#coramishanks

[stars-fall]

Happy Mother’s Day to the greatest mother

[invye]

Me, gasping awake: "Omg, I haven't thought about Rosinante in days!"

My brain: "No worries fam, here's a huge CoraHawk fake dating fix it AU."

Me: "Thank you :)"

*10 minutes later*

Me: "But you know we can't have Mihawk without Shanks, especially if this is set during their duelling times, and also I think Shanks and Rosinante would get on like a house on fire--"

My brain: "This is gonna be a polyamorous Rosinante/Mihawk/Shanks story before long, who do you think I am??"

[invye]

So I did some calculating (read: guesstimating, since I am still prohibited from looking at the wiki bc of spoilers) and I figured out the following:

During Dressrosa we learn Law got his Devil Fruit 13 years ago. If I remember correctly, Luffy got his 10 years before start of the show + two years timeskip + a couple months in change where they were actively travelling = 12 and a half(+?) years ago.

Now add in a bit of fanfic handwaving timeline adjusting and we're left with the realisation: Rosinante is fated to die saving Law at the same time Shanks loses his arm saving Luffy.

And the consequence of that leaves the potential for the CoraMiShanks Fix It AU to have all of them on Kuraigana at the same time, recovering physically, mentally and emotionally from everything that just happened.

So let me (lengthily) unravel the timeline of events under the cut:

Cora-san and Law learn of the Ope Ope No Mi and get going, informing Mihawk of their plans, who promises to catch up to them to help and asks them to wait.

Cora does not, in fact, wait; feeling the chance slip through their fingers between Doffy and the Marines going after it as well

In the North Blue, Cora is shot. In the East Blue Shanks has his arm bitten off.

Mihawk arrives just in time to scoop up a despodent Law and watch the silence spell break; it starts a race against time to find Rosinante and bring him to the village doctor/clinic whatever place where he can be treated. This also requires Mihawk to somehow manage pulling Law from 'all is lost' mode into 'crisis solving' mode, because he's the one with the medical knowledge to even begin having a chance at saving Rosinante.

In the East Blue Shanks is gritting his teeth trying not to lose control over his Haki as Hongo does his job to fix as much of his arm as is possible.

12 frantic hours later Rosinante is barely hanging on to life, but at least a number of lead bullets lighter. Law is so exhausted he's shaking, only not passing out because he's also still suffering his own pain. Mihawk is woozy and unsteady because he has just donated much more blood than medically advised to replace all that Rosinante has lost.

The Marines arrive on Minion Island. Mihawk is planning on using his Warlord status and intimidate their way off the island, only for Sengoku to find them first. Sengoku is faced with the pain of watching his adopted son unconscious on that bed, halfway to death, only still alive because of the actions of the Warlord least inclined to ever follow orders and the little kid who shows all signs of his body going through the adjustment of just having consumed a Devil Fruit. Sengoku helps them leave the island unseen. Its the least and simultaniousy last he can do.

Mihawk calls Shanks. Rosinante is still unstable, and for all the knowledge Law has, he severely lacks the experience, and there is only one other doctor Mihawk knows and trusts with this. Shanks promises that they will be at Kuraigana in no time. Mihawk hears the pain in his voice, but Shanks asks that they talk about that in person.

The Red Force arrives at Kuraigana first, which is good because it gives Hongo time to set up and sees Benn and Shanks in a position to catch Mihawk when he stumbles off his boat, having pushed so far that he hasn't slept in who knows how long to get them here as fast as possible. Shanks leaves Benn to help him and assists the kid. Hongo spends the next couple hours fixing whatever can be fixed to further stabilise Rosinante. Law insists on helping, or at least being there. The Ope Ope No Mi is not magic, but Law is willing to put the work in.

Shanks watches over Rosinante so Mihawk and Law can rest. Also so that he doesn't have to face Mihawk yet.

Hongo gives Mihawk the medical run down, including Law and Shanks' state at Mihawk's request, before slipping him a sleeping aid.

So here they all are. In various amounts of horrible pain and scared of the immediate future.

Law fears for Cora-san while also not knowing if the Devil Fruit actually saved him. Rosinante is only ever regaining consciousness in short bursts, and calling for Law in all of them. Shanks is suffering horrible phantom limb pain but lies about it so he doesn't have to talk to Mihawk about losing his sword arm yet. And Mihawk is emotionally overwhelmed to the end of the world, scared for Rosinante, scared for the kid, scared for what is going to become of Shanks and himself now.

Perfect, ever stoic Mihawk wants to scream. Yell at Rosinante for not waiting. Yell at Shanks for not being more careful. But that won't help any of them. So he makes food. Recruits the kid into cutting vegetables to keep him occupied and moving while they wait. Writes down the list of things that contain gluten that Rosinante can't have. Writes down the list of foods that have textures Law can't stand (and doesn't Mihawk know that feeling from his childhood). He makes stew because Shanks can eat it with one hand without needing to ask for help. Makes enough to feed Benn and Hongo who won't be going anywhere for the forseeable future too. Honestly he's lost track just how much he owes them now.

And at some point, when his mind stumbles out of merely functioning and falls face first into reality, Mihawk sits in the dark and allows himself to cry.

Because he almost lost them. He almost lost them all.

[invye]

I feel like at this point I need to extend a formal apology to Benn for making him suffer the CoraMiShanks antics. Because for some reason they are all more likely to talk to him about their feelings than to each other.

Corazón, enchanted as he watches Shanks and Mihawk duel: "Wow, they don't do anything halfway, do they? I could never keep up with that, they're so good--" turns to Benn "Alright, they clearly belong together, I'll help you play wingman, what's the plan? Is there a plan? Don't worry, I'll come up with something!" And Benn has to sit there in silence because he can't tell Rosinante that he doesn't need to play anything and already got both the captain and Hawkeyes wrapped around his little finger because previously:

Shanks, in the middle of his hour long I-am-in-love-with-everything-about-Mihawk-but-I-can't-ever-do-anything-that-would-risk-what-we-have rant that Benn already learned by heart years ago: "Also, did you see Rosinante being cute? He's so protective of his kid, it's so inspiring how he's willing to go to the end of the world for Law, especially when he doesn't have the kind of power we do, but he's so creative and smart with his ability he balances it right back out; anyway, Hawkeyes […]" And Benn was sitting there like: 'wait wait wait hold up a second, what just happened---' but had to stay silent because he can't tell Shanks that previously:

Mihawk, slamming a bottle of Expensive™ wine on to the table Benn is sitting at: "I think I'm in love with two different people, is that even possible, or acceptable?? Also I'm kinda involved with both of them in two very distinctively different ways that are both highly intimate to me, but neither of them think it's the real deal, help--" (Obviously Mihawk used more dignified words, but Benn has gotten quite good at translating Hawkeyes and his sanity needs to unstiff the Hawkeyes-speech to be able to get into this, alright?) And Benn had to drink half the bottle (very good wine, Mihawk knows how to pick them) before he was able to gather himself enough to explain open relationships and polyamory to Hawkeyes of all people, but then he also had to point out that all of those require direct and open communication and it ended in a very stiff silence during which Benn refused to break eye contact with Mihawk, both of them very much aware that if there's one thing Mihawk struggles with it's communication and even more so when he's the one who has to initiate it.

All to say: Benn is suffering in stubborn loyal silence, because he won't break the trust expressed to him as a confidant. He would never ever betray Shanks' trust, he's been listening to his love sick rambling about Hawkeyes for years now and he hasn't gotten involved, he damn well won't change that just because captain has added another guy to the list. Rosinante is obviously marked by not having had trusted people to confide in pretty much all his life, and Benn will not be yet another person to disappoint him. And well, if he meddles in any of Mihawk's business by using insider information he can just as well slice his own throat.

But he's still suffering, watching them dance around each other in an seemingly eternal stalemate. And here he thought he'd only have to handle one idiot…

As the creator of your torment, I want to formally apologise for your suffering, Benn. I'm afraid it will happen again.

[invye]

When They Are Drunk

(as observed by the Red Hair Pirates)

I forever love when we let the Red Hair Pirates interact with the mess that is their captain and his relationship(s), so here have some lenghty thoughts about Shanks, Mihawk and Rosinante interacting with the Red Hair Pirates while drunk in my CoraMiShanks Fix It AU under the cut:

Shanks

The Captain being drunk is neither a rare ocurrance nor a particularly interesting one. They've seen it all within a week of getting recruited, including the hour long rambles about how much he misses Hawkeyes even though they literally duelled each other two days ago. 

The Red Hair Pirates have long since established a system for when they are among people on land or otherwise have guests on the Red Force, where the crew takes turns and one or two people remain sober on Captain watch duty; much to the eternal gratitude of Benn who has wrangled a drunk and poetry waxing Shanks way too often for his poor nerves and approaches it with an practiced aura of exasperation.

The one thing however that adds some fun to the mix is that after the captain finishes his hour rant about how much he loves Mihawk's creepy unblinking eyes, he turns his overflowing sentimentality on the rest of the crew. 

His chosen 'victim' would be sitting there, minding their business when suddenly there's the captain's arm around their shoulders and he slurs a monologue of compliments about their skills and abilities and gratitude for all the things they do for the crew. And during that genuinely nice and flattering monologue he'd sway closer until - boom - it's too late, they're in smooch range now and no one is safe from the Captain's Appreciation Smooches.

It used to be somewhat of a rite of passage, back when Shanks was still actively recruiting. The day a new crew member got thier first Appreciation Smooch from their drunk captain was the day they became fully and irrevocably a part of the crew.

There is a rank list hanging in the galley on the Red Force, ranking the crew members by the number of smooches they have recieved from the captain. Benn is so far in the lead, no one will ever catch up to him, but the rest of the list is surprisingly balanced, as if there actually is a system to the captain's drunk madness that informs him whom of the crew he hasn't complimented and properly expressed his appreciation for in a while.

They considered adding Hawkeyes to the list after the first time he was subjected to the Appreciation Smooch, simply to watch how long it would take for him to climb the ranks and actually overtake Benn (and because his wide-eyed expression of utter surprise and confusion was beyond hilarious). Eventually they decided against it, because while the captain still hasn't figured out the list's meaning, they're fairly certain Hawkeyes would within mere hours of finding his own name on it.

Mihawk

After all these years, Hawkeyes still manages to be an enigma to most of the crew, despite having seen him around plenty. During the times where Mihawk was actively duelling the captain, they could count the passing weeks by the sound of Mihawk's boots on the deck and his grumbles of "Red Hair promised to shut up if I joined for a drink;" every Sunday like clockwork.

But even though they have seen Mihawk drink plenty (always and only expensive red wine that the captain stashes seperately just for Hawkeyes), they have barely ever seen him drunk. Even Benn, who has known Hawkeyes pretty much as long as he's known the captain, only somewhat understands what happens behind his unblinking eyes, and he does have the somewhat regular 'honour' of Mihawk sitting next to him as they sip their wine in silence, because Hawkeyes had quickly determined that Benn is the only person on board with good taste. It's a weird form of bonding, the total silence vaguely uncomfortable to observe, but the captain gets all mushy and happy about Hawkeyes engaging with the crew (even if its technically only Benn), so they suppose it's good enough.

None of them are ready for it when at some point a switch is flipped in Mihawk's brain and he decides that the Red Force is a proper safe place. Hawkeyes allows himself to get drunk, and while he's still eerily silent and prone to staring into the void, he starts emoting. Ever so slightly, little smiles, mostly directed at Shanks. 

Lucky Roux is the first with the questionable luck of experiencing an expression of appreciation (maybe even friendship..?) from Hawkeyes. He was going around handing out little snacks to mitigate the incoming hangovers, when he walked up to Mihawk leaning against the reiling a little away from the rest of the bustle, to hand him a sandwich and encourage him to actually eat it too. Next thing he knew those yellow eyes were staring right into his soul, a hand resting on his shoulder for full two seconds of contact and Mihawk told him a quiet but genuine "thank you" before going back to staring into the void and nibbling on his sandwich.

By the time Lucky Roux was sitting back down and staring into his own drink again, he still hadn't managed to shake off the cold shiver caused by Hawkeyes' intensity, even though it was an unquestionably positive interaction. Lucky Roux gets the Captain's Appreciation Smooch that night, because of course Shanks saw that and is unreasonably happy about it.

Corazón/Rosinante

Honestly, the Red Hair Pirates still haven't quite understood how Corazón entered the whole *gestures* Situation that is the relationship involving the Captain and Hawkeyes. He's shown up one day in Haweyes' company and now he's here in all his clumsy glory, having the best of times chatting with the captain, while Hawkeyes gives them both the same sappy stare. The crew supposes its a net good and respects Rosinante's request to be called by his name rather than title as they incorporate him into the rounds of drinks.

Rosinante only ever drinks a single drink if his kid is with him. (And boy does the kid have opinions; he once prognosed when exactly he expects the captain to die of liver failure down to the month, which was only made more horrifying by Hongo solemnly nodding along in the background. At least Hongo had then continued to explain that he already had been slipping the captain a regimen of meds to prevent just that for years.)

As the kid grows older and is less present however, Rosinante allows himself to indulge. Turns out for all his clumsiness, he mixes the most amazing cocktails.

Speaking of his clumsiness, they still haven't figured out if drunk Rosinante is more or less clumsy than usual. They have seen him fully drunk walk a perfectly straight line, only to stumble over literally nothing and take a perfect swan dive right into the next group of people. At least once he's down, he stays down. Most of the time draped over at least three different laps, slurring out endless apologies, but not making a move to leave. They've quickly understood that Rosinante has been severely lacking positive physical contact in his life and let him stay where he is until Mihawk or the captain pick him up eventually. If they tried to move they supposed Rosinante would too and that would only result in another round of spilled drinks. Also they can't help but admit that Rosinante's presence is somehow calming and comfortable, so no harm done.

the end of the night

No matter what, a night of drinking would inevitable end with the captain, Hawkeyes and Rosinante piled in a heap in the corner. The captain happily snoring away, Hawkeyes somehow managing to lean against the next wall all proper and cool looking in his sleep, arms crossed and hat pulled down over his eyes (no one will ever point out that he drools for fear of death), Rosinante curled over them both like a very oversized cat, his feather coat doubling as a blanket.

Seeing them, the Red Hair Pirates are happy that things turned out like this. They all are maybe a bit too aware of just how dangerous a world they are living in, and just how close they've all come to death before.

Hey, by the way, when has anyone last checked in on the kid? Didn't Rosinante say something about Law recruiting himself a crew of his own? How's that going?

[invye]

Dressrosa would obviously be quite different in the CoraMiShanks AU, given that, well, Rosinante is there to help kick Doffy's behind, but I'm not sure if I want to touch the happenings in present day canon yet.

HOWEVER! I am once again thinking about how in canon Zoro dragged Law into the party after---

Zoro dragging Law along to have a drink and they inevitably talk about swords (it's Zoro and Law carries an interesting blade, what did you expect?) when Zoro, slightly tipsy, lets slip that he trained with old Hawkeyes for two years.

Law, already fully sloshed (seriously he should have known better than to try matching Zoro for drinks), immediately goes: "Does Hawk-san's 'training' still include tossing you across the entire island and letting you fend against the stupid monkeys for yourself?"

And Zoro just absolutely loses it. What do you mean Law knows that he's spend most of those two years traipsing around lost on that stupid foggy island?? What do you mean Hawk-san???

And drunk Law long-windedly explains that he grew up with Mihawk around, even lived in his dilapidated castle for a while with Cora-san, before they returned to the North Blue so Law could finish school. He even had extended dealings with the Red Emperor during that time, and don't belive what anyone tells you, they're both stupid powerful, but also stupid dorks, it's unbelievable how Cora-san is so attached to these idiots...

And while Law drunkenly prattles on, Zoro is sitting there, head in his hands, realising Hawkeyes actually did a good job with Law, even though his technique is disappointingly reliant on his devil fruit; which means that Hawkeyes probably also did a good job with him, and that on top of that, he might actually really care..?

Druing the trip from Zou to Wano with the Heart Pirates, Zoro learns that they all know Hawkeyes, or Hawk-san as Law calls him and they copy; because when they first set out he showed up all intimidating with his huge sword and unwavering stare and icily told them to "stay safe" and "don't bite off more than you can chew" and "here is my contact, do not use it" and he has shown up somewhat regularly since, especially after Cora-san officially joined the crew when they entered the New World.

Zoro is left sitting there with the knowledge that Hawkeyes apparently has at least three vaguely adopted children, and that he does care. And Zoro has no idea how he is supposed to feel about the knowledge that he is one of those children now.

[invye]

--- [CoraMiShanks Fix It AU] ---

Rosinante, sitting on deck of the Red Force with Benn, sipping a margarita and watching Shanks and Mihawk Fuck Shit Up: "I am so glad they like me."

--- [I am having entirely too much fun with this AU, so have some random vibes] ---

Rosinante & Shanks first meeting: talk for all of two minutes

Mihawk, someplace else: "oh no--"

Benn giving Mihawk the Encouraging Backpat of Good Will upon his return, which loses all its possible effect with the way Benn walks off blank faced muttering about needing a smoke and a drink stat.

(Benn is not paid enough to handle two people waxing poetry about how much they love Hawkeyes, he is NOT.)

[invye]

How They Met [3/3] - CoraShanks

[CoraMiShanks Fix It AU]

I think it's time I write up my thoughts about how exactly Mihawk, Shanks and Rosinante met and outline the start of what will become their relationship. And since I am pathologically incapable of writing short posts, I'll cut it into three, so I can take my time.

Mihawk & Shanks [link]

Mihawk & Rosinante/Corazón [link]

Rosinante & Shanks [this post]

- Rosinante/Corazón & Shanks -

Shanks learns about Rosinante from Mihawk pretty much immediately after the whole fake boyfriends act becomes a thing. Shanks also is the person who dubs them 'fake boyfriends' in the first place, right after he picked himself up from where he was on the floor laughing (Mihawk's indignant look was just too funny when they both knew that Mihawk getting involved in the Warlord drama was entirely under his control and only a matter of time). They don't come into personal contact until months later, when Corazón decides to make use of the contact burning a hole in his pocket.

It's the kids. Literal kids wanting to join Doffy's crew. And Corazón doesn't know what to do to keep them away. He's not naturally intimidating, one of the things Hawkeyes criticised about him, and he knows Sengoku won't have any helpful ideas. So he calls Mr Unsettling Stare in hopes of getting a tip or two.

There is silence when the line connects, just the snail staring right into his soul emulating Hawkeyes. Because of course Mihawk wouldn't never speak first. And while Corazón assumes that Mihawk is most likely alone, he doesn't know if it is safe for him to speak. So he taps the snail three times. The snail's look gains a hint of confusion. Then: "Ah. Rosinante." And before Rosinante can say or do anything, the snail's expression changes as it picks up a different voice, displaying a brilliant smile that says: "It's your fake boyfriend?!"

Rosinante watches the snail shift expressions back and forth. "I told you not to call him that." "What, should I drop the 'fake'?" (The snail transmits a wink and Rosinante doesn't know if it was directed at him or Hawkeyes.) "I would never address any romantic relationship, no matter its legitimacy, as my 'boyfriend'." "Ah, excuse me, sir, may I inquire if that is your fake partner on the line, so I may have a word with him?" "... No." "Oh come on Hawkeyes, someone needs to give him a fake shovel talk!!" And Rosinante can't help but laugh. It's the first time he's genuinely laughed in what feels like months.

The snail exchanges a confused and amused look with itself and then follows a short scuffle during which its counterpart seems to leave Mihawk's hands. A minute later Rosinante finds himself having a humorous (and slightly flirty??) conversation with this other person, who is pleasantly surprised because Mihawk told him about the couple act but apparently not about the mute act, and then openly proceeds to tell Rosinante that he's a little jealous that Rosinante got to kiss Hawkeyes first ("what do you think are all the homoerotic duels for?") which somehow ends in Rosinante joking that he's more than willing to share Hawkeyes, and the mystery guy on the other end of the line laughing and saying: "I will absolutely hold you to that!"

The conversation is cut short by Mihawk straight up cutting through whatever hiding place he had found with a dangerous growl of "Red" and then proceeding to thoroughly beat Red(?) in what amounts to multiple minutes of the sound of clashing blades and Red cursing under his breath as he loses ground.

It's only when Mihawk has regained the transponder snail and launched Red somewhere into the ocean ("tell your fake partner I like hiiiiiim!!"), and apologises for 'the idiot's behaviour that Rosinante connects the duels and the colour red and the public (probably only half correct) knowledge about Mihawk's years old 'rivalry' and realises he was just talking to Red Haired Shanks. The Red Emperor. One of the most dangerous men on the Grand Line. And they had joked and vaguely flirted and jokingly (???) agreed to share Mihawk. Holy shit.

It's years later and Cora-san has a huge problem. Law is sick. Not Amber Lead sick, he still has at least three months, they still have time. But a cold sick, and Cora has no idea how dangerous it is to already weakened Law. And Law can't tell him because he's been delirious with his fever for the past day.

Desperate for help, advice, anyone, anything, Cora calls Mihawk. Mihawk is all the way down in the South Blue. Mihawk calls him back five minutes later and tells him to stay exactly where they are squatting in an abandoned house. It's not like Cora can take Law into the icy North Blue winter like this anyway.

It's 24 hours later and Rosinante finds himself aiming a pistol at a red-head, distinctive scars over his eye, strawhat hanging off his back, his hands raised. There is a gun aimed at Rosinante too ("Take it down, he's protecting his kid, Benn.").

"Corazón," Red Haired Shanks says, with a gentle smile. "Red Emperor," Cora answers, lifting his pistol as Benn takes down his gun. "No need for titles here; Shanks, if you would." "... Rosinante." Shanks nods. Rosinante nods. Shanks begins to take down his hands, nods to his right. "Benn, first mate, a little overprotective." He doesn't get to introduce the other person with him as Law lunges at him.

Rosinante has never felt this much panic in his life. By whatever miracle he manages to grab Law out of the air, clutch him close to his chest, turn them around and crouch low to the ground in the span of a second. He doesn't know just how overprotective Benn is. But he'll take all the bullets to his back if it means Law stays unharmed.

Rosinante is not being shot. Law struggles in his arms (way too weakly) yelling about protecting Cora-san from everyone before he devolves into another coughing fit. There's movement at his side, someone crouching down next to them. "Name's Hongo, ship doctor." "I'm my own doctor," Law rasps out. "Oh are you?" Hongo smiles, but his eyes are analytical, cataloguing all the signs of illness he can see. "Then you can tell me exactly since when you've been symptomatic." They devolve into medicine talk Cora can't understand. Law seems to challenge every word Hongo says, and Cora wants to tell him to stop criticising the person here to help him, but it's the most engaged Law has been with anything in days.

When Shanks' hand lands on his shoulder, Rosinante allows himself to be pulled away from Law's side, let Hongo do his job. Benn is leaning next to the door, arms crossed, eyes closed, but undoubtedly guarding the exit. Or entrance. Rosinante isn't sure. Shanks sits them down at the dingy old table and hands Rosinante a bottle of something beautifully alcoholic. If he wasn't dealing with the Red Emperor, Rosinante would have asked for a hug and a shoulder to cry on. Instead he accepts the drink and thanks Shanks for coming. Apologises for the inconvenience. Doesn't manage to hold back the tears.

Shanks shakes his head and pulls Rosinante into a hug anyway. "Hawkeyes is the best judge of character I know. You're worth much more than just coming here when we were already close by. Hongo will do everything he can, and then the Red Force will take you to your next stop. You don't have to go it all alone."