Alec was seriously dreading Jace setting him up on a date. He had a feeling this would end in major embarrassment, but Alec knew his friend had a point. Magnus wasn't interested in him so what else was there to do? Alec spent the day scoping out his classmates, deciding he would rather get himself a date than be set up by Jace. He didn't necessarily want to go on a date, but he definitely didn't want to go on a blind date. The problem was that Alec didn't really know what one did on dates, let alone how to go about getting a date. Sure there had been a few guys in high school, but that had been long ago and the high school setting had somehow made it easier.

Now, dating seemed like an impossibility since Alec's mind was always on Magnus. He missed Magnus all the time. Twice this week he had almost texted Magnus saying they could still be friends, just to see the man again but Jace had stopped him by reminding Alec just how crazy being near Magnus made him.

Alec went to class and tried to listen to the professor, but his mind kept going back to Magnus. He totally zoned out at least twice before the class was over, but did manage to write down what would be on the exams and hand in his paper.

'Asked anyone on a date yet?' Jace's text read as Alec left class.

'No!' Alec replied quickly. 'Butt out.'

Alec couldn't help but roll his eyes. Jace was very determined, but Alec couldn't be too annoyed since he knew Jace was only trying to help. And man did Alec need help! He had Magnus Bane on the brain.

After checking out guys all morning, Alec suddenly realized what they all had in common. He'd been fixated only on the guys who looked something like Magnus. Maybe their hair was the same shade of black or their skin the same caramel colour. Alec couldn't help wondering if Magnus's skin tasted as good as it looked. He shook his head violently, trying to dispel the thought. Selecting a guy who looked anything like Magnus was so not helpful.

Alec tried again at lunch. Sitting in the cafeteria he spotted a caucasian guy with light brown hair and almost went over to talk to him, until he realized this guy was wearing make-up around his eyes that looked exactly like how Magnus applied his eye make-up. Alec felt so pathetic.

A shock of red hair caught Alec's attention as Clary and - Alec thought maybe his name was - Sherwin entered the cafeteria. Alec really should have been paying more attention last night when Jace introduced the guy, but being able to hand in his paper on time this morning had been more important.

Jace was looking out for Alec these days and seeing the redhead gave him a sudden idea. Leaving his half eaten lunch behind, Alec quickly moved to stand beside Clary's table.

"It's Clary right?" Alec asked.

"Yeah," Clary said. "And you're Alec." He nodded. During the last two months of seeing Magnus regularly, Alec had run into Clary a few times, but they hadn't spoken much.

"Oh hey, Alec!" He was sure this guy wasn't called Sherwin but anyway the guy with brown hair who'd slept on Alec's floor last night addressed him with a casual smile.

"Hey," Alec replied then turned back to Clary. "I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second?"

"I guess," Clary said. Alec sat down across from them at the table. He would have preferred to talk to Clary alone, but he sensed that wasn't really an option.

"I just wanted to let you know that Jace is actually an okay guy," Alec said.

"Simon said you guys let him crash at your place last night," Clary replied and Alec mentally kicked himself in the head. Of course, the guy's name was Simon.

"Exactly," Alec said, trying not to show surprise at Simon's name. He wanted to say more on this topic like how much Jace had changed for her, but that probably wasn't a good idea in front of Clary's boyfriend.

"What I don't get," Clary said, coolly. "Is why you care what I think about Jace. Shouldn't you be more concerned about what I think about you?"

"Huh?" Alec asked confused.

"What you did to Magnus!" Clary exclaimed.

"What I did?!" Alec said standing up and suddenly glaring at her.

"Yes," Clary said. "He's miserable and it's your fault! Can't you just be his friend?"

"No I can't!" Alec said and he didn't really feel like yelling to the whole cafeteria all the naughty details about why he couldn't just be Magnus's friend. Simply being near Magnus did things to Alec he had no words for.

Alec left the table, fuming. Screw them, Alec thought. He was suddenly liking Jace's plan a lot more. He wanted a date; he wanted Magnus to see him moving on. Even if Magnus didn't return his feelings, Alec wanted to shove it in his face. He wanted to prove he wouldn't be on that gorgeous, friend-zoning man's hook forever.

Alec knew Magnus would be joining Clary and Simon for lunch soon since it was Friday. In fact, Alec was surprised Magnus wasn't already sitting with them. Since refusing Magnus's friendship, Alec had managed to avoid Magnus around the school; it helped a lot that he knew when all Magnus's classes were. On any other day, knowing Magnus was about to enter the cafeteria would have made Alec leave first, but today it meant Alec was sticking around.

Alec went back to his table and ate the rest of his lunch while he watched for Magnus to enter. The longer he waited the more he wondered why Magnus wasn't here yet. He thought maybe Camille had upset him. Alec felt an instinct to find Magnus, hold him and ease his pain. Alec knew this was stupid since he had no idea what delayed Magnus in the first place, and besides Magnus wouldn't want Alec to hold him the way Alec wanted to. In the past, Alec had settled for making Magnus laugh when he was upset, but the stronger his feeling for Magnus became the harder it was to settle for laughter when he so desperately craved Magnus' touch.

Alec finished eating and was disposing of his tray when Magnus finally entered the cafeteria. Alec caught Magnus's eye for just a second before walking very purposely over to the table near the main exit. There sat a tall, blonde, pale guy who wasn't wearing a single drop of makeup. He was sitting with a few women but Alec didn't really take note of them. He was focused on what he'd decided to do.

"Hi," he said awkwardly. "I'm Alec."

"Ethan," the guy said. Alec didn't know what to say next. He was so fixated on doing this first part, saying 'hi,' he'd forgotten about what words came next. Thankfully Ethan spoke before Alec looked too foolish just standing there, silently. "I've seen you in class with that asian girl."

"My cousin," Alec said.

"Oh," Ethan replied looking intrigued. Really did everyone think Aline was his girlfriend? They weren't that touchy feely for god's sake! Did it take nothing, but hanging out with a girl semi-regularly to make rumours fly! Because that was just ridiculous.

"I just noticed you across the room and thought I'd come say hi," Alec said lamely.

"Don't you mean you sat and waited until your ex showed up before coming over here to try and make him jealous?"

"You are smarter than you look Ethan," Alec said. "Except that Magnus isn't my ex." Alec paused then added. "He might be straight."

"Oh, fell for the straight guy huh?" Ethan said grinning. "Who hasn't done that at least once right?"

"I don't recommend it," Alec agreed. When Ethan laughed, Alec congratulated himself on his word selection.

"You're funny," Ethan said. He then looked Alec up and down until Alec felt like a piece of meat being judged for its fat content. "Hot too… hmmmm… okay then, why not?" Alec just stared at him, totally clueless. "Coffee, tomorrow morning around nine at the campus cafe?" Alec nodded, still unsure how he had managed to get a date without asking.

"See you then," Ethan smiled and turned to talk to his friends who, now that Alec was paying attention, he saw were all wearing volleyball uniforms. Alec looked back at Ethan and saw he was also on the volleyball team. Alec had a date with a jock; Alec was screwed. Oh well, that was a problem for tomorrow.

Alec couldn't resist turning to see Magnus's reaction, but Magnus wasn't looking at him. Alec sighed and reminded himself that the reason they weren't together was because Magnus didn't care, so what had he expected? Alec must have imaged the electricity between them when he'd almost kissed Magnus here in this cafeteria just a week ago. Magnus wouldn't be jealous, he couldn't be.

Alec left the cafeteria quickly and headed back to his dorm. Once home, he collapsed on his bed, face first. Alec felt more for Magnus than he had for anyone else before, which was really annoying, what with Magnus totally not feeling the same way. Ethan wasn't unattractive by any stretch of the imagination, but for some reason beyond Alec's understanding, it was still Magnus who made his stomach do back flips. What was he doing? How would dating Ethan help in any way? So far the prospect of a date just made him feel horribly guilty. He lost track of how long he'd been laying there until Jace arrived.

"I take it this means I don't need to nag you?" Jace's voice spoke as Alec heard their dorm room close. Alec knew when Jace's class let out, and therefore, how long he'd been wallowing.

"Nope," Alec said. "I have a date tomorrow morning."

"Oh coffee date," Jace said. "Aren't you romantic?" Alec sat up, not sure what Jace meant. Jace seemed to read the question off his face.

"My dates usually start in a bar at night and end in a bed," Jace explained. "I've never done coffee before."

"Well maybe that's your problem," Alec said.

"Maybe," Jace laughed. "That, or maybe it's the fact that Clary has a boyfriend."

"Or that," Alec conceded. His second class of the day was soon and he couldn't afford to lay in bed all afternoon. He thought of telling Jace that he'd talked to Clary, but decided against it. It wasn't like he'd done any good anyway.

"I have to go to class," Alec said miserably as he got up and grabbed his bag. "See you later."

"Skip," Jace suggested. "It's just exam review anyway."

"I can't do that," Alec said.

"I know," Jace smiled and Alec returned the smile before leaving the dorm and going back up to the school.

Alec spent his last class of the week fretting about his coffee date and trying not to think about Magnus. He found he was glad exams were nearly upon them since that meant Christmas and going home. Alec missed his sister dearly and the rest of his family too. His little brother Max was still so young and Alec didn't want Max to forget he had a big brother. Izzy on the other hand was just a year younger than him. This summer she would graduate high school and then join him at university in September, that is, unless she changed her mind. Alec didn't think that she would, however, since Izzy wasn't one to change her mind easily. Alec hoped being at home with his family over Christmas would help get his mind off Magnus.

Even though exams started next week and his whole class was review, Alec might as well have skipped it since he didn't pay attention to a word that was said. Alec did copy down the chapters that would be on the test, which at least meant he got something out of dragging himself to class.

The next morning Alec got up and tried to dress for a date, which turned out to be a hopeless venture. Alec hadn't had a date in so long he wasn't even sure what one wore to dates. He settled for jeans and a shirt without holes.

Alec arrived early to the café, ordered himself a drink and sat down watching the clock, tapping his foot anxiously. At exactly nine am Ethan arrived. Alec had to be impressed with his sense of time. Ethan smiled and seeing that Alec already had a drink, went right over to order one before sitting across from Alec. There was silence for a while. Ethan's drink order was called and when he returned, Alec finally got up the nerve to say something.

"I don't really date much," Alec said all in one breath.

"I gathered that, but it still surprises me," Ethan said.

"Really?"

"Well even if you don't ask out a lot of guys," Ethan said. "I'm surprised guys don't ask you out."

"What… I mean… why would they… I'm nothing special… I…" Alec stammered.

"You're hot," Ethan said shrugging.

"Thanks," Alec mumbled into his coffee. He took a few large gulps as a break from needing to speak. He had nothing to say and this bothered him. Why did he suck so much at finding the right words!

"And I think what people usually do on dates is get to know each other."

"I think you're right," Alec replied looking up from his hands. He could do this.

"I'll start shall I? I have a way too straight for words older brother," Ethan said. "And a little sister who is very little. She's still a baby. My dad remarried."

"I have a younger sister and brother," Alec said. This was good; this was conversation.

"I'm here on a volleyball scholarship," Ethan said.

"I'm just here," Alec said, deciding not to tell Ethan his parents had donated the money for half the west wing of the university. "Undeclared major."

"Indecisive huh," Ethan said. "Should I be worried?" Alec was fairly sure he was being flirted with, but he was at a loss as to what to do about it. If Ethan were Magnus, Alec would know exactly what to do. With Magnus, Alec's body just knew how to react. With Magnus, Alec was pulled in as if against his will.

Alec tried to school his thoughts back to the present as he shook his head violently.

"Maybe," Alec said.

"Wow you really don't date do you?" Ethan laughed.

"I really don't," Alec said laughing as well. The laughter was great and it seemed to cut the tension in the air. Alec's heart sped up. He'd thought he'd seen Magnus standing, staring at him, but it had just been for a second. When Alec blinked Magnus was gone. Had that really been Magnus though? Or was Alec just seeing someone sorta like Magnus and turning that someone into Magnus in his head like a pathetic freak?

"Sorry," Alec said shaking his head. He was just seeing what he wanted to see. Magnus didn't care who Alec dated after all. "Thought I saw someone."

"How long how you been into the straight guy?" Ethan asked.

"About two months," Alec confessed. "Sorry for being such a lousy date. I'm still not sure why you asked me."

"Didn't I already explain that you're super gorgeous?" Ethan explained.

"I guess," Alec mumbled. He felt a hand under his chin and looked up at Ethan's kind face.

"You just need a distraction," Ethan said and suddenly he was leaning across the table toward Alec, his eyes closing. Ethan was going to kiss him, Alec was sure of it. A million thoughts raced through Alec's mind in a second but they all had one thing in common; Alec freaked out and stood up.

"Sorry," Alec said. "I… this was a bad idea. Sorry to waste your time." Alec made to turn and leave but he felt a gentle grip on his shoulder and looked back.

"It wasn't a waste of my time," Ethan said. "Just remember that." Ethan released Alec's arm and he fled the cafe.

Alec wanted Magnus to kiss him. Alec wanted Magnus to hold him. Hell, Alec just wanted Magnus period and trying to date anyone else while this was the case was useless. Any touch would make him wonder what Magnus's touch felt like. Any kiss would inspire Alec to imagine the feel of Magnus's lips.

Alec focused on his exams until they were over, then he got on a plane and went home for Christmas.


Ahhh! Now its 6 votes for R&S and 7 votes for UoTR! Sigh! This story is just destined to remain title-less forever.

My boyfriend said he likes R&S so if I include his vote that makes them perfectly TIED at 7-7! My beta reader's vote has been included in the tally and she voted for R&S. I originally liked UoTR more but R&S kinda grow on me too. I kept changing my mind so my brilliant solution was to ask you guys. Which as it turns wasn't so brilliant after all. lol.

Okay so what to do about this...hmmm... the best solution is to get more votes but I have a feeling that won't happen (Since no matter how I plead for reviews and votes I only get a handful of replies. I can see the view count guys! If 200 people read something and 5 review it that means 195 people remained silent!) so... new plan! I shall flip a coin three times! Heads is R&S and Tails is UoTR. Ready here goes: Tails, Heads, Heads. (and before you say I just wrote what I wanted know that I did flip a coin! Promise! I suck at decisions like this.)

Okay so unless a bunch more people vote between now and the next chapter going online (That should be soon by the way since I have finished writing it. It just needs to be edited a few more times.) it looks like fate has decided this story is called Roommates & Soulmates. Though really you could still call it University of Tangled Romances or just Tangled Romances for short. Man I do like that title! Why can't I have both! *cries* Stupid voting fail grumble. This story is after all very Tangled with its interwoven plots! hehe I've never done interwoven plots before and they are super fun! Maybe I can combine both names... like "Tangled Roommates & Soulmates" no don't like that. And all other combinations in my head are sounding lame. If you can combine those two and make it sound good please tell me how!

Sigh. Okay I should stop whining about names like a dork and just publish this chapter right? ... That's that I thought. Also hitting save now!


Sneak Peak Chapter 18:

'If you do not answer me William,' Magnus tried texting him one last time. 'I am going to track you down then show up at your door at 2am and bang on your it until you open up!'

Okay maybe that was a bit extreme but Magnus was trying to help his friend; he was annoyed that Alec was asking out blondes and he was annoyed that he was annoyed about. Will was just being stupid. A small voice in the back of Magnus's head tried to speak up and say Magnus was being just as stupid but he shut it down mid sentence. Tessa deserved to at least talk to Will one more time. The situations were totally different.


Have you noticed my earlier sneak peeks were so much longer? hehe *laughing emoji*