#zosan fic rec

[strawhattery]

happy holidays! as my own little nod to the twelve days of christmas, i've made a list of twelve zosan fanfiction recommendations! i hope you enjoy them as much as i do!

this list was originally posted to my bluesky—complete with screenshots of the AO3 listings, which i didn't include here because the post was already really long. there's no particular order to the lists other than what was on my mind each day i posted over there!

the joy of cocking by unity1814

why i recommend it: this is a story about sanji's sexual awakening, and it's brimming with charm, silliness, and heart. the really love how this author portrays the way sanji understands the world & himself through cooking.

under these unpromising auspices by mithrilwren

why i recommend it: a delightful subversion of the "only one bed" trope, the intimacy captured in this pre-relationship fic is so special, and the author's razor-sharp characterizations really shine.

where the real road lies by theroyalsavage

why i recommend it: everything about this hades au is perfect. this author's writing style is stunning and immersive, and the zosan dynamic here is that fun, engaging blend of combative and devoted that i LOVE.

informal swordfighting, and the sorts by naturecalls111

why i recommend it: this story is bursting with wit and irreverent charm, and the zosan dynamic here is probably the funniest i've ever read. a must read for fans of romantic comedies and modern AUs!

icarus, down and out by trixree

why i recommend it: this au PERFECTLY translates the straw hats from canon into a modern world, and the way this author writes sanji learning about & falling for zoro is so good that /i/ felt half in love with him by the end!

swordbearer by glassedplanets

why i recommend it: a masterclass in outsider pov, this author perfectly captures several dynamics of zosan's relationship (and the whole straw hat crew!) and delivers it through a deeply sympathetic—and stunning—portrayal of hiyori.

in the cracks of light (i dreamed of you) by abandonedstrawberry

why i recommend it: this was the first zosan fic i ever bookmarked (and i FREQUENTLY reread it!) 🥹 i adore the zoro perspective in this as well as the perfect blend of zosan's bickering with their more vulnerable moments.

strip by aishahiwatari

why i recommend it: this is the definitive OPLA!zosan fic for me. this author captures sanji through zoro's eyes in the most arresting way, with immersive, lush descriptions of him in all his infuriating attractiveness.

the things you don't see by fruityumbrella

why i recommend it: this author has a gift for writing relationships that feel real & lived in. the conflict & resolution in this story are believable & handled SO WELL. plus: a world-class zoro and nami scene!

search and rescue by megatonnetalon

why i recommend it: i can't recommend this series highly enough. it's a modern au bursting with SO MANY charming, genius details & it had my cheeks hurting from smiling by the end. i could NOT put it down once i started.

hold me down by mellish

why i recommend it: a canonverse story with a fun & inventive plot device that does a great job of using sanji's WCI backstory to craft a compelling post-enies lobby sanji POV. if you love zoro taking care of sanji, this is for you!

pied de biche by batman

why i recommend it: i've shared a few fics so far of zoro taking care of sanji, but in this post-enies lobby story, sanji takes care of zoro. and then some. the prose here is so lush and painterly, it's GORGEOUS.

[deecotan]

🌱 Deeco's ZoSan Fic Rec List 🐥

Hello hello! This is going to be a slight rework for my zosan fic rec list, because I wanted to re-organize it and add some new fics while I'm at it, so this is going to be longer than the first. Feel free to check it out!

Latest update: November 2023

Because I started making this list long before August 2023, I won't add any fics that specifically take place in live-action setting because I haven't read much of them yet. I might consider updating this list to add fics with live-action setting in the future.

—GEN/T FICS

Sketches of Life (and Love) by Fledgling (Teen, 2.9k)

An exploration of a headcanon where Sanji likes to draw in his free time. This fic always leaves me with a warm feeling every time I read it because how endearingly sweet it is. It’s basically a domestic fluff story about both ZoSan and the Strawhats crew in general.

green with envy blues by adietxt (Gen, 1.5k)

A cute fic about Zoro being jealous. Jealous!Zoro has been one of those tropes that make me screech like a feral animal every time I come across it and this fic does exactly that. It’s pretty short and simple but it captures the characters very well. It’s set during pre-timeskip which makes it even better to me because pre-TS Zoro possesses that boyish quality that post-TS Zoro doesn’t necessarily have anymore.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Fuck, Marry, Kill (or, how Usopp becomes the best matchmaker of the sea without really trying) (Teen, 4.8k) — Usopp introduces the Strawhats to a game that ends up causing Sanji to overthink things - a lot of things.

Old Men Blues by postmoderne (Gen, 2k)

Quoting directly from the fic’s summary, “Sanji and Zoro: two ancient fucks (in love).” because this is exactly that, a story about old men ZoSan. Old Zoro and old Sanji are both still as stubborn as ever and it’s endearing. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Something Golden (Teen, 1.6k) — Canon reimagining where Zoro met Sanji at the Baratie pre-series.

Meet me under the orange tree by candelina (Gen, 3.9k)

A canon divergence AU where Zoro and Sanji met as kids, as Zeff opened up Baratie in Zoro’s hometown. It’s an adorable and heartwarming story of little Zoro and little Sanji’s friendship. There’s also a part two which is also worth reading. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The whole world will know (2.3k) — Old men ZoSan fic, this one involves Zoro deliberately showing himself to the Marines for god knows what. It’s sweet, it’s beautiful, and it shows that Zoro is as reckless and idiotic as he is a loving, devoted husband.

Zoro’s Boyfriend, Who Lives In Canada by donutsandcoffee (Gen, 2.6k)

Modern AU, where Zoro’s friends try to stop him from believing that his imaginary, totally made-up boyfriend actually exists. Of course Zoro’s boyfriend doesn’t actually exist, because with the way Zoro describes him he’s way too perfect to exist and how can anyone so perfect actually exist? A hilarious story of misunderstandings.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Prison Blues (Teen, 2.8k) and it’s a long way forward (Teen, 5k) — serve as both a ZoSan story and a great Sanji character study. 

The Three of Swords by 8ball (Teen, 30k, multi-chapters & completed)

A medieval AU with knight Zoro and prince Sanji, a concept that starts to really grow on me after I begin to read this fic. In this story, Zoro is a cursed knight appointed to serve Sanji, a kind-hearted prince whom Zoro eventually pines over. It’s a beautiful take of prince and knight AU; devoted knight Zoro is something that I didn’t know I need. It also has a sequel.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The Ocean's Child series — a canon-divergence mermaid!Sanji AU

(I Want) Someone to Love Me by three_days_late (Teen, 7.9k)

Sanji is about to turn 17, so he hopes that he can get his first kiss before that. A cute high school AU that involves everyone wanting to kiss Sanji (honestly, who doesn’t) but only one person gets to actually do it.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Blood Red (Teen, 400 words) — this might be a little biased because this fic is inspired by my comic, but it’s also a perfectly good reason why I must add it here; this fic is able to capture the spirit of the comic perfectly. If you want to read a short exposition of Zoro showing his darker, yet protective side, then this fic is worth the read. Warning for blood & hints of violence. The Christmas Swap (Teen, 37k, multi-chapters & completed) — a modern AU in which Sanji and Reiju switch partners during Christmas so they can attend their family gathering without having to come out as queer. It’s a wonderful story about family, relationships, and the struggles of maintaining those things as a queer person. The Only Way Out (Is Through) (Teen, 4.8k) — a beautiful Prince Sanji and Knight Zoro story, where circumstances forced them to separate & unable to be together. It also has a side Nami/Vivi. I Have Loved You for 1000 Years (I'll Love You for 1000 More) (Teen, 8.9k) — Another Prince Sanji & Knight Zoro AU involving time travel & the sacrifices you go through for the ones you love.

Curly Angel by APTX & translated to English by NMTD (Teen, 9.4k, two chapters & completed)

In this alternative canon universe, everyone has a guardian angel, and Zoro’s just happened to be Sanji. Hilarity ensues.

Let me be your Inspiration by TheWanderers (Teen, 19.8k)

College AU where Sanji is an artist/painter - another fic that explores Sanji as someone with an artistic streak, but also so much more. It’s a beautiful story that starts out with Zoro having to model for Sanji’s painting but ends up falling in love with him. I love the way the author adapts the characters’ canon backstory into this universe.

Retrogade by Hazel_Athena (Teen, 21.9k, two-chapters & completed)

Sanji got badly injured after a fight, and ends up losing a big chunk of memories - it doesn’t bother him too much until he notices how weird Zoro starts to act around him. A really good temporary amnesia fic with some really delicious pining!Zoro material. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Medieval ZoSan series — a medieval arranged marriage AU. Renegade Queen (Teen, 76k, multi-chapters & completed) — a canon divergent AU where Sora lives and takes all her children with her - it's more of a Vinsmoke family story with ZoSan on the side.

Nothing Happened (Gen, 16k, multi-chapters & completed)

An angsty survival story where the Strawhats get stranded in a middle of the seas with no means to escape and rapidly declining food stock. This fic does a really good job at keeping you in suspense, and the way it handles Zoro and Sanji's relationship destroyed me emotionally. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: Each A Love Song (Gen, 8.6k) — Sanji is frustrated because Zoro’s surprisingly popular with women when he doesn’t even like them back. A story of a confused Sanji trying to find love and being the World’s Most Oblivious Man. Three Blades (Gen, 5k) — a Western AU where Sanji is a saloon owner and Zoro is a bounty hunter.

The Melody of Missing You by BleuReivers (Teen, 11k)

Zoro is forced to confront his feelings in the aftermath of Sanji's departure during the Whole Cake Island arc. I love the way this story examines Zoro's softer, more vulnerable side in a painfully beautiful way, and the whole fic has this hazy, dream-like vibe that really fits with the plot.

Sick Day by Styx_in_the_mud (Teen, 1.3k)

Zoro gets sick, and Sanji takes care of him. A short sick!fic with a simple premise but very cute nonetheless.

—MATURE/EXPLICIT FICS

Deep by CharlieNozaki (Mature, 171k, multi-chapters & completed)

This is There Are Many Benefits to Being A Marine Biologist: The Fic. Okay jokes aside, this is a modern fantasy AU fic where merpeople exist and it mainly tells about marine biologist Sanji and merman Zoro. It has an interesting premise and deals with some heavy subjects in later chapters, hence the Mature tag. It has a sequel, though it's currently ongoing. OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The Game — a Modern AU with slight fantasy-ish element, where Zoro and Sanji are young orphans who find a mysterious game that might be able to change their lives.

Delphinium by toastie_bread (Mature, 39k, multi-chapters & completed)

Set in modern AU, stylist Sanji meets with police detective Zoro after his beauty salon got robbed; a cute rom-com story. There's also a side LawLu.

Steady, As She Goes by auspizien (Explicit, 155k, multi-chapters & completed)

I’ve always loved auspizien’s fics and this is the one fic that made me fall in love with their writing. This is a modern AU story where Zoro is an ex-agent with PTSD who meets and befriends Sanji, a paramedic. It’s a multi-chapter fic filled with humor, angst, pining, action, and good ol’ slow-burn.  OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: The Android Acquaintance (Explicit, 10k) — dystopian cyberpunk AU with android Sanji and bounty hunter Zoro. This fic partly inspires me to make the Blade Runner 2049 ZoSan art!

The Tribulations of Temptation by SweetyGreeny (Explicit, 18.5k)

Zoro accidentally sees Ace and Sanji doing… the do, and then spends days after that feeling shocked, confused, angry, and disappointed.  A delicious story of pining and jealous Zoro. There’s a slight AceSan in the beginning but the endgame is still ZoSan.   OTHER FICS FROM THIS AUTHOR: A Siren’s Sinking Song (Teen, 12k) — a canon-divergent AU where Sanji is a siren who one day meets a peculiar swordsman from a wandering ship; this story is beautiful and I love the idea of siren!Sanji, but please note the major character death TW.  The Burden of Blondes (Explicit, 11k) — Sanji finds out that Zoro has a thing for blondes, and for some reason he feels uneasy. A fun story with some good smut, and inspired me to make an art loosely based on it.

Thy Fearful Symmetry by Harubo (Explicit, 14.3k)

A modern AU where Sanji is a tourist visiting a tiger reserve during a family vacation and Zoro is a detective investigating a poaching ring. All of Harubo’s fics are godsend but I particularly love this one because the setting reads like a perfect rom-com drama movie about a stressed, overworked chef meeting a handsome detective. There’s also a nice tidbit where the Vinsmoke siblings are trying to get along with each other.

Done Dirt Cheap by Balderdashfromafool (Explicit, 99.7k, multi-chapters & completed)

A Western ZoSan AU, where Zoro is an outlaw and Sanji is a small town chef. This one is fun and lovely, and as someone who doesn’t read a lot of Western-themed stories, I love the way the author describes the Western setting in this fic. 

The Fox's Heart by Shadowcatxx (Explicit, 32k, multi-chapters & completed)

Historical/mythological AU where fox spirit Sanji falls in love with human samurai Zoro. A pretty heavy story about forbidden romance but ends with a happy ending. The fic deals with some period-typical issues like homophobia, misogyny, sexism, and transphobia, as well as some depictions of violence and (slight) animal abuse, so please be aware of that.

Mine by burnwaywardbird (Explicit, 4k)

A pure PWP fic of Zoro “punishing” Sanji for flirting with strangers. Super kinky and involves slight dom/sub undertones. Also, while this is mostly pure PWP, this fic is technically part of a series and while can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend to read the other parts as well (especially the ones preceding this fic).

pretty sanji series (Pretty & Surprise) by kickingsanji (12.6k in total)

A series of fics exploring Sanji's femininity and Zoro discovering that he has a thing for Sanji being pretty & wearing pretty things. As a Pretty Sanji truther, I love these fics to bits, not only because it handles Sanji dealing with his insecurities when it comes to his gender expression in a gentle, respectful way, but also because the smut is very good.

All Will be Well by thecrownofclowns (Explicit, 17k)

An incredibly sad but sweet zombie apocalypse AU about Sanji trying to survive the zombie outbreak all by himself, before eventually meeting Zoro. One of my favorite hurt/comfort fics.

—OMEGAVERSE (ALPHA/BETA/OMEGA) FICS

Onigiri by himaaneko (Teen, 2.3k)

Very cute domestic family fic of Zoro, Sanji, and their son. For those who prefers a softer omegaverse with family/love-children fluff on the side, this fic is for you.

Bite Me by Shadowcatxxx (Mature, 15k, two-chapters & completed)

Sanji got attacked while he was alone on the ship, causing him to go into heat. Zoro tries to help, but not without consequences. An exposition on how Zoro and Sanji handle their dynamics, and their feelings towards each other. Please mind the tags with this one.

fever by adietxt (Explicit, 6.4k, multi-chapters & completed)

I'm pretty sure that this is the first omegaverse ZoSan story that I have ever read, and one of the best ones I've ever read for a good reason. It involves Sanji, who suddenly got into his heat, and Zoro, the first one to discover Sanji in heat and learns for the first time he's an omega. I won't spoil anything, but I can say that the ending is great, the porn is delicious, and Zoro being possessive is exquisite.

Steps of Calidity by auspizien (Explicit, 42k, multi-chapters & completed)

I'm gonna preface this by saying that the smut here is ungodly good and very, very hot - and to be perfectly honest, one of the main reasons why I like this fic so much. But the plot is just as good and has an interesting take of how omegaverse dynamics might work in a modern world. Don't forget to mind the tags as well.

Sweet by ElAlmaDelMar (Explicit, 1.8k)

Sanji starts lactating during his pregnancy; Zoro finds it very hot. This one is just straight up kinky. It's a sequel to another story but can be read as a standalone.

[sanji-piss-hell]

ZOSAN FIC REC

Here is some of my fave zosan fics. Some of these I read years ago and so I don't fully remember what theyre about but they we're good enough that I still have strong emotional attachments when I see the name. Most of them are things I've read recently. Literally all I do all day is homework and have an app tts fanfics to me like an audio book so there's quite a few of recs here. I am not the best at summeries but just trust me bro these are GOOD SHIT. I only provide the best. What I consider a good fic: - Takes place in the one piece world (I don't like modern aus) - Characters stay in character or if they do have changes from their canon portrayal there is a justifiable reason from within the story. - Solid story telling and arcs (even the shorter fics) - The Zosan dynamic is kept mostly how it is in canon they fight and bicker. (I know some like when they're soft with eachother like a loving married couple. You won't find much of that here) - Some of these have pervy sanji, que nose bleeds and ogling. With that out of the way here's the list!! Now to my fave zosan fic of all time and ironically enough the only fic taking place in a modern setting: Life is fine series. TW: Drug abuse, heavy angst, depression I have reread this twice and forced a friend to read it too. It is so amazing not just for the zosan but for the genuinely good story telling. You follow zoro reeling from his sudden loss of relationship with Sanji and falling down a...Well uh, path. It's fucked it's dark it's depressing and its fucking riviting. Alot of the time reading this you're just like WHY DID SANJI LEAVE HIM WHAT IS GOING ON??? Honestly I need to reread this again. Onto softer fics to heal your heart after that one: Honor in limits, his strengths in weakness By Hawksbrood

“Fucking hell cook, what happened to you?” Zoro demanded, voice low so as not to disturb the others sleeping nearby.

Sanji rolled his eyes. “What do you think? I told you we got in a fight earlier.”

“Not that, your fucking feet!”

The cook snarled at that, crushing his cigarette in his teeth. “What the fuck do you mean, my feet? They’re just feet!”

Zoro’s eyes widened, looking at the bruised flesh before him. This wasn’t that.

This was just so good and cute. I appreciate watching zoro appreciate sanji. They take care of eachother but in a way where theyre both still them yeah know? I appreciate how sanji is written letting himself be vulnerable but understanding that he's always gonna be crass cause it's just a part of who he is.

come on, come on (turn a little faster) by donutsandcoffee

The one where everyone thinks they’re dating, Sanji is oblivious, and Zoro takes everything in stride.

Sometimes a love story can go in reverse.

I reread this one recently and it's just soft and sweet. I like watching sanji flounder around. The gay panic is great.

a complete guide to falling in love by ThousandSunny Sanji was trained in the Bridal Arts; this does not go unnoticed by the rest of his crew. I read this like 3 years ago and I dont remember much but I do remember loving it!

Part Timer By 8ball Sanji really, really doesn't want to give Zoro a job at his restaurant. Zoro doesn't really even want to work there in the first place, but, well, there’s this thing with Sanji, and this thing with feelings and the whole thing is pretty damn stupid all together. Zeff just wants grandkids. He’s too old for this bullshit anyways. I am sure everyone knows 8ball very well they're like zosan famous but still just in case this one is really fucking good. Also read this 3 years ago so I don't remember much but I consider this a zosan classic. Onto the rated R Grand Buffet by asyndese Drunk fic!! If there was one thing Zoro knew, it was that you could always trust Sanji's inclinations to do a beautiful 180 as soon as he was drunk. Luckily, Zoro was more than equipped to handle it. I spent. 30 minutes. Trying to find this fic again because that's how much I loved it. It altered my brain chemistry. Sanji getting a nose job during sex is just. aaaaaaaaa. Read it. Cannot suggest enough. Horrors not yet known by Trixree

Sanji doesn’t know how he didn’t notice it before, is the thing. Of all the times he has seen Zoro shirtless (in battle, mostly) he just… never noticed. The problem is, once he has noticed, Sanji can’t seem to stop noticing. And neither can anyone else.

In which Zoro has a nipple piercing and Sanji has a Problem.

I recently reread this and the first time I read it I didn't really get the whole gender sanji shit. Now though???? Yeah another fic that rewired my brain chemistry. This fic opened doors for me it exposed me to a new world. Also sanji gay panic is in here and I live for that. It can be pretty raunchy (love that too) Three rounds with a tiger by KobochaKitsune Another drunk Fic!! also in modern times damn maybe I lied sdklfj

Liquid courage, drunken decisions, terrible euphemisms, and texts from last night, or: how to think entirely with the booze (and your dick) for once.

Or: By the time Sanji got to the party, everyone was already drunk.

I read this 3 years ago (theres a trend going on can you tell??) It also rewired my brain chemistry (from this point on just assume all of these nsfw fics rewired my brain chemistry each of these opened doors for me. This one opened the doors to bottom zoro.) Fucking 20k words of just pwp. I dont even know how the author did that bro like damn. Nature of things by stark_black Tw: Sex work and prostitutes When the Sunny docks, Sanji and Zoro sometimes seek out relief in some not so savory places. After crossing paths in town on more than one occasion, the two find they have a lot more in common than they would like to admit. I hunted this down for like fucking hours a couple of weeks ago because it was that good. Stark_Black has a fucking library worth of zosan fics this one is a classic to me. But if you want more content check out his other fics I think they have like over 100 zosan its kinda insane. Coregasm by Yakarmi

Sanji discovers that sometimes, Zoro has orgasms while he lifts.

-----

“You…” Sanji trailed off, gaze turning down as he licked his lips. Pink tongue darting out nervously. “You orgasm when you exercise?”

Zoro clenched his jaw. Shrugged. Trying to act nonchalant.

“Sometimes.”

Sanji’s eye went wide, and like his mouth had suddenly been liberated from his brain, blurted out, “that’s so fucking hot,” before clamping his hands over his mouth. His cigarette fell from his mouth, bouncing soundlessly on the ground.

Bro bestie, the way this put me on nose bleed Sanji. Perv sanji. I need that gif thats like mmm cause man this is good. Ending this fic rec with a BANG we have

Contingencies and Congruencies by PeaceSignDisasterBi

Somewhere between finishing the bottles of alcohol and mugs of beer, the crew comes together to create a contingency plan for something that may-or-may-not-happen during their time on the Grand Line and beyond. Usopp thinks it's more likely than bumping into zombies, Zoro wants to stay out of this, Sanji is just going with the flow, and Nami may or may not keep things legally binding and above board with consistent consensual acquiescence. Robin finds it all amusing.

The damn chart stays in the locked drawer in her desk, split into three neat categories: Devil Fruit Powers, Science, and Magic. Each represents whatever they're hit with but also categorizes the amount of self-control the person has during.

AKA: 5 times Zoro and Sanji had to help each other as Consensual Helpers of Dubious Consent + 1 Time There Was Nothing Dubious At All

Ok this is 152k long its pretty insane. It regoes over the arcs so throughly so carefully that I literally had to question my memory because I havent experienced alot of these arcs in a while (it's one of the reasons im rewatching one piece). I will say despite how amazing and well written this is I had a hard time comprehending sometimes. now I was sick at the time of reading this so that might be why but sometimes the way things were phrased felt like yoda talking. I think it's just me though. I'm not used to big words :( And thats a wrap!! These arent even all the ones I wanted to include I have at least 20 more off the top of my head but I'll save that for another day. I hope you find joy in these fics Like i did I'll def do another one of these as cause I didnt even touch my sanji centric fics or germa 66 or just in general the best sanji fanfic writers. (Mentioned some of them like 8ball, thousand sunny and donuts and coffee.) Best of luck to yall and let me know what you think!

[roseserpentpress]

Zosan cat fic anthology (plus the tiger Zoro figure I had just finished making a little while ago!)

Fic links, comments and a photo of my cat below:

Having read a few zosan cat-related fics, I thought it would be really fun to make a small, cat themed zosan anthology, and here it is! To my delight, I found a paw print font (pawprints on defont) but to my annoyance it had no option to have no pawprints on the letters which made it look too busy, nor was there already a version of the font without pawprints, so for the first time I broke out fontforge to make my own version of the font in which I dropped the pawprints. I also drew little cat Zoros and Sanji's for each of the main stories title pages; bookbinding really is a good mash of different hobbies and skills I swear. Also on the mention of other hobbies, I was well pleased that I finished the book and my tiger Zoro figure relatively closely so I could take a photo of them together; here's the post for more photos of the figure and the post for the progress pics!

Also amusingly, when I originally was putting together the anthology, I had not added the second part of stay, and had assumed it would be a somewhat thinner small volume then it is... Which is rather incorrect. I do have to say it's a truly delightful proportion, being this thick and small! I'm also quite pleased at how the cover turned out, with the little gold pawprints. Originally for the title I was going to find a different name and then just went for the one I had originally named the file after, since it's well themed. Wait actually I think I was going to use ships cat and just now realized that... Ooops. Oh well. Also, as a bonus: here's my old cat hanging out on my lap while I was working on the gold foiling!

Fics include:

Stay by @itsmylifekay (NW, 21.5 k)

Sanji doesn't know what he's done in a past life to deserve this, but somehow when Zoro gets turned into a cat he's the one stuck on babysitting duty. How someone that small can cause so much trouble, he'll never understand.

But even after all the hell he's put through, he still manages to fall in love.

Without Words (NW, 3.8 k)

(stay part ii)

Sanji likes to dote on the people he cares about, likes to express himself fully and without reservation. But sometimes that’s hard to do living on a pirate ship, especially when the person he wants to be affectionate with is a prickly, stubborn asshole of a man.

Or, Zoro gets a bath.

Cat's Cradle by Hazel_Athena (T, 21.5k)

In which a run in with a new Devil Fruit user leaves Sanji with an unexpectedly furry problem.

Ship's Cat by @helloharubo (T, 3k)

The Going Merry has a mouse infestation. Despite Usopp's attempts, Sanji has yet to find a solution to the problem. Enter Zoro, the world's deadliest mouser.

or

Zoro is the ship's cat and expects rewards.

[fantasmagorial]

forehead kissers, sleep lovers and bed sharing enjoyers, I've got you with 10k of zosan saying goodnight to each other in increasingly more tender ways

link

[pinyeti]

i’m not gonna let anybody but you kill me is CRAZY tHEYRE CRAZY WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK WHAT THE FUCK

[twirlymarimo]

twirlymarimo's 2024 year-end zosan fic rec!

after a full orbit around the sun reading zosan fanfics, i decided to make a list of recommendations bringing light to these beautiful pieces of work, whether it made my heart hurt, made me laugh, or just simply hooked to the story. enjoy reading!

☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

i would give you my heart, i think by fairv it's not finished but the first chapter is an absolute banger. multiple angsty trope in one - canonical character death, pining, miscommunication, friends to lovers, secret dating, what more could you ask for. i constantly find my self thinking about this story and i wish i was patient enough to wait for the finished work. this one deserves a lot more kudos!

homesick by summerofspock another mystery banger from summer! the vibe is twin peaks meets teen wolf and the premise is angsty but fluff is sprinkled here and there to keep our hearts stable.

insiduous by riotoftime and aevv the dynamic duo of the century that brought us tin lover is back with a new world to take over our minds with every update. their synchronized writing style reads like a book, just take a look at the world building in this one. the story is starting to pick up just like the intense dynamic between our two faves.

a heavy heart to carry by inkinmyheart i realized none of the first recs are finished, my bad but this one is! i typically avoid vampire aus because trauma from reading twilight but the concept here is interesting! i always enjoy ptsd sanji and the build up to the ending/reveal was satisfying.

the proposal by brunetta6 a well-written adaptation of the rom-com classic, the proposal. the accurate description of hokkaido brought me back down memory lane when i visited in 2023. hilarious dialogues with a tiny slice of angst makes a perfect pick-me-up read in the winter time.

lost myself when i caught sight of you by thecrownofclowns the sigh i let out after reading this. so hauntingly beautiful, like one of the fics that made me believe zosan is canon lol if this was a song, it would be a house in nebraska by our queen ethel cain

the knight shift by strawhatbougie inspired by THAT photo that circulated the internet, the author brought justice to what the audience wants - sanji in white fishnet leggings.

the mummy by greenyogurtelephant i love movie adaptations as you can see lol i read this on my e-reader in the summer and it was so hilarious, entertaining, and truly fits the essence of zosan. i would suggest to watch the actual movie either before or after reading the fic.

loose ends of the night by veto_power_over_clocks if you like pain like me, the first 4 chapters are all about miscommunication and wanting to smack both of these guys' heads and screaming at them the entire time. zoro POV too which is so rare these days but author delivered!

this post has been deleted. by evils if you love social media au but need it in a written format, this one is for you! a mix of comedy, fluff, and a slice of angst thru miscommunication.

seagrain by fruityumbrella ever thought about what would happen if sanji and zoro find out they've both done the one thing that make up their very core? "you know what, hell yeah," author fruityumbrella said.

thank you for reading if you made it this far! i have way more fics that i liked this year but i only got my account a couple of months ago so i couldn't track the ones i read earlier in the year. i also tried to feature ones that are not from well-known authors but i still had to give credit where it's due ;) thank you to all zosan writers for keeping my mental health stable (or maybe not for adding to my delusions about these two) <3

if you liked any of the fics above, please don't forget to give kudos, comment and bookmark! writers work so hard to give us amazing stories and they take so much time out of their schedules to do so.

if you're interested in more of my fic recs, you can check out my ao3 bookmarks here.

[randomrecsknifedrawer]

OPLA Zosan Fic Rec (P1)

For the truth, break me loose by MarionetteFtHJM

“What?” He grunts, crossing his arms over his chest

“What is your problem with Sanji?” She hisses lowly.

He shrugs but keeps silent. He was hoping it would take her longer to notice that there indeed was a problem. Honestly, he thought he’d have a few more days at least. But she’s quick and sharp and nothing escapes her eye.

“Nothing, he’s just annoying.” He settles on saying and it’s true, she can’t deny it and he sees the protest forming on her lips. “He’s annoying.” He repeats, trying to urge her to drop the subject but she seems to instead read something in his inflection because her eyes widen and her mouth rounds.

“Oh, Zoro.” The shock quickly morphs into a sly grin that he doesn’t like one bit – her eyes are sparkling.

aka Zoro has a lot of pent up emotions about Sanji and how annoying he is.

Word Count: 13,227 - Enemies to Lovers, Getting Together, Flirting, First Time, OPLA, Explicit

For All The Times I Never Could (I’ll Be Good) by Apocalypic_Space_They

After his defeat at the hands of Dracule Mihawk, Zoro wakes up back on the ship, feeling equally physically and emotionally beat.

Luckily the Straw hat pirates had a distracting new cook who was determined to get him to stop brooding and eat.

Zoro doesn't actually hate that.

Aka Sanji brings Zoro soup, they snarky flirt.

Soup is maybe Zoro's new favorite thing.

Word Count: 3,156 - Pre-Relationship, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Food as a Metaphor for Love, Getting to Know Each Other, Fluff, OPLA

Laws of Men by Blasphemyandtheboys

Sanji has a lot to learn about love and attraction, the Strawhat pirates are his unwitting teachers.

Word Count: 10,042 Chapters 4/4 - Character Study, Internalized Homophobia, Platonic Relationships, Light Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, OPLA

Get a Room Series -- by Blasphemyandtheboys

the tragedy of the dreamer by encyclopediabitch_jpeg

“People care, cook. People trust you, so return the favour. Trust that they’ll listen. That’s what a crew does,”

“I’ll take that advice if you will mosshead,”

“Alright. You’ve got a deal,”

Or

What Zoro does

Word Count: 5,087 - Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Feels, OPLA

Complimentary by TastyTaboo

It’s surprisingly not as easy as his crew members make it seem to compliment Sanji’s food.

Word Count: 4,716 - Compliments, Food, Praise Kink, Pinning, OPLA, Explicit

a single nail, a single ruby by okayprairie

In a large bowl, beat a cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla until stiff peaks form.

"Stiff peaks?” Zoro mutters, frowning, flipping the page back and forth. The Going Merry lilts gently beneath his feet. “What the hell are stiff peaks?”

/ / /

Sanji eats like a line cook. Zoro learns the uses for tenderness.

Word Count: 4,181 - Getting to Know Each Other, Food, Crew As a Family, Tender, OPLA

How to save a life by anthea_tesdinic

Zoro is very familiar with how heavy an unconscious body can be. He’s carried several hundred pounds worth of ruthless pirate captain many a time to collect his bounty. Somehow, none of them have felt as heavy as Sanji feels in his arms at that moment.

---

Or: Zoro is bad at communicating, but good at saving Sanji's life. And catching feelings.

Word Count: 7,508 Chapters 2/2 - Mutual Pining, Drowning, First Kiss, Idiots in Love, OPLA, Mature

[belovedsteelandmoss]

Light Passing Through

Sanji dreamed of a love he could hold with both hands and a worn wooden table and children all around it.

By now, Sanji had thrown away his chances at such a life.

He was a pirate and a chef.

He loved both his captain and his job.

He dreamed of a sea of abundance and life.

He was not stupid enough to long for more.

He tried to remember not to long for more.

But sometimes he wondered, what were the chances of meeting someone like that anyways? Someone you could love, and who would love you equally in return? Sanji wondered how anyone was supposed to know what love looked like. Was the woman selling him tomatoes in the last port the one who would love him in all his inadequacies? The math of finding true love was impossible, surely.

-

Zoro gets hurt and Sanji carries him back to the ship and watches over him.

Named after Visible World by Richard Siken because no one gets Sanji like Siken does.

1,438 words, General Audiences, Blood/Injury Mention

Link to read on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/60057658

Or read below the cut

It was supposed to be a simple mission, especially for the two of them. Go figure that the swordsman would find a way to get his abdomen slashed open the one moment Sanji wasn’t watching. Which led them to the situation they were in now.

“I’m bleeding on your prissy clothes” Zoro murmured against his neck, puffs of air, rough and broken by pain.

“Don’t worry, I’ll beat your ass later, Mossy.” Sanji’s voice was stained with dread and agony. The forest ground was smooth and he moved swiftly, trying not to jostle the swordsman on his back.

“Cook” Zoro said, voice wavering and sounding more distant by the second.

“Woah there, Marimo, stay with me,” Sanji huffed, gripping the white sheath of Wado with renewed vigor. He knew he was pressing bloody prints into the delicately engraved wood. Zoro would surely try to kill him later, when he realized that Sanji had grabbed the first sheath that would come off of Zoro with an easy yank. He would probably even kill Sanji from the grave if he heard the quiet groaning of the sheath where it was tucked beneath the brutish man’s ass.

Sanji thought of the brand new suit jacket he had tied around the swordsman’s bleeding torso. He didn’t feel that bad.

“Talk to me, shitty swordsman” Sanji prompted, squinting through the patterned shadows the trees threw on them, trying to estimate the distance back to The Thousand Sunny.

The man stayed silent, slumped forward with his nose pressing sharply into the back of Sanji’s neck.

“Hey!” Sanji hollered, trying to resist the urge to jostle the dying man.

“Hmmmm” Zoro groaned, one leg briefly kicking the air as if Sanji was waking him up from one of his naps on deck and he was being mildly inconvenienced.

“Hey Mossy, why three swords?” Sanji asked, not knowing where the question had come from and not caring. The ship was going to come into view any second, once the trees broke away to the shore. Anything to keep Zoro awake until then.

“Sanji-“ Zoro said quietly, causing Sanji to stumble, nearly sending both of them falling into a bank of thorny bushes. Zoro grunted with pain at the sudden movement but continued his low murmurs.

“Three, get it? Ichi, Ni, Sanji-“

Sanji shuddered despite himself. The swordsman was incoherent and was continuing to mumble about numbers and swords and Sanji. Sanji hated hearing about the number three and swords in the same sentence as his name.

As if by some kind of fate, the tree line appeared and in the distance, the Thousand Sunny glowed in the late afternoon sun. Sanji immediately kicked them upward, skywalking them straight to the infirmary doors on deck.

“Ok got it, we are almost there, hang on a little longer.” Sanji twisted, kicking the air with efficient pushes. In the distance, he saw movement on deck as the alarm was raised.

Behind him, Zoro whispered just barely loud enough to hear over the sea breeze and Usoop screaming for Chopper across the remaining beach.

“Two swords for my dream. And one sword for Kuina’s.”

With that, Zoro promptly passed out just before Sanji’s feet met the deck.

-

Sanji brushed the short spikes of green hair plastered to Zoro’s forehead back. His golden skin was pallid and wet with cold sweat. Sanji watched in the darkness of the infirmary as his own hand shook. He felt wrung-out and hollow, like the moonlight might pass right through him as it shone through the portholes.

Chopper snored quietly, head down on his desk, having collapsed after Zoro was stable and Sanji had brought him his late dinner. The young reindeer had eaten and turned back to making notes on the exact treatment Zoro had undergone. He had made it only a few more minutes before Sanji watched his head dip down with sleep.

Sanji glanced at Chopper now, chest tight with something like fear.

Sanji raised his hand, turning it slowly, watching the way the moonlight shone blue through his flesh. Illuminating him from within. The delicate bone of his hands, which he was always so careful to protect, were the only things capable of stopping the light. That didn’t seem right.

If anything should keep the light from passing through, it should be the ache in Sanji’s chest. Robin had once told him that moonlight was light from the sun rebounding off the moon’s surface to reach Earth. It seemed like a waste to block the light that had traveled all that way just before it landed on Zoro’s bandaged chest. Sanji dropped his hand to the cot, fingering at the worn blanket that was draped over Zoro’s legs. The moonlight shone on stark white bandages against golden skin.

Sanji thought of Zoro bleeding out on the deck of the Baratie. Clutching his sword, floating in a pool of tears and blood. His chest stretched open, singing death's sweet call into the salty morning air. Sanji had watched it all, stricken as a practical stranger danced the edge of life but still proclaimed his dream in spite of his suffering. All for a dream he was too inexperienced to realize. And yet, Sanji still remembered how he felt that morning. That was the morning he had decided to leave the only home he had ever loved enough to miss in favor of the All Blue. All this time, his journey had begun with the swordsman’s blood.

In Sanji’s lap, Zoro’s three swords lay, sheaths scrubbed suspiciously clean. He did not dare to breathe it out loud, but Zoro had taught him something he would never again forget.

He did not need permission to chase his dream.

Sanji melted into Zoro’s side, three sheathed swords clanking softly. Sanji was desperate and cold and Zoro was warm with fever. Sanji leaned close, turning his face away from the portholes, as if the moon itself was watching. And gently, slowly, he pressed his lips against Zoro’s forehead.

-

For all the memories Sanji had of his mother, he couldn’t remember a single time she talked about his father.

When he was younger he thought that surely they had loved each other once. Sanji was never quite sure what had changed.

Sometimes though, in the years after his mother’s death, he would imagine what his parents had been like in love. He imagined that Sora made Judge soft, and that Judge made Sora brave. He dreamed of his family impossibly together, of tripping over his brothers when his mother called them all to dinner. He dreamed of a warm kitchen with a wooden table, crowded with chairs to accommodate a gaggle of children. He dreamed of his father resting a gentle hand on his mothers knee after she had finished serving the meal and sat down. Of the soft and knowing smile his mother would reply with.

When Sanji shook away his nightmares, clawing at his iron helmet, he would hold the image in his mind until it was worn like an old photograph.

When Sanji woke to the feeling of his stomach eating itself, he would imagine a warm kitchen with a love for himself.

When Sanji gasped awake in the men’s bunk room, he would drown out the sound of his captain's snores with his thoughts of children’s laughter.

By now, Sanji had thrown away his chances at such a life.

He was a pirate and a chef.

He loved both his captain and his job.

He dreamed of a sea of abundance and life.

He was not stupid enough to long for more.

He tried to remember not to long for more.

But sometimes he wondered, what were the chances of meeting someone like that anyways? Someone you could love, and who would love you equally in return? Sanji wondered how anyone was supposed to know what love looked like. Was the woman selling him tomatoes in the last port the one who would love him in all his inadequacies? The math of finding true love was impossible, surely.

So he did not long for more.

Instead, he bounced from place to place and found his meaning elsewhere.

This kiss has to last me the rest of my life, Sanji thought.

Surrounded by darkness, propped over Zoro’s unmoving form, with the scent of steel and blood in his nose, Sanji thought that he had never been so lucky. He could live out his life with just his dream and his crew if he just had this one kiss.

It was something new to remember when he woke up in the middle of the night.

[thetrash-kingwolf]

HappyHalloween !

I wanted to share the Zosan fic I did for halloween! I have worked SO HARD for this, I'm pretty proud! 🔥💓 🔗Eng Link 🔗Spa Link

[chuuzushies]

yesterday i read this gorgeous zosan fic and if you are looking for some recs i really urge you to read it. please!!! it’s really fucking beautiful

[ismagulnitatay]

IS ANYONE INTERESTED IN READING ZOSAN ANGST? BECAUSE I HAVE THE THING FOR Y'ALL.

Ghost of You by ismagulnitatay (me) here.

[kurenaiienishii]

Parasol by Auspizien is my favorite Zosan fic at the moment. It's so well written not only in terms of language but also the story building, the logic, the way the characters act. Made me swoon over and over on a crowded train during rush hour you have done it you sonovabi

If there are any other fics like this please please please recommend me. I'm a sucker for

Angst with a Happy Ending

Pining Roronoa Zoro

Hurt/Comfort

Caring Roronoa Zoro

Porn with Feelings

[agreekdemigod]

Features:

-Oh no there's only one bed (<- except it happens multiple times and in different locations and just <3 <3 <3 i love)

-Sanji's POV (and his slowndescend from "im so tired of being spooned by the marimo" to ":((( so no mossy in my bed? :( not like i care but-")

-the Strawhat Jimbe appretiation in this fic is so charming

-Background Strawhat interactions/appearances that make this fic/setting feel v homey

-I LIVE for zosan enjoying themselves in a party/zosan dancing scene

-The attraction is there but the falling in love? Oh the falling in love is a paced, slow thing, quiet and tender and yet undeniable, left me sighing and giggling <3 <3

[zoro5onoa]

does anyone have any dialogue heavy zosan fic recs? :3

[fantasmagorial]

this wasn't planned, but I sent Zoro to his own personal little hell on his birthday. But that's okay. Sanji is there. And they're both vaccinated.

read all about it here