"Chancellor", by Shay Sheridan (PG-13)

[trace-by-echo.livejournal.com]

Title:  In Which the Acting Chancellor-Elect Considers the Advantages of Utilizing an Assistant, for the Advancement of the Kingdom in General and the Betterment of All Concerned
Fandom:  Kyo Kara Maoh
Pairing:  Gwendal/Gunter
Categories:  pre-series, humor, romance, action, epistolary, harlequin
Length:  Medium [9,000 words]  Bonus rec!
Warnings:  a little violence (the small bit of action)


Author on LJ:  shayheyred 
Website:  Chez Shay

Review:  What, with a title like that, you need a summary?  Well, a young Gwendal, against all odds, learns to lean on others and not stress out quite so much - thanks to his devoted assistant, Gunter.

Hah, this fic was a breath of fresh air - it's so difficult to find good KKM fic that isn't 1) about Yuuri, nor 2) sappy as hell.  Not that those traits are bad, per se, but it can wear on you.  I love that Shay remembered that both men can be total badasses, even the occasionally-silly Gunter, and I appreciated that the romance took years to grow (they are long-lived mazoku, after all).  As for "harlequin"... well, I consider any secretary/boss romance to fit that description, and the letters from Gunter to Gwendal while the latter's at the front just reinforced my impression.   The bits of humor creeping around the edges made this fic really seem like it could fit into the canon seamlessly.

"Chancellor"

Comments

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

I'm months late on this, but I wanted to tell you I'm delighted you recced my long-titled KKM story. I loved writing it, and it's a treat when something you create receives such lovely attention. Thanks again - I'm glad it tickled your fancy. I'm happy I was pointed toward your rec, finally!

[trace-by-echo.livejournal.com]

I'm so bad at finding old comments - sorry! I was pleased to rec your fic, as I think it is one of the best of KKM fandom. :)