For those of you just dipping your toes into the SteveBucky/Stucky fandom and unsure as to which fics are solid ones to get you started, look no further! 😀
THIS STARTER KIT WILL KEEP YOU OCCUPIED WITH GRADE A STUCKY FIC FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, I’M SURE!
It’s tough sometimes when you’re starting out within a fandom and you’re not sure what to look for. Plus, when you try and ask people, it’s difficult for them to know what exactly to rec you, since they’re unsure of your individual tastes; do you like fluff? Angst? Both? Smut? No smut? What sort of rating? AUs or canon-compliant? Etc.
So, here you will find my top 10 favorite Stucky fics under a variety of different categories! No two fics will be the same. Though it might look overwhelming at first, these categories will start very broadly but gradually become more and more specific to your potential interests, and will include:
By each rating available on AO3 (canon + AU)
Canon-Compliant
Canon-Divergent
Alternate Universe – No Powers
PWP
Bottom!Steve
Bottom!Bucky
Starkbucks (Steve/Tony/Bucky)
Army Husbands (Steve/Sam/Bucky)
SB&J Sandwich (Steve/Bucky/TJ Hammond) (*ship name courtesy of brendaonao3)
Stuckytasha (Steve/Bucky/Natasha)
World War Threesome/Brooklyn Tea (Steve/Bucky/Peggy)
***(Keep in mind that these are simply my choices – in no particular order – and obviously it’s very difficult to narrow anything like this down, since we are blessed with SO many good stories by SO many good authors, that to list them all would be a post so long it’d probably crash the site lol)
So I was out of town this weekend and missed the appreciation day. BUT I thought I would make a list of some of my favorite fics/authors to celebrate it, even if it is a little late!
FICS THAT HAVE TOUCHED ME EMOTIONALLY
Take Our Ashes to the Ocean by caughtinanocean. I swear that wintergaydar must be sick of me talking ceaselessly about how perfect this fic is, but I refuse to quit lauding it. Urban fantasy with Bucky as Steve’s guardian angel, the prose and characterization are heartbreakingly beautiful, and Peggy’s role is terrifying and grand. I love this fic. I will never not love this fic. I cry every time I read it. And I’ve read it quite a few times.
All The Angels and The Saints by Speranza. Everything Speranza writes is gold, but this fic in particular SPEAKS TO ME. The HISTORICAL ACCURACY, MAN. As a history major/nerd, everything about this is perfect. The discussions of early 20th century liberal thought and gatherings are almost as good as the shattering love story.
AUs THAT I DIDN’T WRITE, BUT WISH I DID
Apes Debemus Imitari (We Should Imitate the Bees) by buckysbees. There was about a month and a half where I just had this in a window on my phone and reread it over and over. It never ceases to make me smile. Steve and Bucky both work at a farmer’s market and hate each other… or do they?
The Blind Leading by SkyisGray. Literally nothing is better than the actual summary: “Steve is specifically told not to fraternize with the independently contracted Winter Soldier.”
No Spirit Standing in the Sun by what_alchemy. Foster brothers separated at a young age, Steve and Bucky grow up and reunite years later in a frankly uplifting story about learning to love and forgive yourself.
if only you could see me (for the pie that i am) by bitelikefire (theoleo). STEVE BAKES FOR A LIVING. Other things happen, but Steve bakes a lot of very dramatic things that will make you very very hungry. Once inspired me to make cinnamon cupcakes. They tasted terrible, unlike this fic.
No Finer Mess to be Found by essieincinci. Chubby punk Bucky/Skinny tattoo artist Steve. One of very few fanfics that reads like real life? (If real life were awesome.) BONUS: Check out essieincinci‘s other AUs on her Tumblr. My fave is Fancy Business Man Steve.
the blood in your mouth by nighimpossible. YES, FRIENDS. A VAMPIRE AU. Bucky is a vampire, Steve is an art student, and LOVE IS IN THE AIR.
If You Liked The Book, You’ll Hate The Movie by paperclipbitch. THIS ISN’T STUCKY. It’s X-Men: First Class, but it’s so so good. Hank/Alex is my favorite part, but honestly every character has such an amazing plot line in this spiraling high school AU.
LOOSE CANON CANON
No Gods, No Masters, Just Me by OddityBoddity. Never before have I cried at the description of someone getting a dick piercing, but this fic did that.
The Good, the Bad, And the Fluffy by newredshoes. Bucky gives Bucky a therapy llama, and this fic gave me cramps from laughing so hard.
Cynics are Simply Thwarted Romantics by Reccea. Plays with all the fairy tale tropes I love, and should totally be the introduction of magic to the Marvel Universe in canon.
To the One I’ve Sinned Against by Dira Sudis. Another notch on my historical accuracy kink. (Is that a sentence that can be uttered?) Catholic guilt and boys finding themselves in the past and present.
4 Minute Window by Speranza. Everyone has read this, right? Let’s just assume no one hasn’t read this yet, and get on with it.
hold me until we crumble by queenklu. A sad, stagnant Steve Rogers goes on Antiques Roadshow and finds some interesting things that connect him to the past.
Sparked Up Like a Book of Matches by Sena. Honestly just a beautifully written fic about rediscovery, and recovery, and love, and sex, and just about everything I’ve ever looked for in this world.
BONUS: SOME AWESOME AUTHORS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW ON TUMBLR
I’m sure that I’m forgetting people because I follow so many awesome people, and if you think you should be on this list and aren’t, please let me know!!
I should be writing right now. I have a Marvel Bang rough draft to finish and stephrc79‘s
(actual) birthday fic to type in (yes, I still write by hand sometimes,
it’s soothing, and gets me away from the temptation of the internet)
and Tumblr prompts I want to finish for you guys, but. Yesterday’s
Fanfic Writers Appreciation Day lovefest got me to thinking. Because I
was seeing a lot of the same names cropping up on my dash – all great
writers, don’t get me wrong, writers who deserve all the praise and
kudos and love out there, but they’re also writers everyone knows. So, I
got to thinking about the fics and authors – the mid-list, to borrow a
publishing industry term – who maybe slide under the radar a little
bit. So I decided to go through my bookmarks to make a rec list. Which
took…um, way too long, because of course I had to re-read some of my
faves (as you do). But, hey, what else are Friday nights and Saturday
mornings good for. 😀
There are three things I learned while doing this – one: I will literally read anything hitlikehammers and biblionerd07 and defcontwo and lanyon
write. It’s somewhat embarrassing how much I love their work, and if
you haven’t discovered them yet, this is the opportune moment. Two: I’m
terrible at leaving comments, and I need to be better at it, because I
know how much I love them as a writer. Three: This fandom fucking ROCKS.
There’s so much creativity and awesomeness. I am genuinely floored by
all of you. Also, a fourth quick thing: PLEASE DON’T DELETE YOUR FICS.
Even if you’ve left the fandom. You can orphan your account easily and
still leave the stories up as anonymous. I found a lot of broken links
for stories I’d loved, and it made me sad.
So, my two rules
for this list are as follows: each fic had to have UNDER 350 kudos (it’s
an arbitrary line of “under-appreciated”, I know, but I had to make
one), and the author in question had to have responded to their
comments. (I have a lot of feelings about this issue as a writer, so
it’s important to me.) Not every fic is Bucky/Steve (although the vast
majority are), so I’ve tried to label accordingly. I have no idea who
most of these people are on Tumblr, so if you see someone you recognize,
please reblog it and tag them. But mostly, peruse and enjoy and read
and maybe discover a new favorite or a story that slipped under the
radar for whatever reason.
All fics listed are in alphabetical order:
A Greek Tragedy
(Bucky/Steve) – I really want someone to do the art described in this
fic, because the way the author describes it is beautiful. I never saw
Steve & Bucky as Orpheus and Eurydice until I read this, and now I
can’t see them as anything else.
A Lucky Meeting
(Bucky/Clint/Steve – Modern AU) – This is basically a really hot and
funny ode to Clint’s arms and Bucky’s everything and Steve’s sass.
And It’s Breaking Over Me (Bruce/Clint) – Let’s talk about all the ways this entire fic was hot as hell, because DAMN. Seriously hot.
As In A Sea Series (Bruce/Steve) – I’m a huge poetry nerd, so this story was SO my jam. And I love the slow evolution of Bruce and Steve’s relationship.
Baby Steps
(Bucky/Steve) – Hands down, one of the best post-recovery Bucky fics
you will read. I could go on for hours about how awesome this fic is,
but I won’t. I’ll just tell you all to read it. 🙂
Bad Becomes Worse
(Bucky/Steve) – Holy hell, this story. It’s post-rescue Bucky not
really dealing well at all with his shit, and it is just phenomenal. And
the coda at the end, when they find each other in the present…if that
last paragraph doesn’t hit you right in ALL your Bucky feels, I don’t know, man.
Benefit (Bucky/Steve) – This one hit me in all the right places – the guys are messy and fucked up and still each other’s rock through it all, and the conversation about deserving each other is so spot on.
Bigger Than Us (Bucky/Steve) – Funny and touching in equal measure.
Born From Dark Water (Bucky/Natasha/Steve) – I love the Natasha POV in this one so much. Sooooo much.
Chickens On The Roof
(Peggy/Steve, Bucky/Steve) – One of the best Steve dealing with Peggy’s
death and learning to give himself a second chance fics out there.
Climatic Shifts Series
(Bucky/Steve) – I haven’t had a chance to read the last two parts in
this series yet, but the first three feature some amazingly hot porn and
some great characterizations, so I think you’re all in good hands.
Darkest Before Dawn
(Bucky/Steve) – The pairing’s slightly misleading, in that it’s mostly
Bucky & Bruce talking about their nightmares, and the entire fic is
reason 9283 why I will read anything biblionerd07 writes. Because she GETS these guys.
Dawn In The Fields (Snow And Dirty Rain)
(Bucky/Steve) – A beautifully quiet and introspective fic about Bucky
& Steve getting out and claiming a life just for them.
Devil’s Backbone (Bucky/Steve) – Steve, chasing a ghost. And wow, it punches all the right feel cards.
Dirt On My Hands, Blood On Yours
(Bucky/Skye|Daisy Johnson) – Okay, I’ll be honest here. The author is a
friend and I’ve been trying to bribe her into writing me the sequel for
awhile now, so if you could all encourage her, that’d be great. 😀 It’s
also a REALLY good take on Bucky during his incarceration and her Skye
voice is pitch perfect.
Every Blue Shade Of Green (Bruce/Clint) – I basically wanted 100k more of this story, it was that damn good.
Everything You Say (Sounds Like Gospel)
(Clint & Steve – Gen) – The author’s take on Steve here is SO
good. And there aren’t enough fics with Clint & Steve bonding.
Fever Dream (Bucky/Steve) – Not enough fics explore Bucky post-enlisting, but pre-war, and the author here does a great job with it.
Home of the Brave Series
(Bucky/Steve) – I’m just going to take a minute – just a minute – to
gush about this series. About how THIS series is possibly my favorite
Bucky/Steve fic series of all time. About how the way this author gets
every inch of Brubaker!Bucky & Steve – their faults and fuckups and
stubbornness and desperation and how tired they both are and how all
they want is to STOP and just go off the grid and be together. I have
no idea how many times I’ve read this series, or how many times I’ve
gone back to it for inspiration or just to generally marvel at how well
it captures what I love best about these guys. These fics were the ones
that spurred me into finally writing Bucky/Steve – because I wanted to
write something that touched someone else the way this series did me. I
owe this author a debt I can never, ever repay, but reccing it might be a
good start. I cannot – CANNOT – recommend this highly enough. If I ever have a chance to meet this writer, drinks will be on me for life.
Honey And Salt
(Bucky/Natasha/Steve) – Everything this author writes is great, but I
really loved her take on my (second) favorite OT3. And the humor is spot
on.
How The Story Goes (Bucky/Steve) – Just a great take on Bucky relearning himself and relearning Steve.
In These Rough Hands
(Bruce & Steve – Gen) – Bruce & Steve discuss their (apparent)
immortality and it’s heart-breaking, but also awesome. Not enough fics
explore their friendship and similarities.
Like A Sucker Punch
(Bucky/Steve) – Remember what I said earlier about defcontwo’s fics?
This one is a perfect example of why I will read anything she writes
ever. It’s comics-based and beautiful and Jesus, fuck, her Bucky is,
well, I have no words. But that’s okay, because this fic has plenty, and
they’re all brilliant.
Mabuhay (Steve & Natasha) – One of the better takes on Natasha & Steve after TWS and how they negotiate what comes next.
Mood Indigo (Bucky/Steve) – Awkward, pre-serum, teenage Bucky/Steve fics are my secret kryptonite and this one is shiveringly great.
Nothing But Death
(Bucky/Steve Time Loop AU) – This fic fucked me up for days after, in
the BEST of all possible ways. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve
reread it.
Now There’s A River (Bucky/Steve) – Just a quietly beautiful slice of life fic. With bonus Steve as a Springsteen fan, because YES HE WOULD BE.
Patterns In Nature (Bucky/Steve Magical Realism AU) – The use of language in this is soooooooooooo good.
Peace Behind Your Eyes
(Bucky/Steve) – Holy shit, this fic, you guys. I’m just going to leave
you with a quote, because, a) I wish I’d written it, and b) it’s one of
the best sentences on Bucky you will ever read: Somewhere in the future, when he has become dust after being a dock
worker, a comic book character and a ghost story, they might find him in
the footnotes of the history of human suffering and realize that after
the boogeyman came yet another, and then – then, nobody can say that
James Barnes occupying the final slot wasn’t a goddamn survivor.
Pitch & Flame
(Bucky/Steve – Secret Agents AU) – Full caveat. This fic was written
for me for a fic exchange, so yes, I am biased. But it is BRILLIANT. And
features the hottest non-blowjob scene you will ever read in your life.
I cannot say enough great things about how the author wrote the guys
and their relationship.
Reentry (Bucky/Steve) – Steve & Bucky heal each other, featuring some gorgeous imagery.
Rivets
(Bucky/Steve) – Basically, Bucky reclaiming his memories through a
series of body piercings that he uses as talismans. It’s as hot as you’d
expect, and as brilliantly done as you’d expect.
The Say My Name Series
(Bucky/Steve) – No clue why this entire series doesn’t have way more
love, but it’s definitely worth your time. The author’s take on Bucky is
outstanding.
Shadows Of Days That Are Gone (Bucky/Steve) – Just…trust me. The last line. WOW. I mean, it’s all great, but the last line.
Snapshots (Bucky/Steve) – Gorgeous use of language and rhythm in this one.
Stone Cold (Bucky/Steve) – Hands down, one of THE absolute best takes on Bucky and Steve as soldiers that I have ever read. I can’t say enough great things about this story. For those of you who have read my fic, The Rage of Achilles: A Love Story, just know that fic was partially an ode to this one.
That Old Autumn Anxiety (Betty/Bruce/Tony – Hades/Persephone AU) – SUCH a huge Greek Mythology fan and this fic captured that vibe so beautifully.
That Was Then (And We Are Now) (Bucky/Steve) – An older fic, but still one of the best one I’ve ever read that deal with Bucky learning to live with his past.
The Weight Of The World (Steve & Thor – Gen) – I’m a sucker for a well-written Thor fic and this is one of the better ones.
This Is Not
(Bucky/Peggy/Steve – Time Travel AU) – 1940s Peggy winds up in 2015 New
York, and it’s one of the most brilliantly written fics I’ve read in
this fandom.
To Stop My Mind From Wandering
(Bucky/Steve) – I think I’ve recc’d this already, and I will rec it a
thousand more times. What the author does here with how Bucky regains
his use of language as he regains his memories and sense of self is
nothing short of astonishing. It’s also funny as hell.
You Were My Greatest Downfall
(Bucky/Steve) – Read this one out loud. It’s like slam poetry and has
that same visceral rawness to it. And the ending. Jesus, the ending.
You’ve Got A Mean Swing, Point Break (Tony & Thor – Gen) – Tony learns to appreciate Thor’s intelligence and sense of honor. LOTS of team-building awesomeness.
Your Ghost Is Lingering (Bucky/Steve – Reincarnation AU) – Really unique take on reincarnation & the subtle shout-outs to canon are great.
Hello!!! And welcome to the disaster of the ship that is Stucky! Once you board, you will never be free.
So to get started, I’d recommend following these incredible people ((not all of them are Stucky exclusive, but Stucky and Marvel are what you will find most)) ((also this is by no means a comprehensive list or in any particular order))
shanology – one of the best stucky blogs for accurate and reliable info in the real world of the marvel universe concerning actors, production, filming, and general news. Also the author of amazing fics that can be found here at ao3. She’s mostly lurking right now, but she’s hands down one of my favorite persons and dear friend. ❤
ohcaptainmycaptain1918 – an amazing ((my favorite)) stucky fic author. If you want some of the most well written, captivating, heartfelt stucky fics in the fandom, look no further. This is a blog for you. Sweet as sugar and a precious cinnamon roll, they’re also a great and wonderful friend! ((okay, I’m probably going to say that a few times so I’ll stop now haha))
starlightmornings – my lovey! One of the sweetest people in the whole fandom, she’s another excellent author and makes some pretty kickass videos! You won’t go wrong following! ((hi, lovey!!))
stephrc79 – I don’t really like her. No i’m so kidding! Steph is fantastic and the author of The Life of Bucky Barnes series inspired by petite-madame ((another blog you should look into who makes some of the most beautiful fanart imaginable)). Seriously, check her out!
lostromanianpuppy – Another fantastic individual ((although, this whole Captive Prince situation is totally her fault)) Amazing and talented gif maker and adorably wonderful in every way!
fujoshizzle – You want to see some amazing manips? Look no further. This blogger is incredibly talented and so nice! She’s a lot busier lately, but when she’s around it’s lovely!
uncensoredsideblog – another incredible gif maker! Seriously, I can’t give enough credit to these people. A gift to the fandom for many reasons, especially making sure that credit goes to original posts of gif sets, art work, etc.
viper-seven – Stucky appreciation galore! Viper is awesome and is always sweet enough to make her appreciation known. You’ll find lots of glorious content of all sort including: gif sets, ficlets, fic recs, fanart, meta, and news etc.
yeahishipitbitch – Lovely as can be, I can personally take credit for her boarding this ship ((yaaaay!!!)) Another fic writer and adorably sweet. Really, go adore her!
witchaj – Stucky blogger and starting to come out with some really great fanart! She’s one of the nicest people ever. Seriously. the nicest. For real!!
notallbees – amazing fanart. every time i see work by them I’m totally blown away.
fuck-me-barnes – more amazing fics and an awesome blogger to boot. Another lovely person ((though i’m pretty sure all this list is lol))
boopboopbi – wanna cry? wanna have your heart ripped out? Check out their fics. You will not go wrong, I promise.
ink-phoenix – here you will find tons of meta that will also probably make you cry. You’ve been warned.
luninosity – Another of my favorite authors! Multi-fandom author, she does write stucky and my goodness will she completely blow you away.
rocksaltandroll – okay, so this blogger has recently stepped back a bit from the stucky fandom, but there’s no way I can’t rec since the stucky fics she’s written are amazing.
jimmy-joker – more amazing manips! I seriously cannot express the talent I admire in all these people!
beardysteve – amazing edits and art! like incredible! and hilarious. read the tags on their posts. the laughs are glorious.
killjoyinacape – not predominantly Stucky, but tons of marvel and one totally kickass person!
touchyourblood – again, not predominately Stucky, but a copious amount of Marvel and meta on Steve and Bucky. And this person happens to be one of the closest person to me in the world. So naturally, she’s a jackass.
Now, I know I’m missing more amazing blogs and people so this is not a complete list and I apologize to those I’ve missed! Also, many of these blogs posts mature content and nsfw images, but they all tag accordingly so it can be avoided if necessary!
MCU ff writers, again off the top of my head: ohcaptainmycaptain1918, boopboopbi, buckmebxrnes, and…. wow these are the only authors I can give you…. I’m good at remembering fic titles but I am honestly terrible at paying attention to who the authors are, let alone remember them……………………….
THERE’S MORE BUT IT’S PAST 2AM AND I CANNOT THINK.
Uh shaish is a good writer too. *points up, blows a smooch for the rec* Also : cesperanza, relenafanel I’m sure I’m missing some. I’ll glance at my recs.
ealdor 