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thetempleofthemasaigoddess · 1 month

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Let me breathe for you (part two)

Merman!Shanks x reader. This is part two of two, part one is here!

*****

And you don’t forget the disappointment, at least in the next four months, a length of time during which you go on with your life, trying to feel satisfied and happy with what you have (succeeding, for the most part) and to forget your meeting with the merman (failing miserably).

Part of you feels the urge to return to the beach every day, and spend all day there, even sleeping in the grotto, in the absurd, shameful hope he might return, to leave a new message or to apologise for not waiting for you. You order yourself to resist, since you don’t want to waste the rest of your years waiting for something that has an infinitesimal probability to happen, but on the other hand you don’t want the memory of the merman to keep you from one of your favourite places; in the end, you decide to keep frequenting the beach as often as you did beforehand, no more nor less, and when you do you can’t help hoping to see him, even if just an azure tail fin peeking among the waves, or the shadow of a bright red head disappearing under the surface, or to find a new message written on the ground in the grotto.

You never do.

In time, resentment gives way to resignation; you know in your heart you will never see the merman again, since it would be extremely dangerous for him to return and wait for you at the beach, and you have no idea what his life in the depth of the sea is like, but you feel confident, for some reason, he will never forget you, what you shared and what you have done for him, just like you will forever carry the memories of that day in your heart. It is not enough, not by a long shot; but it does make you feel content, at least a little.

Your sister, on her part, must have noticed how quiet and melancholic you became for a few weeks; having suspected you had a new paramour, who you had gone meeting on that morning, she probably thinks the two of you have parted ways, but never asks questions, something for which you are more than grateful. There is not much of your life you haven’t shared with her, but you have promised the merman you wouldn’t tell anyone about your meeting, and you are determined to keep your word. You could tell your sister you had met a castaway, and grown fond of him as you took care of his wound and helped him hide from the, er, pirates who were chasing him, fond enough you couldn’t help feeling dejected when he left without saying goodbye; she would understand, and it wouldn’t be a lie, all things considered. But you don’t, reluctant to share that precious memory even with the person you love most in the world, and in time things go back the way they were before, which reassures your sister you have gotten over whatever pain you have suffered and all is well again.

Which is; even though something has changed in you, a new feeling that has entered your life and that for a while you can’t even give a name to. It is not exactly sadness, or discontent; you like your life, with the family you love and your work, a source of great satisfaction and joy, but for the first time, during your walks on the beach or even just as you look out of the window of your bedroom, you look at the sea and feel… what? Boredom? Restlessness? The curiosity to know the peoples and the lands beyond it, not just by hearsay or reading the paper, but with your own eyes, living what until now you have only known indirectly?

You can’t, obviously; you know of more young men and women whose thirst for adventure led them to set sail towards exotic lands than you can count, but you are not that sort of person, you are an adult, with a job and responsibilities, and you are sadly aware that many of those thrill-seekers travellers never return home, even when someone needs and is waiting for them. So many times you have blamed him in your heart for what he did; how could you do the same mistake, especially now that your sister needs your help caring for her family? A life on the sea is not for you, no matter how exciting it would be.

A life on the sea… and under the sea, that is where your merman lives, and what you would also like to explore, the depths that none of your people have ever seen and lived to tell about it, that are said to hide fabulous treasures and be inhabited by creatures beyond your wildest imagination, like the one who had bitten his arm of. How lovely it would be to see it, to have your friend guide you in exploring the most mysterious parts of the ocean, perhaps after some merfolk magic had transformed your legs into a long, sea-blue tail…

Oh, stop it, (name). It can never happen; it won’t happen, and ignoring this will only make you miserable. Just be happy with what you have.

And so, months pass; word of mouth earns you a few important clients from a nearby town, and their commissions, including a wedding dress you spend a whole month working on, allow you to put aside a discrete amount of money that could be enough for a deposit if you ever decided to go live on your own… or to buy a ticket towards a far away land. No matter how satisfied and content you are with your life, for the first time you do feel the desire, if not exactly the need, to leave, and explore the world beyond the small island you call home; it would be more than a little hypocritical of you to leave for an adventure around the world, given all the years you have spent blaming him for having done the same, and all the resentment you have felt ever since you saw his ship departing, never to return, but after all this is your life, something you are answerable to no one about, and doesn’t one have the right to change their mind after so many years? After all you shouldn’t necessarily risk your life sailing to uncharted waters or visiting lawless islands, you could simply treat yourself to a long holiday and then return, safe and sound, to the safety of your own home, your horizons expanded and your thirst for knowledge sated…

You don’t share your… doubts -it’s still too early to call them projects- with your sister, but she knows you too well not to perceive you are thinking deeply about something, and one evening, as you are both sitting at the kitchen table, you busy mending a tiny shirt your older nephew has torn playing and she writing a letter, your sister tries to gently push you in what she thinks is the right direction.

“I met a client of yours today; he mentioned that a friend of his, the captain of a merchant vessel, is looking for a nursemaid for his son.” she casually, too casually, mentions without lifting her eyes from the paper “He’d be away for at least six months, and the pay would be more than generous.”

Silence.

“You should propose yourself, (name); I am sure mr…”

“I am a seamstress, not a nursemaid.” you point out, still focused on your stitches; you know roughhousing is normal for children your nephew’s age, but did he really have to choose the day his mother had him wear his best shirt to challenge his friends to a fight to the death? “Even a dry one.”

“I don’t think the child is that young; and you have been a mother to my boys as much as I have, you are more than experienced enough. (name)...”

“No.”

“It would do you a world of good. See new places, meet new people…”

“I am perfectly content with the places and people I know already.” you retort, more brusquely than you are used to when you talk to her; you immediately regret it, but it’s too late to stop the words from pouring out “Not to mention I already have a job, and a long list of commissions. I can’t very well leave everything to go gallivanting around the sea.”

Your sister softly points out that if you accepted the nursemaid job now you’d still have time to finish the jobs you have already accepted before having to depart with your new master, and she doubts you’d have lost many clients if -I mean, when- you ever decided to return.

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Don’t be daft, (name); you know we have no words to thank you for all the help you give us with the house and the children. But… but there is more to life than this.” she says as she takes your hands in hers; she forces you to look at her, and her eyes, as earnest and kind as you remember his being, are enough to make you feel about to cry “I know my life is here, with my husband and my children, and I am satisfied with it; I have never wanted differently. But you… I know you have been restless for a while -no, don’t try to deny it, I’m your sister, I know your heart- and I also think… if you remain, it is less because you are actually satisfied with your life here, and more because…”

“Don’t say it.”

“... because of dad. I know you are still angry with him for leaving us, and I’m not saying you are wrong, but you don’t have children, and we would be all right…”

“You can’t know it!”

You have shouted, loud enough to wake the children, who are still young enough to valiantly resist any attempt to put them to bed before they decide it is time, but you don’t care, because you are angry, yes, you are furious, still with your father and right now a little bit with her as well. “What if something happens to them while the two of you are at work, and I’m not there to protect them? What if your husband loses his job while I’m away, and you can’t support the family on your own? Father left us when we needed him the most; we were still so young, he was everything we had, and he preferred his travels to us!”

“But we are not children anymore.” your sister quietly points out; the loss of your father was perhaps even harder on her than it was on you, considering she was the older and she felt responsible for you, but she never felt any resentment towards him, which is why, perhaps, you have felt enough for both “We are adults, old enough to make our own choices. (name)... you know how much we appreciate and rely on you, but we’re not going to end up in the streets just because you leave; no meteorite is going to fall on the house, killing us all, as soon as you look the other way.”

You frown. “Now you’re making fun of me.”

“I am not and you know it. I just don’t want you to waste your life…”

“I am not wasting my life. I don’t want to leave; I’m happy here. Adventures and danger, that is not my thing; it wasn’t father’s thing either, since it ended up killing him.” you conclude sadly; you are justifying yourself, and that makes you even angrier, because you have done nothing wrong, dammit! What is so wrong with wanting a safe, predictable life? “I am not refraining from leaving because I hated our father for doing that; I am just learning from his mistakes, like the mature person I like to think I am. I know you are trying to help me…”

“I am; (name), if only you gave yourself a chance…”

“... and I am grateful, but I’d really like it if we could stop talking about it, and never do it again. Please?”

Your sister nods, clearly saddened to have upset you; you kiss her on the cheek, to reassure her you’re no longer angry, and return to your chair, and your mending, while your sister finishes writing and letter and then leaves you alone.

The last, lingering warmth of summer gives way to the arrival of a rigid autumn, the quickly worsening weather and shorter days making you feel vaguely melancholic, no matter how pretty the trees in their fall colours are, and how pleasant the evenings spent around the fire at home drinking your sister’s famous mulled cider. You’ll be happier when winter comes; abundant snowfalls that are quite common on your island, and you’re never too old to play snowballs with your nephews and go skating on the frozen lake.

Today you wake up early as usual, lingering in the warmth of your bed only for a moment before rising to begin your day. Sent the children to school, you prepare to visit a client’s house to drop off two skirts you had tightened at the waist for her, and to take measurements for another dress; the lady in question is among your hardest to please clients, but she always pays generously, and you are determined to do a good job. You retrieve your gloves and heavy coat from the wardrobe, and as you reach the front door you notice a white envelope on the mat, clearly fallen from the mailbox: it contains a very elegant invitation, printed on good quality paper and addressed to you, for a party scheduled for next week… a party given by mr. Dracule Mihawk, one of the notables of the town.

Well, this is surprising, you reflect as you place the invitation in your bag, careful not to damage it; both the fact that mr. Mihawk is hosting a party, given his famously reserved, almost antisocial personality, and his decision to invite you. He is one of your most faithful clients, considering all the times he has had you buy precious fabrics to make elegant suits and coats, and he does often compliment your abilities as a seamstress and embroiderer, but the two of you never had a relationship beyond what is strictly required by his patronage.

Still, a party invitation is not something to disdain, especially when you haven’t attended one in months; you’ll ask your sister to accompany you, if her husband can take care of the children for the evening, and while a week is too short a time to make a new dress from scratch, you’ll have plenty of time to make sure you are both suitably attired. There was some velvet you had, left over from a commission, you could use to embellish your best dress, and she owns a shawl that would be perfect if only you decorated it with beads or a fringe…

Feeling in high spirits, you finally leave for your client’s house, shivering in the cold under the quickly darkening sky; an hour later, having taken care of your first errand, you are walking towards the market to buy a few things before your next appointment when something enters your field of sight only for a moment… and you stop.

The building you are walking next to is an art shop, with paintings and other art objects on sale, pretty but devoid of any real value for the most part; you have never paid much attention to it, but suddenly you feel unable to move, and to look away from a painting in the window… a marine landscape, with a merman in the foreground.

“Do you like it, (name)?” the shop owner, a former schoolmate of your sister’s, asks from the door; an easy enough question to answer, but still you struggle to talk, still focused on the painting.

“I… yes, it’s very pretty. Is it yours?”

“Not that one; another shop was closing and I bought some of their stuff in bulk. I have no idea who painted it, but it has been on that window for weeks and no one even glanced at it; perhaps a marine scene is a boring subject, given the fact we live on an island.”

“Hmm…”

The painting is clearly not a masterpiece worthy to be displayed in a museum, even someone who has never cared for art like you can tell, but it does have an unassuming, simple beauty to it. The roaring sea is painted in all of its dangerous magnificence, all shades of blue used to represent the high combers rising from the surface, sprays of foam covering the iron-grey sky. And in front of that chaotic backdrop, relaxed and almost detached as he contemplates the turmoil behind him, there is a merman, his gaze lifted as if in challenge, lying on the beach. He has two perfectly normal arms, one propped behind him and one abandoned in his lap in a vaguely sensual pose, and his hair is blonde instead of red; but his long tail, stretched in front of him, is exactly the same blue-green of that of your friend, brighter than the vast expanse in front of him, and while you can’t see his face, you are sure the merman in the painting is smiling, the sort of open, brave and amused smile you still carry in your heart to this day, five months after your first and only meeting, and that you know you’ll never forget, no matter how sad and disappointed you felt when he left without saying good-bye. The merman is not afraid of the storm, and why should he be? The sea is his home; no matter how violent the current, or high the waves, he’ll always find his way back, even if he swam at the other side of the ocean.

How you wish it would be the same for you. And maybe it would, but you’re too scared to find out.

You awake from that daydream, both wishful thinking and fond memory, only when a shiver passes through your body; the day is chilly, and you still have many errands to run before returning home, to warm yourself in front of the fire.

Still, you don’t let the cold distract you. “How much?”

“Sorry?”

“This painting, with the… stormy sea. How much does it cost?”

The shop owner, who had lost any hope to sell the painting, asks for a more than reasonable but still significant price, that you nonetheless readily pay, before leaving the shop with your purchase under your arm. That night you gently decline your brother-in-law’s help, and hang the painting on the wall of your room, placed so that it is the first thing you see after opening your eyes in the morning, and the last before falling asleep; looking at it, and remembering the unexpected meeting with the same creature immortalised on canvas, does make you feel vaguely melancholic, but you also remember how happy and excited you felt that day, and that is what matters the most.

A week passes, and finally it is the evening of the party at Mihawk’s residence, just a few minutes walk from your home; your brother-in-law is not working tonight, which allows you and your sister to go out and have fun. You have renovated both your best dress and hers, and you must admit you both look very good, enough to attend what will undoubtedly be a very exclusive gathering.

“I still can’t understand why Mihawk invited me.” you mention as the two of you walk arm in arm down the walkway of the stately villa, festively decorated for the occasion; lit torches illuminate the garden, and judging from the sweet music wafting from the inside of the building the orchestra has already been put to work “I mean, I’ve known him for years and I know he appreciates my creations, but I doubt he also invited his gardner, or the man who painted his walls.”

“Well, perhaps it’s because he cares more about his clothes than about plants or the state of his walls.” your sister suggests; she stops to wave to a couple of acquaintances walking in the opposite direction, and then smiles “Or perhaps he cares… about you.”

The mere idea makes you laugh; you have met Mihawk often enough not to be intimidated by his severe attitude -not too much, at least- but you never had reason to suspect he is interested in you. “That’s absolutely preposterous.”

“No, it’s not. He’s unmarried, you’re unmarried, and a party would be the perfect occasion to move from a strictly professional relationship to a more intimate one. After we thank him for the invitation I’ll make sure to leave you alone with him.”

“Don’t you dare…”

The sound of peaceful chatters fills the air; waiters in uniform move among the guests, offering flutes and refreshments. Some women’s dresses are much more elegant than your and your sister’s, but you feel no embarrassment, determined to simply enjoy the evening without feeling out of place or outshined.

Mihawk is standing by the villa’s open double doors, welcoming the guests as they arrive; he seems vaguely bored, which makes you wonder why he hosted the party in the first place, but his yellow eyes, so similar to those of a bird of prey, immediately fix on you, as if he had waited for your arrival, as if he considered it important for some reason. What is happening?, you wonder; Mihawk is not in love with you, you are sure of it, you doubt he actually cares about you beyond your abilities with needle and thread, and you cannot begin to comprehend why he wanted you at his party.

“Good evening, mr. Dracule; thank you for inviting us.”

“Miss (name); miss (sister’s name). Welcome, thank you for coming.” he answers, polite but dispassionate as usual, with a small bow of his head; he is wearing an elegant black suit with red and yellow roses embroidered on the sleeves and the sides, a suit you are responsible for creating; the fact that he decided to wear for an important occasion makes you quite proud. You are about to excuse yourself and mingle with the other guests, but Mihawk is quicker and “Miss (name), may I have a moment of your time?” he asks.

You can feel, rather than see, your sister smiling broadly next to you, as if she expects Mihawk to take advantage of that moment of privacy to ask for your hand.

“Of course.” you answer, perfectly aware you have no polite way to refuse, and let the host’s hand at the small of your back guide you along an empty corridor; whatever reason Mihawk had to want you at his party you’re going to find out in a minute, and the prospect doesn’t exactly scare you, but for some reason you can’t help feeling tense…

Mihawk remains silent until you reach a room, a small library empty except for one person, and as soon as that person turns to look at you, a strangled cry escapes your lips.

“You!”

“Hello, (name).” the merman answers, his smile as open and happy as you remember it to be, albeit with a touch of uncertainty it didn’t have during your first meeting “I wasn’t sure you… remembered me…”

Of course, because you have met so many creatures half-man and half-fish in your life you could get confused. Before you can utter a reply, Mihawk attracts your attention with a discreet cough. “I’ll take my leave.” he announces, and the merman nods, understanding evident between the two of them.

“Thank you, my friend.”

You remain still, and silent, until the master of the house has left, closing the door behind him; as soon as you are alone, you march towards the merman, already sure it is him, no matter how inexplicable his presence on dry land is, but eager to take a closer look. He lets you observe him, patiently waiting without speaking, smiling softly as you can’t stop staring at his legs.

His legs. Long and strong, perfectly proportioned, clad in a pair of dark brown trousers, normal black shoes on his feet. It is clearly him, you would be ready to bet everything you own, your very soul, on it; how could you ever forget that smile, and that bright red hair? Still, the creature in front of you is clearly human, and you are completely stunned, afraid to discover this is only a dream you will soon wake from feeling more lonely and dejected than ever, but despite the turmoil in your heart, the most intense, overwhelming emotion in your heart is joy, pure and simple elation, because you missed him so much, and seeing him again, even though perhaps simply in a dream, is enough to make you happy…

“It is me, (name).” he gently murmurs in the end, taking your hand in his; you let him, but at the same time you glare menacingly, determined not to let him go unpunished.

“I know it’s you. I also know you had… if not exactly promised, made me believe I would still find you there at the grotto the morning after we met; I arrived at dawn with the food and the bandages for you, and stood there gawping! I was worried for you, you know? I feared those fishermen had found you and taken you away!”

The merman -the man, now, you assume- listens to your complaints without arguing, looking at least properly chastised.

“I’m sorry I hurt you; especially after everything you had done to help and protect me.” he murmurs in the end; you can feel his thumb rubbing circles on the back of your hand, a perhaps not fully conscious gesture that fills your heart with a tenderness you order yourself not to give in - yet; as your sister can attest, you don’t forgive easily “I did want to wait for you, but… my friends found me shortly before you were due to arrive, and convinced me it was safer for both if I left and returned home.”

“Hmm…”

“This is why - well, this is one of the reasons why I asked Mihawk to invite you; I wanted to talk to you, and tell you how sorry I am.”

You sigh, aware of his sincerity, and of the fact you are so happy to see him again you have already forgotten your resentment. “I guess you had good intentions, at least. Are… are you alright? Your wound, I mean.”

Another smile. Darn it, how could you stay crossed with him?! “I am perfectly healthy, thank you. My doctor said your stitches were very well made, especially for a person who had received no medical training.”

“That is good to hear. I…” you sigh, feeling a sudden, unexplained shiness enveloping you “I don’t even know your name.”

“You’re right; how rude of me. I am Shanks.” he says with an elegant bow; when he brings your hand to his mouth, you can feel his breath on your fingers “Captain Shanks of the Red Force, at your service.”

The name suits him. You quickly learn that Shanks’ ship is a merchant vessel, and that they plan to remain in town until spring; Mihawk is an old friend of his, and decided to host the party to introduce him and his crewmates to the town.

“He must be very fond of you, then.” you mention, thinking how usually reserved and solitary your client and host is.

“He is, even though he’s also very good at hiding it.”

Shanks smiles. “You must have even more questions than on our first meeting.” he mentions gently, and you nod, admitting the need to know is so intense you feel ready to burst.

“Maybe… maybe we could walk in the garden as we talk.” Shanks suggests, and for a moment he seems the shy one, as if afraid his proposal could be misinterpreted - or worse, refused “I’ll tell you all I can, I promise, but this is not the sort of talk you can have among so many people.”

You could remain in the library, since you doubt any of the invitees would feel the need for a book as they converse pleasantly and sip champagne; but a walk in the garden is a much more pleasant option.

“I’d really like that.”

You leave the room together; your sister, standing by the buffet table with a few people she’s acquainted with, meets your gaze just in time to see Shanks offering you his arm, and you accepting it gladly.

“Here you are, (name); I saw Mihawk on his own, but I see you already found company.” she mentions with the sort of meaningful look only two sisters can share, as she looks at Shanks with interest “Who is your friend?”

“This is Shanks; Shanks, this is my sister.” you quickly introduce them, happy to see two people you are so fond of meeting each other.

“Such a pleasure.” he politely greets her with another of those lovely, disarming smiles of his “I am sorry I stole (name) from you.”

“It’s not a problem, (name) is old enough to go where she pleases. Have you… just met or…?”

“Actually we first became acquainted a few months back.” Shanks explains “(name) was walking on a beach out of town when he found me; a group of bandits had assaulted me and left me for dead. Hadn’t it been for her help, I may not be here today. We had agreed to meet on the next morning, so that I could thank her in full and she could make sure I was well looked after, but I let my friends convince me we better depart immediately. I just arrived in town, so I wanted to apologise to her.”

“I see.” your sister murmurs; she has listened intently to Shanks’ explanation, and when her gaze shifts on you, you know she’s thinking back to that night, when seeing you singing happily to yourself made her wonder whether you had a new gentleman friend, and to how heartbroken you had looked returning home on the next morning, after the person you had gone to meet hadn’t come. She now knows that person is Shanks, and she must also have a thousand questions to ask you, but wisely decides to wait for a more appropriate moment. Is everything alright?, she asks you without the need to utter a word, as it has always been between the two of you, and you smile in return, which is enough to satisfy her.

You and Shanks spend a few minutes with your sister, who then lets the two of you go, winking at you behind her shoulder.

“She must love you very much.” Shanks mentions as the two of you reach the gardens, away from the small, noisy crowd that fills the villa; a few people you walk past turn to look at you, openly staring at the stump of his arm visible under his black cape, but Shanks doesn’t seem to notice “I think she was ready to pounce on me, if she only had the impression I was bothering you.”

Imagining the scene makes you giggle. Despite the chill of the evening, you expected more of the attendees would have chosen to walk in the gardens, but that solitude is perfect for you and your companion, since it leaves you free to talk without fear of being heard. Shanks waits for you to sit on a bench under a large tree before taking a seat beside you.

“What are you?” you ask half a moment later; you perceive the question could be considered rude, but you can’t help yourself. You have waited for this moment for five months!

Shanks laughs softly, amused rather than offended. “You don’t beat about the bush, do you?” he asks “Well, I am a merman; but I am also a human. I can shift between the two forms as I want, my legs transforming into a tail and vice-versa.”

“I see.” you answer numbly, struggling to come to terms with yet another revelation due to the amazing, astonishing man next to you. Ever since you met him you have felt your world expanding, as well your desire to know it beyond the reassuring walls of your tiny and predictable existence, and it scares you… and it makes you happy, just like he does “I had never heard about anything like this - like you. I mean, there are legends and stories about mermaids and mermen, but I never heard of a creature capable of transforming like you do.”

“It’s a fact we tend to keep secret, as well as that of our very existence.”

“There are others like you?”

It is the sort of question Shanks had gently refused to answer on your first meeting, given the fact every information about his kind he shared could put him in danger, but his hesitation seems to have disappeared.

“A few; not many, unfortunately, as far as I know, even though as you can imagine there is no complete census.”

“Is… everyone in your family like you?”

“I guess. My… nature must be hereditary, but I am a foundling, and have never met my parents or other relatives, so I can’t be fully sure.”

He smiles at you, as if to reassure you that loneliness is not a heavy weight to carry. “You never told anyone you had met me, have you?”

“Of course not.”

“As I expected. I… I have thought about you often, you know?” Shanks murmurs, taking your hand once more; his is bigger, calloused as was to be expected from a sailor, but his touch is gentle, almost reverent… as if he was holding something precious, something he didn’t hope he would experience again “I felt terrible for having left you there. I hoped…”

“Yes?”

“... nothing. That time, when we met, I was here in town to visit Mihawk; we have been friends for a long time, even though I doubt he would call us such. When I returned a few days ago, planning to stay a while, I asked him if he knew someone with your name, and when he told me he’s a client of yours I asked him to invite you to the party.”

“All of it just to apologise?” you ask with a smile that Shanks returns, vaguely embarrassed.

“To be honest, I really wanted to see you again.”

“Then I’m glad you came back, because I wanted to see you too.”

Neither feels the need to speak as you enjoy the quiet and privacy of the gardens, your hand in his; stand-mounted torches diffuse a warm, soft light, intense enough to reflect the bright red of Shanks’ hair. You’re not enjoying the party much, not the music nor the buffet, but you don’t care, and you couldn’t wish for a better company.

“I envy you, you know?” you murmur softly after a while, your gaze low on your feet “You are a sea captain; I imagine you have travelled extensively.”

“I have. I still do; I don’t think I have ever had a proper house on land since I was six years old. My ship is a merchant vessel, sturdy enough to face the most violent storms; I travel all over the world, and I am paid to do it. Who is more fortunate than I am?”

The pride and happiness evident in Shanks’ voice makes you smile - a bit wistfully.

“You are fortunate. As a merman you can explore the oceans, as a human you can walk on land. You are the master of both worlds, in a sense. You can do whatever you want.”

“Well, I don’t have wings, which means I can’t fly, but otherwise yes, I do have wider horizons than most creatures.” Shanks admits; he looks at you, his hand still gently caressing yours - a touch that is not inherently sensual, but could easily become so “Don’t you like your life? Mihawk says you are an excellent seamstress, with clients even in the nearby towns.”

“It’s true; and I have much to be grateful for, just…”

You sigh, at first unable to put into words something you have never had the courage to address even in the privacy of your heart. “My father was an explorer; he didn’t have a house in a town or on an island, but he travelled far and wide, to map uncharted lands, act as an informal ambassador on behalf of this or that lord, or write a report on some untraveled region’s flora or fauna. He saw a different dawn almost every day; I don’t think he ever slept in the same bed for more than a week. And then he came here, on the way to some other place and only planning to stay until the town’s shipwrights repaired his ship, he met my mother, who worked in the port’s best tavern, and five days later he put my sister in her.”

“So he stayed.”

“He stayed, and he married her; he missed his life, the adventure, the excitement, but he loved my mother, and while he probably felt duty-bound to do the right thing for her and the baby, I think he was happy, at least for a while. Three years later I came along; he was a good father, he loved us and he worked hard for us, even though I know he was frustrated with a boring office job, and regretted having had to abandon his dreams and aspirations for this little town, and a little life. I don’t remember he ever held it against us, but after all it was only eight years; perhaps in time he would have come to hate us all.”

An outburst of laughter reaches your ears from inside the villa; apparently someone, probably not the host, has just recounted a very amusing story. You sigh, feeling suddenly melancholic and, even worse, foolish. “I’m sorry, this is not the sort of thing one should discuss at a party…”

Shanks’ hand squeezes yours gently. “Go on.” he invites you, and for a moment you love him for it.

“One day, completely out of the blue, my mother fell sick, fainting in the kitchen as she prepared dinner; she never properly woke up again. My father called for the best doctors of the region, he stood by her side day and night begging her not to abandon him, but all of it was in vain; a violent fever took her away in a matter of days. We all mourned her; my father cried for days, and my sister and I slept in the same bed for months. He tried his best to take care of us, but he couldn’t; not because he didn’t know how to cook or couldn’t prepare us for school. The truth is… the truth is he had not chosen, but accepted, that sort of life for her, and now that she had gone, he couldn’t see a reason to stay. Not even us.”

It is painful to say it out loud; it is terribly humiliating, but the worst thing is another: the fact that even now, so many years later, you can’t fully hate him for it.

“So he left. Our grandparents were too old to take care of us, so he paid another couple to move in the house and act as our tutors, and made sure we would also be looked after financially; he promised he would come back, and he did, twice, first after eight months, and then after a year. And then he left again, to sail towards some distant land where a fabulous treasure was supposed to be held, and he never returned. He died at sea, and we were left alone. I mean, we were not thrown in the streets, my sister and I; our tutors were good people, and he had left us the house and a little capital. But what we wanted, what we needed desperately, was a father; he knew, he had to know, and he ran away to the other end of the world.”

Shanks sighs; he has listened intently to your story, and has perceived you don’t need to be consoled, just… understood. Heard. “Sometimes people cannot deny their own nature; it is sad, and difficult to accept, but that is the truth.” he murmurs; he turns towards you, his brown eyes finding yours as your knees meet “I am sure your father loved you very much; but if his destiny, his nature, was to travel the world, staying would have made him miserable. Look at me: I am both a merman and a human; whatever shape I assume at a given moment, I’m still both, and I’m fully conscious of the other part still present inside me. I’m not saying your father did the right thing, or that he shouldn’t have decided otherwise because you and your sister needed him; but perhaps the choice wasn’t fully his to begin with.”

It is a sensible explanation, that you contemplate for a while, offering your face to the light of the torches, their warmth caressing your skin; in the end, you realise with a sigh, it doesn’t really matter whether you are able to make peace with your father or keep resenting him until your last breath, since he’s gone and you’re old enough to take care of yourself. Still, there are times you wish you could find some forgiveness for him, and for yourself as well, in your heart; in other moments, you feel as if letting go of that resentment you have felt since you were barely old enough to understand your emotions, would mean letting yourself be abandoned for the second time…

“Sometimes I also wish I could leave.” you confess; you sound hypocritical to your own ears, but you feel Shanks won’t blame you for it… that he’ll understand how conflicted you feel, and ashamed of yourself for it “I have a good life here, a job I enjoy and a family I love, but I wish I could explore the world beyond what I have known since I was born, because I know there is more to life than taking care of my nephews or embroidering a wedding dress, no matter how satisfying those things are.”

Shanks smiles. “You could do it. You have no children of your own, and you could pay your ticket on a cruise ship.”

“I know; and I know my sister and her husband could manage without me, but… I can’t find the courage to leave; the truth is… I don’t want to follow in my father’s footsteps, and I know it’s stupid, because I can’t let the actions of a dead man dictate how I live my life, but…”

“But perhaps this is your nature; to feel yourself torn between two realities, the desire for home and the thirst for knowledge, without fully belonging to either.” Shanks mentions, and smiles “We are similar in that regard, you and I.”

“We are.”

Another moment of pleasant, intimate silence follows; you are wondering whether the man next to you will decide to leave your hand to put his arm around your shoulders -and, in case he’s deliberately refraining from doing that, what you can do to subtly communicate you would not find it inappropriate, quite the opposite in fact- when suddenly Shanks turns to you and “Would you like to dance?” he asks.

“You mean here?”

“Why not? We can hear the music, and at least we won’t have to worry we might bump into the other couples. I am quite steady on my feet, even though I spend half my time with a tail… and I only have an arm to hold you.”

You find yourself giggling. “I’d really like that.”

And so you dance, alone as the soft notes coming from the villa’s ballroom envelop you, your eyes in his, Shanks’ arm circling your waist while you rest your arms on his shoulders. His body is solid against yours, and pleasantly warm in the chill of the night; the desire to kiss him, for him to kiss you, is intense enough to make you tremble. You feel happy with Shanks, happier than you have ever felt in a long time, and you don’t want him to leave again, after such a short time, not unless he promises he will return…

“You know, if you ever wanted to leave, at least for a while… I could help you.” Shanks murmurs after a while; you can feel his heart beating, slightly faster than normal, against yours “I do have a ship, after all.”

“Really?” you ask, suddenly tense; suddenly hopeful, as you gently sway together “I mean, you would really… take me with you? I thought yours was a merchant vessel.”

“It is, and we don’t usually take passengers, but… yours would be a special case. To be honest, I had tried to… test the waters, a while ago; didn’t Mihawk tell you of someone who was looking for a nursemaid for a child?”

“That was you?!” you exclaim, dumbfounded “My sister mentioned something… she didn’t tell me it was Mihawk who had told her, but on the other hand, I didn’t know he was your friend until tonight…”

“Of course not; I just wanted to know if you’d be… well, willing to do it. Travel for a while, take care of a child you are not related to.”

“But you are?”

“Related to him, you mean? No; as far as I know, I have no children. Luffy is… well, it’s a long story; he has no family worthy of the name and you could say I have adopted him, even though I couldn’t get rid of him would probably be a more accurate description.”

Shanks smiles, the affection clear in his voice; suddenly he’s holding you a bit tighter than before.

“He’s the child you sacrificed your arm for, isn’t he?”

“He is; it’s not a pretty story, but if you want I’ll tell you about it. He needs discipline, but he’s a good kid, barely older than your nephews; maybe you’ll like living on a ship for a while, and you could return home whenever you want.”

He suddenly spins you around, forcing you to grab his shoulders in order not to fall; for a moment your body is pressed to his, and you just know he did it deliberately.

“Are you offering me a job, captain Shanks?” you inquire, and now you’re smiling as well.

“I am, miss (last name). Would you be interested?”

You are. Very interested.

“I am. Just… let me think about it for a while.”

“I’m staying in town until spring, or until Mihawk chases me off. You have all the time.”

“Good.”

You sigh happily as you rest your cheek against Shanks’ shoulder, feeling yourself fluctuating between excitement and peace, the precious moment you’re living now and the promise for the future. Once more, poised between two worlds; and perhaps, richer for this.

“May I ask you a question? When you… shift; is it painful?” you inquire, and he needs a moment to consider it.

“Painful, no; a bit weird, perhaps, like an itch on my legs or tail, but by now I am used to it. And I guess it would look… weird, to someone who has never experienced it.”

“I’d be curious to see it.” you reflect; a moment later a completely inappropriate image fills your mind, and you thank God the torches’ light is faint enough Shanks can’t see you blush “I mean… it’s something so… unusual…”

“That’s a good way to put it, yes.”

The music stops, and you as well. “Are you cold?” Shanks murmurs gently, and you shake your head, since while you are a little chilly, you are not ready to return inside, where everyone else is, ending the magical moment the two of you are living together.

“There is another thing I’d like to do.” you admit, earning a curious look from the red-haired man in front of you, still holding you tight.

“That is?”

“You’ll think I’m crazy. Or, even worse, completely shameless.”

Shanks gently points out that as a ship captain, he has probably seen more impropriety in a year than you in your whole life. He’s probably not wrong, but even if he weren’t you wouldn’t mind; there is something in Shanks that makes you feel at ease, whatever you may say or do, perhaps because he is not the judging sort, or maybe because there is something special between the two of you and you see no point in denying it. And so, you whisper your indecent proposal in his ear, and a minute later you’re walking away from the villa, hand in hand, towards the little beach that saw you meet for the first time. It is quite a long walk, that you enjoy under the moon, away from the town; you had already noticed Shanks keeps a short sword hidden under his cape, a sign that even the life of the captain of a merchant vessel is not devoid of risk, but you would feel safe all the same, as if just for that night, destiny had decided no evil would befall you. You cut through the fields, Shanks’s sturdy boots and your delicate dancing shoes leaving a line of footsteps behind them; the air is still around you, the promise of a well-kept secret. Neither speaks, but you can feel Shanks’ eyes on you, his ardent dark eyes making you feel more conscious of your body than you have ever been.

And finally the beach opens in front of you, the moon reflecting on the calm waters enclosed by sand and rocks. The quiet murmuring of the backwash barely stirs the silence surrounding you; it feels as if you and Shanks were the only two people for miles all around, maybe even the only man and woman left in the world; an overwhelming thought, that nonetheless doesn’t upset you, because it’s impossible to feel lonely when you’re in good company.

“So… shall we?” you ask Shanks, and he nods, but for the first time there is a trace of tension in his smile, and he has just taken off his boots, and left his cloak and sword on a nearby rock, when he stops, his arm wrapped around his torso as if to protect himself against an impending danger.

“Are you alright?” you as softly “You don’t have to do this, if it… upsets you.”

“I do want to do it.” he reassures you; his fingers brush against your cheek, the beauty of Shanks’ smile visible even in the almost complete darkness of the night “Sweet (name)... how lucky I am that day you were the one who found me. It’s just… you are the first person I have ever shared my secret with; if someone else were to find out - no, it’s alright, I know you’d never tell. But all my life, I’ve been warned about letting people know… of the dangers of being hunted and killed and exploited. It’s an… instinct of self-preservation, in a sense.”

“I understand.” you reassure him, feeling a little guilty; how could you not think Shanks’ situation was different from yours, and he had much more to fear than being assaulted or robbed at knifepoint? “If you want we can simply…”

“This is fine; just… give me a second…”

He smiles at you and, all too aware of your eyes on him, he starts undressing; soon, his clothes lie abandoned in a pile on the sand, the shadows of the night painting Shanks’ tan skin of all the shades of black and grey. Your gazes meet, and he winks, not exactly grandstanding but making no effort to hide his nudity either, and serenely walks to the shore, and he dives; his long legs disappear under the surface and when he re-emerges, the merman’s long tail raises a spray of water behind it, the soft light of the moon playing on the blue-green scales.

The beauty of that scene -the beauty of him, human or merman or whatever he is- is enough to move you to tears.

“I thought you said you wanted to go for a swim!” Shanks calls to you, happily waving his hand “Have you changed your mind? The water is not that cold!”

If there is a thing you are not… completely unhappy you have inherited from your late father, it's the fact that you never back down from a challenge, no matter how friendly. So, without answering, you begin getting rid of your own clothes, the dress you spent so long admiring yourself in falling to the ground as you slip out of it, and then it’s the turn of your stockings and in the end your mid-thigh-high underdress is the the sole thing you’re still wearing as you walk to the shoreline. You shiver as you feel the cold water lapping at your ankles and then your calves, but Shanks is only a few feet away, waiting for you, effortlessly keeping himself afloat; you swim to him, and a moment later he is holding you by the waist once more, your legs instinctively wrapping around his body as your arms find purchase on his shoulders; the water’s cold but protective embrace surrounds you, and when Shanks’ lips finally press against yours, his kiss reverent and hungry and full of promise, you feel as if you were making love to the sea itself.

“I won’t leave again; not without telling you.” Shanks murmurs, your kisses chasing each other; he can’t caress you, since his only arm is still wrapped around you, but judging by the sounds he makes as he sucks on the side of his neck, he likes the way you are touching him “You have… hmmm… my word.”

“I’ll remind you of it.” you answer, and grin “And even if you did, I promise I’ll run after you.”

You laugh together, and “My sweet (name)” Shanks murmurs “Let me breathe for you.”

His mouth has claimed yours in a new kiss when both of your heads disappear under the surface.

TAGGING @luuffyswife and @alucardsdaddyissues. Hope you like this!

#OPLA #One Piece #One Piece Live Action #Shanks #Red-Haired Shanks #Shanks x reader #Red-Haired Shanks x reader #Peter Gadiot #Bellona's stuff

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k-nonsense · 1 year

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My updated rankings/reviews of all the k dramas I have seen so far (up to 54 now). I would recommend any show I gave a C grade or higher, which is most of them. I bolded recently added shows.

1. Hometown Cha Cha Cha: An absolute masterpiece. It’s a heartwarming fish out of water story about a big city girl who finds herself in the quirkiest little seaside town. I wanted to stay in Gongjin forever. Grade: A+(Netflix)

2. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (S1): Delightful! Never have I ever rooted for a lead harder. She is the most endearing lead you will ever find. And the male lead is so so swoony. Grade: A+(Netflix)

3. Alchemy of Souls: The wildest of rides and the perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, mystery, comedy, and romance. The characters are just so lovable, you’ll never want it to end. Season 2 just as good as Season 1. Grade: A+ (Netflix)

4. Love To Hate You: New fastest binge of my life. 10 episodes and I didn’t fast forward at all. There were no bad/slow parts. Also the funniest KDrama I’ve ever seen. Just watch it. You won’t regret it. Grade A+ (Netflix).

5. My Demon: This show had me utterly enthralled, it was so mysterious and suspenseful and yet incredibly goofy and romantic. My new favorite main couple in all KDrama land. Yes it wasn’t perfect but I enjoyed it so much, it really encapsulated everything I love in a tv show. Grade: A (Netflix)

6. Business Proposal: It’s got every trope you can think of and it does them all to perfection. Plus it’s hilarious. Grade: A (Netflix)

7. Healer: This super romantic action mystery drama will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ji Chang Wook is equal parts sexy and adorable which is a seriously winning combination. Grade A (Viki). One caveat: I was very disappointed by a certain wardrobe decision in episode 3.

8.Her Private Life: Super funny and charming. The romantic leads have incredible chemistry. The premise is so good! Might be the one of the most rewatchable kdramas. Grade: A (Netflix)

9. Castaway Diva: Just utterly heartwarming. An instant classic. Ultimate underdog, redemption, story that teaches us what real love and family is. Also Ki-Ho is the new standard by which all men will be judged. Grade: A (Netflix)

10. Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung: Great strong female lead. Very good messages. Couldn’t stop watching. The most adorable prince I’ve ever seen 💜Cha Eunwoo💜 Grade: A (Netflix)

11. Bad Prosecutor: Absolutely thrilling and hilarious. It’s like a heist, detective, lawyer, action comedy that will keep you wondering who is outsmarting who? Super shocking plot twists. Amazing OST. Stuck the landing with a truly satisfying finale. Grade A (Viki)

12. Sh**ting Stars: Probable the biggest turnaround of any show I’ve seen (The “Africa” part was so problematic). However it turned out to be one of the funniest and swooniest KDramas out there. There are 5 couples and you will cheer for all of them. Grade: A- (Viki)

13. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon: The main couple is absolutely everything! Just fast forward through pretty much every side plot (they are not important) and you’ll love it. Grade: A- (Viki)

14. So I Married the Anti-Fan: It’s campy, fluffy, goodness, with a fierce female lead and a K-pop star enemy/love interest. 2nd fastest binge of my life. Grade: A- (Viki)

15. 100 Days My Prince: An absolute classic period drama romcom. Who knew D.O. could kiss like that? Such a great strong female lead. I LOVE a show with adorable, quirky, townspeople. Grade: A- (Netflix)

16. Romance is a Bonus Book: Might be the most romantic K-Drama I’ve ever seen. Nothing about the trailer or setup intrigued me but I’m so glad I watched it anyway. It was a truly beautiful love story. Grade: A- (Netflix)

17. Because This Is My First Life: This drama really does everything right for me… A slow burn romance built on mutual love and respect. Supporting characters who I genuinely cared about and had incredible side stories of their own. A critique of the patriarchy. Women supporting women. An adorable cat. Maybe a bit melodramatic at times but not too much. Grade A- (Netflix)

18. Start-Up: Exceptional acting, compelling storylines, intriguing plot twists, great cinematography, intense love triangle. It’s just all around high quality. Grade: A- (Netflix)

19. Run On: Cute, fun, silly and pretty light. I especially loved the supporting cast. Strange storyline but it was a fun easy ride. Grade: A- (Netflix)

20. Forbidden Marriage: This is a weird show, but weird in the best way. It’s like a comedy, horror, romance, fictional-historical. I don’t know how to describe it but it’s really fun. B+(Viki)

21. Soundtrack #1: Short and beautiful. I just loved it. No one does heart eyes better than Park Hyung-Sik. Grade: B+(Disney+)

22. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo: A bad-ass yet vulnerable female lead. The main couple just had a lot of fun together. Refreshing. Grade: B+ (Viki)

23. Doctor Slump: This show was a really nice journey of both mental health and romance. Grade: B+ (Netflix)

24. Welcome to Samdalri: Very heartwarming and beautiful story about love, family, friendship, and going home. It has quirky townspeople and Ji Chang Wook 😍 what’s not to love? Grade: B+ (Netflix)

25. My Lovely Liar: Creative and engaging premise, intriguing mystery, and a swoon worthy romance. A very fun viewing experience. Grade: B+ (Viki)

26. King the Land: This drama pretty much has no stakes or conflict and the main couple has THE MOST chemistry I have ever seen in my entire life. So if you just want to turn your brain off and be happy, this is the drama for you. I absolutely loved it. Grade: B+ (Netflix)

27.Law Cafe: This drama has so much to love, a strong/fierce/brilliant and morally righteous female lead, lovable side characters, steamy romance. But what I loved most was how the show spotlighted important issues like consent and abuse in nuanced and progressive ways. Yes it’s a fun rom-com but it felt like the beginning of a new chapter of more egalitarian storytelling which made me really excited for the future of k-dramas. Grade: B+ (Viki)

28. Not Others: A lovely Gilmore Girls type show about the relationship between an immature mother and her very mature adult daughter. It was a pleasure seeing them grow in their relationships with each other, others, and themselves. I want more! Grade B+ (Viki)

29. Cheer Up: Sports, comedy, romance, mystery, suspense, coming of age, this show had everything. The female lead was the lovable, feisty, driven, and brave. The male lead was adorkable, considerate, and sweet. It’s all very enjoyable and wholesome. Grade: B+ (Viki)

30. I Am Not A Robot: Zany premise but it was surprisingly pretty grounded for how crazy the set up was. It’s funny, emotional, good story telling. Great character development. Grade: B+ (Viki)

31. See You in My 19th Life: The shared experience of watching this mystical mystery drama week to week made it a really enjoyable watch. Not sure if it was totally satisfying, or that any of the couples’ chemistry felt authentic, but it was a very interesting and creative storyline. Grade B (Netflix)

32. Summer Strike: This show made me cry a lot. It’s heartbreaking yet healing. I’m still not sure if I liked watching it or not but it was a beautiful story of found family. Grade B (Netflix).

33. Shopping King Louie: Adorable! So many light fluffy feels for this show but it does drag a bit in the second half. Grade B (Viki)

34, Fight For My Way: Such lovable leads. Love the fierce female lead and adorable himbo male lead. It’s like a coming of age story but for 30 year olds. Storyline was ok. Second couple was skippable. Grade: B (Viki)

35. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim: More PSJ is always a good thing. This drama did all the tropes in ways that didn’t always feel fresh, but it was very romantic and hilarious. A true classic. Grade: B (Viki)

36. Touch Your Heart: If you can just stick it out through the first few very shaky episodes, you will enjoy this adorable, fluffy, series. Grade: B- (Netflix)

37. Doom at Your Service: It was sometimes real sad yet ultimately a heart warming mystical story. Grade: B- (Viki)

38. True Beauty: Fun, cute, teen drama however, it’s a little too “antsy teen” for me. Cha Eunwoo though💜 Grade: C+ (Viki)

39. Destined With You: The chemistry between the main couple was absolutely sizzling. Rowoon was both hilarious and next level adorable. However, the plot and the characterization of women occasionally made me very frustrated. Grade: C+ (Netflix).

40. Suspicious Partner: Great story, great characters, attractive actors, beautiful romance, interesting plot, sometimes funny, sometimes suspenseful, but with 40 episodes, the plot was dragged. Grade C+ (Viki)

41. Crash Landing On You: The first half is GREAT but the second half is way too melodramatic for my taste. It’s a very interesting storyline, the main couple has insane chemistry, and there are very lovable side characters. Grade: C+ (Netflix)

42. Secret Romantic Guesthouse: First few episodes were a fun scooby gang mystery, middle episodes were super boring, last 3 episodes were crazy fast paced and thrilling. It ended well- I’ll give it that. Grade: C (Viki)

43. Dear.M: It was inoffensive and decently entertaining. If you like school dramas, you’ll probably enjoy it. Grade: C (Viki).

44. A Good Day To Be A Dog: The storyline is bonkers but very intriguing. It started off so well but the storyline lost its way in the back half. But hey, Cha Eunwoo + dogs, it’s worth the watch. Grade: C (Viki).

45. Angel’s Last Mission: Love: This drama was very similar to Doom At Your Service but it was more a bit more redundant with all of the tragedy and crying. I LOVED the chemistry of the main couple but I found myself fast forwarding a lot. Grade: C- (Viki)

46. Marry My Husband: Episodes 1-11 were phenomenal. Such an interesting premise with shocking twists and turns. After episode 11 it seemed like there were new writers who had never seen the show. Very disappointing but top tier villains. Grade: C-

47. Our Beloved Summer: I LOVED V’s “Christmas Tree” OST however I struggled to keep watching. Boring storyline but great acting. Grade: D+ (Netflix)

48. Heavenly Idol: An absolute hot mess. It was completely convoluted and just low quality but I also weirdly liked it. I can’t bring myself to rank it higher because I know how bad it was but I actually enjoyed it better than many shows I ranked ahead of it. Grade: D+ (Viki)

49. My Secret Romance: The story of a total screw up female lead falling for a manipulative, gaslighting, hottie. It was problematic yet fun? So 🤷‍♀️ Grade: D+ (Netflix)

50. My Man Is Cupid: Pros: many cute dogs, sometimes those dogs wear human clothes, cute ending. Cons: Makes no sense, not much chemistry, murder plot takes up too much time. Grade D+ (Prime).

51. She Would Never Know: As handsome as Rowoon is, I found his character problematic at the beginning (no means no buddy) but he did get a lot better as the show went on. I just ended up skipping to watch just the scenes with the main couple, which made the show way more enjoyable. Grade D (Netflix)

52. My Love From the Star: I found myself fast forwarding a lot through all the parts that didn’t involve the main couple and most of the flashbacks. Grade D (Viki)

53. Goblin: The age gap is too disturbing for me, like call the police disturbing. However, the Grim Reaper who is one of the most adorable characters I’ve ever seen. Grade: D- (Viki)

54. Extra-Ordinary You: I have never felt so betrayed by a second half of a series as I did in this one. All of the character development that it seemed to be leading to was replaced by a pretty sickening codependent relationship. Grade: D- (Viki).

Currently Watching: Wedding Impossible (I think I like it)

Dramas I’m Thinking About Watching: Gaus Electronics, Bad and Crazy, Hospital Playlist, Another Miss Oh, Oh My Venus, My Roommate is Gumiho, She Was Pretty, Crash Course in Romance, Soundtrack #2, Queen of Tears

Dramas I just couldn’t Finish (I’m sorry I tried): Today’s Webtoon, Once Upon a Small Town, Love in Contract, Hotel Del Luna, Kings Affection, Record of Youth, Behind Your Touch, Sparkling Watermelon, Tale of Nine Tailed 1938, Strong Girl Nam Soon, The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract

What are your thoughts on these shows? Do you agree or disagree with my rankings? Any k-romcom recommendations that are not on the list yet?

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