The world’ll keep spinning
“Peter, boss wants me to make sure you have everything and are ready to go. School starts in twenty minutes.” The AI called through a speaker, startling me from my trance.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m ready.” I lied, grabbing my backpack. I was nowhere near ready to go. I was terrified for my first day back since the episode. Of course only everyone on the decathlon team saw, but someone had definitely told everyone what had happened. Things spread fast these days, twitter posts, snapchat stories, Instagram. There were many possibilities.
I shakily made my way to the kitchen and sat on the stool next to Morgan. “Hi Petey!” She exclaimed when she saw me.
I chuckled softly, “Hey pumpkin, are you excited for kindergarten today?”
“Yes! Today is career day and daddy is coming to class with me.” She beamed as she spoke and I glanced over to Tony.
“Really…that’s fun.” I skeptically answered, Mr. Stark hardly left the house because he was afraid of publicity. “So..Tony, do you plan on wearing a disguise?” I asked, smirking at him.
“Yeah, I’ll wear glasses and the five-year-olds will have no idea who I am.” Tony muttered, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Like they knew who you were to begin with?” I quipped and he rolled his eyes.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I am very popular amongst the five-year-olds.” He argued back and I smiled.
“Oh, like that’s something to be proud of…”
“Eat your breakfast kid, Happy’s waiting.” Tony sighed and shook his head, but I could see the smile almost touching his lips.
I scarfed down the food and then took some of the supplements Dr. Banner had made for me. When I stood, dizziness overwhelmed my mind. I stumbled and gripped the counter for balance.
“Pete—oh.” Tony said seeing the state I was in and quickly walked over to stand behind me. My knees shook from underneath me, feeling weak. The air around me thickened, like I was stuck swimming through jello. Every inhale and exhale seemed to take too much effort.
My body felt lighter, like it was no longer connected to my mind. I groped around as the sounds faded, looking for some way to stay upright. Some way to fight this. But I couldn’t stay awake any longer, my head falling into Tony’s chest.
*
“Peter?” Tony whispered as I groaned. My chest rose and fell rhythmically, I took in short shallow breaths. I opened my eyes and blinked the cloudiness away. My thoughts came back in slow waves, thick and heavy, as if they were moving through mud.
“M’sorry,” I murmured, looking up at him and studying his eyes. He had that same look on his face, mind filled to the brim with worry and concern.
“No need for that. How are you feeling?
“Mmm,” I hummed in response. Then it dawned on me. “I’m going to be late for school, what time is it?” I panicked looking around the room for a clock.
“Peter, relax. You still have a few minutes before you need to go to the car.” Tony sighed but laughed a little bit at my panic. “Ready to sit up?” He asked, knowing I needed to move slowly.
I nodded and shifted so he could help me into a sitting position. After staying like that for a few moments, I felt ready to stand again.
“You good?” Tony asked as we started to walk. I mumbled incoherently in response but he seemed to understand. “I’m going to get you to the car but I’ve got to take Morgan to school, Happy’ll take care of you though.”
“Will he?” I joked sarcastically.
“I’d like to think so, this is what I pay him for.”
I waved goodbye to Tony as I got situated in the car. As soon as my seatbelt was on, Happy quickly made his way to my school.
I was right on time, with even a few minutes to spare. I gave a doctor's note to the office, informing them of my situation, even though Tony had already called and had a meeting with my principal.
“Peter, wait up!” I heard Ned call from behind me as I made my way to my locker.
“Hey,” I muttered, fidgeting with my fingers. I wasn’t sure how he’d react when I told him, would he even want to be friends anymore?
The hallway was buzzing as he joined me to walk from my locker to class. “Nice of you to return from the dead,” Ned answered grinning. I hummed in agreement, not sure what to say. Luckily Ned was always good at filling in silence.
“Dude. Flash made you a meme, like twice.”
I groaned and threw my head back towards the ceiling. “Really, I thought we were chill after that? This is a nightmare.”
“I mean, him photoshopping you onto sleeping beauty was pretty creative. I didn’t think he was smart enough to think of something like that.” I glared towards him.
“Sorry, sorry. Too soon. But seriously man—Are you okay?” Ned asks, his smile fading away.
“I don’t know,” I shrugged, running a hand through my hair. “I feel like everyones going to make fun of me. And there’s no cure, I’m just going to randomly pass out now. I just—I wish everything could go back to normal. Even though I know it can’t.”
Ned blinks at me, thinking of how to respond. “You faint one time and now you think I won't be your best friend anymore? Who cares what anyone else thinks?” Ned shrugged nonchalantly and I smiled at him.
“It was really dramatic though…” I mumbled sheepishly.
“Yeah, maybe a bit. But if it helps, MJ reported Flash and got the photos taken down.”
“Of course she did,” Ned smirked at my comment and nudged my arm.
“But hey, don’t forget, I’m still your guy in the chair. Whatever you need—I got you. Faint again, I’ll catch you. Need an excuse out of class, I’ll tell the teachers you were abducted by pigeons.”
I smiled crookedly at Ned and shook my head at his weird excuse. “Thanks Ned,” I responded, doing our handshake as we walked into class.
“You're joking? The guy in the chair lives for these moments.”
The first half of the day went by quickly. I was no longer stressed about what people would think and felt lucky to have Ned standing up for me. I walked into the lunchroom and followed Ned through the line.
I sat down at our table and began eating, only interrupted by someone sitting in the seat across from me. MJ doesn’t look up at me right away, drawing something in her sketchbook. “So, you live.”
“Sort of,” I shrugged and blinked slowly.
“Happy to be back after going full Victorian girl and fainting mid-problem?” She said, smirking up at me.
“Oh no,” I whined, “Please tell me that’s not the story going around?”
“You can thank Flash for that,” MJ deadpanned flatly.
“I’m never going to live this down” I sighed dramatically and put my head down on the table.
“Nope. Probably not,” She shrugged in agreement.
“Great,” I huffed, peeking my head up at her in defeat.
“Well—for what it's worth,” She paused, “I think this makes you more interesting. Everyone is too boring these days.”
“Really, you think?” I asked, smiling.
She nodded “Yeah, it’s pretty tragic. You’re like a YA protagonist though, you just need a mystery illness, an old camera, and a love interest.” We locked eyes in silence for a second, my stomach flipped.
“Do you want me to faint again,” I asked, squinting at her.
She smirked “A little bit.”
“Don’t think Mr. Stark would agree with you there, he’s had enough of my dramatic swan dives.”
“Yeah but, I read murder articles for fun. Do you really think your weird fainting scares me?”
“So…we’re cool?” I asked and she rolled her eyes.
“Obviously Parker.”
I finished my lunch quickly, just as the bell rang. I stood up and Ned, MJ, and I walked to our next class. Which just happened to be science with Mr. Harrington.
“Peter, glad to see you’re back. How are you feeling?” He greeted me as I walked in the door, Ned and MJ slipping past to find their seats.
“I’m doing good Mr. Harrington, sir. Sorry about the other day, thanks for helping. I’d say it won’t happen again but it probably will,” I stammered, avoiding meeting his eyes.
“It’s really not a big deal Peter, don’t worry about it. And if you ever need to leave during class or want to go out into the hall for a minute, just let me know.” I nodded and shuffled to my seat as the bell rang.
Class was fairly easy, lucky for me. Halfway through a worksheet my vision swam, colors and shapes blending into one big blur. I knew there was no way I could stand to leave, fear bubbling in my already knotted stomach.
“N-Ned…” I whispered fearfully. I hadn’t passed out in class before now, today had been going so well. I didn’t need everyone to see me.
“What did you get for number five—oh Peter, are you okay?” Ned leaned closer to me as he noticed my face paling. “You’re okay, look at me. Do you need me to get Mr. Harrington?” He whispered urgently.
I blinked slowly “Not yet—give me a second,” I pleaded, my fingers tightening on the edge of the desk. Ned was trying not to draw too much attention to the situation, the class being rather calm while they worked.
MJ, who was sitting in front of my desk, turned to look at us. “Is Peter okay?” She asked, tone sharp and using my actual name, she was worried.
“Not really, I think he’s going to faint again.” Ned answered, eyes still focused on me.
“Don’t fight it Parker, just rest your head on the desk. We’ll be here, don’t worry. It’s not like we’re doing much in this class anyways.” MJ reasoned and I nodded weakly. I let my forehead drop into my crossed arms. The world still spun beneath my eyes but the darkness and cold surface soothed my mind. The world became distant, like I was falling into a deep, dark hole.
*
The air felt cold against my skin, pulling me back into awareness. I opened my eyes and blinked slowly. I took a few deep breaths, knowing I wasn’t ready to sit up just yet. Panic bubbled in my chest, fear of missing something. A sharp headache pulsed through my skull as I began to sit up.
I looked around, people and objects slowly becoming more familiar. I felt like I’d missed a large chunk of my life, leaving me to wonder how long I was out for and what had happened.
“Peter?” Ned whispered cautiously, “Are you okay?”
“M’fine, j’st a little confused ‘s all.” I slurred, flashing a dopey smile.
“You were only out for a few minutes, didn’t miss much.” MJ informed me, knowing what I was thinking. I nodded but stayed silent. I looked down at my worksheet, the numbers staring back at me blankly.
I hated the brain fog that followed fainting, making bouncing back from an episode even harder. I looked up at Ned who was still staring at me, wide eyed.
“Dude, I’m fine.” I muttered and he nodded.
“Yeah, no, I know.” He responded awkwardly.
I wanted him to believe me, so when a sudden nausea came over me, I hid it. Whether it was the green tint to my face, or the inability to focus, MJ noticed.
“You look like shit Nerd, what’s up?”
“Nothing, m’fine.” I muttered, she rolled her eyes and scoffed.
“You’re practically green.” She deadpanned before turning back to her worksheet.
My breath hitched as I tried to keep my lunch down. A cold, clammy sweat broke out across my forehead. There was a sharp ache in my chest as I gagged silently.
I raised a shaky hand, hoping Mr. Harrington would see quickly. “Yes Peter?” He looked up from a book and smiled.
“C-can I go to t-the bathroom?” My voice shook as I spoke, my throat feeling raspy and dry.
“Go ahead,” He waved me off and I thanked him quietly. When I stood my legs trembled, failing to hold my weight. I tumbled into the hallway, running into the doorway on my way out.
Once I was in the bathroom my body collapsed against the cold porcelain. I sucked in breaths, trying not to vomit. I gulped, knowing it was inevitable. I coughed and gagged into the toilet for a solid five minutes, anything I had for lunch no longer in my stomach.
When I finished I stood up shakily, my mind tilted and I almost fell again. “Woah,” I mumbled to myself before washing my hands and slowly stumbling back to class.
“Idiot, you need to go home.” MJ hissed, “You’re being stupid, you’re going to hurt yourself.” I shook the fog from my head, trying to pay attention to what she was saying. Once again the world was distant.
“Peter needs to go to the Nurse Mr. Harrington” I heard a voice faintly announce.
I barely registered what was happening as someone tugged me into a standing position. Leaning against them, somehow my legs were able to take me to the nurses office.
“Sorry,” I whispered, feeling guilty for needing help.
“You should be.” MJ scowled sarcastically as she dragged me to the nurse. “He’s going to pass out or vomit or something.”
“Peter can—me?” The nurse tried to talk to me but I couldn’t understand any of what she was saying. My mind fogged up and I took deep shallow breaths. I closed my eyes and focused on staying awake. My throat seemed to be closing and my pulsing headache made it hard to keep my eyes open. “Parker?” I heard a voice call as the world faded to darkness.
*
There were light whispers floating through the room as I woke up again. My head, still feeling muddy, struggled to balance on my neck. I squeezed my eyes shut, the blinding fluorescent making me wince.
“Parker?” A voice I knew all too well pulled me back into reality. When did she get here?
“The whole time,” MJ said, chuckling lightly.
“Oh..I d’n’t me’n to say th’t out lo’d..” I slurred, bringing a hand up to rub my eyes. “Where’s my d’d?”
“He had to stay at Morgan’s school, he’s sending Happy to come get you.” MJ answered, the nurse seemed to have disappeared.
“Oh.”
“You feeling any better, dork?” I shrugged and turned away from her, feeling embarrassed.
“Sorry…” I muttered, feeling tears prickle in my eyes. I hated feeling like this. I am not going to cry in front of MJ.
“Stop apologizing loser, I’d help you anytime. In fact, this is what I wanted,remember?” She said, referring to our lunchtime conversation.
“Oh yeah,” I nodded, smiling shyly.
“Back to my previous question, and answer honestly.”
“Not feeling so hot, pretty dizzy still.” I summarized and she nodded before standing to leave. She came back with the nurse who passed me some of the medication Dr. Banner had made.
In a few minutes, Happy came into the office to check me out. “Hey Peter, ready to go?” He asked, thanking the nurse quickly. I nodded and stood with a lot of help from him.
“Thanks MJ,” I waved goodbye to her. “Tell Ned I’ll text him later.” I called quickly, remembering my friend. She nodded in agreement.
Happy led me to the car, basically holding me up most of the way. My knees were weak and my mind was still disoriented. He helped me into the back seat and carefully placed the seatbelt across my chest. We drove in silence most of the way back to the tower.
When we arrived back, I slowly unbuckled myself again. Happy followed behind me as I made my way to the living room, cautiously watching for if I were to fall. I settled in and thanked him before he left.
As I sat on the couch, preparing to drift off, I heard a slight commotion from the kitchen. “Who’s there?” I croaked, unable to see from my spot.
“It’s Steve, Tony asked me to check on you since I was here.” I suddenly felt embarrassed to be seen like this, especially by such a powerful avenger. Superheroes aren’t supposed to get sick.
“Hello Mr. Captain Rogers, sir,” I scrambled and he laughed, coming into the living room.
“Need anything Pete?” He asked, looking as awkward as I felt embarrassed.
“Nah, I’m okay, I just need to sleep it off I think. Thanks Mr. Rogers.”
“You can just call me Steve kid. How was the first day back?” He questioned, clearly having been informed of my situation.
“It could’ve gone better.” I sighed sadly.
“I’ll leave you to sleep. But, Peter—Just remember, the world’ll keep spinning.”