The "Long Range Reconnaissance" series by Shell (R)

[bethbethbeth.livejournal.com]

Fandom: AVENGERS
Pairing: Steve/Bucky, Phil/Clint, Pepper/Tony, Team
Length: 89,740 words
Author on LJ: umbo
Author Website: Author's AO3 Page
Why this must be read:

Beginning with "The Same, but More", a Captain America era 'first time' Steve/Bucky story, this wonderful and long series moves directly to the modern Avengers era and paints an insightful portrait of Steve Rogers, whose public image doesn't quite match the reality of the man inside:

To the people of this century he was a fossil, a tool kept around because he was a useful symbol of a simpler time. A poster-boy with a shield, an innocent who never swore, had never had sex and would be shocked to hear of two men being in love.

It was a load of crap.

This, however, isn't just a story about a 'man out of time' - because a third of the way through the series, a discovery is made: Bucky Barnes is still alive and...okay, not exactly alive and well (locked as he is in the created assassin persona of the Winter Soldier), but just the fact that he's alive is reason enough for Steve to hold hope for the future in his heart.

This series is wonderfully written with strong characterizations and even stronger emotions. The "Long Range Reconnaissance" series is an excellent read, even if - or maybe especially if - you rarely read Steve-centric stories.

The "Long Range Reconnaissance" series