#sensoryoverload

Too bright, too loud, too scratchy. Everything around Peter was too much. He hated waking up like this, having a sensory overload. He hated when he couldn’t control his spider senses and they caused him irritation and at some points, pain.

He opened his eyes slightly, the sun through the window hurting his eyes. “Fri, blackout.” He mumbled to the building’s AI system. The blinds started lowering over the windows and Peter sighed with slight relief. He looked over at the clock on his nightstand and groaned when he saw that he had to start getting ready for school.

Peter rolled out of bed slowly and made his way to the bathroom to take a shower hoping the hot water will silense his screaming senses. This was not the case. The hot water seemed to make every inch of his skin burn and ache, and when it was switched to cold he neary passed out from the rush of what felt like icicles hitting him.

When he finally made his way out and got dressed his shirt scratched at him with every movement and he had to resist scratching at his skin knowing that he’ll mark his arms red and that would be even worse that his current state.

Peter entered the kitchen and moved around slugishly grabbing food and a glass. “Morning Pete.” His dad said tapping his shoulder as he walked past causing Peter to hide a flinch. “Hey dad.” Peter responded in more of a mumble than a sentence. “You okay kid? You don’t look so great.” Tony moved in front of him and looked at his disheveld state.

“I’m fine, just a little tired. I gotta head out to make the bus.” He reassured his dad. Pepper walked into the kitchen as he said it and took one look at Peter, thinking the same as Tony. “Why don’t I drive you in today honey.” Peter went to protest but was too tired and nodded.

When they got in the car the radio turned on to Peter’s favorite station and he covered his ears with a groan, Pepper quickly shutting it off. “Peter are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should just stay home-” He shook his head cutting her off, “N-no, I have a big test I need to take. I’m good.” he told her. Pepper looked at him for another few seconds then sighed and turned back to the wheel pulling out of her parking space.

Walking into Midtown School of Science and Technology was so far the worst part of Peter’s day, if that was even possible. Loud students bumping into him every few seconds, the bells going off to signal the start of class. Even the mixture of cologne and perfume in the air had him fighting back the need to throw up. He stumbled through the crowd trying to keep himself together, and eventually made it to his locker. Putting in the combination he swung it open and smiled softly at the picture of him and M.J. taped to the door.

Almost as if he had wished her there, M.J. stepped up behind Peter resting her head on his shoulder and kissing his cheek. “Hey Stark.” She whispered and he winced hearing it at almost full volume. “You okay?” He was almost tired of hearing the question, but understood that everyone was just concered. “Just one of those days.” he answered wanting to end the coversation there.

First period, horrible. Second period, horrible. Third period, awesome…just kidding…it was horrible. He could barely focus and covered his ears with a flinch every time chalk went across the board in Chemistry. When it finally came time for his test he sat down barely holding on.

“Question one…” He mumbled quietly, thinking that if he says it out loud then maybe the answer will process. By the halfway point he was sweating and his eyes fluttering. He struggled for the next hour trying to complete the paper, and when he finally stumbled into the hall he heard a voice that made him groan.

“Hey penis, you know drugs are bad for you right?” Flash called from his locker across from Peter. Peter tried to ignore him but Flash walked over and shoved his shoulder knocking him into a locker causing an ache to run throughout his body and a ringing in his head. “Flash just leave me the fuck alone.” he mumbled loosing all patience. Flash scoffed to his friend, “Woah, never thought Parker had the balls to swear. Have you been practicing?”

Ned and M.J. walked over seeing the interaction and M.J. rolled her eyes at Flash, “Like how you practice lying to your parents that you’re not a complete failure in life?” She asked and Flash glared at her. Ned pulled Peter away from the group to his locker.

“Bro, I mean this in the best way possible, but you look like death.” He told his friend who was now sweating and leaning against the locker. Peter pushed off quickly when the mettle scratched at his skin. “Yeah Pete you don’t look good.” M.J. added on. “I’m calling Pepper.”

She pulled out her phone and Peter took a step forward to stop her but stumbled and collapsed to the group unconcious. M.J. and Ned dropped down beside him calling his name out and trying to wake him up.

####

Peter P.O.V.

Fuck. My head is killing me. I’d kill for a thousand asprins right now, but the dark room helps. Wait…dark room? I open my eyes more looking around and see I’m in my bed with the curtains blacked out and the room soundproofed so that it’s quiet, kinda like a giant airpod.

I look over when the door opens slowly and my dad walks in. “So, you gonna tell me what happend now or do I need to wait till you pass out again?” He whispers sitting on the edge of the bed. I sigh knowing I can’t keep it down anymore, “Sense overload. Happens sometimes, the spider senses just kick into overdrive and it feels like hell.”

“Next time that happens tell me kid. When you’re back on back on your feet we’re going to start trying to find a way to fix this. Get some sleep, you need anything?” he asks and I just shake my head wanting to just sleep through the rest of this. He nods and stands to leave but making his way to the door, “Dad,” he turns to face me, “thanks, love you.”

He smiles and nods, “Love you too kid. Now to go bed or I’m selling your suit.”