I got this question twice so please bear with me! i'll likely link this tweet in the other one. let's pray my markdown styling actually works.
DISCLAIMER: I am for the most part not including fics that are very well recognized or ones by more CURRENTLY popular artists. not because i didn't enjoy them, but mostly in an effort to help people find some new reads! All fics here were in my bookmarks. There are several in my bookmarks I don't remember, but I'll do a second round of this after doing a LOTTT of rereading.
let's gooo!
1. one extremely memorable one that literally had me like sitting up straight to read it losing my shit was On Impulse by LivelyColorful World link. LivelyColorfulWorld (who I don't believe is active in ncity anymore) also has some other really fun fics! Through the Blinds is so much fucking fun link.
2. dontneedyourlove has one of my absolute favorite series ever called this must be the place. link. Really anything by dontneedyourlove is truly excellent.
3. going up like NASA by hotlikesoup (sittinginchairs) seriously blew me away. it was so much fun to read and it's also one i really really liked. link.
4. Ain't It A Fine Life? by SeeTheVision link. Riah has seriously been one of my favorite writers (and a good friend) since like 2020. From her I'd also recommend the literal classic Sapphires and Rubies link. I have not gotten the chance to read it yet bc I know I'll be blown away so I want to put proper care into reading it, but go check out her ongoing fic Galactica link.
5. and, of course, meriggiare by englishsummerrain link is literally the chenji fic of all time. This author is someone I really looked up to and 2020 (and still do ngl). I have always been far too scared to read thicker than water link because I know it will literally devastate me but I've only ever heard good things about it!!!! honorable mention to follow you down link because chenle getting fucked in a skirt is quite iconic.
6. almost started crying remembering this one bc i was so fucking excited but Of Cupcakes and Crowns (and Cute Boys Called Chenle) by cosmicdusts link. cosmicdusts is another old dear friend and has such good stories. Of Cupcakes and Crowns has brought me so much joy.
7? There's a super cute ATLA au that I have loved for so long but I can't freaking find it in my bookmarks and despite KNOWING the name i can't remember. I'll get back to you on that.
8! shout out also to codexmoonlight link because she is the goat. MOTH ILY and I am so excited to make it through all ur fics >:)
I WILL BE BACK WITH MORE. JUST GOTTA MAKE IT THROUGH MY BOOKMAKES PROPERLY. Some of these are more recent, some are more old. I tried to really pick my favorite lesser-known fics or authors to give them the spotlight! I do have my likes and dislikes and certain tastes. I strayed away from most pwps because I know they're frequently directly searched for and most are quite popular.
thank you for the ask! :D