Be Attentive
"Good work tonight, Team. Tonight's raid on this latest weapons cache put a huge dent in Black Mask's smuggling ring. He'll most likely put everything on hold and lay low for a while. This gives you an opportunity to rest and regroup. You've earned it. Batman out."
As the screen faded to black, celebration was in order. A six-month long investigation into Black Mask's weapons operation culminated in a confrontation at a warehouse in Gotham. Caught by surprise, Roman Sionis's forces were quickly overwhelmed, but the big man still made his escape.
"Alright! Big score for the Wall-man and co!"
"Excuse you Kid Mouth? And co? Who died and made you the face of the franchise?" Artemis scowled.
"It was a team effort. We each played a pivotal role in this victory," Kaldur interjected.
"Yea yea woohoo. Go team! Miss M, please tell me you've got some baked goods ready for consumption."
"Uhh sorry Wally, we ran out of sugar and with all that's been going on, we haven't made a grocery run in a while. Best we can do is order pizza," M'gann smiled meekly.
"Aw man. Welp food is food I guess. Rob, you got this covered right?"
Everyone sent a confused look to Robin as the Boy Wonder glared daggers into Wally's soul.
"Wally…..what makes you think I'm able to cover the expenses of a speedster's pizza order?"
For once, Wally was speechless as he realized his mistake.
"Uh I mean. You know my order right? Hehe. And I was hoping you'd have coupons? Or something? Hehe..."
"Guys guys it's ok. The league gave me, Conner, and Zatanna an expenses card for us to use while we live in the cave. I'm sure we've got enough wiggle room for a pizza party," exclaimed M'Gann clearly saving Wally's hide.
"Ok that's settled. Now we can talk toppings! Supreme all day!"
"No way Raquel, meat lovers! I need the protein to run!"
"Pineapple."
Silence fell upon the cave as everyone just stared at the half-Kryptonian.
"That's my request and I'm sticking to it."
Unbeknownst to the Team as the toppings argument grew more heated, Zatanna was shifting her weight onto her left leg and wincing in slight pain. Well, unbeknownst to everyone except a certain Boy Wonder.
"Hey Zee. Everything ok?"
"Huh? Yea, just uh peachy. I'm a little tired so I'm just gonna retire to my room ok?"
Right when she took her first step, Zatanna bit her lip and hissed at the searing pain.
"That doesn't look ok."
"Robin, I'm fine really."
"Ok. Well, if you're sure…"
"Yes Rob, I'm….wah hey!" Abruptly, Robin scooped Zatanna into his arms and carried her to the med bay.
"PINEAPPLE WAS BAD ENOUGH. BUT NOW YOU WANT ANCHOVIES WITH THE PINEAPPLE? CONNER WHAT THE ACTUAL F-"
"Robin put me down!"
"As you wish."
As Robin set Zatanna down on the med bay bed, he raised his eyebrow and gave her a knowing look.
"So, what's wrong with our patient today?"
"Isprainedmyankleduringtheraid," Zee mumbled.
"What? Sorry hard of hearing in my old age."
"Ugh I sprained my ankle during the raid ok? Sheesh" Robin knelt down and started taking off Zatanna's boots causing her to blush slightly.
"Uh ok. This one's pretty red. And swollen. Can you move -"
"Ow!"
"Ok, you can't move it very well. You're gonna need some ice."
As Robin got up to get an ice pack, Zatanna couldn't help but feel touched by his care. At the same time, she couldn't hide her frustrations either.
"Zee, why'd you hide this from us? The injury isn't too serious, but you're going to have to stay off your feet for a bit," Robin asked as he wrapped gauze and pressed ice unto the swollen ankle.
Zatanna, with cheeks as red as her ankle, just looked to the side.
"I wanted to prove that I can do this job. That I'm tough enough and sure of myself enough to be a hero like all of you. Conner doesn't count because he's invulnerable, but Artemis, Kaldur, Raquel, and you! You all make it look so effortless. You shake off these minor injuries like they're nothing and then continue with the mission. You all just, exude confidence and self-certainty. I just….I just wanted to show that I'm strong too."
"Hey Zee. Look at me," Robin spoke softly as he placed a hand on her cheek.
"You are incredibly strong. One of the strongest people I know. It takes bravery just to go out there and you've got that in spades. Besides, every single one of us started out scared and unsure. It takes time to build our skills and confidence. Yea we may have more experience, but you gain experience every time you suit up and come with us. Plus, we're a team. A team specifically designed to support and help each other. You never ever have to prove anything to us….to me."
Zatanna could only smile and lean into his touch as she tried to hold back tiny tears.
"Thanks, Rob. That…..really means a lot to me coming from you."
"Of course, Zee. That's what I'm here for. To keep you whelmed." He smirks as he leans in boldly kissing her forehead.
"Now let's get you some crutches so we can join the pizza party….assuming we're getting pizza any time soon."
"Actually…um. Could you carry me?...please? I like it when you hold me," she admitted with burning cheeks.
Robin's face flushed completely red, but alas, he simply could not refuse.
He scooped her up in his arms for the second time, "Pineapple and anchovies await, milady."