3 Answers2026-06-28 19:24:11
Let's be real, the major hub for this specific dynamic is still Archive of Our Own. The tagging system there is a lifesaver when you're hunting for that particular 'BakuDeku' or 'DekuBaku' flavor—you can really drill down into the enemies-to-lovers tags or filter for established relationship fics. The sheer volume means there's everything from tooth-rotting fluff to the most intense, psychologically complex takes on their rivalry.
I've also found some surprising gems on Quotev, of all places. It's got a less formal vibe, and sometimes authors there experiment with formats you don't see as often on AO3, like reader-inserts or shorter, more poetic pieces centered around their dynamic. Tumblr remains essential for rec lists and finding those writers who post snippets directly to their blogs before cross-posting elsewhere. The discourse there can be exhausting, but it's also where you find people who are genuinely passionate about dissecting every canon interaction to fuel their fics.
3 Answers2026-06-28 10:10:57
Archive of Our Own absolutely dominates for that pairing. The tagging system means you can drill right down to the specific dynamic you're craving—angsty Bakugou, sunshine-but-traumatized Denki, established relationship, first time they realize it's more than rivalry. The sheer volume is staggering, and the quality ranges from delightful little one-shots to epic novel-length AUs. I've found some of the most thoughtful character studies there, writers who really dig into Bakugou's aggression as a form of communication and Denki's intelligence hiding under the goofiness.
Wattpad has its share too, but it's a different beast. The algorithm pushes certain tropes hard, so you see a lot of 'bad boy Bakugou' or 'omega Denki' stories trending. It's easier to find shorter, punchier fics there, sometimes with a more modern high-school AU vibe. The comment culture is super active, which can be fun if you like interacting with authors chapter by chapter.
4 Answers2026-07-01 08:51:41
That pairing absolutely dominates certain corners of the internet. For sheer volume and community activity, Archive of Our Own is the undisputed epicenter. The tagging system is a godsend for navigating the massive BakuDeku tag, letting you filter by trope, rating, and length. I've spent hours scrolling through there, and the quality range is wild—you get everything from quick fluffy one-shots to these incredibly plotted 200k-word slow burns.
FF.net still has a ton of older works, and it feels like a lot of authors cross-post, but the interface is clunkier and finding specific dynamics can be a chore. Tumblr is essential for the social side; a lot of writers use it to share snippets, art, and headcanons that inspire fics. The platform itself doesn't host long-form stories well, but it's the heartbeat of the fandom conversation. I found my current favorite author because they were live-blogging their writing process for a fantasy AU on there.
3 Answers2026-06-20 22:40:39
Oh, the Deku vs. Shigaraki dynamic is so much more interesting when it's Deku and Shigaraki, isn't it? I've spent way too much time hunting for those. Archive of Our Own is absolutely the hub for it—the tag filtering is meticulous, and you can find everything from soulmate AUs to dark political marriage-of-convenience fics. People there really explore the psychological parallels. Wattpad has a different vibe, more focused on romance-centric plots and 'bad boy' Shigaraki tropes, which can be fun if that's your thing. I'd also recommend checking Tumblr; a lot of writers post links to their works there, and the community creates amazing moodboards that capture the aesthetic of the ship perfectly.
A less obvious spot is niche Discord servers dedicated to 'My Hero Academia' villain-centric pairings. You often need an invite, but that's where you find the super dark, unpublished WIPs and collaborative writing projects. The quality there can be hit or miss, but the sheer creativity is off the charts. I found this one long-form fic exploring a 'what if Shigaraki succeeded in passing his decay to Deku' scenario that haunts me to this day. For me, AO3's depth is unmatched, but the thrill of the hunt on smaller platforms has its own appeal.