recthething | Rectember: Works I've enjoyed many times (Steve/Bucky) (Reply)

So when I was choosing fics to rec for this theme, I wasn't paying attention to any overall themes that were occurring. But now that I have compiled the list, I have realised that they all follow the same theme, which is domestic & emotional intimacy. There's also lots of sexual intimacy but the domestic intimacy really stands out.

So if you like Steve/Bucky (because I am still on that train) and love domestic intimacy then boy, do I have a list for you.

Every Tree that is Pleasant by spitandvinegar
“As near as we can figure,” Tony said, “we had two incredibly ridiculous things happen at once. The first was Cap and murderbot activated a device that was sort of the juiced-up remote version of the thing that they used to scramble Barnes' brains back in the day. The second is that Mad Madame Mim here panicked and tried to get the universe to move them out of the room, and instead accidentally sent them to outer space.”

→ Steve and Bucky not only get accidentally sent to another dimension but they also have their memories wiped and then have to come up with their own versions of what people are. This is the story of their recovery (spoiler: they get their memories back) and is full of what I would term "feral domestic intimacy".

Grab your things, I've come to take you home by belovedmuerto
Steve getting hit with some sparkly purple sh*t during a battle and left with all of his old ailments gives Bucky the opportunity to do something he's been meaning to do for ages.

→ This is a lovely fic about Bucky taking care of Steve, even if Steve doesn't always appreciate it. Lot's of lovely domestic moments in this.

Hands of Clay by mhalachai
James Barnes leads a busy life as a single working father in New York. But when his childhood best friend Steve Rogers falls back into his life, James will have to re-learn what love, friendship and family are really all about.

→ For a 400k+ story, I have re-read this far too many times. It was recently completed, so if you have been holding off on reading a WIP, now is your chance. This is an epic tale of love and domesticity and even if kidfic isn't your thing, I think this is worth it.

Recipriocity by osprey_archer
"“You want me to give you a handjob,” said Steve, because he was having trouble processing this. “You can’t take care of it yourself?”

“No.” Bucky sounded annoyed. “Self-abuse makes you go blind and grow hair on your palms.”

Of course one of the few things Bucky remembered from the thirties were anti-masturbation pamphlets."

→ The summary doesn't really do this story justice. It's a 130k+ series that covers Bucky's recovery from the Winter Soldier and the progression of Steve & Bucky's relationship. I think this fic has a really unique take on Bucky's recovery in that Bucky is actually kind of an asshole, and while you can see the horrible, traumatic reasons for his assholery, his behaviour isn't forgiven or pushed aside. Steve also has issues that the fic explores and the two of them work through things together. But I really love the intimacy that is scattered throughout this fic. Some of it's sexual, some of it's emotional and some of it's domestic but it is all very satisfying.

Scents and Sensibility: The Working Assassin's Guide to Supersoldier Seduction by galwednesday, silentwalrus & skellerbvvt
Captain America wakes up from the ice in 2013. The Winter Soldier wakes up in 2009, or rather defects from HYDRA, for a value of defect that’s closer to decimate. He ends up working for SHIELD. In April 2014, he’s assigned to Captain America’s mission as a sniper. Steve’s just trying to get some kind of life together. Bucky is too, or at least he was until tall, blond and Captain shows up and starts just - being there, all the time. It’s terrible. It’s the worst. He has to do something about it.

→ A unique take on ABO dynamics that I think is worth it every if you don't like ABO. It's also very funny and definitely worth it for the humor. It's also worth it for the intimacy of Steve and Bucky getting together.

Sparked up like a book of matches by sena
Steve lives in Stark Tower and doesn't have much to do when he's not going after Hydra strongholds. He attends charity events to make Pepper happy. He goes hiking with Sam. He hangs out with Clint in Bed-Stuy and watches Dog Cops. Sometimes Tony gives him super alcohol in a sippy cup. Sometimes he sees Bucky out of the corner of his eye and wonders if it's real or if he's starting to lose his mind. Alternately, the one with terrible jokes, a foot chase through the Lower East Side, and a tiny little robot named Shitcan.

→ Perhaps more of a character study of Steve but the Steve/Bucky content is still great in this. A very satisfying read.

When You’ve Died For Your Country You Can Wear Whatever You Want by Paraxdisepink
Steve comes home to find Bucky relaxing in a super snuggly extra fluffy footie onesie.

→ There's nothing sexual or kinky in relation to the onesie. I don't know if that's going to make people grateful or disappointed but I just really loved reading about Steve and Bucky snuggling on the couch.

Whole Lives by claudia_flies
They find the dog by accident.

→ And finally, who doesn't like fics with dogs?