#dorym fluff

[bread-wizards]

I actually think Dorian and Orym should fight more.

Remember when their slowly building tension over and entire episode (full of passive aggressive remarks and blame throwing) led to threats? And how after, Orym thanked Dorian for handing over the crown sadly because he knew Dorian would be mad at him? And Dorian couldn't even look at him because he was legitimately hurt, thinking Orym was disappointed in him for doing what he thought was right? That was peak.

The fact they went from that to their current closeness and trust is the best part of their entire dynamic. Their relationship was hard fought and still will be. They will fight for it because they respect and care for one another deeply, and their disagreements don't change that, only improve it.

[teaweltzer]

[zwoftt]

8 hour finale better have good shitty angst, but it also better have dorym content that i can cry over (preferably happily).

[gracien-maybe]

ok but do guys realize how insufferable dorian is gonna be when he and orym finally get their shit together and confess??? SO many pet names, love ballads, constant doting, we're gonna go from crumbs of content to a whole ass wedding cake i can feel it

[frankensteins-mt-dew]

the finale is 8.5 hours long because we need 2 hours each for imodna and dorym fluff

[shrugsinchinese]

May I request for some Dorym fluff in these dark times 🙏

Hope we all get well soon

[critter-rarepair-reccs]

Welcome to Critter Rarepair Reccs!

Hey y'all! Welcome to Critter Rarepair Reccs, a recommendation list aimed at fics written for ships that are largely under-represented, appreciated, and loved in our fandom! Now, let's address the elephant in the room first; rarepair is a misnomer here, knowingly. Some of the ships eligible to be recc'ed on this list might not be ones you'd consider a rarepair! So, the more proper welcome would be-

Welcome to Critter Underloved Ship Reccs

For brevity's sake, the URL is staying, though.

Now, it goes without saying, but before we get into the details here, let's get one thing clear: this blog is dedicated to spreading love and appreciation to fanworks and their creators. Ship hate of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in a block.

With that said, let's talk about the criteria for an underloved ship and why we're defining it the way we are.

Definition & Explantion

There is one qualifier for a ship to be eligible for this list: less than 100 fics were written for it and posted to Ao3 during 2023.

We landed on this metric for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it casts a very wide net for pairings while still narrowing the field a fair bit. The gulf of works between flagship pairings, endgame pairings, and some of the larger side/non-canon pairings is significant. Secondly, we wanted to take a look at how the fandom is currently, which is why we pivoted away from using the Wildflower System ( @cr-summer-wildflowers ) of excluding any pairing with more than 500 fics total. There are a number of pairings that were extremely popular at one point in time, but these days get far less love and attention. Let's take Widofjord for example. They have almost a thousand fics total and were in the Top 10 relationship tags for Critical Role on Ao3 for a long time. But last year? Only 27 fics were written for them. They have, functionally, become a rarepair.

So, to be fair to ships that exist in that same, nebulous space, we're looking at totals from last year, not lifetime.

For illustration purposes, here are charts (compiled by the wonderful @spottedenchants ) showing how many fics were written for each PC/PC ship last year.

Ineligible Ships

Which ships, then, don't qualify under that definition? It's not a terribly long list. PC endgame relationships, primarily, a handful of non-canon pairings, and some prospective endgame ships. For simplicity's sake, we'll break them down by campaign.

Campaign 1: Perc'ahlia, Vaxleth, Pikelan, Perc'ildan

Campaign 2: Shadowgast, Beauyasha, Fjorester, Widomauk

Campaign 3: Imodna, Dorym, Ashrym

If one of these pairings is secondary or background to a fic, that's alright! But the fic shouldn't focus or center on them. It's also worth noting that polyamorous ships that include one of these pairs are also alright! Shadowidomauk, for example, only had 61 fics written for it last year, so they're in the clear! The same goes for Dashrym, as another example, as they've only ever had 36 fics written for them.

It is also worth noting all accepted submissions must be respectful of character’s canon sexualities; for example, we will not take fics that feature an M/F pairing of a lesbian character, even if said pairing fits the “rarepair” criteria.

The caveat to the above would be queerplatonic fic! There will be an option on the submission form to specify, to avoid confusion due to Ao3’s lack of a designated QPR relationship tag!

So when does the list open for submissions?

Very soon! February 7th, next Wednesday! The opening theme with be Fluff, and that list will be posted a week later, on Valentine’s Day, February 14th! I hope we’ll see you then! 🩷

[jamieylnn]

"… drei… vier… fünf…" The night was quiet, broken only by Caleb's soft voice, each murmured number paired with the gentle brush of a finger to Essek's cheekbone. A small smile played at the corner of the drow's mouth, violet eyes on blue, though their gaze didn't meet as the human was too busy studying the dusting of freckles that spread across the expanse of Essek's skin. It had been quite some time since they had been able to enjoy relative peace. Their nights together were most frequently spent crowded together in a tiny hut with the rest of their friends, a closeness that Essek had only recently grown used to, or in a room above a noisy tavern that was often shared with another member of the Nein. Tonight had been a rare exception to the rule, their group having stopped in a small, sleepy village with a near empty inn and hardly any nightlife to speak of. With more than enough rooms to go around, Essek and Caleb had been able to be alone for the first time in well over a week. Read more on AO3 here!

(Since I got brave and posted my Dorym fic for anyone to see, I thought I'd blast from the four-years-ago past with my only other thing on AO3. This is from during the hiatus, so it's not really canon compliant. Still, soft fluff from the boys.)

[ladynearthelake]

Fic Master Post

This is a thing people do, yeah? All my fics are up on AO3, but here's a handy list of them all for your enjoyment:

The Witcher

Radskier

never be torn apart 3.7k E

Yennefer asks Jaskier over for an evening of sex. Jaskier insists on bringing Radovid along.

A Great Weight Upon His Head 4.3k G

Radovid remembers a turned back. A dismissal. He remembers stepping forward to follow but holding back because he is no longer welcome. The future he wants burns up before him like the flames that consume Aretuza. A crown rimmed with blood presses heavy on his head. It’s weight tethers him to the darkness. He tries not to dwell on what could have been. So many are depending on him, but he waits. He hopes. The door never opens. The sunlight never pours in. He forgets the touch of it against his skin. For his is king, and that is all he can be.

An Unexpected but Much Anticipated Reunion 4.6k M

With the North in the throes of war, Radovid rides out with his troops to boost morale. He is rewarded with an opportunity to play the dashing hero to someone he never thought he would get to see again.

The Memory of You Lingers Like Our Song 5.7k T

Fifteen years after parting from Jaskier, Radovid has lived a life. After the sudden death of his queen, he travels to the summer palace for some private time. He doesn't expect to run into the bard along the way.

Reminders of You, Pressed into my Skin 3.9k E

Radovid misses Jaskier when he leaves. The bard offers to leave him a reminder.

Together in Song Despite the Distance 3.5k G

A bored prince wanders away from his gilded cage and crosses paths with a bard he's admired for years. Fluff ensues.

Once Upon a Dream 7.5k M

Jaskier is having strange dreams. Is it just his subconscious pining after a certain Redanian prince, or is something more sinister going on?

Fighting Fires 4k M

After Radovid's betrayal, Jaskier wanders the woods searching for Ciri. He finds Rience instead.

Worth 6k T

Radovid may be shackled to the Redanian throne, but he must survive. He needs to prove his worth.

A Lingering Promise of Song 2.3k T

A good-bye and a promise for the future.

Second Verses 2.4k T

This isn't the end of the song. It's only the first verse.

For If Your Goal Be Paradise 6.8k T

Radovid's had it bad for Jaskier since he first heard the bard's songs.

Geraskier

Forever Asking More 5k G

Destiny hasn't stopped making demands of Geralt of Rivia, but someone who matters far more has.

A Very Nice Hat 2.4k

Jaskier laments the loss of his hat.

Ficlet

New Year, New Start 1.3k G

Jaskier contemplates tired metaphors and the start of a new year.

Critical Role

Dorym

Composure 571

Dorian Storm leaves.

Retaliation 3.4k G

Dorian should have realized sooner he was walking in to a trap.

Gray Area 5.1k G

Dorian's past catches up with him.

Promises Kept 3.5k G

Dorian does as he's asked.

Other Fandoms

Pacific Rim - Newmann

Heartless 8k T

Confronted with a choice, Newt gives up something precious for the chance to be with Hermann

Lonesome Series 3.5k G

Newt wakes up in a room. He doesn't remember anything but his name, at least at first...

Good Omens - Ineffable Husbands

Tokens of Gingerbread 15k G

Two stories centering around giving gingerbread as a favor to a loved one.

Final Fantasy 7

One Last Time 789 G

Jessie muses on what comes next.

[dorym-prompts]

Prompt: Dorian has been composing a song about his friends and telling their tale. When he begins to write about Orym, he struggles with keeping the tone neutral, not making him out to be a hero he's clearly in love with.

[aster-rain]

aster’s ao3 masterpost

attack on titan

jearmin:

bruised hearts and broken bodies ~ college/modern au, 56k, rated m

when darkness shines brightest ~ fantasy/vampire au, 36k, rated e

in shades of red and gold ~ modern/fake relationship au, 11k, rated t

where the little blue lights dance ~ 90’s/ghost hunting au, 6.8k, rated t

evergreen ~ canon universe, non-traditional a/b/o dynamics, 6.1k, rated e

jikupiku:

the secrets we keep ~ canon compliant, 1.5k, rated t

save me a slice ~ canon compliant, 1.4k, rated g

tethered souls ~ reincarnation au, 1.5k, rated m

a lesson in obedience ~ modern au/pwp, 5.5k, rated e

mikahisu:

forelsket ~ zombie apocalypse au, 2.5k, rated t

flicker ~ fantasy au/pwp, 1.8k, rated e

critical role

dorym:

not goodbye ~ slight canon divergence, 3.3k, rated g

all our little mercies ~ fix-it fic for c3e33, 1.4k, rated t

haikyuu!!

aktsk:

anonymous ~ dating app au, 18k, rated e

make you behave ~ band au, genderswap, pwp, 3.4k, rated e

bakt:

red colored rose ~ criminal au/dark fic, 3.5k, rated e

birthday cake ~ post-time skip/pwp, 3.3k, rated e

kiyoyachi:

by tomorrow ~ supernatural/paranormal au, mcd, 8.9k, rated t

krtsk:

home invasions and other frustrations ~ blind date au, 15.5k rated m

distractions ~ post-time skip/pwp, 1.8k, rated e

maybe, maybe ~ domestic fluff, 1.2k, rated t

you’re insufferable (but i like you anyway) ~ roommates au, 4.6k, rated t

i’ll keep you in mind, from time to time ~ college au, angst, 17.2k, rated e

be still my foolish heart ~ post-time skip, in vino veritas/wedding shenanigans, 15.4k, rated m

[standbyyourmantis]

So in case you were wondering what I'm up to at 6:30 am on a Tuesday, apparently I have a Dorym modern celebrity AU arranged-ish marriage romcom in the works. Officially.

Everything was moving in slow motion around him, but it still somehow felt too fast for Orym to keep up with. The officiant was saying words to his right, but his eyes were locked helplessly on the man in front of him. Dorian was beautiful, there was no getting around it. With his pale blue skin and black-blue hair fading to white at the ends, everything about him was stunning with not a hair out of place. But Orym had known that from the posters outside the building on their way in, but what Orym found himself lost in was Dorian's eyes, his crystal blue eyes brimming with hurt and hope and some other emotions that Orym couldn't place roiling beneath that carefully crafted exterior.

He should say no. He should say no. This was insane, he'd let this go on too far already and he'd only known Dorian Storm for the last ten minutes. There was no way this was even a legal marriage, there was no reason to repeat after the cleric as he was led through the wedding vows (the same ones you said to Will, a very unhelpful little voice in his head provided). All Orym had to do was let go of Dorian's hands and walk off this stage and it would be over. He wouldn't have to have anything further to do with Dorian Storm or whatever celebrity tabloid drama was going on. And yet…Dorian was still looking at him with those ocean-glass eyes and for a split second the mask slipped and he looked like nothing so much as a fairy tale prince hoping Orym was the knight come to save him from the dragon.

And damn it all, but Orym had always had a weakness for pretty men.

Also I only watched the preview for the movie this is based on one time in like, January so if you have any tropes you'd love to see in a romcom let me know. These boys need some fluff.

[zwoftt]

from what i’m clocking from spoilers and recent posts i’d like to just say i’m all for some drama but quite frankly angst stresses me tf out sometimes (especially when it’s two characters i’ve grown to deeply love and want to see happy))

i bet dorian’s speech was absolutely amazing, deepens his character, raises more questions(at least in the group towards dorian), and fleshes out his morals,, but i cannot shake the fact liam/orym looked like crying during it. i mean, it’s only natural sure because orym is in love with dorian and wants to see dorian succeed and be the best version of himself that he could possibly be… but do i think this will make orym fall out of love? i don’t know. and it’s scary. though part of me still has that delusion in thinking that both robbie and liam know what they’re doing and are doing this on purpose so in that case, this mishap WONT cause our boys to fall out of love but i’m so torn. this hurts. dorym has been the biggest slow burn i’ve been following for years. years. i will not be okay for months if they don’t end things on good terms (whether that’s continuing to be pining friends or actually getting together))) at this point i’ll take the yearning friends situation over them failing to communicate and leave each other both sad

what i’m hoping for is that next episode(s) they ACTUALLY talk. one on one, heart to heart. this is literally the perfect setup for liam to swoop in with his skills and get that angsty conversation he’s been edging. orym is misunderstanding dorian, dorian still hasn’t told anyone about his brother getting murdered by the SPIDER QUEEN which is WHY HE DOESNT LIKE THE GODS. they need to talk. they have to. otherwise shit will keep drifting them apart and i know that both dorian and orym do not want that at all. they are in love with each other, and don’t know how to act on it or what to do about it. there is so much going on, so much that is left unsaid and it’s hurting their relationship and it’s KILLING ME. i would say it’s like in exu, that time when they head butted about the crown,,, though now it’s not so simple anymore. they just need to talk about stuff. maybe then orym will fully understand why dorian is so cross with gods… and then in turn dorian can understand why orym is anxious about the way he’s been acting.

looks like a love confession will be an even longer wait…. sigh. we got so much fluff just for it to go south again- my heart is physically breaking on the inside. i cant even remember if this is what it felt like with vaxleth back in the day. this seems a lot worse rn imo ……

i’m still very dorym strong. i believe they can work through this. dorian and orym are being played by super talented actors anyway.

[fia-bonkginya]

For the Dorym prompts, maybe a drabble about their feelings on visiting a whole new continent? Maybe how Orym feels far away from home but Dorian is grateful he is away from his own?

(established relationship this time just because sometimes i want to write some fluff and comfort!)

"It's strange," Orym said one night, a couple months into their time in Jrusar, his hands behind his head and his eyes on the ceiling.

"What is?" Dorian asked, rolling over to more easily look at him.

Orym swept his arms above his head in an all-encompassing gesture. "Being here. This place, it's... it's starting to feel familiar." Dropping his arms, Orym turned his head, smiling at Dorian. "I didn't think it would."

Dorian pushed himself up on his elbow, matching the smile. "It's kind of nice," he said, "seeing this side of the place."

Orym hummed in acknowledgement. "I do... I do miss Zephrah, though. Sometimes."

"That's your home," Dorian said, voice soft. "Of course you miss it."

"Guess so," Orym admitted, rolling onto his back again. "The geography helps, though. It's not the same mountain, but the clouds are the same, and the winds are the same."

"Up in the sky where you belong," Dorian teased, nudging Orym with his shoulder.

"Where we both belong," Orym said with a smile, and Dorian laughed.

They were quiet, for a moment, lying in the darkness together, and then Dorian spoke up again, "It's odd for me, too. Being back here, it's bringing up some memories."

"It feels like a small miracle that we haven't encountered anyone you knew," Orym admitted, "and it's one that I'll gladly take."

Dorian huffed out a laugh. "Yeah," he agreed, "I feel like I'm looking for people around every corner, sometimes."

"It's ironic, really," Orym said, turning to smirk at him. "I'd rather be home, and here we are, in the home you ran away from."

"It's never easy for us, is it?" Dorian laughed, the sound more genuine this time. "We'll get you home," he said, reaching out a hand to rest it on Orym's cheek. "We'll complete our mission, and we'll make sure you can see Zephrah again."

Orym laid his own hand on top of Dorian's, smiling. "Maybe it can be home for both of us," he said, voice soft.

"Wherever you are," Dorian said, leaning in, "is where I'm home."

[chiakery]

I wrote a Dorym fluff guys

Fandom: Critical role

Pairing: Orym/Dorian Storm

Word count: 4054

Summary: When you’re travelling, some nights you’ve got to cuddle with your companions for warmth, that’s just a universal truth. And other times you have to figure out how to avoid getting burned by your friend’s fire monkey.

Or: The evolution of Orym and Dorian’s relationship, told through changes in their sleeping arrangement.

[stay-funky-ponyboy]

Rating: T

Warnings: None

Relationship: Orym/Dorian Storm

Words: 5,220

Chapters: 1/1

Summary:

His genasi friend is just watching him. Who knew Dorian’s eyes were so pretty? It’s like looking into the sky. Orym has always felt comfort with land, being on the ground and on the move all the time.

The sky can be a great comfort too.

~

While the group makes preparations to leave the small town, Dorian and Orym take a little time to really appreciate the merriment of Byroden.

surprise!! i have been wanting to write about dorym for a while now and i decided now is the time. there is some thinking, some feeling, some fluff, and just two dudes having a good time.