mitsususu

[mitsususu]

I’ll be watching you. (Every move you make, every smile you fake) Steve and Bucky on television! Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories: 

“A Game Show Love Connection” (M, 43k) by emphasisonem

The last thing Jeopardy producer Bucky Barnes needs is some asshole who passed the online test pretending to be Captain America and wasting his time. The last thing he expects is for the guy on the phone to turn out to be that Steve Rogers. There’s a popular expression that insists that stranger things have indeed happened, but Bucky’s pretty sure that this is the weirdest day of his life.

In which Steve Rogers starts watching Jeopardy as a fun way to learn about the things he’s missed, gets selected through the online test, auditions for the show and surprises the hell out of everyone. Especially one James Buchanan Barnes.

+ Shrunkyclunks. Exactly as the summary says. Captain America competes on Jeopardy and gets a man

-☆-

“Made for Greatness” (T, 19k) by detour

Trying out for America’s Got Talent wasn’t Steve’s idea, but he’s making the best of it.

“Thor, ok, and who is this, Zeus?” Simon says, gesturing lazily at Steve. 

“Uh, no, I’m Steve,” Steve says.

“Thor and Steve, ok,” Howie says, laughing from behind the judges’ desk. “Let’s see what you can do.”

+ Modern AU. America’s Got Talent contestant Steve falls in love with American Ninja Warrior Bucky 

-☆-

“The Winter Smizer” (T, 16k) by heyjupiter

Bucky only auditioned for the Armed Forces cycle of America's Next Top Model because he lost a bet with Natasha; he never dreamed that he'd actually get cast on the show. But when he discovers his childhood best friend Steve working behind the scenes, Bucky hopes he can go home with an even bigger prize than a modeling contract.

+ Modern AU. America’s Next Top Model contestant Bucky and producer Steve. Body positivity, disability accommodations, and staying true to your beliefs.

-☆-

“How to Survive a Reality TV Dating Show...Without Really Trying” (E, 185k) by katietonks

Serious, cynical, workaholic Bucky Barnes only has one goal for his participation in a summer-long, reality TV dating competition: to leave as soon as possible. He has no interest in playing along, following the unspoken rules or forming relationships with the other contestants, and he definitely has no interest in falling in love.

(But perhaps his steadfast notions will be challenged by one particular handsome, blonde contestant, unlike any of the others.)

AKA: The Love Island!AU you never knew you needed.

+ Modern AU. Bucky finds true love and authentic friendships on a reality dating competition. This 60 chapter fic updated once a day all summer during the pandemic and I cannot thank Katie enough.

-☆-

“On your marks, get set, sew!” (E, 54k) by rainbow_nerds

Steve found the Sewing Bee by chance when looking for something to play in the background while he worked, and he was immediately enamored by the show. Everything from the judges, to the stupidly attractive host, not to mention the skill of the contestants and their obvious camaraderie appealed to him. So he applied, and managed to make it on the show.

He just hoped that the presence of the previously mentioned stupidly attractive host wouldn't manage to distract him from his bid to win.

+ Modern AU. Steve participates in a sewing contest. Mutual crushes, technical challenges, and art!

-☆-

*More Reality TV in the Food Competition list

[mitsususu]

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye. Trans Steve and Trans Bucky! Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“You make the rockin' world go 'round” (E, 7k) by Neonbat

Steve was determined to hit the gym and try to bulk up when his biweekly trips took an unexpected turn. He was caught between his goal and staring at a man that was sending him into a bisexual spiral.

A man, that turned out, kind of wanted to kick his ass.

+ Modern AU. Trans Steve is really into thicc Bucky. Rimming, strap-ons, and dating 

-☆-

“seasons change (but people don't)” (E, 2k) by ftmsteverogers

“If there’s a girl I’m meant to be mourning, I want to know,” Bucky persists, as though Steve hasn’t had a close brush with asphyxiation right before his eyes. His foot twitches against Steve’s under the table.

“There wasn’t a girl,” Steve coughs. “Why…?”

Bucky’s gaze is sharp and discerning as his eyes flick back and forth between Steve’s.

“There was,” he says, right hand gripping the counter behind him in a white-knuckled grasp. “A girl. A small blonde girl.”

+ Pre-War, WW2, and Post WS. Three Non-linear scenes of acceptance

-☆-

“What's In A Name” (M, 3k) by cleo4u2

Steve has always know his best friend will be his soulmate. So when he wakes up with the name of a guy on his arm that he's never heard of, he's devastated. Thankfully, Bucky has a surprise in store for him.

+ Modern AU. Soulmate AU! Steve wishes his soulmate mark read Bucky instead of James. 

-☆-

“Tomorrow Is Another Day” (T, 75k) by charlesdk

When Bucky got the door shut in his face by a tiny, barely awake blond, he never thought that said tiny blond would become such an important part of his life. Or that he would fall deeply, hopelessly in love with him way too quickly.

 + Modern AU. Bucky meets Steve, befriends, and falls in love with him over seven months. Found family and supporting each other 

-☆-

“Undercurrent” (T, 4k) by NachoDiablo

Bucky might be more than a little smitten with a certain cute, blond lifeguard, but there's no way his feelings are reciprocated... right?

+ Modern AU. Mutual crushes, a small misunderstanding, and a date

-☆-

* More in the Pride list

[mitsususu]

Okay I absolutely love this blog and idk how many lists you have planned but i have some more ideas and requests!

-handler/ pet (instead of Steve being the assets handler, he’s given as a gift or “pet”)

- high school AUs

- wartime boyfriends (getting together or established relationship through WW2)

-injuries

I'm glad to hear you love it! I made a FAQ post here.

Pet

"Blood" from the Handler Steve list is a "pet" for a good chunk of the story. If I decide not to do a top 5 list for this, I'll update this post with additional stories for you

High School AU

Someone else requested this too. It's on the way :)

WW2

Yeah, I can add that! There are previously posted stories sprinkled all over, but the Propaganda AU and Epistolary specifically come to mind

Injuries

This is also sprinkled all over, but Hospitalized and Kidnapped feature this heavily. Most of the stories I'd want to put here would (and have) fit better in other categories, so we'll see.

[mitsususu]

Who Are You?

Mitsususu, she/her, 30s. Call me Mits or Mitsu, or whatever you like. 

What Is This?

Fanfiction recommendation lists! My favorite five stories for each category/trope. Unless mentioned, no story is recommended twice, all are complete works, and have happy endings. 

Steve Rogers/James “Bucky” Barnes (Stucky) only. No Steve/Peggy, Steve/Tony, Bucky/Natasha, etc. 

When Do You Post?

Lists 1-100 were posted once a day, lists 101+ are posted once every few days. (Currently on a mini break; I’ve fallen into a new ship and am gorging myself on fic)

Where Can I Find What I’m Looking For?

Masterlist of all the lists (alphabetical)

Archive of all posts (chronological)

Categories Remaining

Category Requests

You can also search my blog for keywords. Example: mitsususu.tumblr.com/search/shrunkyclunks will pull up all the times I’ve ever mentioned Shrunkyclunks, even the ones outside the main Shrunkyclunks list. Just replace the keyword with whatever you’re looking for.

Why Did You Make These?

A group of friends asked for fic recs, and having them permanently in one place was convenient. At the time I thought I’d do maybe 15, maximum 30 lists. (Obviously that didn’t stick) 

How Long Will You Do These?

The plan was for Steve’s Birthday to be the last list on July 4, 2021. Given how the asks in my inbox keep growing, I don’t think that’s going to happen. At some point I might move on to recs for past fandoms, but that’s something in the distant future.

Wait! You Forgot This Fic!

No, I didn’t. It either wasn’t a favorite, or it’s on another list. 

Can I Talk To You About A Fic You Rec’d? 

YES. If you’re unsure and want more details, or if you just read it and need to talk, message me! 

[mitsususu]

Can you add High school AUs to the list?

Absolutely! There are two lists ahead of yours, so check out High School Reunions to tide you over. Some of them have flashbacks to their younger days.

[mitsususu]

I’m so sick of running as fast as I can, wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man. They’d say I hustled, put in the work. They wouldn’t shake their heads and question how much this I deserve. Genderbend and sexism! Below are My Top 5 Favorite stories:

*Misogyny Level refers to how much the women have to put up with

“Fully Formed, in Armor” (M, 50k) by bythedamned

Captain Stella Rogers is remembered as a symbol of American victory and the founder of modern-day feminism. That leaves big shoes to fill when she's pulled from the ice alone, ill at ease in her own skin, and missing a love she can’t tell anyone about.

Becky Barnes has gone through too much of her own shit to have any time for Stella’s. But she knows how hard it is to rebuild a life in New York City and, besides, she’s got a type.

+ Shrunkyclunks. Captain Stella and modern Becky get off on the wrong foot but eventually become best friends/lovers as Stella navigates life, missions, and PR in the 21st century. Misogyny Level: Low.

-☆-

“Christmas in Connecticut” (T, 12k) by waldorph

“I have a farm in Connecticut,” Howard announced into the melancholy silence. “And nothing to do this Christmas but play the white knight. Darling, marry me? Mr. Stone will get his Christmas, you’ll get your article, the soldier will get his all-American holiday, and Ms. Carbonell will keep her job, for whatever that’s worth.”

+ WW2 AU. Female Steve fake marries Howard to keep her fake-housewife columnist job, and then regrets everything when she meets dashing Bucky. Based on the movie, very crack. (You may have read the Modern AU) Misogyny Level: Low

-☆-

“Gold to Airy Thinness Beat” (T, 178k) by ISeeFire

The list of reasons Stephanie Rogers couldn't enlist were long.

She was small.

She was frail.

She was in poor health.

She was female.

The list of reasons for why she fully intended to ignore all that and do her best to enlist anyway was short.

Bucky was going.

Her best friend.

Her only friend.

The friend who'd been there her entire life, every time she'd needed him, every time she'd called.

Always.

And she'd be dammned if anyone was going to stop her from returning the favor.

+ Alt Canon. Steph gets the serum but Brandt smears her reputation and never stops. Despite everything, she saves her husband, falls off the train, gets a Hydra arm, crashes the Valkyrie, and wakes up in the 21st century with Bucky. History got her all wrong, but Bucky loves her and that’s all that matters. Misogyny Level: Extreme

-☆-

“back in line for love again” (G, 3k) by defcontwo

But in the end, what matters is this: Stella Rogers walked out of that camp in Azzano a chorus girl and walked back into it a war hero.

+ Defrosting to Post WS. Historians haven’t been too thrilled with Stella and female Bucky leading the Howling Commandos, let alone with how the winter soldier events play out. Comes with a honeymoon sequel. Misogyny Level: Medium

-☆-

“it's been a long, long time” (G, 3k) by junko (orphan_account)

Stephanie Rogers realizes that she doesn't want to die.

Stephanie Rogers kicks to the surface, and she was never a good swimmer, but she pulls herself up onto a slab of ice, scrabbling for land, spitting out water anyway.

(Or, in which Stephanie doesn't die in the plane crash, and she and Private Lorraine rescue Bucky Barnes, take down HYDRA from the inside, and have Friday Girl's Nights.)

+ Alt WW2. Exactly as the summary says. A fix-it where Zola dies and Hydra gets destroyed. Misogyny Level: Medium 

-☆-

-☆- And a freebie incomplete work -☆-

“Reconstruction” (E, 95k, incomplete) by rageprufrock

In which Stephanie Rogers is the complicating element in the sweeping romance of Bucky Barnes and Lady Liberty.

+ Alt Canon. Stephanie became Lady Liberty, saved her husband, froze in the sea, and woke up in the 21st century. No one knew her identity, history thinks Bucky cheated on his wife the entire war. Currently stops right after her defrosting when she doesn’t know Bucky’s still alive. Misogyny Level: High

 -☆-

+ More Stucky stories here

[mitsususu]

I’ll be your operator baby, I’m in control. Nothing that you do, you do unless I said. The Winter Soldier answers to Steve and Steve alone. Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“The Wolf and The Sheep” (T, 50k) by aislingdoheanta

Steve Rogers is a SHIELD agent who is recruited for a secret project: Becoming a handler for the Asset. Steve’s world is thrown for a loop when he discovers the Asset is an actual person and he needs to figure out who he is and what he’s going to do.

Steve as the Winter Soldier’s handler AU. (Non-HYDRA trash party.)

+ Modern Steve. Captain Rogers makes his own secret plans to free the Winter Soldier and discovers Hydra within Shield. An alternate retelling of the WS movie 

-☆-

“Cabin Fever” (E, 11) by Dibsanddabs

It was just Steve’s luck really. It was his first outing as the asset’s handler and everything had gone to shit.

Steve is the asset's new handler, and when a mission goes bad he makes the decision to wait in a safe house. But mountain weather is against them and the pair end up snowed in together. The longer the asset spends out of cryo, the more of Steve's questions he can answer, and Steve might not like what he finds.

+ Alt Canon . Snowed in a cabin together, Bucky’s programming starts to crack and Steve starts to remember this isn’t his first time working with Bucky. 

-☆-

“Ready to Comply” (E, 66k) by exclamation

The asset's orders at the end of The Winter Soldier weren't to kill Captain America, but to capture him, so that he could be wiped and turned into another asset. The asset has succeeded in that mission, capturing its target and taking him back to the Hydra base. But the Hydra soldiers are dead, captured, or fled, so there is no one there to give the asset new orders.

Alone with its captive, the asset has no instructions on how it is meant to act. But the more time it spends with its target, the more old protocols start to assert themselves, like the protocol that when that face is hurt and bleeding, the asset is supposed to clean away the blood.

+ Post WS. The Winter Soldier chooses Steve to be his handler and as he recovers, continues to choose Steve. (Numerical rankings, chocolate covered raisins, and cookie bribes)

-☆-

“find a way to forgive myself” (T, 34) by napricot

“Okay, let’s try this again,” says Steve’s own voice. “I’m not Loki and I really need you to listen to me. The literal fate of your universe depends on it.” Steve comes up swinging before he’s even really opened his eyes. “Oh for god’s—”

As if Steve’s life isn’t already weird enough what with the waking up in the 21st century and fighting aliens thing, his future self’s Time Heist and Reverse Time Heist have left 2012 Steve in a pretty awkward position: not only does he have to pretend to be HYDRA in order to save Bucky, but now he also has to help save the whole damn universe too? Luckily for him, if the first time was tragedy, then the second time around is definitely a hell of a lot closer to farce.

+ Alt 2012. 2012 Steve gets memories from the future, and goes undercover as Hydra to look for Bucky with help from the Avengers. Featuring the magic space rock mind stone

-☆-

“Blood” (T, 45k) by leveragehunters (Monkeygreen)

In a world where magic is as commonplace as electricity, HYDRA worships a god who craves order through death. They used His blood to create fierce Soldiers then enslaved them by chaining their souls.

The man who was James Barnes is the last Soldier, the rest having been put down after succumbing to the call of the Blood. One night, out of control after a mission, the increasingly unstable Soldier runs into Steve Rogers. Instead of being turned into a red smear on the ground, Steve successfully talks him down. HYDRA decides to keep him. The Soldier's the last one they've got; if Steve can keep him calm he's going to do it whether he likes it or not.

Like fractious racehorses have companion goats, they hand Steve off to the Soldier as a kind of pet. But studies have shown pets can ease depression, despair and loneliness, lead to an increased sense of safety and well-being, and provide a source of protection and unconditional love. HYDRA really should have reviewed the literature before they decided to give Steve to the Soldier. Especially since, once Steve Rogers is involved, protectiveness can get slightly out of hand.

+ Shrinkyclinks. Modern Steve is the only one who can bring the Winter Soldier back from bloodlust. When Shield rescues them, Bucky doesn’t trust anyone but Steve and Steve would never abuse that power.

-☆-

-☆- And one where Bucky thinks Steve is a handler -☆-

“This is the Ghost Story” ( T, 45k) by Taste_is_Sweet

You can't have amnesia if you're not supposed to remember.

("I don't want to forget you," Bucky says wistfully.

Steve looks half-asleep, but he blinks and lifts his head. "What do you mean?" he asks. His smile is puzzled. "Why would you forget me?"

"After maintenance, when they'll wipe me and put me in Cryo," Bucky explains. "I'll forget you again, and I don't want to. You're the best handler I've ever had.")

+ Post WS. Bucky gets hurt on an Avengers mission and reverts back to the Winter Soldier. Very intense and angsty. Part of a longer series but can be read stand-alone.

-☆-

+ More Handler Steve fics here and the Pepper list (upcoming)

[mitsususu]

For I am still thy lover true, come once again and love me. Castles, quests, and adventure! Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“Change Your Stars” (M, 52) by histoires_eternelles, JJK

“No, wait.” Steve reached out a hand to stay Sam, overcome with a terrible, or maybe a brilliant idea. “All he has to do is not fall off his horse,” Steve said, with a slow smile spreading across his lips.

Sam frowned at Steve.

“One of us could ride in his place.”

⋆☆⋆❀⋆☆⋆

A Steve/Bucky Knight’s Tale AU with a double dose of Identity Porn, featuring fake-knight Steve and secret-prince Bucky.

+ Steve pretends to be a knight and Bucky pretends to be a squire. Jousting, banquets, falling in love, and chivalry.

-☆-

“A Simple Breeze, A Single Spark” (T, 36k) by leveragehunters

Like he'd been waiting for his cue, a tall, dark-haired man appeared behind the jailer. He wore a fighter's leathers, all in black, with a long sword peeking over one shoulder. His eyes were a complicated grey, flecks of blue giving them richness, but they were…empty.

Steve fought not to recoil from the blankness, letting his gaze flick to the bird perched on his other shoulder. It was some kind of hunting bird, maybe a falcon or a hawk, no hood or jesses, and it mantled, staring down at Steve like he was a mouse it was considering for dinner.

They were something from a legend or a nightmare and they were here for Steve.

+ Ladyhawke AU. Bucky is a wolf by night and Sam is a hawk by day. Steve joins them on their quest to kill Pierce. 

-☆-

“silver and gold” (E, 19k) by Claudia_flies

Bucky wakes up to the sound of the rooster, like he’s done every morning since he arrived in the village. The crow echoes through the yard and makes the horses move in their pens below him, they too waking up to the day.

+ Omega Bucky escapes Pierce and finds a home in a new village. He gets an anonymous partner for his seasonal heats and a crush on Lord Steve

-☆-

“The Tale of the Silver-Armed Knight” (E, 5k) by BeaArthurPendragon

After being exiled from Ireland, Steven Grant is quietly making a new life for himself in York crafting the finest armor in all of England. One late December afternoon, a legendary knight visits his smithy to commission armor with very specific requirements.

Mr. Grant has a few requirements of his own.

+ Part 1 of a series where Blacksmith Steve and Knight Bucky spar and get frisky 

-☆-

“A Midsummer Knight's Dream” (E, 29k) by cobaltmoony, GoldBlooded

Sir Steven, knight, alpha, and baron of a small countryside estate, receives an invitation to a Royal Tournament: It’s a winner-take-all competition, and the prize? The hand of Prince James, the kingdom’s most eligible omega, in marriage.

It seems like a lifetime ago that young Steven left the palace – and his best pal, the prince - to attend to his familial duties. Since that time, he’s dreamed of reclaiming his friendship with the prince; if not as a companion, then perhaps as a member of the prince’s guard.

Prince James, royal, omega, and heir to the throne is tired of being reduced to his designation and pressured into an arranged marriage like a political pawn. He devises the tournament as a means to an end: winner claims his hand in marriage, but if he wins? He’ll get to claim his own future.

Let the tournament begin...

+ Omega Bucky fights for the right to avoid arranged marriage. Childhood friends, requited feelings, heat/rut. Dense King George and awful Rumlow

-☆-

+ More Medieval stories here

[mitsususu]

I give my hand to you with all my heart. I can’t wait to live my life with you, I can’t wait to start. Steve and Bucky are getting married! Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“We didn’t need this to love each other, but I’m glad we get to do it anyway” (T, 1k) by AidaRonan

In an alternate universe where they never go to war, Steve and Bucky live a whole lifetime together.

They're near the end of the line now, but there's still time to make it official.

Or the one where same-sex marriage finally gets legalized in NY and two very old men do the thing.

+ Modern AU. They got to grow old together! Courthouse weddings and heartfelt vows.

-☆-

“My Big Fat Wolf Wedding” (T, 12k) by AggressiveWhenStartled, galwednesday, quietnight, silentwalrus, skellerbvvt

“MARRIED?”

“Basically married. Permanently engaged anyway. Weres have their own deal.” Natasha sounds much, much too gleeful about Steve’s rapidly expanding personal hell. “So you better wake your blushing bride and tell him the happy news: that it was an accident and you had no idea what you were doing.”

“I,” Steve says, strangled. “I can’t do that!”

“You can’t?”

“He thought I was proposing! And he accepted!”

“Wow, maybe he’s just as dumb as you are,” Natasha says thoughtfully.

“I can’t just promise him a ring, take him home, drink from him three times in a row and then wake him up the next morning to say oops, just kidding!” Steve casts around, looking at his wreck of an apartment. “I don’t even have any good champagne!”

+ Modern AU. Vampire Steve and Werewolf Bucky. Mistaken identity, accidental proposals, wedding planning, family gossip, and idiots in love. This was published a few days ago and if you haven’t read it yet, you MUST

-☆-

“just goddamn marry me already, for fuck's sake” (E, 6k) by newsbypostcard

"Do you," Steve says, fingers newly tugging Bucky's underwear until it starts to slide off his hips, "want to marry me, or not?"

Bucky sighs. "You know, in some circles people would consider this interrogation under duress."

+ Post CW. They’re practically married already, but Steve wants to make it an official forever. Lovely wedding vows in Central Park

-☆-

“All the things yet to come are the things that have passed” (T, 9k) by sangha

Peter gets underestimated. Everyone calls him “kid,” as if he’s not part of the Avengers. Well anyway, contrary to what the others may think, he does notice things. Being in high school is good for something. Noticing when people have crushes, for one.

Nobody else seems to notice the way Captain America looks at the Winter Soldier. Peter is still not sure how to act around Cap. He’s a little intimidating, not a very approachable guy. He always looks very severe and serious and to be honest, Peter’s arms still hurt when he thinks about the fight at the airport. But when Steve’s looking at the Winter Soldier, he looks a lot more approachable. Softer, somehow. Peter likes him better that way. Not that he’d ever dare say that to Captain America’s face. He’s not in any hurry to die again. Anyway, the point is, Cap clearly has it bad for his best friend.

+ Post CW. Very cute. Peter and Bucky friendship, proposals, and a simple wedding.

-☆-

“Brookland House” (E, 8k) by Ark

“You seem distressed, my angel. Are you not pleased with the match? The word from court is that Lord James Barnes is an upstanding gentleman, not given to the wild circles around the Prince Regent. And Steve, it was he who asked for you. The young man has kept you in mind all these years -- despite our circumstances.”

+ Historical AU. Arranged marriage, childhood friends, and a long awaited wedding night

-☆-

-☆- And a freebie! -☆-

“les voleurs de mariage” (G, 988 words) by silentwalrus

Anon asked:

Sorry if this is too much. I've been obsessed with better than to bend since I read it. I can't help but imagine if Steve was found earlier, Bucky was rescued and Steve married both of them like he wanted and lived their lives. Do you have any headcanons on this version? Details!! I want them to be h a p p y and it's too much to ask for in canon. And! In ITHLYN does the team ever find out Steve's relationships with both? I'd LOVE to see you write out their reactions. Only if you want to. Thanks!

+ Post WW2. Bucky gets rescued and marries Steve in France. Crackfic, Outside POV. Tagged for Steve/Bucky/Peggy but there’s no Peggy romance actually in the story

-☆-

+ Previously rec’d Wedding stories (x18) here

[mitsususu]

Just say yes, just say there’s nothing holding you back. It’s not a test, nor a trick of the mind, only love. Bucky and Steve want to officially spend the rest of their lives together. Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“Proposal Pending” (G, 1k) by so_shhy

He doesn't want to make a huge production of it. He just wants to make it special. Something worthy of Steve, that shows Bucky knows exactly the proposal he would like best. It's gotta be romantic as all hell.

And Bucky's got nothing.

+ Post WS. Bucky tries to think of the perfect way to propose; Steve doesn’t need it to be fancy.

-☆-

“your day number one in the rest of forever” (T, 4k) by hitlikehammers

“Double digits,” Steve says idly, his smile so present in the words as he pulls back, but only just enough to run the tip of his nose along Bucky’s cheek. “We got excited enough to get into ‘em.”

“Might as well celebrate the last of ‘em with,” and Bucky’s grin is sly as he nips at the hinge of Steve’s jaw: “equal enthusiasm.”

+ Post WS. Happy 99th Birthday, Bucky! Established relationship, recovered jewelry, and heartfelt proposals

-☆-

“Everything (that I couldn't have)”(T, 7k) by obsessivereader

“You don’t have to do this, Steve.” Bucky pushes away the letter from the Russian government demanding that one Dmitri Batischev, alias the Winter Soldier, be surrendered to them to stand trial for his crimes.

Steve hesitates in the doorway. Bucky must’ve heard the tail end of his conversation with Pepper. Now he looks tired, and resigned, and so done and Steve fucking hates that Bucky keeps getting dealt shit hand after shit hand. “I want to.” He hopes Bucky can hear the conviction in his voice. “I’m not losing you again.”

“But getting married? You think that’s gonna work?”

+ Post WS. Marriage of convenience/Fake Married, but neither of them are faking feelings. Mutual pining, domestic life, and all the affection. 

-☆-

“The Happily-Ever-After Business” (T, 23k) by mambo

After planning perfect weddings for New York's elite, wedding planner Steve Rogers is ready to find love for himself.

But he didn't anticipate falling in love with the tattoo artist who works down the street.

+ Modern AU. Wedding planner Steve and Tattooist Bucky, meet, fall in love, and discuss their ideal wedding

-☆-

“we're looking for the sun” (G, 1k) by msbluesunflower

After SCOTUS marriage equality ruling, Steve was asked to make a speech.

He does a little bit more than that.

+ Post WS. Steve comes out on TV and asks Bucky an important question. 

-☆-

-☆- And a short freebie! -☆-

“A Certain Romance” (M, 490 words) by neversaydie

"Did you just eat that cupcake?"

"Yeah."

"Did you not notice the big fuckin' ring on the top of it?"

"Uh… no."

"For fuck's sake Steve."

+ Post WS. Idiots in love. “you swallowed it so we're engaged. No takebacks."

-☆-

+ More Proposal stories here (updated!) and in the Wedding list

[mitsususu]

Any recs for Steve as Bucky's handler?

Can do! There's two lists ahead of yours, so here are some previously posted works in the meantime:

“Rivers and Roads” from Undercover

“Press Play to Start” from Shrinkyclinks

"Sex-bot Bucky" from Robots

“The Long Game” from Winter Soldier Steve

Update: Here you go!

[mitsususu]

“Land Ho” (E, 2k)

The merman grinned and rubbed his cheek against Steve’s. “You’re very friendly.” Steve noted, as Bucky slid his hands up to Steve’s waist. “Very, very friendly,” Steve choked out, as Bucky dipped his fingers underneath the elastic and started to tug his shorts down. Steve let him. If the gorgeous merman wanted Steve naked, Steve was absolutely on board.

+ Modern AU. Steve encounters a merman on vacation and rolls with it. Courtship rituals, silliness, and orgasms. 

[mitsususu]

Any medieval AUs? :3

You bet!! It’ll be up after the Proposal/Wedding lists, so here are some previously posted medieval(ish) fics to tide you over:

“The Claiming Ceremony” from Royalty AU 

“A Noble Steed” from Royalty AU

“Blossom like sunshine, nectar sweet as sin, the devil's drink has me pulled in” from A/B/O: Alpha Bucky

“This Enchanted Place” from Fairytale AU

“A-mage-ing Grace” from Magic AU 

Edit: Here we go!

[mitsususu]

Yeah, we danced on table tops and we took too many shots. Think we kissed, but I forgot. Sometimes, romance happens under the influence. Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“in the morning i'll be sober and you'll still be mine” (T, 2k) by mcwho

Steve always marveled at how people lost all their inhibitions after they got a little alcohol in them.

And then Thor gets him drunk on Asgardian liquor. Events unfold.

+ Post WS. Steve gets drunk and can’t contain his pining anymore. Bucky doesn’t mind at all.

-☆-

“Let's Fall in Love” (T, 3k) by Desdemon

“I really am sorry, dollface,” Bucky said, his eyes huge and stupid. “I’m just flapping my gums, you know what a chucklehead I am.”

+ Post WS. Steve and Bucky go to a themed bar, and get really into roleplaying.

-☆-

“the place where you were in my heart is not closed” (T, 3k) by shestepsintotheriver

Steve and Bucky used to spend every summer together, but when Bucky didn’t turn up for his last year at summer camp, Steve had no way to contact him.

Seven years later, a semi-drunken toast brings them back together.

+ Modern AU. Steve’s made friends at college, but still pines after his long lost childhood crush. Turns out his crush is right down the street.

-☆-

“Save a Horse, Ride a Captain” (T, 2k) by galwednesday

Bucky tapped him on the shoulder, swaying back and forth a little as he waited for the man to turn around. “Hello,” he said, and then promptly forgot what else he was going to say, because this guy was fucking beautiful. “Wow. Good face.”

Two of the guy’s friends, a man wearing a suit that fit so well it had to be bespoke and a man with a cute little gap between his front teeth, started cracking up. The petite redhead sitting next to them cocked her head to the side and pulled her phone out of her handbag. Beautiful Face just looked kind of pained, so Bucky redirected. He was a gentleman. He could take a hint. No hitting on beautiful guys who were uncomfortable with that sort of thing, no matter how lickable their jawlines were.

“Hello,” he repeated, doing his best to mind his manners. “I’m very sorry to bother you. Can I have a piggy-back ride?”

+ Shrunkyclunks. Captain America carries drunk Bucky back home and makes him coffee in the morning. The Howling Commandos are thrilled

-☆-

“Bubbling up” (T, 4k) by Niitza

"And that's the story of how Captain America drove safely to the French zone libre, with the rest of his team three sheets to the wind, while being fearfully saluted by Nazis."

+ Post CW. Bucky is slowly recovering his memories, and finds out drinking champagne brings back a nice one 

-☆-

-☆- And a freebie when they’re sober!! -☆-

“When You're Drunk” (M, 3k) by Kellyscams

Seventy years ago, Bucky Barnes was in love with Steve Rogers and could only express his love for him under the misguided courage of drunken nights.

Seventy years ago, Steve Rogers was in love with Bucky Barnes, and could only have Bucky's love under the misguided courage of drunken nights.

Seventy years later, what happens when a drunken night is nearly impossible?

+ Post WS. Bucky has a hard time telling Steve how he feels, so he tries for a little liquid courage. Turns out Steve has enough courage for both of them (the angsty prequel is here)

-☆-

+ More Alcohol fics in College AU and Seasonal Sampler lists

[mitsususu]

Everybody wants to rule the world. In fic, Loki can always be counted on to help Steve and Bucky get together or stay together. Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“Space Oddity” (M, 147k) by crinklefries, cyclamental art (cyclamental), nalonzoo

After the world ends, things happen to Bucky in this specific order: he helps defeat Thanos, he rejects Steve’s attempt to address Feelings, he watches Steve volunteer to put the Infinity Stones back in time, he waits for Steve to come back, he is sad when Steve does not come back, he realizes that everyone thinks Steve disappeared in 2012 (???), he gets taken to space by Carol Danvers (!!!), he meets up with a depressed literal alien Norse God, he and the depressed literal alien Norse God travel through space, he and the depressed literal alien Norse God hit a wormhole and fall into the--Multiverse.

What the fuck.

This is the story of how Bucky and Thor pick up the pieces of their lives, find their own worth, find their own person, and find their way out of a multiverse of 100 realities stitched together with 100 tropes. There’s love, there’s friendship, there’s an extreme amount of Tesseract fuckery, but most importantly there are sexy vampires. Bon Appetit.

+ Endgame Fix-It. Loki and Steve shatter the tesseract in 2012; Bucky and Thor go on a multiverse road trip to find them. Found family, self-acceptance, and the happiest ending.

-☆-

“Shake It Up” (T, 13k) by aurilly

Steve knows he shouldn't try to change anything while returning the Stones, but he can't help himself. A certain God of Chaos is willing to help.

Loki's in for a wild ride.

+ Endgame Fix-It. Steve and Bucky return the stones together. Along the way, they each end up enlisting Loki to help their 2012 versions

-☆-

“Not Another Alien Green Card Marriage” (T, 14k) by crinklefries

“Dearly beloved,” the tired-looking court magistrate said. “We are gathered here today to join this man and this, uh, Norse God in holy...matrimony.” * The bifrost is broken and Thor is stranded on Earth, working for SHIELD without any authorized documents. Loki gets way too drunk and regrettably horny one night and offers to marry the big, dumb superhero for a green card.

This turns out to be a mistake, because even though Thor is smoking hot, the Avengers keep breaking Manhattan, Loki’s apartment suffers an unfortunate setback, and the U.S. government requires way too much paperwork. Also, Loki hates his job and his best friend is in love with Captain America.

This would only happen to him. Loki would take a nap, if anyone would goddamn let him. Instead, he gets bangs.

+ Shrunkyclunks. Modern Bucky and Loki run into the Avengers over and over again. Madcap courting ensues

-☆-

“Bop, Bop, Bop: Bop To The Top” (T, 10k) by attackofthezee (noxlunate)

When Odinson shows up it’s with half the basketball team and a lot of noise that Loki absolutely did not consent to have in his creative space.

His senses are being assaulted.

“This is a sacred space,” He says and he can practically feel Bucky rolling his eyes behind him, but there are points to be made and Bucky’s judgement is not welcome here.

“It’s an auditorium,” Thor says like he doesn’t comprehend Loki’s point, which is fair, because he is, after all, very very dumb. All those hits to the head doing jock things like football and smashing beer cans against his skull really can’t be helping. 

Aka a vaguely a High School Musical AU

+ Modern AU. Blonde jocks have been assigned to help with the spring play and theater kid Loki despairs. Bucky however, is delighted, and gets a date to the prom.

-☆-

"Big in Japan” (T, 6k) by gunboots

Steve hesitantly reaches out and takes the object in Tony’s arms to survey it. 'It' being a pillow upon which was an almost frighteningly accurate illustration of Loki, their on-and-off again nemesis. "I don't--how did you even get this? Who would MAKE this?"

Clearly Steve doesn't find the attention-to-detail on Loki's costume as hilarious as Tony does, which whatever. Like he said. Killjoy.

A.K.A The one time Tony buys Thor the world's worst souvenir and it somehow worked out in the end anyway.

+ Post WS. Dakimakura! Thor starts carrying around a body pillow with fanart printed on it. Loki founds out, and Bucky keeps the Steve pillows

-☆-

+ More Loki fics in the Space list

[mitsususu]

I just wanna be by your side (if these wings could fly) for the rest of our lives. Magical Realism! Below are my Top 5 Favorite stories:

“Sunshine's Gifts” (E, 52k) by Quarra, wearing_tearing

“Who are you?” Steve asks, eyes bright with anger and cheeks flushed with heat.

Bucky laughs.

His warrior, his Steve, is as brave and as incredible as Bucky thought him to be.

“Is this how you offer me thanks for saving your life?” Bucky grins, delight making him giddy and playful. “Pinning me to the ground without even a proper courtship first?”

*

Or: Bucky is Horny. Steve likes his big rack.

+ Alt Avengers. Fae Bucky leads the Wild Hunt and gets a crush on Captain America. Courting, flying horses, space dogs, and everyone is happy

-☆-

“The Leshy's Prey” (E, 5k) by DeamonSlayer576, exclamation

Steve is just a small woodland fairy, but when he hears that the Leshy, a powerful forest spirit, has stolen a child, he can't let this injustice stand. He takes it upon himself to confront the Leshy. The confrontation... doesn't go as planned.

When the confrontation goes in a more sexual direction than Steve had intended, he's not certain he minds, and maybe the Leshy isn't as bad as he'd first thought.

+ Fantasy AU. Fairy Steve helps the local village find lost items, and gets more than he bargained for when he looks for a lost child. 

-☆-

“Runaways” (T, 4k) by crinklefries

“Do you believe in magic?” Bucky asks, sitting back on his haunches.

Bucky’s too old to believe in that kind of thing. He graduates in a year with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the Columbia University. He believes in what he can see, in what he can touch and feel.

He can’t believe in magic.

But.

+ Modern AU. Bucky finds interesting trinkets all around New York and falls in love with Steve along the way

-☆-

“Going Through” (G, 2k) by Taste_is_Sweet

Bucky wasn't quite sure what to do with the extremely angry fairy he rescued from the group of Make Humanity Great Again! assholes who'd been trying to suffocate him in a jar.

+ Fantasy AU. Steve gets saved, nursed back to heath, and gets a crush.

-☆-

“Under the Hawthorn Tree” (E, 57k) by odetteandodile

There is a faerie tale of sorts, though it’s one known only by the Fair Folk themselves and a few others who know that they can’t tell it.

It goes like this.

A young man wanders into the woods one night, and wanders until he isn't a young man anymore—but something else.

Seventy years later, another man follows him. Inside of a magic ring, they meet.

(or, Bucky is a faerie—amongst other things—and Steve Rogers, as always, is helpless but to love him from the start)

+ Modern AU. Environmental Consultant Steve gets sent to check out a forest before it gets bulldozed. He finds a mushroom circle, Bucky, and the fae court.

-☆-

-☆- And a freebie where fae are involved! -☆-

“Thyme and Tide” (T, 21k) by leveragehunters (Monkeygreen), seleneheart

Bucky might be only a one-armed ex-mercenary who'd washed up, half-drowned, on the shores of Sciatha with nothing and nowhere��never mind how hard Captain Rogers, head of Sciatha's Royal Guard, was trying to change that—but even he knew better than to get involved with the fae.

Unfortunately, that wisdom had somehow bypassed Sciatha's ancient kings…and fae bargains always came due.

+ Fantasy AU. The kingdom has a deal with the fae, and they’ve taken Steve. Bucky holds faith that Steve will return. 

-☆-

+ More fic recs here

[mitsususu]

Okay call me sappy but can we have a list for proposals? And another for them getting married?

Edit: Here are Proposals and Weddings

Hi sappy, you are in good company! I do have a proposals list on the way but I can definitely add in a wedding list too. Double the matrimony! In the meantime, here are previously listed fics: 

Proposal

“Political Animals” from Moms

“my love, he laughs like the flowers” from Flowers

“Howitzer” from Sports

“Food for Thot” from Vampires

“The Parent Snap” from Space

“Slide to Answer” from Wrong Number

“Left hand yellow” from Board Games

“(760): I literally cut myself out of my pants. Waste. Of. Money.” from Valentine’s Day

“Brooklyn” from Pride

“Drive It Like You Stole It: A Bodyswap” from Roadtrips

“Investigative Journalism” from Fake-Dating

“the person fifty-year-old me will be proud to have known” from Pride

“In This Last of Meeting Places” from Apocalpyse

“a marvelous gift” from Fairy Tales

Proposal + Wedding

“Let this be light work” from Video Calls

“The One Where Bucky is a Street Rat and Steve is the Prince” from Disney

“Too Long We Have Tarried” from Fake Married

“Sandwich ‘verse” from Sam Wilson

“Stop interrupting my grinding” from Wrong Number

“Easy Work for Easy Pay” from 21st Century

“@sgtbarnes1917 and @cptrogers1918″ from Avengers

“Camboy!Steve & Loyal Viewer Bucky” from Sex Work

Wedding

“Blossom like sunshine, nectar sweet as sin, the devil’s drink has pulled me in” from Alpha Bucky

“That Time Steve and Bucky Got Married” from Happy Fluff

“where can i put it down?” from Mermaids

“4 Minute Window” from Starter Pack

“Hold Me Hard and Mellow” from Royalty

“No Faraway Shore” from Presidents

“just say you do” from Fake-Married

“The Bargain” from Historical AU

“Against All Odds” from 5+1

“Doll Day Afternoon” from Crossovers