Comprehensive Steve/Natasha Fic Recs Post
After watching Winter Soldier, I decided to seek out every Steve/Natasha fic that I could find. I must have read hundreds of stories. A lot of them were okay, some were pretty bad. Below I have listed the few that I bookmarked as the best.
It’s just my opinion, but I think that these stories are the best that this ship has to offer at the moment. I wanted to put them all in one convenient location for others who are seeking fic with this pairing and don’t know where to start.
I’ve split them up into 7 categories: UST, first time (teen or lower), first time (mature), missing scenes, avengers assemble, established relationship and series/other.
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UST
Stories in which Cap and Natasha don’t actually get together but have simmering chemistry (unresolved sexual tension).
Title: The Glass Parade
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/974616
Word Count: 6781
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve thinks that he’s seen Natasha be at least three different people in the short time he’s known her, and he isn’t sure which one is real. [In which the most confusing part of the future is how much Steve has in common with Natasha, and the fact that she seems dead-set on being his friend.]
Reason for rec: Natasha is delightfully mischievous in this, which I think we see is definitely part of her personality in Winter Soldier. Steve finds her to be equal parts bewildering and intriguing, and eventually he gets her to open up to him. I’m also a sucker for a good depiction of Nat and Clint’s friendship.
Title: Coffee Time
Author: alwaysmyoriginalsin
Link: http://alwaysmyoriginalsin.tumblr.com/post/81297656464/coffee-time-steve-natasha-drabble
Word Count: 245
Rating: PG
Author summary: "Please tell me you’ve already asked Sharon out for coffee."
Reason for rec: Set after Winter Soldier. This is just an adorable drabble that allows Cap to fumble awkwardly when he finally sees Nat again.
Title: The Wrong Business
Author: Atl_criminal33
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1425595
Word Count: 1713
Rating: Teen
Author summary: She was a spy, but she was a soldier. She was a women, but she was a tool. Lastly Natasha Romanoff was heaven and hell combined into one, fighting a war that no one can win; a war against herself.
Reason for rec: Set after Winter Soldier. Great banter in the midst of some dark Natasha POV. Steve finds Nat and gives her a little hope.
Title: Find You in the Morning Sun
Author: EmilianaDarling
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/826923#main
Word Count: 12340
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Steve is having trouble adjusting to life in his brave new world. Natasha helps him as best she can.
Reason for rec: Set post-Avengers. Natasha sees something in Steve. She takes a special interest in him, and I like that. I like the idea that she sees herself in him, and she wants to be there for him in ways that no one was for her.
Title: Letters Home
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1294273
Word Count: 516
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve dreams about the ice.
Reason for rec: Sweet but not overly so. Just a quiet moment of comfort between Natasha and Steve.
Title: New Coats and New Hats
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1325608
Word Count: 1851
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Five times Steve felt awkward sharing a hotel room with Natasha, and one time it wasn’t awkward at all.
Reason for rec: This author really got the perfect balance of banter an awkwardness between Cap and Natasha, which is especially impressive when you consider that she wrote it before Winter Soldier came out.
Title: Breaking and Entering
Author: InitialA
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1281712
Word Count: 1510
Rating: Teen
Author summary: It almost became a running joke, to see how often and how creative she could get to enter his apartment, and how long it would take him to notice she was there or did something
Reason for rec: Natasha is cheerful and mischievous, and Steve, well, this line sums it up pretty well - “At least wait until I’m fully awake before we start a battle of wits.”
Title: Untitled
Author: Whoever who runs the “Archive of Romanogers headcanons” (I think)
Link: http://fromsupersoldiers-tostroganoff.tumblr.com/post/51955043865/natasha-woke-up-that-morning-craving-pancakes-and
Word Count: 724
Rating: PG
Author summary: Natasha woke up that morning craving pancakes, and it was all Rogers’ fault.
Reason for rec: I normally hate “Natasha has a crush” fics, but this is the exception. Steve can’t help being adorable, and I love how irritated Natasha is by her own reaction to that.
Title: Avengers, Assemble?
Author: Fenix84
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8677487/1/Avengers-Assemble
Word count: 1588
Rating: Teen
Author summary: The Avengers reunite to save one of their own. However, things are not what they seem to be...
Reason for rec: Short and sweet - Natasha gets to be strong and in charge, and Steve gets to be earnest and heroic. There’s a nice twist too.
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First time (teen or lower)
Stories that end with Steve and Natasha getting together for the first time. This bunch are all PG-13 or less, so we’re talking anything from first kiss to first “fade to black” love scene.Title: Late at Night
Author: CardiffDoll
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8182453/1/Late_at_Night
Word Count: 2190
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Steve can't sleep. Natasha breaks some personal rules to help. Not what you'd think! [Set a year-ish post-Avengers; prequel to “It’s a Fire.]
Reason for rec: Quiet and beautiful. Steve is often depicted as nervous and timid, and what I like about this story is that the focus is on Natasha - she is particularly sensitive to and excited by his “terrible tenderness.”
Title: It’s a Fire
Author: CardiffDoll
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8222906/1/Its_a_Fire
Word Count: 1285
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Sequel to "Late at Night". Steve x Natasha, so... Stasha.
Reason for rec: Even more gorgeous than its prequel, this one is from Steve’s POV. The way he wonders why Natasha is so comfortable revealing her body while she hides her emotions is really well done. Plus, I’m a sucker for those “waking up in bed together” fics.
Title: She's a swell gal, with a gun in her hand
Author: eleanor_lavish
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/423396
Word Count: 2547
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve thinks Natasha Romanoff is the most impressive girl he’s ever met.
Reason for rec: It’s almost like a series of drabbles in which Steve tries to figure Natasha out. Excellent Steve-POV, but Natasha is beautifully rendered too. It was written long before Winter Soldier came out, so I was especially impressed by how much it reminds me of the “what do you want me to be” scene.
Title: Benedict (How Do You Take Your Eggs?)
Author: waldorph
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/638010
Word Count: 1355
Rating: Teen
Author summary: "It's the most important meal of the day," he says.
Reason for rec: Ten breakfasts that Steve and Tasha eat together, showing the progress of their relationship. They are equal parts fun, witty, and revealing. The author really understands both characters, and it all seems very real.
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First time (mature)
Stories that end with Steve and Natasha getting together for the first time. This bunch are all R-rated or higher. No kiddies allowed.Title: Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes
Author: leiascully
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/414443/chapters/688363
Word Count: 33217
Rating: Mature
Author summary: For their third third date, Steve and Natasha did something special. Post-Avengers
Reason for rec: Probably my absolute favorite fic. It feels so real to me that post-Avengers Steve would still be grieving Peggy, and that this fluffy thing between Steve and Natasha could develop, and that Natasha would initially be very hard to read and Steve very uncomfortable. Oh, and it develops into incredibly hot smut (but with plot! And character growth!).
Title: I Only Pretend To Know Everything
Author: copperbadge
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1469803
Word Count: 1797
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Steve and Natasha find a little comfort in each other (and in Sam Wilson's guest bedroom).
Reason for rec: I feel like a lot of fics either make Steve and Natasha too serious or they go too far the other way and we get crack-fic. This is the perfect balance. The banter is wonderful.
Title: Moving The Furniture
Author: copperbadge
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/414889
Word Count: 6911
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Steve thinks about sex a lot, and he'd like to have some, if he could just stop being an idiot around the people he'd like to have it with.
Reason for rec: I almost put this in the ensemble category, because the other Avengers are all in it and they are amazing (hilarious and in character). I love how Steve is depicted here as moral without being an overly naïve goody-goody. He’s just a genuinely good person, and you can see Natasha noticing that, and that’s what attracts her to him.
Title: what a smile means
Author: victoria_p (musesfool)
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/404823
Word Count: 4475
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Natasha knows a lot of things Steve doesn't.
Reason for rec: The author summary is ironic, because I read this as a piece about Natasha discovering things about Steve and becoming more intrigued by him. It flows well and the development of their relationship feels natural.
Title: No Regrets
Author: InitialA
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1323691
Word Count: 1672
Rating: Mature
Author summary: They were both out of breath. The water beat down on them, rinsing away their blood and sweat, the steam rising around them; it was a moment out of time, a slight pause, a break from the chaos of their lives.
Reason for rec: This is just hot. But also, even though Natasha is aggressive and snarky and wonderful, Steve matches her tit for tat. I love it.
Title: Win-Win
Author: argle_fraster
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/405931
Word Count: 3769
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Natasha and Steve spar, in more ways than one.
Reason for rec: There aren’t a lot of stories like this that aren’t either dark/serious or funny/cracky. This is different. The characters are exhilarated and joyful, and it’s a happy, fun read.
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Missing Scenes
Stories that fill in the gaps in Captain America 2. These are the scenes that we didn’t get to see in the movie. Lots of UST.
Title: I Swear We're Gonna Make It, Sooner or Later
Author: chalantness
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10253906/1/
Word Count: 1616
Rating: Teen
Author summary: He shifts her in his arms a little and says, "Hey," and gets this smile on his face that shouldn't make him look so attractive considering the layer of dirt coating his skin.
Reason for rec: Set after the bunker explosion, it is perfect. The author gets their banter and UST just right. Natasha is suggestive and sarcastic, and Steve is amused and gallant. Not to mention they have an absolutely beautiful moment together. It’s perfect.
Title: We Carry Ourselves Forward, Get By With What We Can
Author: andibeth82
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1443097
Word Count: 2573
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: “Look, no offense, Rogers. But I don’t give up those parts of my life so easily…not even to someone who saves it.” There’s a genuine tone of regret in her voice, and he doesn’t miss the way it sneaks in underneath the retort.
Reason for rec: Post-bunker explosion. Steve is able to go round for round with Natasha in the banter department, which is as it should be. The snark is balanced by some real honest conversation.
Title: The Wolves
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1422664
Word Count: 890
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve talks as he drives the truck south, away from the place that made him, back toward the city that wants him dead. A fill-in scene for Winter Soldier.
Reason for rec: Another post-bunker explosion! Short, simple, sweet (but not sappy). Steve’s POV, so we get to see his concern for Natasha.
Title: Hurricanes
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1437910
Word Count: 1180
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Natasha visits Steve in the hospital.
Reason for rec: Set after Bucky drags Steve to shore. Completely believable and lovely look at what might have happened in the hospital as Steve recovered.
Steve’s POV, and I love this bit, “It’s surprise, he thinks now, and something deeper, something a little like wonder. It makes his heart ache, suddenly, realizing that’s her reaction to being trusted, being valued.” But don’t worry, because Natasha doesn’t let it get too sappy.
Title: The Winter Followed Me
Author: Nilly's Issue
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9842425/1/The-Winter-Followed-Me
Word Count: 2824
Rating: Teen
Author summary: When it ends, they hunker down in a motel room. This isn't to say that anything ends. (Steve and Natasha in the aftermath of the Winter Soldier.)
Reason for rec: This probably doesn’t count as a missing scene, because it was published before the movie came out. It’s set after an ending that never happened - one in which Steve had to kill Bucky. It’s dark and sad and beautiful.
Title: Bruises
Author: Initial A
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9394823/1/Bruises
Word Count: 765
Rating: K+
Author summary: The Avengers regroup to capture Loki after Tony falls back through the portal. Implied interest. Fluff.
Reason for rec: This is actually a missing scene from The Avengers. As the author says, “Well, upon the umpteenth viewing of The Avengers, I noticed that everyone’s faces were all cleared of dirt and grime and blood during the close-up “I’ll have that drink now” scene with Loki in the last five minutes. And I thought that was pretty unrealistic.” It’s a sweet little hint at the start of something between Steve and Natasha.
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Avengers Assemble!
Stories that feature other members of the Avengers crew; the Steve/Natasha plot is secondary or runs parallel to fun ensemble hijinks.Title: American and Russian Relations in the 21st Century
Author: Margo_Kim
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/527622
Word count: 2548
Rating: Teen
Author Summary: Written for the Avengers kinkmeme: An outsider perspective on Steve's new relationship. Darcy thinks there's something funny about Steve and Natasha's new relationship. Erik and Jane think she's crazy.
Reason for rec: Mainly features Darcy, Erik, and Jane ruminating on Steve/Natasha. All three are wonderfully in character and hilarious (especially Darcy), but it is also a very sweet look at the relationship.
Title: Without the Usual Cost of Labor
Author: vain_glorious
Link: http://vain-glorious.dreamwidth.org/35997.html
Wordcount: 6,400
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Gen
Author Summary: "Someone just reported to SHIELD that whatever was stolen produced “viable offspring,” and we’re hoping that doesn’t mean what we think it does,” Bruce says, evidently deciding to take over for Tony after only one masturbation joke.
Reason for rec: There’s actually not that much direct interaction between Cap and Natasha, but this story is just awesome. It’s written from Tony’s POV, which is hilarious. Everyone is written extremely well, and even thought the concept sounds like it should be crack-fic, it’s actually completely believable.
Title: K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Author: The North Wyn
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9449575/1/K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Word count: 656
Rating: K
Author Summary: When Steve and Natasha come home after a mission, the rest of the boys have something to say. Slightly cracky. Very vague spoilers for Captain America 2.
Reason for rec: Tony and Clint team up to be immature brats in this adorable drabble. Natasha’s POV is well done, and I like that Cap isn’t totally uptight.
Title: I Bet His Mama Never Told Him Why
Author: circ_bamboo
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/446287
Word Count: 941
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: It’s not going to work out. Prompt: avengers, Natasha/Steve, 31. Date a nice guy.
Reason for rec: Natasha’s POV is funny and the gang is well written. I just love the ending to this one. Simple and perfect.
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Established relationship
Stories in which Cap and Natasha are already in a relationship.
Title: Clandestine
Author: RobertDowneyJrLove
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9380766/1/Clandestine
Word Count: 1922
Rating: K+
Author summary: One thing, Steve Rogers was sure of, things were never boring where Natasha Romanoff was concerned.
Reason for rec: I love this. All of Natasha’s quirks are here in full force, and Steve rolls with it. In fact, he loves her all the more for it.
Title: Untitled
Author: urulokid
Link: http://urulokid.tumblr.com/post/61350376621/she-wakes-up-pressed-into-his-side-her-leg-up
Word Count: 873
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Answer to the challenge: Smut. Avengers (and specifically Natasha) flavoured.
Reason for rec: Their daily grind is very different from ours. I love it. There is passion and domesticity and grit all mixed together.
Title: In the Early Light of Morning
Author: NiNA-eN
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8555971/1/in-the-early-light-of-morning
Rating: K
Author summary: For a moment, she is disoriented. -Natasha Romanov/Steve Rogers.
Reason for rec: I love fics where two people are lying in bed and you get all of their senses up close. This one is short and sweet, and it reveals a lot about Natasha.
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Series & Other
Series and stories don’t quite fit in any of the above categories. I’ll explain why for each one individually.
Title: How The Light Gets In
Author: singalellaby
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/collections/marvel_bang_2013/works/1031946
Word Count: 19359
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Losing his sight may mean Steve can't fight alongside the Avengers, but he's still a super soldier. Natasha just needs to remind him of that.
Reason for rec: This is one of the few multi-chapter fics I have here. It’s a slow burn, but a good one.
Title: Days of Future Past
Author: daro-jesse
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10246445/1/Days-of-Future-Past
Word Count: 3220
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Still thinking about that brief kiss he shared with Natasha, Captain Rogers finds himself back in his apartment remembering a night six months ago that would have changed everything between him and the Black Widow - if she would only admit to remembering it! One-shot.
Reason for rec: It’s not exactly a “first time” fic, because it happened in the past and Natasha (maybe) doesn’t remember it.
Title: Fairy Godmother With A Gun
Author: Bombshell1701
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8218043/1/Fairy-Godmother-With-A-Gun
Word Count: 11203
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Natasha takes Steve out on a 'practice date' and they end up getting to know each other over lots of vodka! A spin-off from the series SPEED OF LIFE, helps to have read that first. Rated T for mild angst and heavy drinking!
Reason for rec: I would honestly just skip the last chapter of this one, because it veers off from Steve/Natasha, but the rest of it is so great that I still included it here.
Title: Cold War Relations
Author: InitialA
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/21852
Word Count: 8599
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Steve and Natasha: A love story. (may not always line up, but always about them)
Reason for rec: This is an ongoing series, and each addition is delightful.
Author: BloodRedRidingHood
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/51028
Word Count: 18525
Rating: Mature
Author summary: All he knew was that it was the beginning of something...
Reason for rec: A 21-part-and-still-growing series. Slow and realistic development of the relationship. I’m also a sucker for fics that feature the other Avengers, and this one does that extremely well.
It’s just my opinion, but I think that these stories are the best that this ship has to offer at the moment. I wanted to put them all in one convenient location for others who are seeking fic with this pairing and don’t know where to start.
I’ve split them up into 7 categories: UST, first time (teen or lower), first time (mature), missing scenes, avengers assemble, established relationship and series/other.
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UST
Stories in which Cap and Natasha don’t actually get together but have simmering chemistry (unresolved sexual tension).
Title: The Glass Parade
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/974616
Word Count: 6781
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve thinks that he’s seen Natasha be at least three different people in the short time he’s known her, and he isn’t sure which one is real. [In which the most confusing part of the future is how much Steve has in common with Natasha, and the fact that she seems dead-set on being his friend.]
Reason for rec: Natasha is delightfully mischievous in this, which I think we see is definitely part of her personality in Winter Soldier. Steve finds her to be equal parts bewildering and intriguing, and eventually he gets her to open up to him. I’m also a sucker for a good depiction of Nat and Clint’s friendship.
Title: Coffee Time
Author: alwaysmyoriginalsin
Link: http://alwaysmyoriginalsin.tumblr.com/post/81297656464/coffee-time-steve-natasha-drabble
Word Count: 245
Rating: PG
Author summary: "Please tell me you’ve already asked Sharon out for coffee."
Reason for rec: Set after Winter Soldier. This is just an adorable drabble that allows Cap to fumble awkwardly when he finally sees Nat again.
Title: The Wrong Business
Author: Atl_criminal33
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1425595
Word Count: 1713
Rating: Teen
Author summary: She was a spy, but she was a soldier. She was a women, but she was a tool. Lastly Natasha Romanoff was heaven and hell combined into one, fighting a war that no one can win; a war against herself.
Reason for rec: Set after Winter Soldier. Great banter in the midst of some dark Natasha POV. Steve finds Nat and gives her a little hope.
Title: Find You in the Morning Sun
Author: EmilianaDarling
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/826923#main
Word Count: 12340
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Steve is having trouble adjusting to life in his brave new world. Natasha helps him as best she can.
Reason for rec: Set post-Avengers. Natasha sees something in Steve. She takes a special interest in him, and I like that. I like the idea that she sees herself in him, and she wants to be there for him in ways that no one was for her.
Title: Letters Home
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1294273
Word Count: 516
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve dreams about the ice.
Reason for rec: Sweet but not overly so. Just a quiet moment of comfort between Natasha and Steve.
Title: New Coats and New Hats
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1325608
Word Count: 1851
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Five times Steve felt awkward sharing a hotel room with Natasha, and one time it wasn’t awkward at all.
Reason for rec: This author really got the perfect balance of banter an awkwardness between Cap and Natasha, which is especially impressive when you consider that she wrote it before Winter Soldier came out.
Title: Breaking and Entering
Author: InitialA
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1281712
Word Count: 1510
Rating: Teen
Author summary: It almost became a running joke, to see how often and how creative she could get to enter his apartment, and how long it would take him to notice she was there or did something
Reason for rec: Natasha is cheerful and mischievous, and Steve, well, this line sums it up pretty well - “At least wait until I’m fully awake before we start a battle of wits.”
Title: Untitled
Author: Whoever who runs the “Archive of Romanogers headcanons” (I think)
Link: http://fromsupersoldiers-tostroganoff.tumblr.com/post/51955043865/natasha-woke-up-that-morning-craving-pancakes-and
Word Count: 724
Rating: PG
Author summary: Natasha woke up that morning craving pancakes, and it was all Rogers’ fault.
Reason for rec: I normally hate “Natasha has a crush” fics, but this is the exception. Steve can’t help being adorable, and I love how irritated Natasha is by her own reaction to that.
Title: Avengers, Assemble?
Author: Fenix84
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8677487/1/Avengers-Assemble
Word count: 1588
Rating: Teen
Author summary: The Avengers reunite to save one of their own. However, things are not what they seem to be...
Reason for rec: Short and sweet - Natasha gets to be strong and in charge, and Steve gets to be earnest and heroic. There’s a nice twist too.
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First time (teen or lower)
Stories that end with Steve and Natasha getting together for the first time. This bunch are all PG-13 or less, so we’re talking anything from first kiss to first “fade to black” love scene.Title: Late at Night
Author: CardiffDoll
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8182453/1/Late_at_Night
Word Count: 2190
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Steve can't sleep. Natasha breaks some personal rules to help. Not what you'd think! [Set a year-ish post-Avengers; prequel to “It’s a Fire.]
Reason for rec: Quiet and beautiful. Steve is often depicted as nervous and timid, and what I like about this story is that the focus is on Natasha - she is particularly sensitive to and excited by his “terrible tenderness.”
Title: It’s a Fire
Author: CardiffDoll
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8222906/1/Its_a_Fire
Word Count: 1285
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Sequel to "Late at Night". Steve x Natasha, so... Stasha.
Reason for rec: Even more gorgeous than its prequel, this one is from Steve’s POV. The way he wonders why Natasha is so comfortable revealing her body while she hides her emotions is really well done. Plus, I’m a sucker for those “waking up in bed together” fics.
Title: She's a swell gal, with a gun in her hand
Author: eleanor_lavish
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/423396
Word Count: 2547
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve thinks Natasha Romanoff is the most impressive girl he’s ever met.
Reason for rec: It’s almost like a series of drabbles in which Steve tries to figure Natasha out. Excellent Steve-POV, but Natasha is beautifully rendered too. It was written long before Winter Soldier came out, so I was especially impressed by how much it reminds me of the “what do you want me to be” scene.
Title: Benedict (How Do You Take Your Eggs?)
Author: waldorph
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/638010
Word Count: 1355
Rating: Teen
Author summary: "It's the most important meal of the day," he says.
Reason for rec: Ten breakfasts that Steve and Tasha eat together, showing the progress of their relationship. They are equal parts fun, witty, and revealing. The author really understands both characters, and it all seems very real.
~0~0~0~
First time (mature)
Stories that end with Steve and Natasha getting together for the first time. This bunch are all R-rated or higher. No kiddies allowed.Title: Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes
Author: leiascully
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/414443/chapters/688363
Word Count: 33217
Rating: Mature
Author summary: For their third third date, Steve and Natasha did something special. Post-Avengers
Reason for rec: Probably my absolute favorite fic. It feels so real to me that post-Avengers Steve would still be grieving Peggy, and that this fluffy thing between Steve and Natasha could develop, and that Natasha would initially be very hard to read and Steve very uncomfortable. Oh, and it develops into incredibly hot smut (but with plot! And character growth!).
Title: I Only Pretend To Know Everything
Author: copperbadge
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1469803
Word Count: 1797
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Steve and Natasha find a little comfort in each other (and in Sam Wilson's guest bedroom).
Reason for rec: I feel like a lot of fics either make Steve and Natasha too serious or they go too far the other way and we get crack-fic. This is the perfect balance. The banter is wonderful.
Title: Moving The Furniture
Author: copperbadge
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/414889
Word Count: 6911
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Steve thinks about sex a lot, and he'd like to have some, if he could just stop being an idiot around the people he'd like to have it with.
Reason for rec: I almost put this in the ensemble category, because the other Avengers are all in it and they are amazing (hilarious and in character). I love how Steve is depicted here as moral without being an overly naïve goody-goody. He’s just a genuinely good person, and you can see Natasha noticing that, and that’s what attracts her to him.
Title: what a smile means
Author: victoria_p (musesfool)
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/404823
Word Count: 4475
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Natasha knows a lot of things Steve doesn't.
Reason for rec: The author summary is ironic, because I read this as a piece about Natasha discovering things about Steve and becoming more intrigued by him. It flows well and the development of their relationship feels natural.
Title: No Regrets
Author: InitialA
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1323691
Word Count: 1672
Rating: Mature
Author summary: They were both out of breath. The water beat down on them, rinsing away their blood and sweat, the steam rising around them; it was a moment out of time, a slight pause, a break from the chaos of their lives.
Reason for rec: This is just hot. But also, even though Natasha is aggressive and snarky and wonderful, Steve matches her tit for tat. I love it.
Title: Win-Win
Author: argle_fraster
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/405931
Word Count: 3769
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Natasha and Steve spar, in more ways than one.
Reason for rec: There aren’t a lot of stories like this that aren’t either dark/serious or funny/cracky. This is different. The characters are exhilarated and joyful, and it’s a happy, fun read.
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Missing Scenes
Stories that fill in the gaps in Captain America 2. These are the scenes that we didn’t get to see in the movie. Lots of UST.
Title: I Swear We're Gonna Make It, Sooner or Later
Author: chalantness
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10253906/1/
Word Count: 1616
Rating: Teen
Author summary: He shifts her in his arms a little and says, "Hey," and gets this smile on his face that shouldn't make him look so attractive considering the layer of dirt coating his skin.
Reason for rec: Set after the bunker explosion, it is perfect. The author gets their banter and UST just right. Natasha is suggestive and sarcastic, and Steve is amused and gallant. Not to mention they have an absolutely beautiful moment together. It’s perfect.
Title: We Carry Ourselves Forward, Get By With What We Can
Author: andibeth82
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1443097
Word Count: 2573
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: “Look, no offense, Rogers. But I don’t give up those parts of my life so easily…not even to someone who saves it.” There’s a genuine tone of regret in her voice, and he doesn’t miss the way it sneaks in underneath the retort.
Reason for rec: Post-bunker explosion. Steve is able to go round for round with Natasha in the banter department, which is as it should be. The snark is balanced by some real honest conversation.
Title: The Wolves
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1422664
Word Count: 890
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Steve talks as he drives the truck south, away from the place that made him, back toward the city that wants him dead. A fill-in scene for Winter Soldier.
Reason for rec: Another post-bunker explosion! Short, simple, sweet (but not sappy). Steve’s POV, so we get to see his concern for Natasha.
Title: Hurricanes
Author: enigma731
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/1437910
Word Count: 1180
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: Natasha visits Steve in the hospital.
Reason for rec: Set after Bucky drags Steve to shore. Completely believable and lovely look at what might have happened in the hospital as Steve recovered.
Steve’s POV, and I love this bit, “It’s surprise, he thinks now, and something deeper, something a little like wonder. It makes his heart ache, suddenly, realizing that’s her reaction to being trusted, being valued.” But don’t worry, because Natasha doesn’t let it get too sappy.
Title: The Winter Followed Me
Author: Nilly's Issue
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9842425/1/The-Winter-Followed-Me
Word Count: 2824
Rating: Teen
Author summary: When it ends, they hunker down in a motel room. This isn't to say that anything ends. (Steve and Natasha in the aftermath of the Winter Soldier.)
Reason for rec: This probably doesn’t count as a missing scene, because it was published before the movie came out. It’s set after an ending that never happened - one in which Steve had to kill Bucky. It’s dark and sad and beautiful.
Title: Bruises
Author: Initial A
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9394823/1/Bruises
Word Count: 765
Rating: K+
Author summary: The Avengers regroup to capture Loki after Tony falls back through the portal. Implied interest. Fluff.
Reason for rec: This is actually a missing scene from The Avengers. As the author says, “Well, upon the umpteenth viewing of The Avengers, I noticed that everyone’s faces were all cleared of dirt and grime and blood during the close-up “I’ll have that drink now” scene with Loki in the last five minutes. And I thought that was pretty unrealistic.” It’s a sweet little hint at the start of something between Steve and Natasha.
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Avengers Assemble!
Stories that feature other members of the Avengers crew; the Steve/Natasha plot is secondary or runs parallel to fun ensemble hijinks.Title: American and Russian Relations in the 21st Century
Author: Margo_Kim
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/527622
Word count: 2548
Rating: Teen
Author Summary: Written for the Avengers kinkmeme: An outsider perspective on Steve's new relationship. Darcy thinks there's something funny about Steve and Natasha's new relationship. Erik and Jane think she's crazy.
Reason for rec: Mainly features Darcy, Erik, and Jane ruminating on Steve/Natasha. All three are wonderfully in character and hilarious (especially Darcy), but it is also a very sweet look at the relationship.
Title: Without the Usual Cost of Labor
Author: vain_glorious
Link: http://vain-glorious.dreamwidth.org/35997.html
Wordcount: 6,400
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Gen
Author Summary: "Someone just reported to SHIELD that whatever was stolen produced “viable offspring,” and we’re hoping that doesn’t mean what we think it does,” Bruce says, evidently deciding to take over for Tony after only one masturbation joke.
Reason for rec: There’s actually not that much direct interaction between Cap and Natasha, but this story is just awesome. It’s written from Tony’s POV, which is hilarious. Everyone is written extremely well, and even thought the concept sounds like it should be crack-fic, it’s actually completely believable.
Title: K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Author: The North Wyn
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9449575/1/K-I-S-S-I-N-G
Word count: 656
Rating: K
Author Summary: When Steve and Natasha come home after a mission, the rest of the boys have something to say. Slightly cracky. Very vague spoilers for Captain America 2.
Reason for rec: Tony and Clint team up to be immature brats in this adorable drabble. Natasha’s POV is well done, and I like that Cap isn’t totally uptight.
Title: I Bet His Mama Never Told Him Why
Author: circ_bamboo
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/446287
Word Count: 941
Rating: General audiences
Author summary: It’s not going to work out. Prompt: avengers, Natasha/Steve, 31. Date a nice guy.
Reason for rec: Natasha’s POV is funny and the gang is well written. I just love the ending to this one. Simple and perfect.
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Established relationship
Stories in which Cap and Natasha are already in a relationship.
Title: Clandestine
Author: RobertDowneyJrLove
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9380766/1/Clandestine
Word Count: 1922
Rating: K+
Author summary: One thing, Steve Rogers was sure of, things were never boring where Natasha Romanoff was concerned.
Reason for rec: I love this. All of Natasha’s quirks are here in full force, and Steve rolls with it. In fact, he loves her all the more for it.
Title: Untitled
Author: urulokid
Link: http://urulokid.tumblr.com/post/61350376621/she-wakes-up-pressed-into-his-side-her-leg-up
Word Count: 873
Rating: Mature
Author summary: Answer to the challenge: Smut. Avengers (and specifically Natasha) flavoured.
Reason for rec: Their daily grind is very different from ours. I love it. There is passion and domesticity and grit all mixed together.
Title: In the Early Light of Morning
Author: NiNA-eN
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8555971/1/in-the-early-light-of-morning
Rating: K
Author summary: For a moment, she is disoriented. -Natasha Romanov/Steve Rogers.
Reason for rec: I love fics where two people are lying in bed and you get all of their senses up close. This one is short and sweet, and it reveals a lot about Natasha.
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Series & Other
Series and stories don’t quite fit in any of the above categories. I’ll explain why for each one individually.
Title: How The Light Gets In
Author: singalellaby
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/collections/marvel_bang_2013/works/1031946
Word Count: 19359
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Losing his sight may mean Steve can't fight alongside the Avengers, but he's still a super soldier. Natasha just needs to remind him of that.
Reason for rec: This is one of the few multi-chapter fics I have here. It’s a slow burn, but a good one.
Title: Days of Future Past
Author: daro-jesse
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10246445/1/Days-of-Future-Past
Word Count: 3220
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Still thinking about that brief kiss he shared with Natasha, Captain Rogers finds himself back in his apartment remembering a night six months ago that would have changed everything between him and the Black Widow - if she would only admit to remembering it! One-shot.
Reason for rec: It’s not exactly a “first time” fic, because it happened in the past and Natasha (maybe) doesn’t remember it.
Title: Fairy Godmother With A Gun
Author: Bombshell1701
Link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8218043/1/Fairy-Godmother-With-A-Gun
Word Count: 11203
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Natasha takes Steve out on a 'practice date' and they end up getting to know each other over lots of vodka! A spin-off from the series SPEED OF LIFE, helps to have read that first. Rated T for mild angst and heavy drinking!
Reason for rec: I would honestly just skip the last chapter of this one, because it veers off from Steve/Natasha, but the rest of it is so great that I still included it here.
Title: Cold War Relations
Author: InitialA
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/21852
Word Count: 8599
Rating: Teen
Author summary: Steve and Natasha: A love story. (may not always line up, but always about them)
Reason for rec: This is an ongoing series, and each addition is delightful.
- Part 1: Sleepless: Steve finds himself unable to sleep after some nightmares about the war...
- Part 2: Salty Sea Air: Sequel to "Sleepless". After a few weeks, Steve finally plucks up the courage to ask Natasha on a date.
- Part 3: When You Know…: Part of me will always be surprised that she ever said yes.
- Part 4: And the Seventh: Steve discovers Natasha's guilty pleasure.
- Part 5: Captain Rogers and his Ridiculous Motorbike: Natasha... convinces Tony to let herself and Steve use his house in the Hamptons for a weekend. The only problem is getting there.
- Part 6: Death Spiral: “This is an awful idea.” “This is a great idea, just trust me.” Steve was reasonably certain that this was payback for the motorcycle incident.
Author: BloodRedRidingHood
Link: http://archiveofourown.org/series/51028
Word Count: 18525
Rating: Mature
Author summary: All he knew was that it was the beginning of something...
Reason for rec: A 21-part-and-still-growing series. Slow and realistic development of the relationship. I’m also a sucker for fics that feature the other Avengers, and this one does that extremely well.