Disclaimer: I own nothing related to TMI
Jace In Exile
Chapter 15
Jace strolled down the streets of the city looking for the address Simon scrawled on a piece of paper. He arrived at a tall glass building went inside and took the elevator to the 16th floor. Two twenty-something females shared the elevator with him, obviously on their way to work dressed in skirts and heels. Both made appreciative glances at Jace all the way up to the 12th floor when they exited. One even turned and winked at him as she got out of the lift. He smiled to himself, at least he still has "it" he thought.
He opened the door to suite 1410 and immediately found himself in the photographer's studio. He took in the unfamiliar surroundings. On one side were make-up chairs filled with female models, make-up artists applying foundation to cover-up every imperfection, and a male photographer setting up his still camera and adjusting the lighting. The other side was full of what Jace assumed were props, a small staircase, hats, flowers, pillows, a small red velvet chaise lounge, a sleek black motorcycle, and a wind tunnel fan operating on high speed. He asked Simon for details of the job, but he said Camille didn't really give specifics, just the time, place and for Jace to come showered and clean-shaven.
An attractive young woman slinked over to Jace, she was carrying a clipboard, and wore a tight black pencil skirt, a pressed white button down blouse, and open-toed heels that would've given Izzy heart palpitations. She had long, straight white gold hair pulled back in a sleek high ponytail, not a strand out of place. She finished the look with smart black-framed glasses. She reminded Jace of a sexy librarian or one of the female characters out of Jordan's video games. He shook his head to clear his brain and said, "I really need to call Clary" under his breath.
The blond extended her hand out to Jace, "Mr. Wayland I presume? Jace nodded and the lady said, "So glad you could join us today, I'm Helen Blackthorn and the manager on site."
He shook her hand, "You can call me Jace." He noticed when she approached her ears were slightly pointed. He thought she must have some fairy in her blood.
Ms. Belcourt sent over your portfolio and we knew you were the face for this campaign. Are you familiar with the names of high-end fashion designers?" she tilted her head to the side and looked at him quizzically.
"Not really, my sister is really into fashion, but I'm not well versed." Jace wondered where this conversation was going. Maybe he needed to call Izzy for a quick review of famous fashion designers.
"Well we don't expect you to know the people you're wearing, but every once in a while we let the models keep the clothes from shoots. Today is one of those opportunities, and I have to say if you were familiar with this fashion genius you would be the perk came with this job," she grinned at him like a Cheshire cat.
"You will be modeling the famous designs of Hermes." She looked at him expectantly, but he was clueless who Hermes was, unless she was referring to the Olympian god (a figment of course) of transition and boundaries (but fitting considering his situation), so he just smiled and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"Let's get you in the chair for hair and make-up. Make sure they don't cut those gorgeous golden locks, because your hair is divine! Probably your best feature, but I haven't seen you walk yet," she winked and led him over to a black director's chair.
She introduced him to a young woman with dark spiky blue hair and a nose ring. She greeted him with a warm smile. "This is your stylist, Lily, she will be responsible for those beautiful tresses."
"Lily don't even think about cutting his hair, he's like a lion and we need feisty for this shoot," Helen said over her shoulder.
She was sifting through a rack of clothes. "Jace I'm pulling a 38R jacket with 28/34 pants and size 12 shoes. I'll hang your outfit changes on this rack with the blue sticker on the end. Each clothing change is numbered so put on number one and we'll go from there."
"So Jace – Miss Thing wants feisty. I'm thinking we put a little styling crème in your hair and blow it out, sound good?" Lily looked for his response.
"Whatever you think is best, I'm putty in your hands, mold me into what Helen needs," he chuckled.
He thought he would grow to really like this modeling thing. He was never one to primp in front of the mirror. He rarely used a comb because he preferred to use his hand to fix his hair, more out of convenience and habit. But someone to do your hair and cover your imperfections, kind of nice considering his confidence was in the tank lately. He relaxed while Lily styled his hair and even dozed off for a bit, after all it was 6:00 in the morning.
He woke up to a petite wide-eyed girl inspecting his face. "I don't think I've seen a male model with this great of skin. Do you exfoliate and mask regularly?" she continued her inspection holding his chin in her hand and turning his face from side to side.
"Uh-no…I just splash some water on my face."
"Damn I wish I was that lucky. Lily - look at this face, do you see one imperfection? I mean its like smooth as a baby's butt, and not one blemish or scar. Oh sorry, I'm Dolly your make-up artist. I really don't have to do much to you. Just make sure you don't have a faint line where your facial hair grows, light dusting of powder and we should be good." She clicked away in heels and returned with a large black tote bag. She began dusting his face with powder, by the Angel he was glad Simon and Jordan weren't here to see this.
Helen walked over and asked Dolly how much longer she needed. They discussed his wardrobe changes and ushered him back to a slightly hidden spot to change his clothes. Brother Zachariah's glamour was working overtime, but he didn't mind. Jace caught Brother Z smiling a couple of times when he was having his hair done.
His first outfit was a steel blue, slim-fit suit paired with a crisp white dress shirt and striped navy and purple skinny tie. Everything fit perfectly; he eyed himself in the mirror and couldn't believe what he saw. He looked sophisticated and grownup, he could've passed for a high-class businessman walking the streets of NYC.
Brother Zachariah gave him a nod of approval, all the while thinking Jace looked a lot like Will Herondale today, dressed in a suit coat.
Helen grabbed his arm lightly and escorted him to the photo area between two female models, one with dark hair, she favored Isabelle quite a bit, and the other was a pale blond with bright blue eyes. Both wore simple A-line dresses belted at the waist. They smiled at Jace when he approached but never offered their names. Based on their reaction they were about his age if not a little younger.
The photographer said his name was Ken and he was ready to shoot the shit out of these clothes. Both girls giggled and Jace just listened and did what he was told to do. Turn your head this way…smile…laugh… look serious…look off into the distance…give me a pout…and about fifty other poses.
"Okay folks, go put on set number 2 and meet me in front of the fan, chop-chop," Ken said with energy.
Helen came over to his changing area, he could see her heels under the small covering, "Jace you're a natural at this. I'm so happy Camille found you. She said this is your first job, but you can't tell at all! Keep up the great work!" She walked away before Jace could respond.
The second outfit was freaking awesome. He tugged on soft black leather pants, a steel gray V-neck silk t-shirt, and a badass black leather bomber jacket. The jacket was super soft with black velvet from the shoulder to the midline and smooth black leather to the hem. He put on some black leather driving gloves, a pair of short black Italian leather boots, and dark aviators.
He hoped this jacket was the item he got to keep at the end of the shoot. It felt like a second skin to him, and when he saw his reflection in the mirror he looked like a lethal. He could imagine his Shadowhunter weapons belt hanging loosely across his hips. If he ever needed to look amazing while fighting demons this was the jacket. Oh wait - he wouldn't be fighting demons anytime soon. A little bit of sadness tried to creep in but he washed it away with his newfound confidence.
He really needed this boost. Lately with the Shadowhunter label stripped away he was feeling like an alien in his own body. Today at the shoot he was back to normal, not the clumsy, stuttering shell of himself he'd been the last few days. He walked gracefully in front of the camera and took his place on the back of a beautiful motorcycle. The girls were standing off to the side. Ken wanted these first shots to be of Jace alone.
Jace smiled, "Whatever you need Ken, I'm your man." Then he straddled the bike and looked at the camera with pure joy. The fan blew his golden locks back from his face, creating an image of him truly riding the motorcycle down an open road. Then Ken added the girls and things got a little uncomfortable for a moment.
"Jace I want you to sit in the middle of the bike. Alexandra you sit in front of Jace facing him. Put your hands on her hips like you're pulling her to you, she's going to casually drape her hands on your shoulders. Stare into each other's eyes. Relax your jaw Jace, okay." Ken said with vigor.
CLICK "Now Alexandra take his face in your hands and put your lips to his and gently bite his lower lip. Good." CLICK "Beautiful, now Alexandra lean back your head and raise your legs to the top of Jace's, and Jace take your hands and grab her thighs.
He realized the female model was wearing very short shorts with a button-down white shirt, tied at the waist. Her gold high-heels tied around her calves. Jace could feel his face flush. He wasn't shy around women, in fact he was probably a little too comfortable with them, but since he met Clary he didn't have the desire to be with anyone else.
But he hadn't been with Clary in this type of position or any position really. Not that he didn't want to be with Clary because he really, I mean really did, but he knew she was waiting and he respected that. It didn't mean they couldn't mess around. He thought about her in the outfit the model had on and grinned internally at how much he would enjoy her in it. That's what got him through this last set of sexed up pictures.
"That's a wrap folks! Thank you for your talent and patience. I'm out," Ken stated and started to pack up his things.
The female model Alexandra told Jace she really enjoyed working with him and slipped her number in his hand. "Call me," she winked and bounced off to the female changing area.
Then Simon walked up coming from the shadows behind the camera, "Wow Wayland, rough day at work," he said looking around at the scantily dressed female models and grinned.
"I'm actually exhausted from today. This wasn't easy but it was fun. I really needed this Lewis, so thanks for hooking me up." He started to change his clothes and Helen walked over.
"Jace you did a wonderful job today. Thanks for hanging in there on the last set of pictures. I forgot Ken likes some sexed up shots in his spreads. For all your efforts today you can pick one piece of clothing to take as a gift. Do you know which one you want?"
"The leather jacket, it's like a second skin." She smiled at him and nodded.
"Thanks again Jace. I'll be in touch Mr. Lewis," and she walked away, her heels clacking on the cement floor.
Simon watched her walk away, "So this model stuff is easy on the eyes if you know what I mean? What was she talking about sexed up shots? You didn't do anything that would tick Clary off did you?" Simon teased.
Jace thought about it and decided she probably wouldn't be too happy, but he would explain it meant nothing and tell her it was just part of the job. Hopefully she'd understand, it's not like he was naked or anything.
Simon fingered the leather jacket he hung on the back of the chair. "Cool jacket - you feeling a bit of nostalgia for Top Gun?" he smirked. Jace shot him a confused look. Simon remembered Shadowhunters don't really understand pop culture; they don't watch old movies or really understand the whole celebrity fame phenomena like the rest of the world.
"Just kidding it fits right in with the whole menacing, killer, I love weapons look you typically have going for you." Simon quipped.
"Whatever, Lewis, I love this jacket, did you feel how soft it is…like a baby's behind." He laughed and the two of them walked out of the studio.
Jace told Simon he met up with Alec the night before, and how in his presence he felt whole again. Like a missing puzzle piece was found and once in place his strength and confidence returned without runes. He explained he was going to Magnus' apartment to recharge his batteries and talk to them about the Raphael situation. Simon was happy Jace told Alec about Raphael and said he'd swing by Magnus' later to discuss a plan.
Simon said goodbye and left in the direction of his place. Jace with his regained confidence and a grin on his face walked to Magnus' apartment, wearing his new leather jacket, which kept the chill in the air out nicely. Magnus might be the only person jealous of Jace's new jacket.
"Simon this is the last message I'm leaving you. If you don't call me back, I'll assume you are dust in the wind literally speaking." Clary hung up her phone and sighed with exasperation. Where the hell was Simon. She was really starting to worry now, versus being angry and annoyed.
Clary and Izzy stood outside Simon's apartment waiting for someone to come home. Izzy had practically knocked down the door when they first arrived. To her dismay no one answered, and using a special rune to hear voices on the other side, she was sadly disappointed when the apartment was null of any sounds.
"Why are boys so freaking difficult," Izzy screamed in frustration. "I understand the thrill of the chase and all that, but this is ridiculous."
Clary texted Simon, "At your front door. Where are you?" she was giving him one last chance.
Her phone beeped in reply, "Walking up the street. Will be there in 5."
"Did he just respond to your text message?" Izzy 's voice raised an octave.
"Yes - he'll be here in 5."
"How's my hair?" she asked Clary and smoothed her trench coat down the front.
"You look gorgeous as always Izzy."
"Thanks girl! You know we only dress up like this for each other, right. I find guys don't even realize you are wearing clothes half the time. They are to busy picturing you naked." She winked at Clary.
"Hello Ladies, how's it going?" Simon said tentatively. Izzy was standing by the door, hands on her hips, and her soft sweet full lips in a pout. God she was so freaking hot. He was going to kill Wayland if she wouldn't forgive him for not calling her back.
Clary was the first to speak, "Simon you gave me a freaking heart attack. I thought you were dead, or captured, or worse at your Mom's house with no way out." She reached out and gave him a friendly hug.
"Clary I'm sorry to make you worry. Things have been really crazy around here. I'm trying to find a job, avoiding my mom, and helping out a friend." He mumbled the last part.
"Well I'm glad you're not really dead, you know like ash dead. Can we come in?"
"Sure. Hello Isabelle. You look lovely today." He smiled at her and unlocked the apartment door.
He scanned the apartment quickly, kicking Jace's duffle bag under the couch. Thank heavens he was a neat freak and cleaned up after himself. He thought Clary saw him hide the bag, but she didn't say anything.
"Simon Lewis - I'm really mad at you!" blurted Izzy.
His face would've flushed if he had any color left in his vampire cheeks, but he didn't. He turned his head and looked at her apologetically, "Iz can we talk in my room?"
"Yes," Izzy said still pouting with her lower lip out.
Clary got the message and plopped down on the couch. She found a book on the coffee table, Dickens, and flipped open to the dog-eared page. Weird she thought to herself silently, Simon never desecrated a book by bending the pages to mark his spot. Maybe it was Jordan's, but he didn't cross her as a Dickens fan. A business card on the coffee table caught her eye; it read Vamp Elite Modeling Agency.
AN: Hope you liked the chapter. So not sure Jace would dog-ear pages of a book either, but needed some clue at the apartment that he is there. Thanks for reading! XO