Slow Burn

A romance that develops gradually over time, with tension building across chapters or the entire story.

850,000 works

What is Slow Burn in fanfiction?

A romance that develops gradually over time, with tension building across chapters or the entire story. With over 850,000 works on Archive of Our Own, Slow Burn is one of the most beloved tropes in fanfiction.

Why readers love Slow Burn

Readers love the anticipation, the meaningful character development, and the eventual payoff of a well-earned romance.

Examples of Slow Burn

Characters who are oblivious to their feelings, lots of almost-moments, friends realizing their feelings over time.

Best Slow Burn Fanfics

The highest-rated Slow Burn stories across all fandoms on AO3.

1

All the Young Dudes

Complete

by MsKingBean89

LONG fic charting the marauders' time at Hogwarts (and beyond) from Remus' PoV - diversion from canon in that Remus's father died and he was raised in a children's home, and is a bit rough around the edges. Otherwise canon-compliant.1971 - 1995This IS a wolfstar fic, but incredibly slow burn. Litera

292,652 kudos 526,969 words ~2108 min read Mature
Marauders' Era Marauders Marauders Friendship
2

you took my heart (i was sleeping)

Complete

by lameparties

It’s winter in Hawkins, and Mike and Will aren’t speaking anymore. Living in Mike’s house, Will tries to be invisible, spending most of his time in the basement. Then the power goes out — and if there’s one thing he dreads more than facing Mike, it’s the cold. or Seven nights in which Mike and Will

151,859 kudos 52,632 words ~211 min read Teen And Up Audiences
Sharing a Bed Slow Burn Hurt/Comfort
3

Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love

Complete

by isthisselfcare

Hermione straddles the Muggle and Magical worlds as a medical researcher and Healer about to make a big discovery. Draco is an Auror assigned to protect her from forces unknown – to both of their displeasure.Features hyper-competent, fiery Hermione and lazy, yet dangerous, Draco. Slow burn.

94,788 kudos 199,548 words ~799 min read Explicit
Healer Hermione Granger Researcher Hermione Granger Auror Draco Malfoy
4

Evitative

Complete

by Vichan

In the summer before his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry is drawn to a room in Grimmauld Place. Like the Gryffindor he is, he enters the room without fear. The room is a library, and Harry is surprised to find that he’s eager to learn.Then he gets the bad news: he’s been accidentally expelled from Hog

85,146 kudos 222,453 words ~890 min read Teen And Up Audiences
Slytherin Harry Potter Dark Arts Hogwarts Fifth Year
5

Viridian: The Green Guide

Complete

by Clouds (myheadinthecoudsnotcomingdown)

After his dream is finally crushed, Izuku isn’t quite sure there’s anything left for him to live for, but...he can’t exactly kill himself either, not without hurting the people he cares the most about. So, when he realizes that the quirkless can’t technically be vigilantes, it seems like the best of

72,406 kudos 272,617 words ~1091 min read Teen And Up Audiences
Vigilante Midoriya Izuku Suicidal Midoriya Izuku Passive Suicidal Ideation

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Slow Burn fics are on AO3?

There are over 850,000 works tagged with Slow Burn on Archive of Our Own.

What fandoms have the most Slow Burn stories?

Popular fandoms for Slow Burn include Harry Potter, MCU, Supernatural.

How can I read Slow Burn fanfiction on my phone?

Download Fanfict Reader for iOS to browse and read Slow Burn fanfiction with a beautiful mobile interface, offline reading, and custom themes.

Read Slow Burn fanfiction on the go

Fanfict Reader is the best way to browse, search, and read AO3 fanfiction on your iPhone. Download for free and start reading your favorite stories today.

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