How Do Arthur Curry And Orm'S Brotherly Bonds Evolve In Post-Canon Fanfiction?

Arthur's reluctant forgiveness, and the messy middle ground where they tentatively rebuild. Some fics dive into Orm's redemption arc, showing him struggling with surface world norms while Arthur patiently guides him. Others focus on their childhood memories resurfacing, softening the bitterness. My favorite trope is when they team up against a common enemy, forcing Orm to confront his loyalty. The best writers nail their banter—Orm's dry wit clashing with Arthur's bluntness—but also sneak in moments where Orm silently admires Arthur's strength or Arthur notices Orm's hidden vulnerability. Post-canon fics often make Atlantean politics a backdrop, with Orm advising Arthur reluctantly at first, then genuinely. There’s a recurring theme of shared grief over their mother, too, which adds depth. The brotherly dynamic shifts from fractured to fragile to fiercely protective, especially in fics where outsiders threaten either of them, and suddenly they’re united. It’s a slow burn, but when done right, it feels earned.

Some authors take a darker route, though, with Orm backsliding into arrogance or Arthur’s trust being tested. Those are gripping but heartbreaking. I prefer stories where their bond evolves unevenly—two steps forward, one step back—because that’s more realistic for siblings with so much history. The fics that stand out balance action with quiet conversations, like Orm teaching Arthur Atlantean customs or Arthur dragging Orm to a dive bar. The cultural clash is hilarious but also underscores how far they’ve come. A few rare gems even explore Vulko mediating between them, which adds another layer. Ultimately, the best evolution isn’t neat; it’s messy, charged, and deeply human.

Arthur and Orm’s post-canon relationship in fanfic is all about contrasts. Orm’s rigidity versus Arthur’s looseness, their conflicting loyalties, yet underneath, a stubborn care. Some fics focus on Orm adapting to the surface world—his disgust at jeans, his fascination with thunderstorms. Others have Arthur dragging him into ridiculous situations, like karaoke, just to see him react. The evolution is subtle: a shared eyeroll at Diplomacy, Orm covering Arthur’s back in a fight without being asked. The best part? Neither says 'brother' out loud, but it’s there.

The brotherhood between Arthur and Orm in fanfiction is a goldmine for emotional whump. Post-canon, most writers either go full redemption or lean into Orm’s prickly pride, but the middle ground is where it shines. I love fics where Orm grudgingly respects Arthur’s leadership but won’t admit it, or where Arthur keeps giving chances even when Orm rolls his eyes. Their dynamic thrives in small moments—Orm scoffing at surface-world snacks but stealing Arthur’s fries anyway, or Arthur ribbing him about his formal Atlantean speech. Some stories explore Orm’s PTSD from imprisonment, and Arthur’s guilt over it, which adds complexity. The fics that hit hardest are the ones where they accidentally fall back into old patterns, like competing over trivial things, only to stop and realize how far they’ve grown. Combat training scenes are another favorite—Orm criticizing Arthur’s form but secretly impressed by his raw power. The bond evolves through shared battles, yes, but also through Orm learning to ask for help and Arthur learning to listen. It’s never smooth, but that’s what makes it compelling.