#so weak to curly haired nerds with big bambi eyes

[piratefishmama]

Steve being convinced (read: forced) by the highschool drama teacher to play the part of "King" in a production, not a speaking role, his job is to just... look the part, look down upon his subjects from a throne, sit above them, powerful, regal, with the side note that he has to maintain that air of disinterest through the whole thing until he's 'assassinated/usurped'.

he only says yes because he was promised an automatic pass if he did it, as no-one else could really fit and maintain the look the teacher had envisioned.

and Eddie Munson, playing the role of court jester, putting his whole jestussy into making Steve crack both his character, and a smile.

because Steve wouldn't get his automatic pass if he broke character, and Eddie feels it's his sworn duty to not let King Steve coast through school on his good looks.

[gracevastory]

Characters

Grace Eva Carter

‘Her big Bambi eyes looked at the world, as if she lived six lives before. She straightened her white collar even after drinking all dad’s bourbon secretly and biting another cigarette, which she tried simply because she’s never tried it before. She did everything gracefully from the meetings at the palaces to remedial work at the school garden. That was Gracie Carter: young mischievous child, the proud princess, wounded fawn soul. She was loved by everyone, even if they could not admit it. She was different for all of them, but nobody known what she’s hide behind this cold smile and white collar.’

James Thompson

‘He was clean, honest, true. He was just a boy who played guitar and repaired car from inaction, shamelessly smoking, exciting the minds of girls who followed him with enchanted views. James wasn’t a classical pretty boy, he wasn’t those favorite-school-sportsman-guy. He wasn’t a bum, he wasn’t afraid of hard work, you could always count on this boy. What kind of madness - whether books or songs, which told him about it, he was full of courage and passingly fought when at stake was the honor and dignity. He spoke in adult way about children's stories. He was the kind of guy who will sacrifice himself for the friend. He was the Peter Pan of the city: a children's spontaneity and ironic wisdom merged in his young body, forming a noble boy from the suburbs which is still believes that the good must conquer evil, the weak must be protected, and love is stronger than any obstacle’

Charles Brooks

‘It was a young man, born in a good family of the lawyer and the titled lady daughter. Since childhood, his life was a regular series of math classes, horseback riding lessons and the noble-gentlemen school visits - he had no chance of raise someone other than a decent boy, possessor of fine aristocratic manners. Obedience made him a son you can be proud of; as a brother and their father, Charlie was prepared for the fate of kingdom servant with all the attendant duties. He was one of those who did not break the rules for nothing and did not indulge whims, if it could tarnish his name. Adults ruined his child's nature, which craved adventure and adrenaline. He thought about the future every minute. He lived his future so much, to forget why he needs it. Looking at Grace, he recalled. He always wanted to be worthy this girl.’

Chelsea Brown

‘Who was Chelsea nobody knew. Girl-freak, crazy classmate with burnt crimson hair, dressed like a bum from the nineties, most of the time she was silent, reacting only to insults. Whoever this girl was, she didn’t get anyone close, never did the first step. She was so scared of idea being simple, standard, cliché; she did everything to avoid people, even when it wasn’t what she really wanted. She was surrounded by those who insulted her, who behaved dishonestly, unfairly, someone who gave her that stupid nickname "fleasy" simply because she brought a sick kitten to school. She didn’t want to be like them but she didn’t knew what to do. It was her way of survival and protection - an incredible aggression, when someone tried to open up her thin material. But in all this movement you could see the grace, which is not available to some true ladies. She was a sick kitten, Chelsea Brown, and no one knew how to help her. She was a beauty, hidden behind the rough clothes. Her eyes were shining, but no one was looking at them. Nobody knew her.’

Zac Sanders

‘His honey eyes shined so brightly you won’t ever overlook this wonderful hunk, even if you do your best. He will find you anyway in the crowd and captivate with his charm, leaving no chance to forget about himself for a long time. It’s like he had beating fountain of youth and beauty inside, and Zack knew how to use it for its intended purpose; for his amorous adventures composed legends, he had the time, effort and ingenuity for everyone. He loved the attention and the girls, but it wasn’t about meanness. Zack was an honest scoundrel, and before he get, he didn’t disdain to give. His passions were not serious and long-lasting; but every lady who has been at least once in the arms of this villain, remained happy and grateful. This was the essence of him - he was a true romantic.’

Emma Morel

‘This little girl kept a greater force inside of her soul than it might seem. At sixteen, Emma was alone and independent - not by choice, but by life circumstances. Nevertheless, it didn’t make her better adapted to the reality which sometimes was very cruel to her. She was the girl who still displays the date in the fields and fills tests with colorful pens. The child at heart, Emma believed that humans can’t be evil by nature, and if they are, they need help. Her help. She always wanted to take care of someone or something, even if she won’t get thanks in the end. She was naive, stubbornly didn’t want to see the dark side of anything, this was her weakness and advantage. Her great warm heart did not protect her from the bloody loneliness, and the pursuit of a righteous life repelled people. It was crazy reserve of love inside of her, but no one thought that even a small proportion of it deserved falling in the dense forest of doubts and prejudices, which were actually… a fear.’

Ethan Kits

‘Such guys as Ethan Kits, can be included in the history of the world frauds. Thousand times teachers could call him an incompetent bummer, but everyone knew that this boy had very… kind of special talent. He was able to twist somebody around his finger. So easy, quickly and accurately, you couldn’t have time to think at all. He was a clever, and what is most important in this skill - charming. Needless to say, Ethan was a dreamboat, the girls went crazy over him.  And he was crazy about the feeling of danger and broke the rules for fun, because it gave him a true pleasure. His reputation was buried under the thousands remarks that he took off classmates clothes again, beating them in poker. He loved money and always had them, despite his old shabby converses and dirty backpack. No, he did not like the feeling of wealth and power, he liked the feeling of testing himself for strength. Such as Kits, they called "honest thief", he always used his skills to help his friends. He broke off, ran for help, couldn’t remain indifferent, and any bad company couldn’t change that. He had a dirty conscience, but a pure heart.’

Kim Fisher

‘Kim was a girl who wanted to find herself all the time while she tied high heels buckle and continued to imitate curly hair by burning them with the bleach. She looked at those who were popular, who enjoyed the attention, seemed cooler and did everything to be with them in a same row. She did not understand what is she. She didn’t understand, she doesn’t need any of these victims. She doesn’t need such a vulgar makeup or loud laugh or losing her virginity before the others to feel worthy. She was just a lost little girl, who was looking for attention, which wasn’t given by her parents. She was looking for it in everything, but found only emptiness and disappointment. She was considered as anything - a slut, thoughtless, abnormal; only those who have been with her since the beginning, since the iron braces times, knew how much pain hided Kimberly Fisher.’

Martie Abrams

‘Martie was a boy, a wonk, which cool guys were ashamed to talk. Number of offensive nicknames that were attributed to him, neared to a huge number, and he didn’t dare to protest. Either he was afraid, and because he felt nonsense of any protest. When he ceased to be hated, he ceased to be seen at all. Why? He didn’t do anything for it, blazing feelings to the girl, who looked down on him and get round. Martie, being a loner, was insanely unhappy. But the saddest thing - he didn’t even try to change anything. He didn’t feel the strength to destroy the wall to get out of his comfort zone. Was it justified? Perhaps. Unlike all those "cool guys", he never was what he isn’t. He’s been himself trying to cope with the pain that waited for him at every step. Outcast, geek, nerd, dork. The boy, who wore a sweater that was knitted by his mom for Christmas. He tried to feel his significance and once decided that music could help him.’

Elizabeth 'Liz' Device

‘Elizabeth was a wonderful girl. She had energy for a several military divisions, and the power of her voice amazed even cynics. Self-confident, "proud black woman," as she called herself, Liz realized all her flaws much deeper than she could show it to others. She was still painful to hear insults like "fatty" and felt her insignificance in comparison with the girls in pink dresses, which ran on a date every night. She never showed those feelings. No one even imagined she had such problems. Despite her impulsiveness and emotionality, she’s been doing everything to believe that everything is ok – what could be a better solution? No one wanted to argue with her, which was both useful and sad at the same time. She could let herself tears only with the door closed: for all her friends, Liz was a real sun, which did not cease to shine even in the gloomy days and hit her Beyonce-manners. It was for all of Liz, a girl with a perpetual supply of power and good mood. Nobody even knew how much she wanted to wear that pink dress.’

Olivia McKenzie

‘You've probably seen such girl on the cover of prom albums, with the crown, snow-white smile and perfect blond hair - a typical school queen, a typical girl who was loved by everyone, no exceptions. What distinguishes Olivia - goodness of heart and a lack of vulgarity.  She would never have gone to the meanness to achieve goals, never betrayed and lied to get more points, cause she was brought up so – parents, who gave all their warmth, provided her a favorable future. It wasn’t necessary for her to fight for anything and that was her weakness. Olivia was beautiful, decent, quiet and modest; she didn’t say too much, didn’t want to attract the attention and still had it more than any ‘cool girl’. It seemed like she was shy of her own beauty, voice or talent. She did not allow herself to be wrong, till life itself hasn’t given her such opportunity. There were no visible defects in her that prompted doubts in others, who were constantly looking for them. The trick is that they actually didn’t exist. Was it a privilege? You never know.’

Ian Lim

‘In fact, we’re all lucky to know Ian. It was incredibly hard to meet someone amazing in high school, and he was truly amazing lad. Raised in a traditional family with a whole pack of children, he always kept something most of us unknowingly lost - good, warm heart. Unlike many of the guys, he always remembered that before you get into the door, you must put the ladies first, and the importance of giving each of them his hand, when we left the bus. Each one - even 25 times. Having him as a boyfriend must be the greatest gif, but he didn’t think so. Ien was a little bit insecure and shy, and the attempt to get rid of it ended catastrophically. He still resented racist remarks toward him and secretly worried about it.  The only thing  that makes him feel as free as a bird is the dancing. He danced divinely, we loved to watch him on the floor and secretly hope that he’d pull out some of us and whirl in the air. With him all the complex movements obtained without any effort, because he gave his energy to everyone who took his hand once. He was very kind, honest, clean and nice asian gentleman. I believe we’re truly lucky to know him. ’

Cleo Edwards

‘Cleo was one of those school girls who you probably wouldn't notice in empty room. She talked quietly, moved slow and avoid any contact with the outside world of ruthless teenagers, where she was just a freak and a ghost of little girl who kept her mouth shut 99% of the time. The world she lived in was extremely cruel to Cleo, but she never concealed anger in return and looked it in the eyes with childish delight and fear of being superfluous at the feast, where she still was an uninvited one. Maybe this was a real reason of hiding a bunch of talents she had - from sports to singing, from dancing to being an excellent friend, daughter and pupil. She distorted her voice, been panically afraid to join the ranks of cheerleading and admitted herself that she is a little bit different in her preferences and tastes. The realization that being different is normal and even cool was the hardest decision in Cleo's life before she entered the vocal club’.

Chip 'Chipa' Wilkinson

‘Chipa was the shiniest boy in a school where everything faded year by year. Short, a little plump - he looked like an eccentric in any company, but had such a bright and loud charisma that always gave him a lot of friends, even among those cool guys from basketball team. Making joke of himself, he became a school meme with those funny nickname 'Cookie' he was called since childhood. He allowed everybody to do that with him. Somehow still he was hurt while nobody was watching; he never dreamed of having friends from bascketball team. Well, everything he ever wanted was to become a basketball player himself. Everybody told he was too short, too fat, too ugly - so Chipa decided to be the coolest of the ugliest, shortest, fattest. He found his own way of healing - and that was the greatest power of that shiny boy'.