#it turned into a ZoLaw AU somehow

[gildedmuse]

My friend and I were talking about how Law would address Midoriya from My Hero Academia, cause he can't be Midoriya-ya, right? And he can't just use his first name, obviously.

Law: FirstName-ya is reserved for close acquaintances and hot people.

*Robin and Zoro just standing there*

Law: I said what I said.

Robin: It's good to know you feel so cl- Law: I don't.

Law: I said. What I said.

[gildedmuse]

One Piece Master List

**Work In Progress, Turns Out It's Taking Me A While To Gather All The Links To All My Writing**

Two things. First, you may have noticed this is a One Piece list. That is because, while I have written for plenty of other fandoms (have you heard of Rent? Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy? Have you read fanfic for it? Yeah, well congrats, you've definitely read something I wrote in high school) all of that has meticulously been uploaded Here where you can go through it at your leisure, quietly (QUIETLY) judging me for things I wrote over a decade ago.

Second, purposefully left out the word "fanfic", because not everything listed is fanfic in the strictest sense. It's all definitely fiction based around One Piece. The question is more how much work went into said fiction.

Series

All Hearts

I mean, if you've read it you would understand. And if you've read any of my One Piece fic, it's probably, definitely this.

Links: Full fic on AO3 | Backstory Fill | Random "Summary" | The Surgeon's Blade (Short) | Original First Chapter | A/B/O Alt Intro |

Summary: Canon rewrite of One Piece where Zoro ends up stranded in North Blue and ends up as the Vice Captain of The Heart Pirates.

Ships: Zoro/Law (with small hints of Zoro/Mihawk, Penguin/Shachi, and kind of Zoro/Bonney but not really).

Rating: Mature due to some heavy make-out when Zoro is a hormonal teenager and Law is just a whore.

In Love & Kendo (aka Kendo Rivals)

Despite this not being a "real" fic, in the sense of just started as me spit balling and kind of got out of hand from there, it's still somehow like my second most popular One Piece work according to ZoLaw Bitches, and honestly theirs is the opinion I value most.

Links: AO3 Link | Original Post: Part I | OP: Part II | OP: Part III

Summary: Modern AU where kendo rivals Law and Zoro are placed together to compete in the kendo League double championship, despite all appearances that they utterly hate each other. When Law tries to extend an olive branch to Zoro by "taking him and his girlfriend" on a double date, Zoro's "big bro" Ace steps in to.... Help?

Additionally, While writing this up, I posted the following POV summaries for @jhaernyl and thought they were fun:

Law's Summary: "As some sort of punishment for being decent at tricking the media, Silvers-ya forces me to pair up with Kendo Baby Roronoa Zoro if I want to compete in the League Championship. Zoro-ya takes this with as much maturity as you would expect, and then when I go out of my way to try and strengthen our alliance, he brings flashy, pompous actor Portgas-ya along as if MOCKING my offer! And Portgas-ya has the nerve to make out with my new teammate in the middle of the restaurant, showing absolutely no remorse or sense of honor. Also, how is someone like Zoro-ya even dating such a shallow, self-loving IDIOT who clearly has no interest in Kendo beyond how cute Zoro-ya looks in his hakama. Is that really what Zoro-ya finds attractive in a partner? It seems highly unlikely, and I quickly develop a plan to uncover the truth."

Ace's Summary: "Torao is an asshole and I'm way hotter, anyway."

Ships: Law/Zoro, Ace/Zoro, mentions of Law/Robin and not-even-bothering-to-fake-it Perona/Zoro. There are a couple background couples but Nami/Vivi and Sabo/Koala are the only one that gets any real mention.

Ratings: Mature because Ace can't keep his hands to himself. Law at least tries, Ace. At least, up to a point.

Sora: Warrior Of The Sea

So, this is what happens when people engage me online. Multi-part, sprawling head canons for a crazy au about a totally fictional show based on a fake manga from the original anime. Look, it's not gonna get LESS complex after this point, so it was best to prepare you now. Created with @devilfruitsaladfordinner

Links: MASTER POST FOR SORA:WOTS

Summary: What if you had a modern One Piece AU where, after years of working his way through the Saboady film/TV scene, Trafalgar Law finally got to work on his dream project: writing a real life adaption of North Blue's (and Law's) favorite manga of all time, "Sora: Warrior of the Sea"? And what if all that was nearly ruined when, instead of some skilled thespian, the producers decided to hire stunt performer (and real life kendo competitor) Roronoa Zoro as Sora's first mate and closest ally? And what if this leads to the worst thing Law could have possibly dreamed up. Developing feelings.

Ships: it gets pretty messy at times, but the main ones "actors" are Zoro, Law, Ace and Luffy and so pretty much any combo of those four - leaning Law/Zoro, Ace/Zoro/Law, demiace!Luffy/Zoro, Law/Zoro/Luffy

Rating: Varies from General Audience to Explicit. The master list has a better overview on that end.

Different Crew AUs

I mean, is it weird to write a bunch of fics that are "inspired" by your own? Yes, yes it is. But I did it anyway.

Link: Three Of Spades | Seeing Red | Three Tailed Fox | (Prompted) Thriller Bark

Summary: What if instead of being found by Luffy, Zoro had been.... Found by Ace and became First Mate of The Spade Pirates / Taken in by Shanks and raised as the baby of the Red-Haired Pirates / Won in a contest by Foxy and became an unwilling member of the Foxy Pirates / Stolen away along with his older sister by Moriah and became an officer of the Thriller Bark Pirates

Ships: Law/Zoro to some degree on another. Passing mentions of Mihawk/Zoro (Red)

Rating: Safely Teen for the most part. Passing sexual references in Red.

—💚—

Short & Sweet:

Captain To Your Ship (AO3): [Law/Zoro, Unintentional Luffy/Zoro, Teen] Listening to Strawhat-ya and Zoro-ya playing around after most of the party had died down, you would have to be some kind of idiot to miss all the double meaning behind their little game. Law decides to try and see just how innocent these two really are, and if it happens to get him an invitation into a certain swordsman's bed then all the better.

So Stop Me (AO3 Part I) | (Script Style Part II) | (Original Short): [Ace/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Law/Zoro and, if you'd like, Luffy/Zoro at the end. Explicit] Zoro wants different things from different captains. And he gets them. (Aka "Could I write a porny fic that was just like Ace, Law, and Mihawk fucking Zoro senseless only for Zoro to choose Luffy over all of them?" That's a real question I asked myself. And it turns out yes, yes I could.)

Three Date Style (AO3): [Law/Zoro, Teen] Law has had plans in motion. Plans he's been careful about, meticulous. Law has to make sure he doesn't misstep, doesn't set off the many traps lying in his way. So how is it he only finds out that him and Zoro are dating after the fact?

To War Over You (AO3) | (OP Part I) I (OP Part II) | (OP Part III): [Law/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Explicit] At first, Law only takes Zoro-ya to marine headquarters because, well, they clearly require some proof that the former Strawhats are working under Law as the shichibukai claimed. After a chance encounter with Dracule Mihawk, it quickly becomes less about maintaining the lie the Strawhats are now working for Law, and more about marking his very real claim to Zoro-ya.

The Eastern Sun Rising Over A Piece Of Cold Northern Shore: (AO3) | (Tumblr): [Law/Zoro, Chopper-Safe] Law contemplates (and basks in) Zoro's light and warmth.

Strawhat Wildlife Rescue (A03): [Law, Luffy, Tiger!Zoro, Chopper-Safe] Trafalgar Law is a vet working for the Strawhat Wildlife Rescue. He loves his job, but he does require sleep every now and then. Unfortunately, the strawhat boy does not seem to believe in the concept.

Eat Your Heart Out (Part I) | (Part II): [Law/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Explicit] Law is an incubus who needs to find a human devotee. I mean, what else do you want?

Room For One More (AO3) | (Tumblr): [Mihawk/Law, Law/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Teen] Law lives a relatively happy - if somewhat busy - life as a renown doctor whose partner just so happens to be world famous Dracula Mihawk. Or at least Law had THOUGHT they were happily married, until one day he came home to find Hawk-ya in the kitchen with some baby faced boytoy claiming the kid was supposedly "working" as his temporary replacement personal assistant.

Run Away Together (Tumblr): [Mihawk/Law, Law/Zoro, Teen] Zoro has never been so bored out of his mind as when his sensei, Dracule Mihawk, makes him attend these damned dinners and other adult type gatherings; what's the point when he could be using his time practicing kendo instead? Though when twenty something year old doctor Trafalgar Law returns to the island, Zoro finds he has a reason to socialize after all.

Suri Asha (A03) | (Tumblr): [Law/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Teen] Why did Hawkeyes insist on taking him to this formal shichibukai marine mess in the first place? Why is he making Zoro wear this itchy suit and learn to dance? And why is that mysterious other super rookie from back in Soabody following them around as if he's with them?

Who Has Three Swords & Doesn't Give A Fuck? (Tumblr): [Law/Zoro, Teen] (An alternative intro to All Hearts) Zoro is a young omega picked up by (fairly new) pirate captain and alpha Trafalgar Law.

The Surgeon's Blade (AO3) | (Tumblr): [Law/Zoro, Teen] The story of how Zoro got his first decent blade and earned his place on The Polar Tang (All Hearts adjacent.)

Shadow The Snow (Tumblr): [Law/Zoro, Teen] An alternative first meeting for Zoro and Law in the North Blue.

Gifted-Wrapped (AO3) | (Tumblr): [Mihawk/Zoro, Mihawk/Law, Mihawk/Ace, one sided Law/Zoro, Mature] Like a Mihawk who just so happens to be lucky enough to have stumble across all three of these boys in situations where they were tied up, chained down or otherwise incapacitated and unable to move. And while he would never use such a situation to fell an enemy - there’s no honor in that not to mention no challenge - it would also be incredibly wasteful of him not to take advantage of such opportune moments.

—🧡—

Unscripted:

Bad Heart (Or) Donquixote Pirate Law Captures Zoro (Tumblr) | (AO3): Law/Zoro, Doflamingo/Zoro, Teen Kojo-Akai (Or) ZoLaw Moulin Rouge Style (Tumblr): Law/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Doflamingo/Zoro, Mature

Marine Law/Revolutionary Zoro: Law/Zoro, Ace/Zoro, Corazon, Sabo, Koala, Mature

Lead (Or) Vet Law/Zoro: Law/Zoro, Dog Bepo, Puppy Chopper, Chopper-Safe

Manga Artist Zoro/Writer Law: Law/Zoro, Hints of Luffy/Zoro, Corazon, Doflamingo, Teen

Drummer Zoro/Deaf Law: Law/Zoro, The Strawhats, Penguin, Shachi, Chopper-Safe

Pain Sharing AU: Law/Zoro, Teen

So There's A Party & All These Hot Guys Are There: Law/Zoro, Mihawk/Zoro, Teen Probably Bad For You: Doflamingo/Law, Mihawk/Zoro, Law/Zoro, Mature

—💜—

Short ZoLaw AUs (That Nobody Asked For):

Shichibukkaki

Idol Law/Bodyguard Zoro

Cheesy Christmas Movie Plots

AU Ideas

ZoLaw Fics We Need More Of

More Zoro Law AUs

[gildedmuse]

I started this as a series of ZoLaw AUs Nobody Asked For prompts based on All Hearts and somehow it just got hella long. Here are the first two. I have no real excuse for these. I thought they would be fun?

More to follow.

(credit to @jhaernyl for talking with me through all this)

Move a few things up three years and Luffy isn't there to find Zoro tied to a post because of honor (but also drama ). Instead, Zoro is "rescued" by Ace, if you can call it a rescue (sure, Ace warned him about the planned execution and took it upon himself to retrieve Zoro's swords, but the sixteen year old is adamant that it doesn't count seeing as he had to save Ace's ass from all the marines he pissed off rampaging through their base, not to mention taking down that axe-handed piece of shit who apparently has been terrorizing Shells Town since he got here a couple months back; Zoro may still be a "naive little kid" according to Ace, but he knows enough to know that if a captain has to have his crew cowering in fear than he isn't really a captain) and is subsequently informed that he's lucky enough to become the second official crew member of the notorious Spade Pirates.

His new captain is a queer fish. Sometimes the other pirate is warm and outgoing, and Zoro thinks he'd probably make a really good Uchidachi or sworn brother type, that is until the idiot goes and does something brazenfaced and reckless, leaving Zoro to save his dumb ass. This only gets worse when they end up shipwrecked on some island with a masked no-one and one oversized bird that spits a treasure chest at them before flying off before Zoro can turn it into dinner.

The chest has one rotten looking apple in it which Ace says they should share, but what kind of first mate would insist on eating while his captain starved? It's just a stupid piece of fruit, so Zoro refuses his piece, letting Ace and the masked man split it between the two of them while he glares into the distance, searching for any trace of a ship or island he could swim out to.

Until right then, Zoro had never heard of a devil's fruit before - he prefers meat, fish, and rice, anyway - yet somehow it's not all that surprising when Ace can suddenly ignite, turning from flesh to fire and back again like it's as natural as the sea itself. Zoro has no use for fate and fortune. Those who go on about how shit is meant to happen are just trying to justify failing when it's really down to their own indolence; if a person really wants something they won't let something as weak as destiny stand in their way. But Ace getting this particular weird ability doesn't come as a shock to him. Seeing actual flames dancing around him isn't that different from his usual aura. Zoro doesn't think it was preordained or anything, but it feels natural and right.

Once they build a boat that Ace can "fire sail", and Zoro is sure his captain won't burn it down in the process, they set out plus one new, nameless cremate. That one turns into eighteen (Zoro is there for most of the recruitments and he still isn't sure how Ace talks these idiots into following him), the Striker becomes the Piece of Spadille, and the calm, tropic waters of the East Blue turn into the wild, unpredictable seaway called the Grand Line where there is a barrage of bounty hunters, annoying marines, eerily inviting villages and damned devil fruit users all of whom seem to take one look at Zoro's captain and decided they want him dead.

Zoro's having the time of his life.

The Grand Line isn't just obsessed marines and Islands that all seem to be under the thumb of some asshole. There's also plenty of other pirates, although most of them aren't worth dulling Zoro's blare on. Most of them act all tough at first, then they see what the Spade Pirates can do. After that, they tend to give Zoro and his crew a wide berth. Then there is Trafalgar Law.

Kimel and Ganryu call him an Ice Trawler, but Mask Deuce makes it clear Zoro isn't to say that, which is stupid, Zoro can say whatever he likes - the crew sometimes treats him like a child when he's only a few years younger than most of them - and anyway, he isn't going to bother calling the other pirate by some silly nickname.

He just called him Torao, same as his captain.

The northern has an obnoxiously attractive arrogant smirk and stormy eyes that flash like lightning when he spots trouble. He might act exasperated and sniping that their captain is a, "hotheaded, impetuous green-hide" - which only the other Spade Pirates are allowed to say no matter how much of an idiot he's been - but Torao can't hide his the devilish glee he gets in anticipation of a good fight. Zoro's sure that's why, despite all the bickering they do, he and Ace are such keen rivals.

In Zoro's opinion, a worthy rival is the second most important relationship you can have; even the best sensei in all the Blues is no replacement for a half decent rival. A rival helps hone your skills, they force you to become better, they drive you forward even after your feet are numb and your hands and cheeks full of splinters from hours spent handling half worn bokken. Sometimes, when the two crews clash over a useless treasure or who can claim victory in some spontaneous competition, Ace and Torao will have a sort of face off. Not a real fight, but certainly real enough for any unlucky soul who got caught in the crossfire. Zoro isn't jealous, not exactly, he certainly doesn't begrudge Ace a good tussle…. But it seems to him that it doesn't make sense that the older boy should always get first shot at taking on Torao. After all, Ace doesn't use a sword (which, having once had to witness him swinging a priceless meito around like a kid playing with a stick, Zoro is incredibly grateful for) but Torao is a fellow kenshi. It's not just a tool in his hands, either, though it's already impressive the weight he can give his strikes with a sword meant to be carried by horseback. Torao commands the sword, with that sort of effortless style and a confidence that is born from a mutual respect between the roguishly cunning swordsman and the cursed, hungry blade in his hands. Zoro likes Bear-po. He's surprisingly agile even if he does apologize way too much (it's Zoro's own fault he got electrocuted, he should have had his eyes on his opponent instead of the two power users). Still, it feels like he should get to cross swords with Torao at least once, just to see if he'd make as good a rival in kendo as he does at pirating.

But Torao is Ace's rival first and foremost, and Ace is Zoro's captain. And the only bond more important than respect between rivals is loyalty between nakama.

Which makes it kind of hard to take when Ace decides they5re no longer a crew. At least, not the same one.

"We're still nakama," Ace argues, and most of the crew seems to believe him. It's only Zoro and Deuce who are the hold outs, arms crossed over their chests as they stare down Ace. Zoro knows he looks skeptical. He can't actually tell what emotions Deuce might bebe feelling behind his mask. "What's it matter what jolly roger we sail under?"

Zoro gets off at the next port.

He spends time jumping from island to island and fight to fight, but everything feels strangely quiet. Zoro should like it, but he doesn't.

He sees Torao in some bar just this side of the red line. He has the nerve to look amused when Zoro tells him about Ace.

"It's a very cute prank," Law chuckles, while Zoro doesn't find any of this in the least bit funny. "Fire Fist-ya didn't device it himself, that's obvious. It's not very subtle, but them sending just Zoro-ya, and having him claim he's so unattached and alone, is exactly what makes it so likely to be it does take a small bit of thought." Zoro frowns, no idea what the other pirate is taking about. Torao takes another sip of his sake. Zoro has the feeling this isn't his first. Zoro doesn't see Bear-po or his funny hat wearing crew anywhere. "Sending you in to act as bait. I wouldn't have thought your crew capable of such a level of observation."

Whatever. Like it matters to him of Torao believes him or not. Zoro turns to go when suddenly there's a cold grip at his wrist. Long, inked up fingers hold him back with surprising strength. Zoro can't help but raise an eyebrow. It doesn't hurt, not even close, but he wonders if Torao knows how much force he's using. "Let's say," Torao starts, voice much quieter now, less amused. "I believed you, Zoro-ya. That you left your crew and happened to stumble into this bar on this island. There's still no reason to take the seat next to me."

"Unless…" Torao still hasn't dropped Zoro's wrist. He cocks his head, his false smile entirely gone. Instead he's taken to staring at Zoro like he's something Torao can take apart, the way he does with marines and lesser pirates and, that one time, Ace. "You wanted something from me."

Zoro tilts his head, though he doesn't really have to give it any thought. "I've always want to challenge you," he admits.

Torao gives a mirthless chuckle. "You already do that plenty."

Zoro barely has time to brace his hold on his sword when Torao let's go of his wrist, spreading his fingers wide. "Room!"

"Shambles!"

Mihawk finds a young Zoro and sees the potential in the child, but it's one thing to appreciate someone's talent and spirit, another to, you know, raise a child. Shanks, on the other hand, is more than willing to take on the young orphan Mihawk found! (Poor Benn does not get a say).

So continuing Roger and Rayleigh's tradition of making astonishingly poor parental choices, Zoro is raised by the Red-Hair Pirates. This somehow results in him being more laid back/chill while also more chaotic and self assured. He's also given a lot of freedom to go roaming off on his own, even before he hits thirteen. (Hey, Shanks will come save his ass if anything too terrible happens. He'll be fine. Come on, Beckmen, let the boy have some fun!)

So when Law meets this highly skilled, ridiculously powerful kenshi who appears to be on his own, unflappable, and possibly insane based on how eager he'd been to face down a vice admiral he immediately sees it as an opportunity. On the one hand, the green haired kenshi is unpredictable, sure, but if Law can harness the boy's raw power then he could be a huge asset (his other assets certainly don't hurt Law's opinion of him, either). After they take down the vice admiral and his crew, Law asks the lone pirate if he'd be interested in an alliance. Before he can even get to the incentive (if the swordsman is looking for a challenge, how about going after a warlord and a pirate emperor?) the boy shrugs his broad shoulders, drops to the wrecked, blood stained deck of the former navy vessel, makes an offhand sound of agreement, and then apparently settles in for a nap despite the fact that they're still drifting at sea and he's on a half destroyed ship with a total stranger who could easily kill him while he sleeps. Not that he is about to murder the only person in all the blues possibly crazy enough for Law's plan, it's the principal of the thing.

The more time he spends with Zoro-ya, the more he suspects some kind of strange devil's fruit is at play. The boy follows him around without question, doesn't inherently distrust everyone they meet, never second guesses himself, sleeps in the middle of everything from hurricanes to naval battles, and yet comes out of the most precarious situations without a scratch. It's almost as amazing as how he isn't put off by Law's coldness or his casual mockery of Zoro-ya's occasional naivities. The other pirate stays at Law's side, brushing off any of Law's suspicions with a simple, "We're allies, aren't we?"

(Law isn't sure where Zoro-ya picked up his definition of a pirate alliance, but they don't usually involve such loyalty and support, not to mention other, less innocent activities. Law certainly isn't about to correct his misconceptions on the matter.)

With his crew having already set off towards Zou, that leaves Law with only Zoro-ya for nearly two months. Which allows him to get strangely familiar with the younger kenshi. In a way he hasn't been with anyone but some of his crew in a long time. He's learned Zoro-ya's habits, his favorite foods, his training regime. He knows all sorts of small, intimate details about this boy.

Law: A vivre card?

Zoro: Mm? Oh, I thought I'd lost that back with that porcupine idiot.

Law: It's gotten highly active all the sudden.

Zoro: The captain mlust be nearby. Guess you'll get to meet my crew.

Law: Your captain...

Law: Wait. What?

That's right, it's two months into this alliance and Zoro-ya only now mentioned that he isn't, as Law had presumed, a lone pirate wandering from island to island. He agreed to enter an alliance and never thought to mention there were others!?

(In Zoro's mind, that whole deal is between him and Law and doesn't involve the crew, but it HAS been a few months since he's seen the guys, and he'd like to drop in and catch up. He figures he might as well bring Law along, and introduce his captain to his new ally.)

Zoro: Don't let them intimidate you. They can sense weakness

Law: I'm not easily intimidated. If you're part of their crew, why don't you sail with them?

Zoro: They've never had a problem with me going off on my own for a while. I've been doing it since I was a kid. I always find my way back.

On his own? On purpose? Law highly doubts that.

This clears up some of his suspicions, since Law hadn't missed the small hints that Zoro-ya had been raised at sea, likely by pirates. It appears as if this is less a threat to their current agreement, more an introduction. A "meet the folks" scenario.

Only the folks turn out to be Akagami Shanks and Benn fucking Beckmen! How did you fail to mention your captain was a goddamn YONKO, Zoro-ya?

Law, beforehand: *All cocky* If you want me to meet this crew so bad Zoro-ya, I'll be happy to go with you. (And meet these old "swashbuckler" types, ha probably just merchants dealing in illegal fruits or something.)

Law, actually in front of Shanks and Benn: Hello, sirs. I, uh, ai'm allied with your son. But we're very safe about it!

Zoro: He is also my lover and we are very safe about that too

Because he was raised by Shanks.

Law is seriously contemplating just throwing himself over the side of the ship. Of all the situations to find himself face to face with one of the four emperors. Not that he's afraid. Law will gladly stand up to any shichibukai or yonko and dare to take them on. This isn't exactly an all out battle for victory, though Law definitely feels his life is on the lines. Something in Benn's eyes says that he's definitely dispatched of guys Zoro has slept with before, at least that's what Law is seeing. He's not fooled by Akagami-ya 's faking being all merry and drunk, either.

Zoro: What? It's just Shanks. If you're scared of anyone it ought to be Benn.

That. Does. Not. Help.

Benn pleasantly asking questions to Law while Shanks parties and catches up with Zoro. Just getting to know Zoro's new "ally".

Law's fear/nervousness lasting just until Shanks let's slip that it's good that Zoro found someone closer to his own age. Not that he doesn't love Miha, but the way his friend looks at Zoro is definitely not child friendly.

At which point Law's attention swerves immediately to their conversation. "Excuse me, but who is "Miha"?"

And Law getting to hear all about Hawkeye Mihawk's apparent obsession with Zoro-ya (at least, that's the way Shanks tells it, but keep in mind, Shanks is still pretty upset about the scar - come on, Miha! He promised Beckman he wouldn't let the kid get seriously hurt!). Law is bristling the entire time.

Shanks snickering and nudging Benn in the stomach at how obviously possessive Law immediately gets, suddenly having no qualms about touching Zoro in front of them, or constantly making sure Zoro is focused on him.

(Ahh, look how much their little kiddo enjoys all the attention, Benn!)

Zoro doesn't know what's gotten into Law but it is both utterly distracting and absolutely enjoyable. Usually, Law is all about keeping things quiet and no one can know they are lovers, they have to behave like allies. But right now Law is the one with the arm around his shoulders, fingers playing with Zoro's earrings. Asking all those strangely pointed questions about his scar and the training he did with Hawkeye. Which Zoro would rather answer than let Shanks because his captain has a way of making it all sound so dirty when, honestly, he just spent two years training with Mihawk on his abandoned island.

But it's hard to articulate the details when Law keeps rolling his earrings between his fingers, giving light tugs as they pass from one digit to the next and then back again. (Zoro's mouth is so dry and there's no amount of sake that can wet it up again. )

Shanks makes it sound as if Hawkeye was walking around shirtless - which, sure, but that's just Hawkeye - making Zoro work up a sweat while watching his every move. Which is true but only because of training. He tries to correct the whole idea that Hawkeye looks at him like - to quote his captain - a tall glass of wine - but everything Shanks says just gets a frown and a, "Oh, really?" from Law who then pulls ever so slightly harder at his earrings. Scattering any thoughts Zoro managed to gather.

(Mihawk definitely has less than pure thoughts about Zoro, but Shanks might be purposefully making his friend out to be more of a pervert than necessary. Well, Miha, next time maybe don't return Zoro nearly cut in half and missing an eye!)

So meeting Shanks and Benn Beckmen, terrifying. But then he looks just about ready to fight Mihawk at first sight right about now. (Which isn't going to happen. Zoro has claimed that fight. He has dibs on beating Hawkeye.)

[gildedmuse]

Shadow The Snow

An... All Heart Au? A ZoLaw AU

It would be like... If Zoro wasn't kidnapped and sold into slavery (that's the only real All Heart reference, promise) if instead of mourning the death of his friend and rival by vowing to let his name spread to the heavens, Roronoa Zoro's whole story takes a hard turn when some beautiful older stranger comes along from a distant island to speak with the head of the Shimotsuki family. Almost the very next morning, the Isshin Dojo is sold to this mysterious oiran who raised The House Of The New Moon in its place. Koushirou takes Kuina and sets sails for Wano while all the other students are sent back to their families or guardians and Zoro... Well, Zoro simply refuses to leave. Hey, it was his dojo first! (So what if everyone else is gone? Kuina was the only one ever worth fighting, anyway.)

Luckily for him, the Mistress takes one look at this crazy sword wielding child that comes with her new property and decides, eh, sure. He can stay. Not for free, of course. In exchange for doing household chores and whatever small jobs she may require, Zoro is given room and board and allowed to keep his small training course out in the back, hidden from view of the central property.

She even brings him along after deciding the East is not as "civilized" as they had heard - and don't really take to this whole prostitution house on their small island, Wano descendants or not - so head to the North. East or North make no difference to Zoro. (The only reason he has already run off to find Kuina is because first he has to perfect his three sword style, and once it's flawless he will find his old rival and they will start their own dojo. One that teaches both girls and boys so long as they can master the legendary new style of Santoryu!)

She does, however, have very strict rules regarding children being involved in anything "unsavory" (and besides, just look at him... Well, at least he's got determination), and none of her oirans dare go against her, not after one or two is caught trying to make "playfully hints." Customers who cross her are even less fortunate.

Those kinds of bans always fail when up against the simple curiosity of a child. So with Zoro it is entirely effective. Even as he got older and closer to the age of some of the trainees, Zoro never bothered himself with what they all giggled about and whispered behind fans and into each other's ears.

(What's so great about being stuck all day with pretentious rich jerk forced to have "polite, refined conversation" that follows a bunch of made up, stuffy rules. ESPECIALLY if you had to do it while stuck in too many layers of some a sticky, hot kimono, painted in itchy looking make up, with an overly complicated and uncomfortable hair style that always somehow ended up ruined by the end, anyway, so you had to do the whole mess over again. All that fuss just to hear some boring guy go on about boring stuff and pretend to be interested in his stupid life and opinions?)

Then, as the months and years pass, suddenly the strange little sword boy is no longer so "unfortunate" looking or even "ugly cute" but, well... And suddenly, customers aren't so quick to dismiss or ignore the errand boy. By the time his sixteenth birthday rolls around, Zoro garners all sorts of attention from patrons that:

Older Oirans (and the house master) greatly disapprove of since they were brought up to see Zoro as both a child and very much removed from that part of their world

Younger Oirans are starting to get bitchy and jealous about, after all Zoro doesn't have any training, he doesn't "work" there (not like they do!), he doesn't even try with the clients, why should he get attention that is rightfully theirs!

And the most sensible thing to do seems obvious; give the boy some cash, some clothes, a few meals and set him on his way.

(Tch, old man, he doesn't care you think he's cute, no amount of money could make him pretend it was somehow "pleasurable" or "exciting" to sit around having a tea party when he could be out showing the world Santoryu!)

Well, sixteen really is old enough to go out on his own, he might as well start making a new for himself among the pirates and kenshi and sort like he's always talking about. Good luck, no hard feelings. It's not as isn't like Zoro really considered them family or the house a home, it was just a place to stay while he prefected his Santoryu, even if by the end he was fond enough of a handful of them. It's the way you might be fond of neighbors, not crew.

He was all too glad to take what little possessions he had and start out towards Wano! A place he'd thought of so often he didn't need a map or a compass, the way there pulled at his blood and his will would guide him over the ocean and to it's shores!

Six Months Later...

In little over half a year, Zoro manages to travel from Lower North Blue, not even a days journey shy of the Red Line, to somewhere in Upper North Blue, freezing outside in just his old coat (he won't admit it but even after five years of living up North, Zoro still can't stand the cold) and worn out boots. Some jerks is trying to hassle him, get him to part with one of his swords (what's the kid need three for, anyway? Better go have some berries for food or a place to stay, surely? Little good an extra sword does a frozen corpse) for way less than it's worth which is so insulting Zoro seriously considers threatening to slice the guy up. If only he could feel his fingers so he could get them around the handle, or his teeth to stop chattering enough to show precisely why he needed the third one.

He definitely isn't going to die here, before he's even set foot on the Grand Line and towards Wano, that's for sure. But it would be nice to eat something this week, or maybe just build a small fire? Things we're easier when he could turn in bounties, but up here in the winter everyone is so bundled up it's hard to see their faces, and besides, there seem to be Marines on every stupid island. Always taking his marks!

Then, through the doorway, framed by the ice and snow and howl of the storm, a tall, dark figure. The young man ambled in with a confident, uneasy gait that seem to hush the wind at his heels. He steps up beside Zoro and this aura of Absoluteness just envelopes him.

The young man swiped a thumb across Zoro's cheek, strangling him with the touch. It's not the coolness of his skin, that's too be expected, but there's something electric in it that zaps some part of Zoro back to life. When he looks down at the strangers hand he notices the thread of crimson looping around his long, tattooed finger.

Zoro swipes the back of his hand over his face. Huh, he hadn't even realized his cheek had been bleeding. He hadn't been able to feel it in so long.

"Give the kid some food." Not a request, and the stranger doesn't toss any berries the man 's way. Just commands it. And before the terrified merchant can even mutter something about him being a shop keeper not some marine charity ship, the young man adds, "Then I suppose we'll have to call for one of those instead. The room behind this stall should be more than big enough for the three of us to wait until they arrive to come retrieve the boy, don't you think?"

Zoro can barely start to protest when the guy goes so white he nearly vanishes into the snow. The next thing Zoro knows his arms are full of food. Not just food, but a new pair of boots, a hat and some gloves, a pair of snow goggles, two extra blankets, some matches, and a flask of sake. Zoro is stumbling away under the weight of his new everything, muttering a very confused but sincere "Thank you".

"Damned kid is just some whore outsider, deserves whatever he gets out there."

Zoro doesn't stop, use to people hurling insults as though not being from the North somehow means he can't hear them. But he feels long fingers curling just around his hip, securing Zoro in their grasp as the young man leading him out the door. "Yet still smart enough to see through you," the stranger returns without bothering to glance backward at the man.

Zoro is somehow still surprised when, after they're out of the shop and a few feet down the street - assuming there is still a street under all the snow - the strangely electric yet solid presence of that hand on his back suddenly fizzles out and vanishes.

"Don't go asking for help, you'll only end up needing more of it." The young man's voice is dark and seems to arch out from him, falling over Zoro and blocking out all other sound. He followed on instinct, too lost in the moment to have thought to put those damn goggles on before he stepped outside! Ice slashed through the air and broke through the dark making the whole world look blinding white. The only thing he could make out for certain was the darkness of the man's aura, which turned out to be his coat billowing out behind him. The twists and flurries of the storm turning the heavy fabric into a dynamic, living being that seem to shift and reshape itself in front of Zoro's eyes, a sort of shadow with mass.

But it's Zoro who follows behind, right at the man's heels, presses in until he can feel the fabric whip past his cheek, and falls into the footsteps the man leaves behind in the snow every two or three steps.

[gildedmuse]

Question, which ship do you personally find the most cannon, ZoLu, ZoSan or ZoLaw? To expand on the question which ship for you has the most potential to possibly become cannon, I personally love all the ships, but I was wondering your thoughts on it? Ps reallyyyy love your AO3 works especially the ZoLaw! And the headcanon about them being trained by Rayleigh in the Modern AU!!!

Short Answer:

Zoro x Luffy is obviously the ship that makes the most sense and has the most examples you can point to in the canon while saying, "see that, that is love."

Long Answer No One Cares About:

This question awoke something dark inside of me, and I apologize for the overly long answer.

So, here's the thing: I don't really like 99% of "crack" ships which I would personally define as characters who have never met, whose personalities clash with one another's, and who share no common traits or grounds on which they might potentially relate to one another. Pretty much, if you have to invent a secret, noncanon background that totally changes a character's personality so that they can hook up with another character, I'm probably not going to ship it. Though, hey, if that's your thing you fly that flag high and proud. Shippers should support other shippers, regardless of cargo.

Buuuut.... At the same time, I also do not give a fuck about my ships being canon. Not only because, hey, it's my imagination and I'll do what I want with it, thank you very much, but also being a canon ship doesn't mean shit. Just because a creator decided two characters should hook up doesn't mean that it's logical or sound or feasible or healthy or somehow more "correct" than other pairings. In fact, what it usually means is that one character is a man, the other is a woman, and they are both attractive. Which, you know, is a pretty bullshit reason to start a relationship. If you've ever gone out with someone solely because they're attractive and the opposite gender of yourself than either:

Congratulations on what I hope was some truly amazing sex

So sorry about that awkward sexual encounter

You likely have first hand experience on how unstable and unsustainable such relationships can be.

So being a canon ship does not necessarily give you a pass in my books. For starters, most of my ship's be gay as fuck, and as someone who grow up without a lot of gay representation in media, I have learned not to expect anything despite how OBVIOUSLY DEEPLY CONNECTED characters might be.

[Side Note: And, yes, it's mostly male characters, because throughout the history of entertainment culture the vast majority was created by people men who had total faith in their ability to write realistic female characters despite all evidence pointing to the fact that they never once talked to an actual real life woman. I mean, how hard could it be? All women have basically the same personalty traits (boobs) and everyone knows female are monolithic group whose sole purpose in life is finding the most protagonistic male out there and immediately become his love interest. Which is why I just don't even bother with folks who look down on fans of slash/yaoi/gay ass ships because in a frankly sad amount of media, these pairings often make more practical sense as well as being more appealing to those of us who want romantic relationships based on personality, shared interests, or just between two well developed characters rather than one fully realized character and one cardboard cut out of Generic Attractive Female Person.]

When female characters are written as stereotypes whose defining characteristics is "she's a girl!" then of course the male characters with fully realized personalities and complex characterization will appeal to most people, including those of us who prefers their romantic pairings to have an actual foundation outside of "penis + vagina = love" it makes sense to ship the male characters who we get to see build a relationship, share common interests/traits/goals, and just generally ) So I have accepted that canon couples often mean nothing, because when it comes to romance so many creators are stuck in some heteronormative mindset where they totally forget all the work they've done building the character and defining their personality and sticking them with the first person they meet that has tits.

Basically, I am an English major whose end game is to be a college professor. And I am all about Death Of The Author, but also Show Me Your Workings. I don't need a relationship to be canon, what I need is for there to be a reason behind it. Preferably one that is deeper than "Tarzan love Jane because man loves woman" or "but they're both so pretty!!!!"

Taking all that into account, Zoro and Luffy were my first ship for a reason. There are so many little moments between the two you can point at as proof of their devotion and love (romantic or platonic, however you prefer to see it) for one another. I don't just mean the way Zoro took all Luffy's pain. I'm talking about how Luffy will always say things like, "I hope Zoro and the others are okay" or "When we get there I want to have huge feast with Zoro and the others". How often do you designate one of your friends over all the rest, naming them apart from the group? Personally, I either name everyone or no one, the exception being if one of them is someone I'm dating and therefore actually in a separate category from my other friends.

It's the way Zoro has all this nonverbal dialogue with Luffy which allows him to implicitly trust in whatever mad scheme Luffy has cooked up. When more rational people (Nami and Usopp) object out if, you know, sanity, Zoro can always tell when Luffy's plans are just silly gun, when he's throwing out his first thought just to say something, and when he's statement is made with full, unyielding conviction. And Zoro believes in Luffy enough that, when his captain has that level of assuredness, Zoro has no reason to doubt in him. Zoro is a man of actions - while oaths and promises are important, they only meant anything if you always follow through with actions. Luffy never fails to turn his promises into deeds, and so in a way they speak the same language. They understand one another on a deeper level.

And again, it's small things. The way Luffy can get even post-time skip Zoro to smile, or how Luffy will offer to share his lunch with Zoro, the way at the coliseum in Dressrosa, Zoro gets upset about Luffy not informing him there was a fight and Luffy actually apologizing. They have all these little moments to show how deeply connected they are, how much they understand one another, and more importantly how much faith they have in one another so even when one of them might not fully understand the other's reasoning, they never fail to support one another or know the other will pull through.

In my opinion, that is the bases of a strong relationship. That support and understanding; the sense that even if one of them may fail (and almost get chopped in half as a result) or fuck up (see Luffy. Just... Luffy) that it doesn't lessen the other one's believe in them. If anything, they know these set backs mean the other will fight twice as hard to come back even stronger.

I could literally list a thousand moments when they have each other's backs, when the whole crew doubts one of the except for the other, when they offer support even if it's unpopular or seems crazy. And yet they still have little fights, they aren't "made for one another" the way shallow love interests often are, but when it comes to the important moments they trust one another implicitly and show unwavering acceptance without the other having to validate or explain their reasoning. Luffy trusts Zoro with the crew's life, the most important thing in Luffy's world, and Zoro... Well in many ways Luffy has become the most important thing in his world. You see it the moment Zoro kowtows in front of Mihawk - the man Zoro has sworn to defeat and who is at the center of Zoro's life goal - all because Luffy needs him to be stronger; for the crew, to achieve Luffy's dream.

Mihawk even thinks to himaelf, who is the man you are willing to set aside your pride for, because he knows men like Zoro and the only reason they would ask such a favour from a rival is out of loyalty to someone.

So, yeah, not that it matters, but I'm terms of canon, Mihawk basically says, "this kid is in love, only someone in love would be so willing to set aside their dreams and goals for those of someone else."

[gildedmuse]

If anyone, for any reason ever suddenly finds they want to roleplay some random ZoLaw AU* I just want to introduce you to someone:

[It's me. The person I wanted to introduce you to is me.]

I just realized how many fucking ZoLaw stories live in my head and how I will never, ever be able to write them all.

Then I remembered that I am a huge geek and that there is an easier way!

So, you know, hit me up about that if you're ever just like, "But what if Law was a sports photographer and this certain kendo competitor was his favorite subject, but he refused to admit it, until the day the media company he works for throws this event and of course his boss would have to invite Roronoa. No, thanks, Corazon, it probably totally won't creep him out how many photos I have of him."

Or, "But what if the only way to stay on the university kendo team is if he can pull up his gpa and while he finds the (admittedly attractive) TA for his biology class to be haughty and cold Zoro needs to be able to compete and he figures the guy will at least have some one he can recommend. And Law, in a hurry and not properly listening, somehow agrees to tutor this kid himself and fuck how does this happen to him?"

Or, "What if the Strawhats are a band. They mainly play at Shakky's rip off bar, which just so happens to be one of medical student Trafalgar Law's favorite places to go after a long day. He'd like it more if not for that annoying Strawhat band that they keep booking even though Law doesn't find them at all that impressive. Then one night after the show the drummer - cute, but the green punk hair is a little desperate - comes and takes the seat next to him at the bar. It isn't that Law is staring but at some point, the boy turns and just asks, "what's your problem? You keep glaring at me but as far as I can tell all I've done so far is sit here and try and order a drink." And that's when they start to talk."

Or, "Law works for Doflamigo and when the Straw hats arrive in Dressrosa, they end up quickly having to run, trying to escape from Big Mom's ship. Only one crew member stays behind to distract the powerful devil's fruit user that had been following them.*

Or, "Law follows in Corazon's footsteps and becomes a marine. Years later this fresh faces, green haired swordsman straight from the academy is assigned to his crew."

Or, "Alternative Universe where both Law and Zoro are Shichibukai."

And of course, "But what if Zoro was a Heart Pirate."

Or you know, really anything. Doesn't even technically have to be an AU.

So long as I get some ZoLaw content, you'd be surprised how unpicky I am.

So, yeah, feel free to just message me on Tumblr. Or my discord is like #7480. Or reply here. Again. Not picky.

[gildedmuse]

Yes, please. More ZoLaw... How about AU ideas?

Oh, I have ton of AU ideas. Some of which I have like 11 pages of co-brainstorming, some of which I've written up summaries roughly the length of some of which are just two words: [blank] Zoro / [Blank] Law. Here's the best list I can put together while on my way to work.

Okay, Hear Me Out. A ZoLaw Fic Where....

Zoro Is Law's Marine Bodyguard....

After Corazon dies, the navy does some digging. Years later they learn about Law and insist he is in danger as Doflamingo has located him as well. A young marine, Zoro, is assigned to guard him

Law Is A Marine & Roronoa Zoro Is His Obsession...

Or Law follows in Corazon's footsteps and becomes a marine. He sort of takes Tashigi's place as Smoker's sidekick second in command. So he's there in Lougetown when the Strawhats breeze into town. and the two develope an... Intense rivalry in which Law is determined to hunt down the cocky young swordsman (mostly because he feels like a fool... Why in the world would be agree to a fight without using his devil's fruit? What kind of argument is "it's cheap" anyway? Why the hell had he been thinking?) while Zoro enjoys taunting the handsome, moody marine he kicked the ass off back in Lougetown (or totally would have if they hadn't been interrupted).

Just wait until Law follows him all the way to Dressrosa. He's been avoiding meeting The Heavenly Demon since he became a marine, so why they hell is he willing to follow this green haired pirate hunter into the devil's own home?

Zoro Hates All Doctors (Except Law) (And Also It's A College AU Because Why Not?)

Modern AU where Law is an overworked med student filling shifts at the student clinic and Zoro is a at University on a kendo scholarship, preparing for the olympics. He has a knack for getting injured (it doesn't help that his coach, Mihawk Dracula, doesn't believe in pulling punches... Or whatever the sword equivalent is). Still, he absolutely hates going to the clinic. One day Law is taking out some tension at the gym practicing with his own blade when Zoro gets badly hurt. Law rushes over to help, and since Zoro isn't really in a position to say no he has to let the young doctor help him.

After that whenever Zoro gets injured he still refuses to go to a doctor. What he does do is lurk outside the student clinic (typically with Luffy in toe to keep him company - even if your injured and tired, you can never get too bored with Luffy as your best friend) until Law gets tired of it and makes him come in so he can fix up whatever he's managed to injure this time.

The clinic receptionist - Perona - doesn't find this cute at all. Mostly because Zoro is typically sweaty and gross and the Monkey boy is just annoying. His fellow student interns Shachi and Penguin are just impressed Law has put up with him this long (they did ask if the Kendo scene attracted a lot of girls, but Law's blank stare pretty much answered that one) while Assistant Professor and Physician Marco thinks it's adorable but is kind enough to only tease Law about it occasionally (he doesn't ask about fangirls in the kendo scene since he's pretty much certain that's not Zoro's scene either way).

Of the two tenured professors who officially oversee the clinic, Dr. Crocus has never said anything to Law about the whole situation except for letting him know when Zoro is waiting outside. He does, however, sometimes bring Zoro and Luffy by snacks or something to drink and has even kept them company an few times. No need for the two of them to wait out there with no one looking out for them (and, yes, they clearly need someone looking out for them). On the other hand Dr. Kureha has never believed in cuddling her students. The exact opposite actually. She started by telling Law he'd best take his pet home since he couldn't have it here all day ("Pet? What pet? Whoever it is, it's not mine, Dr. Kureha-ya." / "So that green haired stray and his little monkey friend don't belong to you?" / "Green hai- Urg."), Which eventually evolved to her telling him this was a clinic not a dating service ("He's not... *Sigh*") and finally came to the point where she just snips st Law for not being able to control even a simple minded athlete then how does he plan to deal with actual problem patients? She's also made a point of telling Zoro off - it pretty obvious that even when he does come by the clinic he only does so after either accumulating multiple injuries or continuing to push one until it gets far worse than needed. Is the boy an idiot? Why wait until things are so bad, and why is he wasting the time of one of her top students? If he wants to stalk one of the postgrads he could at least pick a less talented one. There are plenty to choose from.

Marco tried to make up for this lecture (after which Zoro stayed away for three months until he almost lost an eye) by offering to let Zoro and Luffy wait in the actual clinic to wait. (To which Luffy helpfully announces, "Zoro isn't waiting for the clinic, he's waiting for Toroa." Which kinda makes Zoro want to strangle his best friend but since he's currently holding a towel up to his eye and feels pretty sick at the thought of not making these games because he's an idiot, he only managed an apologetic smile and mentally promises himself to pinch Luffy later. Marco is totally unsurprised by this answer, for what it's worth.)

(Also, it turns out Kendo does attract at least a couple of girls, at least at the Olympics level. It's probably more accurate to say that Dracule Mihawk and Roronoa Zoro attract attention, which Law only learns because he was heading home after his shift and saw a bit if activity around the gymnasium and wandered over purely out of curiosity and somehow accidentally ended up watching Zoro's match. And that randomly happened a couple of times. Look, the best parking is by the gym he practically has to walk by to get to his car. He isn't going out of his way. And he has a valid reason to be interested in kendo. (Also, appro of nothing, Tashigi seems like an annoying know it all and Hiyori seems like a silly teenage girl and why is Perona even here?)

Shanks Uses His Yonko Status For It's Highest Purpose - Mischief

While sailing to Wano, they stop at an island to gather supplies when they are ambushed. It turns out to be one occupied by the Head Haired Pirates. Before anyone can attcak, Shanks steps into view, smiling. He greets Kin'emon and Kunjuro (they were with the Roger pirates for a while). Robin, Franky and Usopp he recognizes as friends of Luffy. Weirdly, he calls Zoro 'Mihawk'ss boy'. Law corrects him as Zoro is also in the Strawhats. Shanks laughs because while that may be true, he's met Zoro and he's Mihawk's boy to him. Law seems unhappy with this description, while Zoro just rolls his eyes, calling Shanks an old pervert and to stop messing around. Despite everyone else freaking out, Shanks laughs it off. He insists surely Mihawk would be the pervert in that situation. Law dislikes the whole conversation. It only gets worse when it turns out they have to stay on the island two weeks, and Mihawk is visiting as well. Under Shank's bad influence (and seeing how such comments got under the other Captain's skin even if he wouldn't admit to it) he convinced Mihawk to join him in creating some mischief (Shanks is a terrible influence).

Law Is Working For Doflamingo, Gathering Information On & Chain Off Rookie Pirates

Instead of Bellemy, the crew find Law right before Skypea. He is also (secretly) working for Doflamingo. Typically it's his job to narrow out the herd, and for the pirates that might make it to the second half of the Grand Line, his job is to gather information that may be useful in "convincing" them over to Doflamingo's side later or else can be useful in eliminating them if they become a threat.

Unlike Bellamy, it takes Law only one conversation in the bar to determine that the Strawhats aren't your average pirates. Their captain's open, naive nature makes gathering information on them rather straight forward. Which is how Law determines that his biggest advantage is his crews loyalty, and none seem more so than his handsome swordsman. Luffy seems to naturally open and unashamed to be able to gather blackmail material on, but Law's willing to bet if you own Zoro, you'd more or less own the captain. So he sets out to do just that.

Swords Are Cats

Zoro owns three infamous crazy cats. Law is a vet. Look, this is an AU in which Swords are cats. Zoro has two in particular that no vet is willing (or able) to get anywhere near. When Wado gets sick, though, he shows up to The Heart Veterinary Clinic (it sounds like such a cheesy name he already can't stand it) with all three in toe. Best to get everything done at once since it's unlikely they'll ever be allowed back again. Sure enough, Shisui just has to start the trip off by escaping when Zoro is checking in.

Law is in his office when he notices Kikoku is gone, which is strange. She usually likes to stick by his side. He goes looking for her and is surprised to find her hiding under the receptionist desk, curled up peacefully with another cat. He holds up the strange tomcat only to very nearly lose an eye. Zoro catches the poor thing midair when Law stumbles back from surprise, honestly just thankful to find him before he caused any damage.

Law takes one look at Zoro and the three cats and instantly knows two things:

A. Oh, so these are the demon cats he was warned about by Tashigi and Pica and Wanda and even Shanks who seems like he can put up with almost any animal

B. He's definitely going to get these cats to like him, if only to ensure that Zoro back.

Law Ends Up On Kuraigana Island

Incredibly simple What If premise. What if instead of fighying two pacsifistas alongside the Kid pirates, the Heart Pirates wind up on the battle field with the Strawhats. When the real Kuma shoes up, Law gets a little too close to the action and is sent along with Zoro to Kuraigana Island. This has everything you need in an AU. Zoro and Law going from complete strangers to friendly rivalry to sexual tension because they're stuck on an island for two years together. A possible love triangle with Mihawk. Perona being either an annoying bratty sister to Zoro (who in fairness beat up her crew) while openlh crushing on a disinterested Law or a Perona silently shipping the two of them long before they even take any real notice of each other (I'm guessing she'd talk about it with her hallows). Bonus points for scenes of The Heart Pirates trying desperately to find their beloved captain.

I'm kidding. Bonus points for adding Mihawk in the mix and making it a triangle filled with possessiveness, jealousy and a totally unaware he's in the middle of it all Zoro. That's my jam.

They Were Childhood Friends (Who Haven't Seen Each Other In Years)

Sometimes, all an AU needs to be is a romamtic comedy formula lifted wholesale and recontextualized to fit whatever fandom you're into. So, yeah. Law and Zoro grow up at the same dojo but haven't seen each other in years, then suddenly Law is sitting there in ten Sabaody auction house when the something crashes through the roof, and that something looks a lot like a boy he hasn't seen since he left the dojo at 18. Or, hey, maybe Law catches a wanted poster of "his little brother" while sailing on the Grand Line and decides to track him down just to see how he's doing. And probably he was totally unaware that at 13/14 years old, Zoro had just about the biggest crush in the world on him.

Although most the Strawhats definitely know. Or at least figure it out damn quickly. It's kind of hard to miss how their badass swordsman suddenly can't make eye contact or flushes at the slightest provocation. ("Do you think the Heart captain realizes?"/"Maybe it's just because Zoro looked up to him. I mean, I can't imagine him actually LIKING someone."/"Oh, come off it, you'd have to be blind not to see!"/"I think it's sweet that our swordsman-san still holds such a place for what must have been his first major crush."/"Yeah, who know Zoro-bro could be such a romantic!")

Strawhats antics ensue.

Law Uses His Shichibukai Connections For Something Other Than Revenge (So Sex. Sex and Revange.)

After becoming a Shichibukai, Law meets Mihawk at an official summon and picks up on the fact that Zoro is training there. Having promised Luffy he would look it to his nakama's safety should be discover them (something he had thought would never happen) he follows Mihawk back to the island to see how Zoro's training holds up.

Perona Is Zoro's Older Sister, Just To Create Drama

AU where Perona is Zoro's older sister. She hangs out with a much darker, edgier crowd than Zoro approves of. He find Law especially questionable and not just because they seem to have a 'thing' (in my mind Zoro is in high school while Perona and Law are not in college. He's heard about the way college boys often are and he doesn't really understand that all their relationship is entirely casual, and most the time when he catches Perona cuddling up to him, it's just her being cutesy (and because she knows that while it annoys Law a little, he won't do anything to stop him). He also doesn't understand why every time he tries to confront Law about it he ends up feeling so flustered. (Not that Law is about to openly hit on his friend's little brother, but some teasing never hurt)

There's Only One Bed. Because There Is ALWAYS A Story With Only One Bed

The Polar Tang and Sunny are stolen while the two crews are meeting up, talking over a plan to take down Blackbeard (okay fine, LAW is doing all the planning). Luckily, Shanks just happens to be passing by and offers them a lift, but as big as his ship is, three whole crews take up a lot of space. And despite Shanks (joking) offer to let Zoro share his bed, Law is the one who ends up stuffed into a single hammock with the Swordsman.

Law Tries To Sleep With His Uncle's Partner (Not As Terrible As If Sounds)

Law's uncle Corazon works in Law enforcement. He talks endlessly about his new rookie partner to the point of Law's annoyance. Until Corazon brings the young green haired detective home for dinner.

Law Is The Ship Doctor For The Strawhats Pirates

Corazon lives and runs off with Law, who grows up to be a doctor. One day, a pirate ships sails to their island. They have a sick crew member and desperate for help. Law doesn't help pirates, but then the corrupt ruler of their island has Corazon arrested and locked up, claiming he's found his true identity and plans to sell him out to his brother. They come for Law, but the Strawhats save him despite his refusal to help them (Luffy doesn't mind, he's sure Torao has his reasons and anyway Corazon is an amazing man who gave them a free lunch and he's sure Torao is just as good.) The Strawhats rescue Corazon, kick out the evil ruler and bring peace back to the island. Law finds himself compelled to accompany them.

Law Tutors Zoro (In The Ways Of Love Math)

Zoro's life is way too stressful. Between kendo competitions, a job that doesn't pay enough, a second job that's a bit questionable not too mention school. He doesn't even care about most that stuff, but if he wants to be the greatest at his sport, the rest is sort of necessary. Like training. One thing he definitely needs more training in is school work. Zoro has to keep a certain GPA to keep his Kendo scholarship. Luffy insists he knows the perfect tutor, and while Zoro isn't so sure about Luffy's judgement on intelligence, he trusts his friend. Enter Trafalgar Law, college senior who tutors on the side. Oh, and - as he casually mentions at the end of their first session that he's seen Zoro at his job. No, not as at the restaurant, but the online videos. And he has to say, he's quite the fan.

There are a few I didn't manage to get to tonight, despite being some of my favorites. Maybe later, when work has not drained the life out of me, you can hear about...

Drummer Zoro/Med Student Law

Marine Law/Revolutionary Zoro

Marine Law/Marine Zoro

Police Zoro/ME Law

Rock Star Law / Bodyguard Zoro

Biker Gang Zoro / Anarchist Group Law

Kendo Olympic Champion Zoro / Sports Doctor Law

Kendo Rivals Zoro / Law

Evil Doflamingo Pirate Law / Captive Zoro

Samurai Zoro / Ninja Law

Detective Zoro / Art Thief Law

[gildedmuse]

So I seem to remember promising more Sora: Warrior Of The Sea Beach Episode. And by "seem to remember" I mean, it's in writing and thus hard to ignore. So despite the fact that none of you care, guess what? You're getting more of this ZoLaw AU.

First off, every member of the cast and crew understands the purpose of a beach episode: to waste time at the beach. Which means that everyone pulls up with swim trunks, blankets, grills and umbrellas. They are basically there to have a beach vacation.

I say everyone. Not Law. Law does not come prepared to party, he comes prepared to be pissy. But like everyone else (Yes, even Mihawk. Though technically only due to Shank's influence. Shanks forces him is what I'm saying. "Hey, even Beckmen is joining in the fun!" / "Benn always joins in these ridiculous games." / "What? My Beckmen? No! He's usually so mature and serious." / "He only seems that way compared to you. Because you are a child.")

The resulting shoot is pretty much pure chaos. Perona and Hancock are more interested in sunbathing than acting. Killer is kicking everyone's ass at volleyball. Franky and Ace are having a grill off to see who makes the better hamburgers and hot dogs (Sanji would totally win except that Pudding-Chan is right there and in a bikini and look, at some point it's difficult to care about things that aren't that.) Zoro and Luffy, meanwhile, are pretty much exactly the children you expect them to be, much to Robin's amusement. Look, she wrote a scene where Sora and Daichi "play wrestle" in the sea, but it has nothing on the actual thing. Because Zoro can often be oblivious and because, you know, Luffy she is sure they don't mean for it to look so homoerotic. It's just a shame Nami isn't here to capitalize on this. She could definitely sell Zoro pinning Luffy to the sand or Luffy wrapping around Zoro like he's made of rubber for more than a few quid.

Law is not enjoy this shoot.

Even when Benn finally gains enough control to start getting actual work done (you'd be surprised how authoritative Mihawk can be even in purple swim trunks) it soon becomes clear that this is going to be a longer than normal shoot. Not because the logistics, just people are not even trying. Ace will just start smiling in the middle of a scene where he shouldn't be smiling, and because Zoro really takes his cues on acting from Ace he'll immediately start smiling regardless of the line. Then Sanji will get angry with them both, which Pudding will think is adorable, thus leading to Sanji forgetting the script entirely to pay attention to her. Perona will tell Zoro off and get too close in his face, which will make Luffy jump in to "protect his virtue" (on order from Nami) which will make Boa jealous because how dare another woman be so close to her Luffy. Which will make Ace and Zoro annoyed which will make Robin giggle, which will distract Franky which will ultimately lead to the effects not working like they should, which will cause Shachi, Penguin, and Ikkaku to huddle up (definitely not them just laying on the sand and enjoying the day out) which of course gets Shanks and Mihawk's attention. Shanks tries to separate Perona and Luffy while Mihawk gives Zoro and Ace The Look which, despite his still authoritative aura is SLIGHTLY less effective when he's standing there in just swim trunks. Curse Shanks. So in the end, with a heavy sigh, he has to go train instruct Zoro in what he should actually be doing in the scene which somehow ends up with his hands at Zoro's bare waist as he goes through it all yet again.

Law HATES this. Fucking. Shoot.

Which is why he is so close to just leaving, as per Robin's suggestion. They don't need him there. Clearly. They can all get along quite well without him. It's obvious now that Law's real job is babysitting and at this particular location all attempts to be an adult are fruitless.

So Law is all set to leave but then Zoro gets out of the ocean, dripping wet, and heads towards his drink which Law happens to be standing beside. Not watching. Definitely. If anything, glaring. And he tries to keep glaring out at Luffy and Ace messing around as Zoro takes a nice long drink, eyes clearly focused on Law.

Which isn't distracting.

Zoro: Aren't you hot?

Law: *Takes a second to process what that actually means, covering by his continued glare* These are work appropriate clothes, Zoro-ya. Not all of us have forgotten why we're here.

Zoro: *Snorts* RIght. You can't be seen having fun, isn't that so Torao?

Law: *Turning his glare towards Zoro which is maybe a mistake because skin and water and mouth and eyes* I'm only being practical.

Zoro: That sounds boring *Reaching out to grab the end of Law's shirt* You should come have fun with us, Torao. You might even enjoy it. *Sideways smirk that is far too dangerous in nature, anyone with self preservation instincts would run*

Law: *Doesn't run* I… *Is older than Zoro and more experienced than Zoro and always the one to make suggestive comments to Zoro so how is it Zoro has currently got his hands wrapped in Law's shirt while Law seems unable to speak?* I didn't even bring-

Zoro: *Stepping closer, raising Law's shirt up a few inches to show his intent* It's just the crew, it's not like anyone will care.

Law: It wouldn't be very appropriate, Zoro-ya…. *Come on! He's half stripping you down! Be flirty or clever or mysterious or hell just step back and make him stop if you can't come off as at least competent. What the hell is wrong with you? Fuck, he's so close. And there's this trail of water falling from his hair to his lips. Fuck.*

Zoro: Look around. No one here is trying to be "appropriate" Torao. *Steps closer, feeling safe. Feeling cocky. Today has been all sword fights with Killer and sea fights with Luffy and Ace. Can you blame him for being in a good mood? And Law needs to join in, obviously. He's standing up here on the beach looking so miserable and serious. What he needs is to be dragged into the water and force to actually have some fun.* Unless…. *Cocks his head, looking Law over* You can swim, can't you?

Law: I - *It'd be nice if he could swallow right now because it definitely feels like he's going to start drooling. That damn water is curving up on the underside of Zoro's lower lip and he's so close. Law could lap that up for him. Could pin Zoro down and just….*

Zoro: *Beaming* It's alright. Luffy can barely swim, either. *Nods out to the water where currently Luffy is splashing around, riding on Ace's shoulders*

Law: *Eyes go to Luffy and Ace for once second and when he looks back Zoro seems so much closer.*

Zoro: *Still smiling even as he starts to peel off Law's shirt* Come on. *Tugging him by the arm, despite the fact he's still in his jeans and no wait he didn't agree to this!* We'll go together.

Law: *Manages to get Zoro to stop long enough to peel off his jeans so he's down to his boxers, which Zoro flushes at and isn't that what he meant? He can't be so inexperienced. Fuck, Law just wants to ruin this boy, he really does. But then Zoro is back to shoving him towards the sea, happily announcing to Ace and Luffy that he has a fourth and what does that even mean? What has Law gotten himself into?*

It turns out to be an overly competitive game of chicken (both Ace and Zoro really take it far too seriously while Luffy is clearly there for fun but also will break Law's nose if it comes down to it). Which means Law has his legs wrapped around Zoro, whose hands are curled up around his thighs and this could not get any worse.

He thinks.

Totally unaware that Robin has her phone out and is capturing this entire magical moment. And when Franky sits beside her asking why she's filming them fighting she just gets this smile that makes him want to unask because he knows Robin.

Mihawk has to eventually call the boys out to shoot a scene. He stands at the edge of the water with his typically displeased look. Law would feel so much more ashamed if Zoro hadn't chosen to just drop him slightly so Law's legs are wrapped around his waist, and carried him out of the water like that. Law tries to give his boss an apologetic look but it's difficult when he's so wrapped around Zoro, and Zoro's hands keep finding new places on his legs to hold him up. (And maybe Mihawk shouldn't look at actors who work for him that way. And maybe Mihawk should spend less time instructing Zoro. And maybe Mihawk can go to hell because Law has called dibs on this one. This one is his.)

(Also, thank you for this opportunity, Mihawk-san)

(Also, did Zoro really need to flash that smile at Mihawk? Did Mihawk's face just soften slightly? Isn't he like twice Zoro's age? He should really-)

Then Zoro drops him on the sand, and he's leaning over Law, practically on top of him. All other thoughts basically stop.

Zoro: *Beaming* See? Wasn't that better than just sitting around?

Law: *Forgets how breathing works for just a moment, and is way too out of breath by the time he recalls the process. So his mind goes into default Defensive Mode. He frowns* You just wanted a chance to beat Mugiwara-ya.

Zoro: Well… *Shrugs, like obviously. That isn't really the point, is it? Since he chose Law?* You did well Torao. For a beginner.

Law: *Crossing his arms across his chest, which is difficult with Zoro right there. Looks to the side, determined not to give a single inch* I don't like being used Zoro-ya.

Zoro: Right. *Frowns, pushing away from Law* It was Luffy's suggestion anyway.

Law: *Carefully glancing back* What was?

Zoro: *No longer looking at Law* To come get you. Tch. Like I would ever want to pair up with you, Torao. *Pushes off the sand, stalking off towards Mihawkk and the shoot*

Law: *Pushes himself up onto his elbows, watching Zoro go. Can't help feeling like he really messed up.*

Robin: Perhaps you should be more careful with our stuntman's feelings.I suggest next time you be more honest with him.

Law: *Doesn't jump at Robin's sudden appearance next to him. Totally.* There won't be a next time. This is a pointless waste of an episode and the studio will see that.

Law: *As an afterthought* And I was honest.

Robin: *Sets a hand on Law's shoulder in a quiet moment of commiseration*

Also Robin: I have it all on tape if you wish to watch it back. *Leaves*

Law: *Hates this fucking episode*

Law: ….. *Maybe wants to examine that tape.*