Why fake date when you can be fake married? Top 5 of my favorites under the cut:
“just say you do” (T, 173k) by biblionerd07
Steve just wanted a job. He wasn't expecting a marriage proposal. And he certainly wasn't expecting to accept.
+ Modern AU. Marrying for financial aid, domesticity, and a supportive Barnes family
-☆-
“Dear Mr. Postman” (T, 52k) by odetteandodile
“I’m um—your mailman,” Bucky says, lamely. He mentally kicks himself. He’d—sort of—practiced this! I’m your old pal Bucky, good to see you again!
The corner of Steve’s mouth quirks up as he glances down at the envelope on top, absently, then back up at Bucky, eyes crinkling.
“I had a suspicion that might be the case, Bucky Barnes.”
Bucky lets out a surprised breath in a rush. “Oh! You—you remember me?”
Steve’s half-smile turns into a real one and he tilts his head at Bucky. “Of course I remember you Buck. Wasn’t sure you recognized me though—it’s been a long time.”
***
Or—Steve and Bucky revive an old friendship, get married (but totally just as friends, for reasons), and navigate a few of the many trials of the heart that come with falling in love with your best friend.
+ Modern AU. Marrying for insurance, mutual pining
-☆-
“Too Long We Have Tarried” (E, 19k) by kototyph
Bucky picks up the ring and holds it between them. “Steven Grant Rogers,” he says solemnly. “Will you marry me?”
+ Post WS. A proposal prank escalates to a same-day wedding
-☆-
“Reconcilable Differences” (T, 12k) by NachoDiablo
After a whirlwind romance, Steve and Bucky have been happily married for the past year. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. No one suspects they tied the knot for more practical reasons, not even their closest friends. But now that those practical reasons are sorted, there’s no reason for them to stay married… right?
AKA, "What To Do When Your Zany Fake-Relationship Scheme Actually Works."
+ Modern AU. Marrying for citizenship, best friends and pining
-☆-
“Thirty-Eight Days and Counting” (M, 40k) by thecommodore_squid
It didn’t escape him that Steve shared his assumed last name. “Are you gonna be my cousin?” Bucky asked dully.
Steve frowned. “Husband, actually,” he said easily, holding up his left hand to show a typical golden band.
Bucky scowled and closed the door.
AKA An AU in which Bucky is put in the witness protection program and Steve is the agent hired to protect him/pretend to be his husband.
+ Modern AU. Marrying for witness protection, the avengers are neighbors
-☆-
*More Fake Married stories in the Undercover, Genderbend, and Proposals list
