In the one of the most popular ships for fans.
Because Bucky was such an important part of Steve’s story, it’s easy to see why so many fans felt their relationship could be more than just that of platonic friends, and there have been many works of fan fiction and art to explore this relationship. Along with art and fiction, some fans have taken to showing their love of the ship in meme and tweet format.
We all know what “friends” means here
This hilarious meme refers to the fact that Bucky is referenced as Steve's friend twice by Steve himself, and also by Brock Rumlow who once says, "Your pal, your buddy, your Bucky," to Steve.
In this meme, Bucky isn't thrilled about being put into the friend-zone by his boyfriend. And, while in the MCU these two might never actually date, the moments when Steve calls Bucky his friend are rather poignant and emotional ones, so some fans feel he meant something more than friendship.
Bucky knows what Steve is capable of
This meme comes in the form of an imaginative conversation between Bucky and a villain. The villain might be trying to goad Bucky into coming for a fight, but Bucky isn't too worried.
He's known Steve his entire life, so Bucky realizes more than anyone else that Steve has always been a fighter. Even before the serum, Steve always stood up for himself. It's a cute imaginary interaction that shows that even as boyfriends these two would have a little bit of a banter element to their relationship.
A ship war for the ages
While this might be a comedic meme that isn't meant to be super serious, the joke isn't that far off from what actually happens in the series. At the end of Captain America: Civil War, Steve is put in a situation where he has to choose to fight Tony or Bucky, and he chooses Bucky.
While, of course, the conflict of the story is a bit more complex than that, it is largely about Steve's relationship with Tony and with Bucky. And, given that these two ships are so popular and often at odds in the fandom, the meme is extra perfect.
Super cuddly super soldiers
While Steve and Bucky might both be super soldiers with huge muscles and the ability to do major damage in a fight, it doesn't mean they are super aggressive or angry people. They are both shown to be loyal and caring toward the people they care about, so many fans imagine that they would be especially sweet to one another if they were dating.
While they might seem tough or stoic to other people, they would be able to let down their walls and be open with each other, especially since they've known each other so long. Plus, Steve and Bucky were kept apart for so long that they'd naturally want to show affection.
No context needed
While some context might be needed, this serves as a perfect meme and also a reaction image for anything related to Stucky. This image from a Captain America comic is actually Steve referring to a very different version of Bucky than the MCU one, but it's still pretty funny to apply it out of context.
MCU Steve does think about Bucky a lot, and he spends a lot of time in the story trying to save him.
Just bros being bros
While the MCU might make it so their relationship is only platonic, it's still really important to both of them. This heartwarming meme takes a post about two bros sharing a loving moment and imposes it over a picture of Steve and Bucky laughing during World War II.
They both look happy and comfortable with each other, and it's also a bit of joke about the idea that these two could only be "bros" when fans think of them as much more than that.
The bar scene
For Stucky shippers, the scene between Steve and Bucky at the bar in Captain America: The First Avenger is rather iconic. Because of body language and dialogue, many fans feel like these two were flirting in the scene. In fact, Bucky even asks Steve if he's keeping the Captain America outfit.
So, in the meme, King T'Challa is telling them to stop making eyes at one another and get a room. And, since T'Challa did have to put up with them both in Wakanda, he might get a bit tired of their mooning and flirting.
"Inseparable on both schoolyard and battlefield"
One of the most well-known lines in the Stucky fandom is "I'm with you 'til the end of the line." Many fans feel like this is the way these two characters express their love and loyalty to one another, and it is definitely a promise of sorts.
This image shows the progression of these two characters over the years. Despite all they've been through, they always stand by side ready to fight together if need be. These two "best friends since childhood" always have each other's backs.
Reunited and it feels so good
https://slouph.tumblr.com/post/173314157191/steve-no-bucky
Steve Rogers is a person who likes to do the right thing, but he isn't always upbeat and happy-go-lucky. In Avengers: Infinity War, he's particularly troubled after the Avengers fall apart, and he's on the run from the law.
He's rather moody and a bit angry in this movie, but many fans noted that he was all smiles when he arrived once again in Wakanda and saw Bucky. This reaction inspired many memes and lots of fan art because it's true Steve has a soft spot for Bucky.
Becoming a war criminal for your man
One thing fans absolutely love about this relationship is how Steve is always trying to protect Bucky. He even drops the Captain America shield multiple times just to ensure that Bucky is alive.
He's willing to go up against multiple nations and many of the other Avengers because he doesn't believe Bucky should be hurt or killed. That's some major love and loyalty right there. And, it's no wonder fans see that these two have such a close connection.
