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Fail: Kid Flash.
“Dang it! I almost had you that time, Artemis,” Wally huffed, reluctantly accepting the proffered hand.
Artemis rolled her eyes. “In your dreams, Kid Failure. Face it, without your powers, you’re no match for me.”
“Which is exactly why we’re doing this training exercise,” Black Canary said. “It’s vital that all of you be able to fight without your greatest assets in case they become compromised during a mission. For most of you, that would mean your superpowers. For Artemis, it would be her bow and Robin all of his gadgets and weapons.”
“Except even without his gadgets Robin is still a world-class acrobat who could hack into the Pentagon if he felt like it,” Wally pointed out. “Not to mention he learned hand-to-hand from Batman himself.”
“Ah, KF, you flatter me,” Robin said with a smug smirk. Black Canary sent him a warning look.
“While it is true that Robin is a highly formidable opponent, it should not be forgotten that like the rest of you, he has weaknesses. And I’m not talking about not having superpowers,” she said.
“Like what?” Conner asked. He had gotten beaten pretty badly by the Boy Wonder earlier and was obviously still bitter over it.
“Now, now, Supey, we wouldn't want to give any spoilers away, would we? That would ruin all the fun!” Robin replied, ending his statement with his signature cackle. Superboy let out a low growl but didn't respond.
“All right, settle down,” Black Canary ordered. “We’ll pick this up tomorrow. Good job today, everyone. Don’t forget to hydrate and ice any muscles you may have strained.”
“Oh, there’s this new smoothie recipe I’ve been meaning to try out! Hope you all like blueberries!” M’gann announced before flying towards the kitchen. The rest of the Team headed towards the showers. Once they were all cleaned up and dressed in their civvies, they met up in the common area.
“Smoothies are looking good, M’gann,” Artemis praised. M’gann beamed as she took out six glasses and began filling them with the thick blue beverage.
“Thanks, Artemis! It’s this recipe I found online that I’ve been dying to try!”
“What are in these smoothies, exactly?” Robin asked nonchalantly.
“Just blueberries, bananas, some nonfat Greek yogurt, milk, and ice cubes.”
Robin smiled. “Well, then, let’s see if they taste as good as they look.”
M’gann distributed a glass to each of her teammates then they all proposed a toast.
“These are delicious, M’gann!” Wally declared after a large gulp. “May I just say that your culinary skills have improved vastly over the past few months.”
“That’s very sweet, Wally,” M’gann smiled.
Suddenly, Robin slammed his cup down on the counter. His hands clawed at his throat as he began to cough violently. Bright red rashes and hives appeared on his flushed skin, especially on his neck. His coughing grew harsher, and his breathing became ragged and wheezy as he struggled to get enough air into his lungs.
“Wa-Wally,” he choked. His lips were swollen and colored an angry red.
Wally sprang into action. He grabbed a chair from the table and helped Robin settle into it.
“What’s wrong with him?” Conner demanded. Wally ignored him and reached inside Robin’s jacket. He unzipped one of the inner pockets and fished out a narrow orange tube with a blue lid.
“Try to stay calm, Rob. I gotcha,” he assured as he carefully removed the lid. Robin was unable to answer, his breathing becoming more labored with each passing moment. Wally swiftly plunged the bright orange tip into Robin’s thigh until he heard a satisfying click.
“Artemis, go find Black Canary,” Wally ordered. Artemis immediately complied and left the kitchen to search for the senior hero.
“Wh-what’s wrong with Robin?” M’gann asked, shocked tears pooling in her eyes.
“He had a severe allergic reaction,” Wally explained. He removed the empty Epipen from Robin’s thigh and let out a relieved sigh when his best friend began breathing easier.
“What is he allergic to?” Kaldur questioned, keeping a close eye on his recovering teammate.
“P-peanuts,” Robin rasped, his voice hoarse. He had begun to shake uncontrollably, and his hair was matted against his forehead with sweat.
“B-but I didn't put any peanuts in the smoothies! I swear!” M’gann was in full panic mode. She couldn't believe her smoothies had made her friend so sick. Conner wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.
“We’re not blaming you, M’gann. You didn't do it on purpose. But I need you to tell me exactly what you put in those smoothies. Don’t leave anything out,” Wally instructed, his voice gentle yet firm.
“Like I said, all I put in them was blueberries, bananas, Greek yogurt, milk, and ice cubes. The only other thing I added was some protein powder, but it was vanilla flavored.”
“Can you show me?”
M’gann nodded and summoned the container of protein powder from the pantry with her telekinesis. Wally inspected the label and groaned.
“May contain traces of peanuts,” he read.
“Oh my gosh, Robin, I’m so sorry!” she cried, tears streaming down her face with new fervor.
“I-it wasn’t your fault, Miss M,” Robin rasped, “you didn't know.”
Suddenly, Artemis can running back into the kitchen with Black Canary trailing closely behind her.
“Robin, what happened?” Black Canary asked.
“W-we need to invest in a safer brand of protein powder,” the Boy Wonder replied with a small smirk. Most of the hives and redness had dissipated, leaving his skin even paler than usual and shining with perspiration.
“It contained traces of peanuts,” Wally clarified. “M’gann didn't know Robin was allergic when she put it in the smoothies.”
Black Canary glanced at the young Martian, who was still crying in Conner’s arms, and sighed.
“Perhaps this was one personal detail Batman should have let you divulge,” she said, her voice laced with exasperation. “If Kid Flash hadn't known what to do, this could have ended very badly.”
“Why would Batman make Robin keep a potentially life-threatening secret from us?” Kaldur demanded. He knew the Bats were highly protective of their secret identities, but their secrets would do them no good if they were dead.
“You can ask him that when he gets here. I’m going to call him once I get Robin situated in the medical wing.”
“But didn't Wally already take care of him? I thought once you were injected with an Epipen everything was okay,” Artemis said.
“It stopped his allergic reaction, but we still need to monitor him for a few hours in case his symptoms return. It’s standard procedure for anaphylaxis,” Black Canary explained patiently. “Wally, can you help me get Robin to the med wing?”
Wally nodded and gently wrapped an arm his still shaking best friend’s waist. They took a few steps forward only to be stopped by Robin’s knees suddenly collapsing.
“You dizzy, Rob?” Wally asked knowingly. Robin nodded, his eyes undoubtedly squeezed shut behind his shades. Without warning, Wally shoved his free arm under Robin’s knees and gently lifted the boy off the ground.
“I know you don’t like being carried, Robin, but it would take forever to get to the med bay if you tried to walk, and I’d like to get you there before the nausea kicks in.”
Once they arrived in the med bay, Wally carefully settled Robin onto one of the pristine white beds and helped him peel his jacket and hoodie off. The rest of the Team gathered in the back of the room in order to stay out of the way, but it was clear they weren't planning on leaving their teammate’s side.
“Dude, I think you’re more sweaty now than you are after a training session,” Wally teased as he watched Black Canary prep an IV and a nasal cannula. Wally couldn't see Robin’s eyes, but he assumed the younger boy was glaring at him.
“All right, Robin, I’m going to insert an IV and give you some meds to help ease the rest of your symptoms. I'm also going to put you on some oxygen through a nasal cannula,” Black Canary explained with a sympathetic smile. Robin simply nodded.
“Why isn't he talking?” Conner questioned. It was very rare for the Boy Wonder to be silent, even if he was injured.
“Probably because he’s afraid he’ll start throwing up as soon as he opens his mouth,” Wally answered bluntly. “Which reminds me…”
He grabbed a trashcan out of the corner of the room and placed it beside the bed so it would be easily within Robin’s reach.
“I’m going to call Batman and tell him what happened,” Black Canary announced once she was finished placing an IV in Robin's forearm. “If his symptoms come back, Wally, give him another injection.”
An awkward silence took over the room as Black Canary left. Wally studied his best friend. Robin was still sweating, but the shaking had reduced to just his hands. He was looking straight ahead with his jaw clenched tightly. He looked very strained. Wally saw through his facade immediately.
“Uh, guys? I know you’re all worried, but Robin really needs to rest, and it’s hard to do that with so many people in the room. Could you leave us alone for a bit? I promise I’ll keep you updated,” Wally pleaded. The Team looked hesitant for a moment, but Kaldur nodded.
“We shall check on you later, Robin. I wish you a quick recovery,” he said. M’gann, Conner, and Artemis muttered similar goodbyes and reluctantly followed their leader out of the room.
As soon as the door shut and they were completely alone, Robin grabbed the trash can from the side of the bed and promptly threw up.
“Seriously, Dick, you could have puked in front of them. They’re your friends. It’s not like they would have laughed at you,” Wally pointed out.
“B-bats don’t like to show weakness,” Dick said hoarsely before thrusting his head back into the trash can.
Wally scoffed. “You Bats are ridiculous, you know that?”
He walked over to the med bay’s fridge and retrieved a bottle of water.
“Here, when you get a break you should try to take a few sips. Wouldn't want you to get dehydrated,” he said and placed it on the bed table. Unfortunately, it seemed that Robin wouldn't be getting a break anytime soon.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Batman and Black Canary walked inside.
“I see the nausea has settled in,” Black Canary winced. “I've already given you Zofran and Benadryl, so I'll go ahead and hang a bag of fluids to keep you hydrated until they kick in.”
While Black Canary adjusted Robin’s IV, Batman pulled a chair up to his ward’s bed.
“Wally, lock the door,” he ordered. Wally quickly complied then grabbed a chair for himself. Seeing that the coast was clear, Batman pulled down his cowl and gently pulled Robin’s sunglasses off of his face.
“Better?” he asked.
Dick nodded but looked troubled. “Y-you didn't yell at M’gann did you? Because it wasn't her f-fault. I-I should have been more diligent in making sure th-there were no traces of peanu-” Dick was cut off by another round of bile escaping his mouth.
Bruce grimaced and laid a comforting hand on Dick’s leg. “I know it wasn't Miss Martian’s fault, Dick. And it wasn't yours either. If anything, it’s my fault for not recognizing the necessity of the team knowing about your allergy. I apologize.”
It took every ounce of Wally’s self control not to widen his eyes. Batman. The Batman had just apologized. Willingly.
“You don’t have to look so shocked, Wallace. I am perfectly capable of taking responsibility for my actions,” Bruce said. Wally gulped and nodded fervently.
“S-so how long do I have to stay here?” Robin asked, his body finally granting him a reprieve from the incessant puking.
Bruce sighed. “I’d like to take you home so you could rest in your own bed, but I think it would be best to wait until the nausea has completely subsided. The last thing you need is to zeta travel while you're throwing up. And Dinah will likely want you to stay put for at least a couple of hours in case there’s a rebound reaction.”
Dick nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. He hadn't expected anything different, but he really just wanted to go home.
“I guess I should go give the team an update. I promised I’d keep them posted,” Wally said as he stood from his seat.
“You should stay here with Dick, Wally. I’ll go talk to the others,” Black Canary offered. Once she was gone, Bruce turned to Wally.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done today, Wally. You’re a good friend to Dick, and I am grateful that I can trust you to be there for him when I can’t.”
“Wow, Bruce,” Dick began, smirking at Wally’s surprised face. “An apology and a thank-you on the same day. Keep this up, and people may find out you have actual human emotions.”
“Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?” Bruce said with a slight smirk. He reached over and grabbed the water bottle off the nightstand and handed it to his son. “Try to drink a little, Dick. It might help calm your stomach.”
“Or it could make it worse,” Dick muttered. He took a few tentative sips of the water and grimaced.
“You okay?” Wally asked.
Dick rolled his eyes. “Oh yeah. Totally feeling the aster.”
Suddenly, Black Canary poked her head in the door.
“Robin,” she said, “your team would really like to come check on you. Up to it?”
Dick exchanged a glance with Bruce and sighed. “Yeah, let them in.”
Bruce pulled his cowl back over his head and gave Dick his sunglasses. Black Canary came back a minute later with the team right behind her.
“How are you faring, Robin?” Kaldur asked.
“I’m fine. By tomorrow I’ll be back to normal and ready to cream all of you in training again.”
“We’ll see,” Batman said. Dick opened his mouth to argue but retreated at his mentor’s warning look.
M’gann stepped forward. She had stopped crying, but her body language betrayed her guilt. “Robin, I just wanted to tell you again how so-”
“Let me stop you right there, Miss M,” Robin interrupted. “Like I said earlier, it wasn't your fault. You didn’t know about my allergy, so there’s no need to apologize.”
“Which does bring up a valid concern, Batman,” Kaldur said. His tone was calm as ever, but Robin could tell he was still a bit upset. “Had Wally not known about Robin’s allergy, or if he had not been present, the consequences of Robin’s allergic reaction could have been very severe. Would it not have been wiser to alert us of this potentially life-threatening condition before something like this occurred?”
Batman stood from his seat. He remained silent as he studied Kaldur for a moment, but the Atlantean stood his ground. Robin was quite impressed.
“You’re right,” Batman finally said. Aqualad looked taken aback for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.
“Then why-”
“Less than 2% of Americans are severely allergic to peanuts. I didn't want Robin to tell anyone because if somehow word were to get out that Robin had a peanut allergy it could potentially compromise his secret identity. In addition to that, he rarely eats meals here, and when he does he is very careful to check the ingredients first. Therefore, I didn't believe it was necessary to tell the Team. However, I should have known that an incident like today’s was inevitable. Accidents are bound to happen, and I now see that withholding this particular information put Robin’s life in more danger than I expected it to.”
“Like I said earlier during training,” Black Canary continued, “none of you are invincible. Despite all the talent and power each of you may have, you all have weaknesses you must learn to overcome. Today, you learned one of Robin’s.”
“Yeah, in like the worst way possible,” Robin muttered.
Kaldur gave him a small smile. “Perhaps, once you are feeling better, you can teach us all how to use your EpiPen so we are all better prepared should this ever happen again.”
Black Canary nodded. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
Robin stifled a yawn. The Benadryl had started taking effect. “Sure, Kal.”
“But for now, I think it would be best to let Robin rest,” Batman spoke up.
M’Gann hovered over and wrapped him in a big hug. “Feel better, Robin.”
The Team, save for Wally who insisted on staying, left the room with promises to check back up on their youngest member later.
Bruce put a hand on his arm. “Take a nap, kiddo. By the time you wake up, hopefully we’ll be able to leave.”
“M’kay,” Dick agreed. He allowed his eyes to droop closed and gave in to the beckoning darkness.