovely, and it has a lovely blend of bants and deep attachment, highlighting how much they miss each other when they’re apart. It’s thoughtful and lets its D&P be complex and flawed and human.

coming in pants: Holding Back by @ramonaspeaks - This is one of my favorite works of 09 smut because of the blend of tentativeness and eagerness. Nothing is familiar, there’s risk in everything, but also it is incredibly exciting and they are both super-grateful to be in the position to dive into this new thing. And I’m grateful to read it.

nightmare: (bruising the sun by waveydnp - I’m so in love with this fic... but you’re sick of hearing that...) OR

Imaginary Friends by @adorkablephil - Vivid dreams, both positive and negative, at the center of some lovely bedsharing tour getting together with a little soulmate magiciness and my favorite kind of angst, where we know enough to know neither character is doing anything wrong and it’ll be fine.

[phinalphantasy7]

Phandom Finder Fest

This was so much fun! I'm going to list my answers in a different order than the card, to reflect the way in which I found them. I first spent some time trying to remember for each item a fic I had already read, which happily brought to mind some of my favourite fics and favourite authors. set in non-English speaking country My thoughts immediately went to this gorgeous fic by one of my very favourite writers in the phandom. Dan and Phil go on holiday to beautiful Lundu, and move into a new stage in their relationship along the way. Letters In Bold by @snsknene (snsk on ao3) Greek Islands This fic, by another writer whose every fic I eagerly read, has such a strong sense of place (Greek Islands!)—and a strong sense of where Dan and Phil can be alone. drown in the depth of you by @queerofcups (queerofcups on ao3) ft. Gleam youtuber(s) This is a fic about platonic Dan and Phil getting drunk-married on a Las Vegas trip with several friends (including Louise) and giving themselves a year before they get divorced. It's a clever device and a very satisfying read. A Map of My Heart and Mind by @cadensaurus (Cadensaurus on ao3) age difference Remember the Florida holiday in 2017 and Phil's photo of Pool Boy Dan? I remember this fic of married, middle-aged Phil and, well, poolboy!dan. In Paradise by domniall (domniall on ao3) wet dream Maybe this is cheating—because everyone has already read and loved this fic, and because maybe it's not quite technically a wet dream—but Phil's dream at the beginning of Chapter 3 captures perfectly a sex dream cascading into reality. teenagers (Chapter 3) by @alittledizzy and @waveydnp (dizzy and waveydnp on ao3) After I was done racking my brains for fics I'd read, I dove into the tags and found some fics I was glad to read! public sex This almost-public almost-sex has very strong imagery of a car ride through a moonlit night and how Dan deals with his feelings. what the moon doesn't see by @heartfeltfangirl (keeplovinanyway on ao3) Mario Kart There aren't many fics in the “Mario Kart” tag! This one turned out to be a totally hot story of strangers meeting in a bar and then going home to play. Rough (Phan) by Misha_with_wings (Misha_with_wings on ao3) meeting in a club This is first-person Dan meeting Phil in a club, where their inevitable attraction is woven through with song lyrics. Start a Fire by @tastelesskiwi (tastelesskiwi on ao3) unresolved sexual tension This is an incredibly fun phanfic about Dan and Phil playing a game based on phanfic—delightfully meta (and I enjoyed adding another level of meta by putting it on this list). The Phanfic Game by @knlalla (knlalla on ao3) coming out I've included one of my favourites of my own fics: it might be considered a time capsule of that era a couple of years ago when Dan seemed decidedly out and Phil seemed not all. Cover Your Eyes by @phinalphantasy7 (lilactreesinwinter on ao3)

[quercussp]

Phanfic finder fest (part 1) - Card 1, Fics I am aware of

Click here for part 2. Click here for part 3.

I decided to do two versions of my card. In this first part I’m going to list fics that fit the criteria that I’m already aware of and love deeply, and then in the second part I’m going to do my best to find fics that fit the criteria that I’ve either never read before or don’t remember reading, just to fulfill the actual purpose of this fest which is to find new fic to read. So here’s my card, and here’s my list of fics I was already aware of:

1. Dan interacts with Nigel

fortune cookies (G, 11k) by oqua ( @oqua12 ) - this is one of those fics that really shaped the way I see phanfiction. This is such a wonderful in-depth look at Dan’s relationship with Phil, Phil’s family and his own parents, full of so much emotion and so much meaning. Also this might be one of my favorite lines of all times: "But, it doesn't say 'parents' house,'" Phil points out. "It says 'home.' And… we're on our way home right now. Aren't we?" He pauses. "The flat in London, that's our home."

2. Plant boy

A Green Menace (G, 500) by @megiaolf - this is a very short but absolutely stunning fic with such a rich and adorable universe and that has supernatural elements woven into it so naturally and with such ease, that it just blows my mind. Just absolutely stunning!

3. Cherry lube

caught up in the wonderings of our minds (M, 13k) by Cadensaurus (orphan_account) - ok, I’ll admit, there is so much more to this fic than just cherry lube. It has absolutely everything. My favorite thing about this fic is the way Phil is portrayed. It really makes it apparent how unequal in a way they were when the relationship started, but also how deeply Phil fell for Dan right away, how careful and tender he was and how much he just felt. And how much Dan felt. It’s just so full of emotion and tenderness, with so much growth and love. Oh, I love this fic so much!

4. Skype sex

read between the lines (i will if you will) (M, 72k) by Ablissa ( @phanbliss) - this is the ULTIMATE 2009 and skype sex fic. I love it so much that I’ve read all the 72k of it no less than 7 times. It’s absolutely amazing in every aspect. Treat yourself to this masterpiece!

5. Kink negotiation

Old Habit, New Setting (E, 3.5k) by @yikesola - there were so many different fics to choose from in this category, but I went with this one because I feel it’s one of those that really uncovers the communication and negotiation aspect. The kink itself might seem relatively mild - it’s phone sex - but it’s so tenderly negotiated, so lovely and beautiful, and really shows the depth of feelings they share.

6. Apocalypse

Survival (T, 700) by nefertiti1052 - this is the only exception in this list, I haven’t read this fic before now. The thing is, I’m terrified of apocalypses fics, but I really wanted to push myself and this fic was a perfect way for me to do it. For one thing, it has a happy ending, which makes it much easier for me to read. But also it was so tender and quiet, and really made you feel how Dan and Phil are against the world, together, just the two of them.

7. Filming gone wrong

archive of his own (T, 1.6k) by vvelna ( @velvetnautilus ) - I guess this is not “filming” strictly speaking, it’s a liveshow gone wrong, but I feel it still counts. This fic really explores how Phil would handle a violation of his privacy, but it also really touches upon the concept of fandom and fanfiction and loving what you create. I just really really love this fic so much.

8. Phil has a headache

migraine headaches and sweaty sheets (T, 1.7k) by @capriciouscrab - I’m such a big fan of sick fics, and this one is so full of them loving and supporting each other when it’s most needed. It’s the type of fic that just makes you so happy that they exist to be there for each other. If you haven’t yet, please give this a read, it’s so so good!

9. Pain play

you're the ultimate high that i'm tripping on (M, 7k) by whatdoiknowx (@onedirectionticketss1) - this fic is a wonderful illustration of what I love most about d/s fics. The way both Dan and Phil are written so true to life and so human is just mind blowing, and the negotiation and communication here is top notch. I love the idea of Phil desperately wanting to do something for Dan and having to fight against his natural instinct to protect him from harm. It’s an incredibly deep and nuanced insight into power dynamics, and shows how much deeper the relationship goes beyond the dominant taking power over the submissive. In this fic, it’s not about taking anything, it’s about giving all that you can and sometimes realizing that you can’t give everything that your partner wants. Really, quite a masterpiece!

10. Balcony/window sex

The Other Phil (E, 5.7k) by @iihappydaysii - whenever someone says window sex I immediately think of this fic, which is one of my ultimate favorites. It’s kinky and very hot, but also incredibly loving and sensual, and full of people really wanting to please each other. It also subtly includes references to Dan’s bisexuality, which is always a nice touch. 

[yikesola]

Phanfic Finder Fest 🥰✨

this was such an outstanding challenge, i loved digging into tags i wouldn’t usually (lookin at you, tentacles 👀) and finding pieces that fit the trope but often w a little twist— it was also interesting to see things i’d assume had loads of fic written for it (like Portugal 🌞) don’t have quite so much as i’d have figured ..... and now i’m itching to write and rectify that! i also loved digging into pieces that haven’t been commented on in years and that i might have missed out on if not for the fest 💞💞

1. Fake Relationship

“Everlasting Friend” (6k, M) by @tortitabby 

this is a trope that always delivers, i feel, so it was pretty hard to pick among so many great ones. in this fic, i especially love the motivation behind the fake relationship (phil wanting to just Show his family that he’s queer by bringing a boyfriend home, it feels very relatable, kinda mirrors what my own plan for coming out was tho i didn’t drag a friend into it alsdfjdjs) dan’s struggle was so well done, and i always dig a penpal plot! 👏😭

2. Dirty Dancing / Grinding

“build me up (like a sandcastle)” (1k, M) by @i-am-my-opheliac 

god there’s so much to love in this teasingly saturated fic 😩❤️ the atmosphere in this is so dreamy and ethereal, and often i’d think of a piece w this vibe as “cinematic” but this somehow feels even more intimate than that. the alcohol and the weed and the sweat and the sand, the whole piece really seems to exist in slow motion— it’s like a music video 

3. ft. Dan’s Family

“Formula Won” (3.3k, G) by @jamie-with-a-g  

love this fic’s sense of pacing and use of flashbacks (also love its justification for dan’s admittedly most het interest ✌️) and the blips we get of karen and baby adrian. i really loved this fic’s approach to dan’s father— it’s a very human take on dan’s father, where instead of a parent being placed on a pedestal or demonized, things are allowed to be more complicated than that. 💞

4. Tentacles

“Love a Good Tentacle” (386, M) by @maetaurus  

this was a short but sweet piece that let’s the reader fill in the blanks for themselves and works really well with the dialogue we have from the final golf video. was this an example of my timidity that i chose a tentacle piece w no sexual content and merely suggestive themes?? maybe! but it was a good fun fic for all that 💁🏻

5. Fic Set in 2011

“care for me when i’m drunk” (1k, G) by @boofphil

love this era, especially as it seems people tend to jump from 2009-2010 honeymoon days right into 2012 angst, and this was just such a tender and loving 2011 piece that really really works 😘 i especially adored the small moment when phil first calls and dan’s ready to laugh w him about how drunk he is, but dan immediately drops that when he realizes just how unwell phil is. very good taking-care-of-you conent :))) 

6. Portugal

“wouldn’t it be nice” (780, T) by opendoor

i wish i could have found the author’s tumblr, but this fic was an absolute delight that manages to capture the eagerness of dnp early days on this trip. it’s such a dreamy fic and i love just how enamoured phil is while also being nervous bc everything still feels so new, that momentary panic that occurs when you think you’ve siad too much but then dissipates when the other person says too much as well 😭😭 they cute! 

7. Cooking Together

“dinner for two” (1.5k, G) by Wiley(doubledoubleu)

this was suuuuuch a cute fic, and i’m terribly sorry i wasn’t able to find this author’s tumblr either, but this university au is just delightful. it’s maybe a stretch to call microwave dinners “cooking together” but i’m willing to make that stretch. ✌️❤️ i love that it was born out of this idea that like “no no, we’re just doing this because it’s convenient” even while they’re so smitten w each other 

8. Sex Toys

“it felt wrong (but it didn’t take long)” (1.7k, M) by @dipnpips  

have been on a wlw-dnp high since the feb fest and was so so pleased to stumble upon this one here! 👩‍❤️‍👩👯 i love Phreya‘s confidence throughout, and also loved what the fic had to say about the idea that Dani can be into sex while still being initially uncomfortable w the idea that she deserves pleasure as well, it’s a concept that perfectly balances Dan’s sense of not deserving some things w how different his experiences would be through the lens of womanhood. 

9. Multiple Orgasms

“let our bodies make memories” (3.4k, E) by @symmetricdnp

this is a fic that really stands out to me among the use of multiple orgasms where it was kinda situational and spontaneous— i feel usually the trope is utilized as part of a scene where the characters very much intended multiple orgasms, and there’s just something infinitely charming about the surprise involved in dan going for two here. their bants and characterization are perfection; i really love this one 🙌✨

10. First Person POV

“my talents include...” (1.3k, G) by @knlalla

first person POV is tricky to master but boy oh boy has ms katie done so 💞😭 this is such a cute explanation for a classic danny emo tweet, and i really really love that moment where dan, after having felt needy for the entire fic, immediately feels a little silly once phil asks him what’s going on. because even while wanting attention, sometimes it can feel like too much to ask for it. and i love that phil so readily gives it to him anyway! 

[thelesterhowells]

phanfic finder fest

1. selfies: (fists into the lips of fashion) pictures or it didn't happen (3k) - @templeofshame: this is a story about fel and dawn and their absolutely sweet relationship in a very realistic au. it is so soft and sweet and made me feel so warm and fuzzy. but my favourite thing about this was that something as simple as taking selfies/pictures was used to point out and discuss so many important things in such a tender way.

2. pain kink: White Silken Sheets (5k) - @auroraphilealis: besides being obviously very hot, this is a fic about trust, great communication and a relationship filled with so much love. it is written so wonderfully loving, warm and sweet and it explores their dynamic in such an interesting way.

3. ft. catrific: Us, As Told by Other People (7.8k) - @jestbee​: i know there isn’t a lot of cat in here :D but the scene she is in is so important and i really loved the conversation they had. i loved how honest she was and how tenderly she tried to explain what she thought of it all. this fic in general is so incredibly great in the communication department and the conversations seem so realistic and authentic and that’s one of my favourite things. i don’t want to give away the whole thing so i’m just gonna tell you that it’s a great one and a sweet and realistic one.

4. childhood friends: where the orchids grow (8.7k) - @capriciouscrab: this story about danica and philippa is so absolutely beautiful that i find it hard to find words to describe how in awe i am with this fic. everything is described in such great detail that you feel like you are right there with them in the 1800s. their witty dialogues and characteristics are so incredibly ‘dan and phil’ and it is wonderful to imagine them in this alternate universe. they love each other in such a beautiful way and amy captured that in the most wonderful way possible.

5. bakery: finding a bakery fic was harder than i thought it would be (which was surprising and frustrating :D) so i’m gonna cheat and give you a coffee shop au fic and since i’m cheating you’re getting a bonus fic

falling for you (1k) - @obsessivelymoody: this is a not-so-cute-at-first-but-still-incredibly-cute-meet-cute and everything about this is so absolutely dan and phil. their conversation, phil’s clumsiness, dan’s attitude, the instant attraction mixed with a little awkwardness. it’s so sweet and warm and felt like summer and i love summer.

bittersweet (642) - @huphilpuffs​: this is filled with so much love and warmth and understanding, it made me very emotional. dan having a bad day and phil trying his best to help him without overwhelming or pushing him is always wonderful to read. it makes me so happy that they found each other.

6. erotic massage: Hold Me In Your Arms And Never Let Me Go (1k) - @phantasticlizzy (Lizzyboo): this is exactly what it says it is: fluffly anniversary smut. it is hot while being so, so sweet and loving. it was surprisingly emotional to read their feelings about this day and about each other and it made me feel warm and content.

7. clothes sharing: in between are doors (2.3k) - @literaryphan​ (frostbitten_cheeks): sharing clothes is very cute but it can also be second nature. this story explores that fine line in between so well and it is written in such a funny and cute way. dan and phil are captured in a very realistic and sweet way and i really loved reading about that absurd line dan and phil draw sometimes regarding their posessions. us and our everything, but my cereal and my clothes.:D

8. set in 2013: “better off (not being around ya) (2.2k) - @i-am-my-opheliac: this is an incredibly gorgeously written story about dan’s troubled emotions during a club scene. it’s so wonderfully sad and so beautiful at the same time. lia described his feelings so vividly i could feel them with him and even though it is dan’s pov you can totally understand phil’s feelings. it’s wonderful, really.

9. siblings: “come what may” (1.8k) - @werebothstubborn (thereisnobearonthisisland): ok, this is my take on the ‘siblings’ prompt and i genuinely think that dan and cornelia’s relationship is so underrated in fics. this explores their dynamic as the additional lester’s in such a great way. it’s wonderfully written and it’s an absolutely gorgeous portrayal of their friendship and understanding of each other.

10. movie plot au: “be my muse” (3.3k) - @tobieallison (t_hens): listen, i love ‘love, simon’ and dnp and tobie’s fics so reading this cross over was absolutely fantastic. the changes tobie made gave this whole thing a very unique feeling and it was so sweet and cute and so very dan and phil and i could’ve read 50k more of this.

[cloud-gays]

Phanfic Finder Fest! :D

so, i’ve really had so much fun with this fest, all the searching process was something i really didn’t do since i started reading fic back in 2016. i discovered so many good stories that really made me happy in so many ways! 

thanks to the phandom phanfic fests! this was an amazing idea! :D

i) musician au

Golden Dandelions by @mylionbabe!

my heart was so full of love after reading this one! is a short story but the way it flows is really amazing. a really sweet musician au, i’d love to read more about this universe! 

ii) pinof filming

Lioness by @phinalphantasy7!

gosh! there’s something i love so much about an outsider pov and this story just went and made me love it that so much more! the narration was just so lovely, following the amazing year of 2009. so sweet, everyone needs to read it! 

iii) snow

Pacing by @dan-howells-tongue!

this story had me crying of happiness! the interaction between dip and pip is just so sweet, and how the whole situation was narrated! gosh! so atmospheric! for a second there it was like i was there sitting with dan while it was snowing outside. oh, all my heart goes to this story!

iv) set in 2019

you’re the choice i’ll keep making by @maybeformepersonally!

the narration! the sentences of context in between! all of this story is just breathtaking! i love soulmate AUs, but this story is just the next level! a really sweet narration that shows how phil felt at their beggining of their whole relationship! a whole rollercoaster of emotions! a little look on how dip and pip have grown together along all this time! this story has everything! i loved it so much!

v) ft. an original character

Home For Good by @hygge!

oh! good good good! some good parent phan for the heart! kinda, is a good angsty story with some really amazing words that made a more amazing story! and a little good original character that made me cry at the end, to be honest this story made me cry in a really good way! 

vi) coffee shop (non-au)

at a coffee shop by @huphilpuffs!

you gotta love a review on how dip and pip had grown together all these ten years, and this story has this! has this growth story along coffee! oh so good, good for the heart! 

vii) blackpool

always having your hand to hold by @tobieallison!

young love! young love! you have to love a story about young love! i have to admit that i didn’t know anything about the whole thing with blackpool. and this story just shows how doesn’t matter the place, dip and pip have each other! oh my heart!

viii) song fic

missing words by @heartfeltfangirl! 

there is something so special about this to me. a little inside view into the machinations of dan’s mind in this weird time that was the start of 2018. it’s so beautifully narrated, and you can see! you can see all the thoughts and how you can get dragged by your own thoughts! also some sweet song that goes along to the story, amazing truly!

my friend was in a coma and all I got was this lousy t-shirt by @heartfeltfangirl!

i just had to put this story, too. this time we have a little inside view into phil’s mind and his fears. its so good and i cried a lot, in some way this story hits close to home for me. it’s so beautiful and offers so much comfort at the end. i love it a lot!

ix) supernatural elements

The cauldron of life by @TheOrangeAurora!

this story! my heart was just so full of sweetness at then end! i love stories full of magic and this was just so amazing and wonderful! an amazing narration about feelings and magic and amazing phils who want to meet lonely dans. so sweet! i love it so much! 

x) doing shots

Inebriation by @scifiphan!

there’s something i love a lot about this and it’s the playfullness! some dip and pip being drunk and high in the love for each other, just flirting and being playful with each other in such a place like they are in. its so sweet and great! 

[icequeenjules26]

Phanfic finder fest

Since joining the phandom, I have read so many fics that I loved. For that reason I decided to mostly rec fics that I have already read in the past, therefore they are mostly longer fics. Here we go!

1. Cold/flu/short term illness read between the lines (i will if you will) (72k) by @phanbliss  I can’t even remember how often I have read this fic. Ten times? Twenty? Might be even more than that. It’s the single most amazing phanfic I have ever read in my life. It’s also so on point with both Dan and Phil’s characteristics that I’m still certain Monika hacked into Phil’s old files and simply posted them as a fic. If you haven’t read it yet, please do. It’s brilliant, it’s art, hands down. Monika, wiesz, jak bardzo kocham twoje historie, a szczegolnie ta. Dziekuje za opublikowanie tej i kazdej innej. Jestes niesamowita, mam nadzieje, ze to wiesz.

2. Yoga Try New Things (2,2k) by @bie-lovers I just love this! It’s cute and adorable and both Dan and Phil are portrayed in a way that’s quite special, but it works so so well! (I also love the fact that they’re both just incapable of yoga. It’s very on point :D) 

3. domestic chores when i sing, you sing harmonies (46k) by @leblonde Another fic I would consider a classic, at least for me. It’s amazingly well written in a mysterious kind of way, and I love how the magic shows itself on the grand scheme, but also in the little things like the kitchenware working on its own. It changed the way I saw things, it changed the way i saw myself, and that means a lot. Simply an amazing work.

 Hope for the Good Times (1,1k) by @succubusphan It’s just a short fic, but it’s so cute and nice and the idea behind is is just brilliant. It means a lot to me, and it’s adorable and it has a cat named Satan. What more does a story need?

4. Makeup The Era of the Wingless Angel (~140k so far) by @americanphancakes Sadly I fail to keep up with this story, but it is seriously breathtaking. Admittedly, it’s not an easy read, mostly because it’s angsty af, but it’s more than worth it. The storyline is unique and different, in the best way, and Zero’s style is so, so great. You won’t regret reading it, I promise.

5. Vampire/Werewolf AU The Enemy of My Enemy Is Not My Friend and My Enemy Is Actually My Secret Lover (110k) by darkness_prince_dan I’m a sucker for Vampire/Werewolf AUs, but this one takes the cake. It’s written in a... light way, so to speak, even though some scenes should be pretty dark. Dan is just... special in this, and I love it a lot. It’s definitely worth a read if you have some time on your hands. 

6. family issues Believe in Me (85k) by @elleberquist6 The concept for this story is just amazing. It follows the old japanese folklore of Kitsunes, and that alone is enough reason to love it, even beside the fact that it’s really nicely executed. Phil is the amazing, compassionate guy we all know and love and Dan is just - different. It takes some time to figure out what’s going on, but it’s really nice learning more and more about Dan and what he is as the story progresses. Amazing work!

7. cheating antisocialites watch a wilting flower (70k) by @det395 Just an amazing story. It’s honest and serious and sometimes, almost hopeless, but there’s also cheerful moments and the most adorable scenes between Dan and Phil. There’s a lot of dogs which, let’s be honest, is always a plus, and Phil battles them all over the cuteness crown. Dan has a lot of issues, sure, but he’s working through them, and does an amazing job while doing it; and the concept along with the general style is just amazing.

8. wedding (not theirs) The Bahamas Incident (70k) by @do-it-with-the-howell-lesters Usually, fics with homophobic slurs are not exactly my piece of cake, but I still like this story a lot. The beach atmosphere is great, Cornelia is amazing, and while usually, Co-written stories tend to have a breach between styles, this doesn’t, or at least not in a bad way.

9. midnight walk Let Go Of The Reins (81k) by @natigail This is the fic I’m the most excited about. It has horses. HORSES! As a main topic! For me as a rider and horsegirl that means the world! Add the fact that it’s so well written and I’m hooked! It’s dramatic, it’s honest, it’s adorable, and it has horses!! Yes, I am kinda repeating myself, but I cannot stress this point enough. HORSES! IN A PHANFIC! Cornelia is amazing and Phil is serious but there’s a lot of character development especially for him, and it’s amazing watching (reading?) those two dorks opening up to each other, step by step.

Flight to Flight (14,6k) by me I don’t usually like my own writing, but it just fit the prompt so well I kinda had to mention it. Writing it was joy and hard work at the same time, and the topic and characters mean the world to me. If you like ski jumping, please give it a read. If you don’t, you might just get behind the joy of it.

10. WIP updated in the last month A Coat of Polish (~34k so far) by BourbonWhisky_TwoSicilies I’ve rarely seen a clash between writing style and storyline in such a positive way. The storyline is serious, maybe even dark, but the writing style contrasts it in the best possible way. I love reading it, and it’s seriously underrated. Please check it out.

AmazingSketches (~26k so far) by @philsgiggles Ohhhhhh my god. I wanted to rec this sooo bad. But it hadn’t been updated in a while and didn’t fit the criteria, so I couldn’t... But now it’s back and I can! Yey! I just LOVE this. I don’t even know what else to say. It’s so different, not only in the way it’s written, but particularly in the storyline. It breaks off the way Dan and Phil are usually “placed” in AUs like this one, and reverses it completely, while still having both of them in character. It’s remarkable and definitely worth a read.

[phandomficfests]

Phandom Fic Fests Second Chances Fest!

It’s time for our next fest, and this time we’re giving you... a second chance!

If there were any previous fests that you really wanted to join in but missed out on, or that you started a fic for and didn’t get to finish - now’s your chance. 

You may choose to complete (or start) a fic from any previous fest for this challenge. Standard rules of that individual fest do apply. If, for example, you had more spots on your bingo card you didn’t find time to fill then you need to meet the minimum bingo requirement of 500 words per fill. If you need a refresher on the word count for individual fests, you can reference the our tag for sign up posts.

Exceptions: We will not be sending out new Bingo cards or Phanfic Finder fest cards. For similar organizational reasons, the exchange fest is also exempt from this except under the circumstance that you did not finish your exchange fest or wanted to write one of the other prompts that you recipient sent. 

The due date for this fest is Sunday, May 12. 

SIGN UP HERE!

Beta readers! We are refreshing our beta reader directory at the moment. We will make a post within the next few days unveiling our new and up to date list. If you want to be on it, please fill this form out. If you were previously listed but did not fill out the check in form posted two weeks ago, you will need to sign up again. 

[doomedhowell]

Phandom Fic Fests: Phanfic Finder Rec List

I had so much fun finding all of these fics and reading some that I’ve never read before! :) I’m really awkward when it comes to leaving my thoughts on every fic for some reason but just know that I loved every fic that’s on this list!

1 - Fic Written Before 2015

This Night is Sparkling (Don't You Let it Go) - @phanlight Summary: phils reluctant to go to the stupid firework display his family make him go to every year but once he meets one of the new neighbours he realizes maybe he won’t have to spend bonfire night alone

2 - Migraine

Reasons Why Phil’s Body is a Fail - @slightlydizzier (4k words) Summary: Phil didn’t exactly draw the best numbers in the gene pool lottery, and here are a few reasons why

3 - Party Games

I Dare You - @fiction-phan (2.5k words) Summary: “I’m egging your house for a dare but you parent is a cop and they’re yelling at me so I told them that you were my ex and you wronged me but now you’re coming outside and please go along with this, I don’t want to go to jail.”

4 - Written In First Person

Vous Êtes Mon Tout - @chocolatesaucelester Summary: Phil really loves Dan.

5 - Apocalypse

It’s Only The Beginning - pasteldanhowells (2k words) Summary: Dan and Phil are currently on tour in America. They’re just getting to LA, unfortunately they’ve been stopped before they can even get to their hotel due to traffic. Phil think it’s about the virus going around, Dan doesn’t believe it.

6 - Siblings

A Very Lester Christmas (ao3) - cafephan (1k words) Summary: Upon their arrival to the Lester family home for Christmas, Kath has special gifts ready for her sons.

7 - Set In 2016

(Not So) Clear Skies And Bright Blue Eyes - @fleurdelester (0.9k words) Summary: 2016!phan goes on a picnic, only to have the weather interfere with their plans

8 - Age Difference

Sucking Too Hard on  a Lollipops - @gorgeousdan (1k words) Summary: Phil Lester was the head of a multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical company. Dan Howell was a broke college student. Both are in need of a little love.

9 - Office Coworkers AU

Jokes, Costumes, and Taxi Fares - @placingglaciers (8k words) Summary: In which all his coworkers just adore Phil and Dan can’t see why they do. Until, of course, he figures it out.

10 - Featuring A Cat

Plants, Pizza, and Possibilities (ao3) - wekingsandprettythings (5k words) Summary: My cat keeps breaking into your apartment and eating all your plants…. Dinner to make up for it?

[galhowell]

Phanfiction Finder Fest!

@phandomficfests has been running a fic fest where each person is sent a card with a list of prompts, and each person has to complete their card and give their fic recommendations in a list - after much reading and bookmarking, this is mine!

Moving in Together:

Ruff & Tumble

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8450014?view_adult=true

by: angstangelo

rating: E

word count: 6.5k

summary:

Dan moves into his new apartment for the dog park downstairs – little does he know that the town comes with more than just fluffy tails. 

AU where Phil has a dog and Dan almost doesn’t know if he likes the dog or the boy more.

- Ah! What can I say that will make you want to read this fic other than the summary which says it all. This work is sweet, and making it from Dan’s perspective (therefore swooning over Phil and his unfairly cute dog) just makes it even better. If you want a fic that will make your day brighter and make you grin uncontrollably - this is it.

Drunk:

Vérité La Joie 2014

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13405965

by: dizzy 

rating: Teen and up

wordcount: 1778

summary: 

Phil has an unpleasant phone call, and handles it completely like an adult.

- What can I say about this fic that hasn’t been said already? Soft caring Dan and open Phil is what I live for. If angst makes you uncomfortable, maybe skip this one (but I will say that the angst is VERY minor, and the fic ends on a happier note.) but I think it is a very good example of what interactions between d&p would be like on a daily basis, when one of them is suffering.

Bakery:

when I sing, you sing harmonies

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12468080

by: The_Blonde

rating: M

word count: 46017

summary:

"Dan’s two minute sonatas reduce to one minute and then to a sad thirty seconds of something lilting and beautiful. It’s sad in such a way that Phil, having begged Dan to play, actually can’t stand and listen to something so full of longing. Sad in a way that it could have been written for Phil (but not possible. Dan doesn’t even know Phil). Sad in a way that Dan could just walk over, take Phil’s heart from his chest and say can I have this? and Phil would say of course, it’s yours".

Or: Witch Phils and the Piano Playing Dans that they just want to make happy (with a sprinkling of magic).

- It must be fate that I got ‘bakery’ on my bingo card, as this is my all time favourite phanfic. Also written by my favourite author in the phandom, this fic has it all. A love story, magic, music, a cute sidekick, and delicious sounding baking. This fic is a must-read, and it never fails to make me smile, cry, and love it even more each time I read it.

Motion Sickness:

Cicadas

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15205025

by: softiedanniie

rating: G

word count: 703

summary:

Pancakes and tour busses don’t always mix.

- A cute slice of life drabble, this fic depicts d&p on their tour bus during Interactive Introverts. Phil has eaten too much, and Dan (deservingly) nags him but in the end, takes care of him like the good boyfriend (and phil trash) he is.

Mario Kart:

0 to 60 in 3.5

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17565776

by: liquidsky

rating: G

word count: 1014

summary:

In which Dan and Phil are professional racing drivers. Dan's paranoid and Phil's smitten.

- This. Is. So. Cute. I never knew I needed d&p as racers until I read this fic, and now I just want more! Their interaction in this fic is so genuine and adorable, and the miscommunication between how Phil really feels and how Dan perceives it is so pure.

Jealous Phil

Sun-Kissed Confessions

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11433123

by: jestbee

rating: G

word count: 2729

summary:

Mostly Phil is just jealous of the way Dan seems to be perfectly at ease with the idea of kissing Anthony, but wouldn't consider it with Phil.

- This fic is so adorable! There needs to be more jealous Phil fics out there (if you are an author yourself, there’s a prompt for you!) and this take on it is wonderful.

Fic w/a secondary pairing

just the way you look tonight

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14917833

by: Gal_tic

rating: G

word count: 802

summary:

Jimmy can't help but get caught up with the idea of what could have been when he meets Phil again at a BBC party. 

- Shameless self promo. If you know me, you’ll know that I LOVE Phimmy, and couldn’t help writing it myself!

Secret Admirer

Prestissimo

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13691589

by: worriedpeach (skeletonflowers)

rating: G

word count: 3118

summary:

When Dan starts to get notes in his locker in the form of terrible pick up lines, he doesn't know who it could be and he doesn't really care. All he cares about is his violin and his studies. He could care less about the nonchalant cellist who never seems to take anything seriously.

- Enemies to lovers. How can you not love this kind of love story? Also - Phil makes puns. You can’t say no.

Set in 2014

home is where the wifi connects automatically

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8108575

by: oqua

rating: G

word count: 8477

summary:

The wifi at Dan's parents' house is utter crap, which is definitely why he's always so miserable when he visits his family for Christmas. Because of the wifi. (Or at least, that's what he chooses to tell himself.)

- Dan missing Phil, and them discussing future plans. What more could you ask for?

One/Both Take a Bath

bathtime

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14616990

by: larry_hystereks

rating: G

word count: 1629

summary:

dan just wants a bath

phil just wants to join

- Two fluffy boys on tour, and Phil teasing Dan. A must read.

[templeofshame]

Something that struck me in doing the fic finder fest was how many people use very minimal tags. I don't know if this is specific to the phandom but a lot of tropes aren't tagged? Also, there are a lot of fics about missed flights but I can't find any about missed trains!

That’s true, a lot of stuff goes untagged. I’m not sure what the sweet spot is; I think sometimes fics have so many tags that I personally get lost and have trouble telling what the fic actually is or what tags are the focus. It might be my own bias, too, that if there’s a paragraph of tags, I find that off-putting as a reader.

There might also be things that people aren’t actively thinking of as tropes when they’re writing/posting sometimes? Like I wouldn’t necessarily automatically think of missed trains as a trope, and I bet there are some years that don’t get tagged if they’re not, say, 2009 or 2012. (I also may have asked about the main types of age change fic because I think people often tag things like uni or high school or kid fic, but wouldn’t tag those things as age changes.)

[quercussp]

Phanfic finder fest (part 3) - Card 2, Fics I am aware of

Click here for part 1. Click here for part 2.

This is my second second card and a list of fics that I am already aware of. This was so so fun, and I can’t wait to finish the final part, which will be this second card but with fics that are new to me.

1. Coffee

the sun a souvenir (E, 11k) by deletable_bird - this fic is such a delight! It’s witty and funny and very sincere, Dan is so relatable and so lovable in this story, and his relationship with Louise is just adorable beyond words. Coffee plays a very central part in this story, along with paint and very awkward and lovely flirting. Give this a read, it’s absolutely great!

2. Vibrator

a ticket of the possibilities (M, 1.4k) by @callofthecurlew - an adorable fic about Dan looking at sex toys with Phil back in 2010. It’s just the right balance of funny and sweet and sexy, and has so many little details about their reactions to each other. I just love it so much!

3. Fic with a secondary pairing

December 4: purely by coincidence (G, 1.4k) by @alittledizzy - a phimmy AU because honestly we all need it. This fic makes the relationship seem so natural and so obvious, that it takes a minute to realize that it’s not how life turned out to be. There is something so inherently magical about Phil and Jimmy together, and I feel this story captures it perfectly.

4. Intercrural

Connected (M, 3.5k) by @auroraphilealis - a fic about Dan being young, in love and desperate for something they aren’t ready for and Phil being also young, in love and desperate, but feeling the responsibility of keeping his boyfriend safe and satisfied. I really love this fic because it just exudes young desperate love and that fire that a new relationship has. Plus, it’s so beautifully written and so emotional.

5. Cheating

sweet dreams (T, 1.9k) by @waveydnp - there’s no actual cheating in this fic, but I feel it’s still a really good fit for the prompt, because it really dives into what cheating is for different people and how communication in a partnership is important. The depth of this fic is absolutely stunning, and I definitely recommend this story to anyone who hasn’t read it yet.

6. Soulmates

paint it on your face (M, 574) by @onedirectionticketss1 (whatdoiknowx) - soulmates come in different shapes and sizes. This definitely really encapsulates the whole “Dan and Phil, best friends and soulmates” in a really really original way. An absolute treat to read, strongly recommend this one!

7. Warlock/magic au

just once to be lifted strong (T, 26k) by @leblonde - this is one of those fics that I couldn’t possibly describe adequately. If you haven’t read it, you need to do it ASAP. The fantasy elements in it are woven into the story so seamlessly and so gracefully, the characters are both absolutely novel and incredibly in character, and the whole story is just so musical and beautiful that now words can describe it.

8. ft. Martyn and Cornelia

Let Go Of The Reins (T, 81k) by @natigail - there are hundreds of amazing fics featuring Martyn and Cornelia in the phandom, but I really wanted to choose a kind of unexpected fic for this category and landed on this one. This is a horse riding AU, and I think it’s an absolutely stellar example of how meaningful and emotional you can make a relationship between siblings be. The brotherly love that Phil and Martyn share here is deep, real and very difficult and complex, much as it is in real life. The fic really goes deep into both Martyn’s and Cornelia’s character, and it’s just such a pleasure to read.

9. Songfic insp. by Lana del Rey

who you are and who you've been (T, 4.4k) by @kay-okays - aaah this fic is just absolutely perfect. I love how the conversation they are having is so so important, but it’s set up to be so lively and real with a little bit of mischief and so much delicate hesitation that you have when you’re in a new relationship that’s just making you so so happy. It’s like Dan kind of doesn’t believe in a way that you can be this happy. I just love it, such a beautiful fic!

10. Set in 2009

Turn and Face the Strange (NR, 2k) by @tortitabby - this 2009 fic really focuses on Phil’s relationship with Kath and the overwhelming love she has for her child. It’s very nuanced and very touching, and I really encourage everyone to give it a read, you won’t regret it!

[templeofshame]

one fic pick away from my new-to-me finder’s fest list