This is one of my 5 plus 1 fic choices from my poll. This was in a four way tie with three other fics (both Dick options and the other Tim option). I'll probably do all four since there wasn't a tie breaker, not that I have a problem with that.
A reconnaissance mission in an area that ended up getting a powerful earthquake may not have been the best idea. No one expected it and were sent onto the city without hesitation. It was after collecting the evidence and apprehending the criminals that the earthquake hit. And unfortunately, one building crashed down as Robin ran in to save some construction workers from a condemned building.
The construction workers were able to get out safe, but Robin didn't seem to make it out in time as the ground shook. Everyone was tense. They didn't have the time to react before the building fell. They weren't sure what to do. They even began to question if Robin had even survived the collapse.
The only thing calming their anxiety was Superboy, who refused to believe that something to Robin. Not to mention his hearing helped him keep an ear out for Robin. He could hear a heartbeat fluctuating between panic and attempted calm. It was a relief knowing that he was alive, but that didn't entirely help, knowing that they had limited time to get him out. Superboy was the only one willing to go in to get Robin, believing he was the best option to get Robin out alright. No one was going to argue it, not wanting to feel the wrath of Superboy's adrenaline rush.
Superboy carefully worked his way through the rubble. He carefully repositioned some of it so that he had a clear opening when he found Robin. All the while, he kept an ear to Robin's heartbeat. It was thankfully still beating, though beating slower, a clear sign that Robin had passed out. He also kept his infrared sight activated to help locate Robin's body.
Robin's frame started getting clearer the closer Superboy got to him. He was on the ground with his arms around his head in an attempt to protect it. It was a wise choice and helped decrease his risk, or at the very least the severity, of a concussion.
When he finally reached Robin, Superboy realized that Robin's leg was caught under a broken beam, which helped explain why he was unable to escape. Blood also surrounded Robin's legs and head, more than likely the caused from debris hitting him. Superboy removed the beam without an issue. Looking at the limb, he wouldn't be surprised if there was some kind of damage with the odd position it took.
The wreckage began to shake, an effect of the oncoming aftershock, prompting Superboy to pick Robin up. He quickly bolted out of the building, protecting Tim's head. He allowed it to collapse the rest of the way once they were out of the wreckage and in the clear.
Everyone was just glad that Robin was okay as they circled around the duo. Superboy didn't let go of Robin, not even when Wonder Girl offered to take him. He may have looked a little rough for wear, but it was a relief that Robin was alive.
"He'll be okay." Superboy stated.
Nightwing entered the medbay to find Martian Manhunter, Conner, and Tim there. Tim had his mask off but had a pair of sunglasses on. Even though everyone in the room knew his identity, Batman still wanted his identity to stay a secret to a good portion of the others.
When Nightwing had heard about what happened, he went into overdrive. He was apprehensive about the damage, juggling between anger and concern. Sure, he was thankful that Tim was alive, but Nightwing didn't want the current Boy Wonder to get hurt during what should have been a routine reconnaissance mission.
"He's okay." J'onn confirmed. "He had a minor concussion and thankfully the beam that fell on his leg only caused a stable fracture. It should heal rather quickly, but he will have to take it easy for a while."
"Thank you." Nightwing replied with slight relief before aiming his attention at the younger heroes. "Can I have a moment with them J'onn? Alone."
"Of course."
J'onn excused himself, exiting the room without a word. Nightwing stared at the duo with irritation. Without J'onn in the room, a good distance away from what Conner could tell, his disdain for the situation evident.
"Don't be too mad at them." Tim pleaded. "I went in there to save people. They didn't have the time to react to it."
"Really?" Nightwing scoffed. "The speedster, Kryptonian hybrid, and Amazoness didn't respond quickly enough?"
Tim glared at Nightwing. He wasn't too fond of his snarky sarcasm at the moment. Especially since it was laced with a lecture.
"You know what I mean. Look, it was my fault not theirs. I wasn't thinking, I just acted."
Tim was anxious about the situation, knowing that Nightwing was aggressively worried. Coner could sense Tim's tension.
"He saved lives." Conner interjected, defending Tim. "Isn't that what matters?"
"Not at the cost of his own." Nightwing argued, turning his wrath towards Conner. "He's not like you, and you know that. He's not invulnerable, and yet, you didn't stop him. Heck, you could have done way before he did."
"Stop it. Don't forget, he got me out of there."
Nightwing bitterly sighed, biting his tongue. He gazed at Tim, who was distraught by the tension. Nightwing could admit that Conner had a point. No matter how defensive he was towards Tim and his safety, there were lives that needed saving.
Nightwing turned walking towards the door. He needed to cool down, and he wasn't going to do it there. Nightwing stopped at the door, turning his head to the side.
"Thank you for saving him." Nightwing sighed.
Nightwing left the room with that. Leaving Tim with Conner wasn't a bad idea. He knew that he would keep Tim safe.
This one starts of a little slow, but not to worry, Conner will get plenty of time to tend to an injured Tim on his own.
