"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building the new." - Socrates

Four weeks ago:

It is seven in the morning, and rising sun contorts the lightened sky into a beautiful array of blues, oranges, pinks, and reds. Despite the thermometer on the wall, Clary shivers from the cold outside her window. Grabbing her freshly brewed cup of coffee, she sits on her overly large sofa, and begins scanning the channels on the television. Sighing, she settled on MTV, this is the only time she enjoyed their top 20 lists. In the midst of dancing, she makes herself a bowl of oatmeal and mixed berries.

In taking her first bite, she nearly chokes, hearing the announcer interrupt the number four music video with breaking news about her favorite band, 'By The Angel'. "We take you live to the open press conference..." Clary runs from the kitchen nook to sit on the couch by the television. The band members walk out onto the stage, followed by an infinite amount of screaming from the fan in attendance. The four adolescents she had come to know, had changed, grown into gorgeous men. They take their seats at the table, and Magnus, the band's manager walks out last to stand at the podium beside them. "We thank you all for joining us this morning." Fans erupt in screams again. "Today we want to share with the world that 'By The Angel' has officially come back from a four year hiatus." The crowd has turned into a mass of swirling bodies, all excited over the news. Clary even jumps up in shock, inadvertently forgetting her spilled oatmeal.

Magnus whistles into the microphone, causing many to hold their ears, but does redirect their attention. "This is an open press conference, so please be respectful to allow the media to ask their questions." Off to the side of the camera, she sees Jace, the band's frontman (lead guitarist and vocalist), lean to whisper to Alec, who plays the piano and guitar. Alec smirks in response, causing Jace to laugh openly. Clary feels her heart skip a beat. Even now, she hasn't forgotten her crush on the breathtaking tan band member and the dark haired, blue eyed angel sitting beside him. New reporters and gossip magazine writers all alike take turns asking questions. Most about what they were all doing with the time off, to which none really openly shared. Alec mentioned going to University, Jonathan, drummer, spoke of backpacking through Europe, and Jace joked about probably fathering an endless amount of babies. The only exception was Sebastian, bassist and vocalist, who shared that he married his high school sweetheart. Clary noticed the dark bruises under his puffy eyes, making him look like he hadn't slept in a week. It mustn't be going well, she thought sadly.

One woman asked the rest of them if they were single, to which Jonathan said yes, excitedly waving to the female fans, making his fellow members roll their eyes. Alec answered with 'It's Complicated'. Once Jace admitted to being single, Clary's breath caught. Suddenly, she is jumping up and down shouting 'yes'. It's always nice when you don't have to worry about sharing your crush with another woman in your fantasies.

An older man stands up to actually ask about their music. "So, what kind of music will you be bringing your fans now that you've returned?" Jon leans toward his microphone, "We may have changed, but our tastes haven't. We're smart enough to stick to what we're good at." There is a collective laugh among the audience, Clary included. Alec rolls his blue eyes, and speaks up. "We have been writing some new songs, together and separately, so within the next week we'll be in the recording studio to begin making the album. We are all eager to get back into the music." He flashes a full smile, and some of the girls closest to the stage stagger forward, trying to reach out to him. Clary sighs involuntarily, thinking, He's just too beautiful.

Without hesitation, Jace grips on to his microphone. "In fact, there is a song that is already prepped, written by Alec himself, very sensual. Titled 'Hell on Heels', and it will be out first single released. Be prepared." The screams from the crowd is deafening, and Jace casually leans back in his seat. First Alec appears shocked, then his blue eyes meet Jace's golden ones, and mouths 'I fucking hate you'. Jace smiles and replies, 'I know you want this'. He laughs when Alec crosses his arms over his chest, pouting.

"They are a riot," Clary squeals after the conference is finished. The sound of her inbox draws her attention, and she runs to her laptop on the kitchen counter. She reads about an audition for a fashion show that Izzy set up for her. "Time for work." She says disheartened.

Two weeks ago:

Clary sits in the crowded waiting area to talk to her agent, which has been twenty minutes past the appointed time and counting. The receptionist finally gave her permission to see her, so Clary stands up and walks toward the office. She is very much aware of the eyes that are on her body. Clary has been modeling since she was thirteen, and she was ecstatic when that contract ended. All the cheesy smiles and cameos on Disney channel shows were becoming ridiculous. She had to be careful of her actions, because it would alter her 'America's Sweetheart' image. There were so many stories of models that lost jobs because they didn't follow the rules of their contract depicting their image, and they never really bounce back from it. Freedom never comes cheap.

Now that she's twenty-one, she wants to change the way society sees her. She still gets called out for her past jobs, and still being referred as that stupid nickname makes her want to run around naked. It's been three years since she started working with Isabelle Lightwood, and she is still intimidated by the taller, beautiful woman. But today, Clary plans to put her foot down and demand a job that would offer her a challenge, growth.

She raises her hand to knock on the door when it is opened abruptly. In the door frame stands 'By The Angel's manager Magnus Bane. Clary openly gawks at his wiry frame in black leather attire from head to toe, his spiked black hair with green highlights, and his wearing his signature cat eye contacts with shimmering green eyeliner. One of his perfectly sculptured brows rises questioningly.

Regaining her well-practiced composure, she offers her hand. "Clary Fray." He smiled coyly, takes her hand and kisses just above the knuckles.

"It's a pleasure, Ms. Fray. I have seen many of you pictures, and even once in show. You walk like an angel."

"Thank you, but I am no angel." Clary offers as she always retorts to similar statements.

With another kind smile, he turns his head behind him to look at Izzy, whom Clary forgot was even present. "Please let me know if you find a girl that will suit the video. I'm sure if anyone can find our lead girl, you can. Kisses." Then he sauntered away.

Clary walks into the office and sits in a wide armed chair while Izzy closes the door before joining her. As soon as she sits down, Clary asks as innocently as possible, "So how do you know Magnus Bane?"

Nonchalantly, "Hmm? Oh, he manages the band my brother's in." She tucks a strand of her straight dark brown hair behind her ear.

"You have a brother? What does he play?"

"Yeah for about twenty five years now." She laughs, and continues. "He plays a lot of instruments. Let's see, piano, flute, bass, guitar, and he just started learning how to play the saxophone."

Clary was taken aback. "Whoa, he's very well rounded." Isabelle nods in agreement as she shifts through scattered paperwork on her desk. "So Magnus is looking for a leading lady to put in a music video?"

"Yes, it's a big gig, and he is very particular about the kind of girl he wants."

Clary's thin fingers entangle themselves nervously, and bites her lip in her unease. "Iz, do you think I could be in the music video?" Her voice was small.

Isabelle's fingers pause in their search, and her brown eyes finally look up at Clary, a smile already on her lips. "You're joking, right?" Clary straightened in the chair, holding her chin higher. "Clary, you're not what Mags is looking for at all. He wants wild and sultry. You're sweet and innocent. There's nothing wrong with it, especially since it works for you and your look."

"Maybe I don't want to project sweet and innocent anymore. I'm no longer a child, Izzy. I really want something that can help me break out from under that stupid label." Her disgust for her predicament is powerful enough for Isabelle to take her seriously.

Iz leans back and gazes at Clary contemplatively. "Why is this coming up now?"

"This is something I've wanted for a while now. I suppose I just didn't have the figurative balls to say so."

Izzy laughs at Clary's unusual vocabulary and nods. "That's a good start, but using a couple of colorful words will only take you so far."

Biting her lip, Clary questions what it is exactly that she will have to do just to jump up in the world of modeling. "Tell me what I have to do, and I'll do it."

After much too long silence, Isabelle reluctantly agrees. "There are two things that need to be done before you meet with Magnus again." Clary nods eager to start, no matter what evil thing she will have to do. "I have a copy of the single, and I will let you borrow it. Listen to the lyrics, become the girl they are singing about. That will be the true test with Magnus. He'll have to believe you playing the part. Next, is to go out and do something crazy. When I say crazy, I don't mean anything illegal or dangerous. Don't worry about clothing. I think the best way to make you a viable choice is to change from the inside out." With that she slides the demo of the song toward Clary.

As soon as Clary climbs into the driver's seat and starts the car, she put the disc in the player. Driving in the afternoon traffic was anything but boring with the song on repeat. It made her heart beat quickly and hands clammy. The girl this song describes is certainly different from anything than she even had in mind. Clary's personality would have to pull a complete one-eighty, but instead of feeling unease, she felt challenged and motivated. She wants to prove everyone's thoughts on her 'limited abilities' are misconceptions.

2 Days before audition:

Standing in front of the mirror, Clary criticizes her reflected image. Even though Isabelle said that clothing isn't as important as her personality, she wanted to try something different. She tried out new stores, bought sexy lingerie, purchased clothing that is fitting to her body type and her new style.

Iz told her of Pandemonium, a nightclub that attracts the fans of hard rock and tight leather. Clary turns to the side, watching the way the black lace material clings to her body. The dress is an A neckline with thick straps that meet at the nape of her neck, back is cut out, and shows curves that she has been hiding for years. The black high heels transformed her normally skinny lower extremities into delectable shapely legs. Her makeup was done in deep brown smoky eye and nude lip. Clary left her hair down, but curled it into tighter ringlets. She puts on a waist length lightweight leather jacket before taking a picture with her phone, and sends it to Izzy. Four minutes later she receives a text complimenting her choice of wardrobe. With Isabelle's approval, she was ready to put her new look to the test.

In the car, she listenes to the demo again, now able to sing the entire song. It is so catchy, she notes mentally. Clary parks two blocks away, and begins walking toward the entrance of the club. She passes a couple walking down the sidewalk, and nervously hopes that they wouldn't ask for her autograph. "Wow, she's stunning looking", the woman confides to her boyfriend. She looks nothing like herself, so she wasn't recognized. That brings a confident smirk to her face and a little extra sway in her hips.

"ID?" the brawny bouncer asked in a raspy voice. She took out her ID card, and handed it over. After looking at the card, back at her face, and then back to the card, the bouncer nods his head, returning her ID, and lets her pass.

Clary becomes overwhelmed by the strobe lights and multiple color laser lights in the packed area. Taking a deep breath, she sashays to the bar to order herself two rum and cokes, to which the bartender with a mohawk gives her funny look. She sips from the first glass slowly, watching those surrounding her. Many women with differing degrees of buzz cuts or overly worked hairstyles wearing barely there leather and men wearing more makeup than her, all look like they're having sex on the dance floor. Nine out of ten had at least one piercing on their face. Again she doubts her wardrobe and her presence here.

Halfway through her second drink, Clary started feeling the warmth and lightness that comes with alcohol, and takes off her jacket. The buzz is settling under her skin and her head is numb to the nervous feelings she had when she first entered. Her attention piques when she hears a familiar start playing, from 'By The Angel'. She slides off the stool and walks to an open area on the dance floor, not paying attention to those that stare oddly at her.

Once she find enough room, her body starts to sway naturally to the melody. Her heart mirrors the beat from the rhythmic bass that she feels through her heels. Clary was losing herself in the music, unknowingly singing the lyrics, and letting her hands roam on her body.

Suddenly, she feels large hands following her own down her sides, running course to the hem of her short dress. Somewhere in the depth of her mind, Clary was outraged that a stranger was touching her, but in the moment she felt great. The stranger's hands were firm, never violent, and patiently teasing her through the thin fabric.

Without thinking, Clary took a step back, leaning into the stranger, who let out a soft breathy gasp. At least, she knows for certain it's a man, still she wouldn't turn around and look or she may lose her nerve despite the alcohol in her system. He is taller than her, with her head leaning comfortably on his shoulder. His body is lean and tight, taken care of, feeling the muscles under smooth cloth move behind her as he swayed to her tempo. The man's hands held her tightly to him, almost hugging her, and she pushes her butt into him while running her hands down his thighs. Which elicited a moan on his behalf. Clary smiles feeling accomplished, because she could tell he was already erect behind his dark jeans.

He retaliates by gripping onto her breast and nibbling on the shell of her ear. Clary gasps loudly, and she can feel his grin from stubble grazing against her cheek. His lips wisp along her skin in a line down her jaw, but press more firmly when he reaches her neck. She can feel her heart beating erratically, and skip a beat when he bites on a sensitive spot by her collarbone. Her hand has threaded into his soft, wavy hair, and tugs it roughly when he bites again. Then he slides his tongue up her neck, only to suck on the area below her ear.

Becoming unreasonably irritated by her own desire, she reaches down with her free hand down his leg and starts to rub up and down his length through his jeans. The man's hungry groan gives her satisfaction, but he shocks her when she feels his fingers brush up her leg to touch her. His greedy fingers push her thong aside to stroke her clit. Clary becomes weak kneed immediately, as if he pushed a button, but she refuses to slack off. She squeezes her hand into his unopened jeans to show him the same attention, and his breath quickly matches her pace as result.

The stranger has calloused fingers, which makes the sensations all the more intense. He pushes two fingers into Clary and her hand tightens around him in response. A growl is released from deep in his throat and bends his head into the crook of her neck. They continue to pleasure each other until they create a different form of music through their pants.

Beneath Clary's fingers, the man's excitement feels harder than before, and she thumbs the head to play with his pre-cum. He answers by curling his fingers, now hitting her G-spot. Clary feels her head start to spin more rapidly, so she pumps him quicker. Turning her head to the side, she whispers in his ear with a husky voice that sounds nothing like her own. "Come for me, baby." The man's arm, that is wrapped around her waist, is shaking from want, and his fingers inside her start to move rapidly.

Clary's walls tighten around his skilled fingers as her hand has frozen from her pursuit, but he doesn't relent, sliding them in and out while she rides out her orgasm. Once she comes back to her senses, she takes his hand away, and turns around to face him abruptly. Without looking at the man's face, she unbuttons and unzips his jeans, and drops to her knees. Before he could protest, Clary takes his member out his briefs and deep throats his nine inches without gagging. She feels his hands wrap onto her hair, gentle but tense. Her hands squeeze his base as she bobs her head up and down faster, his hands knot in her hair as if in need of a lifeline or anchor. Vaguely, she can hear him say something through his gasping breaths, but when he tries again it is indistinguishable. Clary figures it out when she feels the common movement in her mouth and the appearance of the milky liquid she swallows. When she is sure he is finished, she cleans up by licking around the shaft to the tip without her hands, and enjoys how he is shivering from the slight touches of her tongue.

Clary stands up and turns to walk away, when the intimate stranger wraps his fingers around her wrist and pulls her back to his front. The five-minute song that she had started dancing to has changed to something new. It is almost like a spell has been broken. Not to say that there isn't a want to continue with this man, but she is content to leave this where it stands. A crazy moment in time where she shared an intimate dance with a stranger.

"If you're in a hurry to leave, we can continue this at my place." His breath is still heavy and his voice is thick with the sexual desire he holds for her. His fingers dance over her sides again, leaving a trail of heat in their wake, as he kisses her neck.

"I was just looking for a thrill, but thanks for the offer." She responded and walked away smiling. All the while imagining her leaving the perfect stranger watching her with want and awe. The whole scenario made her think of the song, and that was just what she imaged the girl would say. Clary shrugs her jacket back on, knowing the cool air outside would shock her system, and leaves to go to the next club on her list.

Audition Day:

"Are you serious? You gave him head on the dance floor? Did anyone see?" Isabelle questioned excitedly as she drives us to the studio to meet with Magnus. Clary tried to her hardest not to blush while she retold her experience. Despite going to two other clubs, that was still the most adventurous thing that happened to her that night.

"I had those drinks and we connected so well that it didn't matter if someone was watching. No one said anything if they did."

Izzy shakes her head slowly while smiling. "I'm very proud of you. I never would have thought that you would have been able to do this in such a short period of time, but you have proven me wrong." Clary is please to finally has someone supporting her, and believes that she is more than the 'America's Sweetheart'. "MY only criticism is to not blush when you tell the story to Magnus."

Her green eyes widen in surprise. "I have to tell Magnus about what I did? Why?"

The brunette's brows furrow. "If you want him to truly consider you as an option, you're going to have to open up. Seeing as how this is the only story worthy of his time, you will have to 'show and tell'. Well just the tell. I can take care of the show part."

"What do you have to show him?"

"The picture you took that night is saved on my phone. That way he can see the before and after, listen to your story, and make a decision on the spot. He's good at that."

The weight of her imminent test makes her gulp. It was simple to share that story with Iz, she's a female, has heard it all, and probably done it all. But to tell a man, the chances of being judged harshly are much higher. To some men, one night with a stranger often constitutes a woman to be called a slut or whore.

Clary walks into the office with Isabelle, trying to keep her head held high. The famous manager has changed his highlights from green to a royal blue, and wearing a black pantsuit without a shirt under the jacket. His tan skin glowing and firm upper body on display.

"Iz, great to see you again." He kisses both of her cheeks, and turns toward Clary with little interest. "Dear me, what are you doing here, Ms. Fray?" There was concern evident on his face.

Clary answers with self-assurance, "I'm here to audition."

He sits down and politely motions for them to follow the movement. "You are aware of the character I am looking for?" Clary nods. "What makes you believe that you can play the leading lady?"

Isabelle silently hands him her phone with Clary's picture staring up at him. He glances at it. "Who might this lovely be?" True curiosity shining through the golden-green contacts.

"Me." Clary speaks surely. Magnus looks up and down quickly, comparing the two girls in front of him. Once Clary sees surprise and awe in his features, she begins to tell her story. Through the first part of 'tell', Magnus responded with 'oh's and 'hmm's.

"So I told him, 'I was just looking for a thrill', and walked away." Clary finishes. Magnus has appeared contemplative for the last ten minutes, no longer surprised by what she explained in detail. His manicured index finger tapping an odd rhythm on the arm of his chair. Even more peculiar, he smirks fandomly. Both Isabelle and Clary look at each other, not seeing the amusement, so he was the only one in on the joke.

Magnus opens his mouth but is distracted by a knock on the door. "Mags, the guys are ready for lunch." In walks Alec from 'By The Angel'. His light blue eyes are large at the company he was unaware Magnus had, hair messy, and wearing holey jeans with an over-sized NJ Devils fan sweatshirt. Clary's excitement is short lived. "Izzy?" Alec squeals, and Clary looks between the two confused. That is only increased when the gorgeous blue-eyed man hugs her agent tightly.

Magnus coughs to interrupt the couple. "Alec, this is Ms. Fray."

Blue and brown eyes look at the redhead, Izzy removes herself from Alec's arms and says, "Clary this is my brother, Alec."

"Your brother?" Clary squeaks back.

Iz nods, while Alec walks over to offer his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've seen you walk in the Herondale show, and you were beautiful. Just like...like..."

"An angel?" Magnus suggested, knowing full well the response he would receive.

Alec smiles and nods. "Just like an angel. Perfect description." His smile drops when Clary refuses to acknowledge his description of her. Instead her eyes harden at her musician crush. "Is something the matter?" An amused chuckle is heard from where Magnus sits.

"It is nice to meet you, too, but I am here for an audition." Clary says with a little bite. Alec's shock and her attitude had changed the cool air of the room and frozen the atmosphere.

Magnus enlightens Alec, "Yes, yes. Ms. Fray is here to audition for 'By The Angel's new music video."

"Really?" Alec and Clary ask in sync. She should have guessed that it was their song, then again she never really thought about it. "I would have never thought," Alec started when his eyes turned back toward her.

Magnus interrupts him, shaking his head as if he had forgotten something, but really he didn't want a repeat of what had just happened. "That's right. I was just about to say something before Alec rudely trudged in on our meeting." He winked at Alec to show he was joking. "After hearing your very interesting experience, I'm sold. You will be joining the three other young ladies on our set, and I will be emailing Iz a copy of the shooting schedule." Clary beams, Isabelle hoots happily, and Alec looks confused by the decision but offers a kind congratulations.

On the road back to Isabelle's office, Clary sits quietly, as Izzy spoke excitedly about her getting the position and how her whole life will change when the video is released to the public. Clary knows that her agent is right, her life will be drastically different after this experience. She would never had expected how well this would have turned out two weeks ago, getting her chance to change her persona, landing a lead in a music video, and working with her favorite band. She smiles brightly looking out the passenger seat window, and fantasizes what it will be like to meet the rest of the band, mostly Jace.

TBI


AN: This story started out to be a one-shot, but it became too long. So it is now a two-shot. I'm posting this to see what kind of response I get for the story, and if any are interested in the rest, I'll revise the second half (which is when they are filming the music video) and post. I welcome positive or negative feedback, to help me become a better storyteller and writer. Thank you.