Shiiiiiiit, was all the boys could think.

Linx saw them.

Linx freaked out.

Linx is now gone.

They all moved out of the waiting room and into the mostly emptied gym, with just a few guys lifting weights in the background.

Rose sat on top of a bicycle seat, trying not to agitate the forming bruise on her stomach.

Guess I taught him well, thought Rose.

But I still don't know him well enough.

"-but he couldn't have just ran off that quickly, we would've at least still of heard some of his footsteps." Rose tried to pay attention to the conversation, but a different thought distracted her.

She found it funny at how little these people knew about Linx.

Because for Christ sake, they live under the same roof, have known Linx far longer then she has, and yet she still knows more about Linx then they do. Of course she still doesn't know nearly enough about Linx, his evasive nature making sure of that.

But that's why they're doing this whole plan, to make Linx trust them so he can get help.

Hopefully we didn't ruin our chances yet so that he can get help.

"-and what about Rose? Rose, when did you see Linx and what happened?" Asked Orion, his face grim. Everyone's faces replicated his grimness, and Rose was sure that she too was wearing a glum face.

Rose took a breath, and ignoring the sting from her abdomen, she summarized Linx's escape. Her heart broke a little more when remembering how sincere Linx was when he said that he didn't trust her.

Maybe we really did lose our chance...

Negativity settled in Rose and so did regrets of how she acted when Linx was trying to escape. Of how unprepared she was in case something went wrong and how she tried to trap Linx.

As a coach she's supposed to be patient and always supporting her students. What she did to Linx was push him into a world he wasn't ready for, and then expect him to go with the damn flow like he was some kind of helpless damsel in distress.

We should've just waited and come up with a better plan. But if only I wasn't so strong headed then maybe we would have been talking to Linx, not talking about him.

"-Rose, you know anybody who has dark skin, maybe a bit tan, has a bunch of scars, and a mean glare?" Rose got off her regret train and snapped back to reality. Though she certainly wasn't expecting that question.

"That's either Jazz, Mighty, or the Waker. But it's probably Jazz, since I haven't seen the other two in a while. Plus, I did see him cleaning up the gym before Linx ran away." But how could Jazz be linked to Linx, since Linx doesn't interact with anyone in Rooster?

Ever since day one he's always been avoiding everyone. Soon everybody started to leave him alone, creating their own story of why Linx acts the way he does. Most agreed that he was just acting arrogant because of all the wins he had gathered in the first couple months.

Course, as years passed, his winning streak soon died down. But by then, everyone was so used to ignoring him, that nobody even tried to get close to Linx...

Yet Jazz has only been part of Rooster for a year, and with his sympathetic personality, he probably got drawn to the lonesome Linx. So then, did he somehow create a connection with Linx while Rose wasn't there?

But for Linx to trust Jazz in such a short time, isn't that a bit hasty of Linx?

A bang of jealousy hit her heart.

"Well, is it possible for you to contact Jazz in some way? I think he helped Linx run away, since he didn't start to drive until we were all gone." Remi asked with his soothing and deep voice, calming all the boys hearts just a little.

"Of course, that'd be easy. Us coaches have a group chat to contact each other. But," Rose contemplated on whether to do it now or later, "I think I'll do it tomorrow so that if Linx is with Jazz, he can be more calm and collected." And maybe get more sleep.

The boys looked at one another and nodded, agreeing that there won't be any harm on letting Linx rest.

"Until tomorrow then. Meanwhile, do you want to sleep over at our house with Ivy? I don't like that we'll be leaving you with your kid while your injured, it makes me feel bad..." Trev trialed off at the end, not sure if his spontaneous idea will sit right with everybody else.

Kade and Finn wrapped their arms around Trev's waist, Finn pecking Trev's cheek, happy with Trev's sudden boost of confidence. Trev's ears grew a light shade of pink, but a small smile still showed through.

"Yeah, I'd love to. Let me just call Ivy's nanny and tell her to drop her off at your house." Rose dialed her phone and began to explain to the nanny the situation.

Yes, Ivy had a nanny. Ivy got a nanny around the same time Linx joined them, for Rose realized that Linx couldn't watch over Ivy while he was training or had a match. The nanny was a nice lady, a retired firefighter that wanted to make money on the side while still interacting with people. Though the nanny has tried to chat with Linx, he typically ignores her or leaves before she arrives.

And that's the typical pattern of Linx. Ignore or run.

_______

Linx passed out the moment Jazz started to drive, his fight or flight mode switching off in an instant. All of his adrenaline fed off of his fear of meeting with the boys, of telling them the truth and being vulnerable.

But all of Linx's experiences have taught him that being vulnerable will damage him and telling the truth will damage others.

So the moment his threat was gone, his mind and body gave up, finally succumbing to his long awaited sleep.

He didn't dream of anything, for even his subconscious was tired.

Linx didn't wake up when Jazz picked him up bridal style and carried him to his apartment, or when Linx's foot accidentally hit the entrance door, or when he was laid down on the couch and tucked in a warm blanket.

He just slept for that's all his mind and heart wanted.

Just some damn rest.

_______

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