The new year was on the horizon, and the Avengers were living it up, having a party with their family and friends. Tony also invited Peter and May to the party, the two didn't have plans anyway, so they agreed and here they are. May was mingling with fellow peers while Peter was hanging out in the corner of the room. He wasn't much of a party person, not like how Tony threw parties, Rhodey even told him about that infamous fight he and Tony had some years ago.

To the point they were fighting in their suits, and Tony was drunk off his butt. The night was going off without a hitch, the atmosphere was great, everyone was having fun. The ball was seconds from dropping, the crowd gathering around the television, counting down. And although Peter wanted to celebrate, everything began to be too much. The shouting of eagerness, the music coming out of the speakers, and the tv. Peter's senses were being overloaded.

They were screaming at him, 'Get out! Get out now!' And the booming fireworks didn't help after the ball dropped and everyone was cheering in the good name of the new year. Peter rushed out of the living room, covering his ears, and rushing to his room Mr. Stark gave him. He shut the door, and made his way to his bed. Sitting down, he tried to ground himself, his Parker luck had great timing.

Tony continued to mingle with guests, hoping everyone was having a blast, but something was off. Or at least someone was missing, he hadn't seen Peter since before the ball dropped. So the man decided to set out and find him, he weaved his way through the crowd, walking down the hallway. Jarvis informed him that Peter was in his room and was in a state of distress.

Tony gently opened the door, being greeted by darkness, "Hey J, mind activating the night vision protocol for me?" Jarvis did as he was asked, and Tony could see Peter, bundled under his blanket, eyes squeezed shut, and ears covered. Tony lowered his voice to a whisper, "Hey Pete, you okay?" The only verbal response was small whimpers, it was concluded, Peter was having a sensory overload. So he needed to act quickly.

He moved through Peter's room, grabbing his noise canceling headphones, taking Peter's hands away and putting the headphones on him. The two of them sat in silence, Tony was in no rush to get Peter to talk. Crossing his fingers he did enough for the teen and hoped he was okay. Meanwhile guests were starting to make their exit, the festivities dying out in a matter of minutes.

Peter took deep breaths, everything seemed to go quiet, he took his headphones off, listening to the steady sound of Tony's heart beating. Knowing he was probably worried, his voice raw from crying, he spoke softly, "I'm okay now Mr. Stark. Sorry for ruining your party."

Tony scoffed but kept the same tone, matching Peter, "You didn't ruin anything kid. Everyone's gone, and May knows you're in here with me. You're fine."

Peter yawned, "I'm tired. Is it okay if I sleep?"

Tony nodded his head, but realized Peter was still a little out of it. "It's your room Peter, of course you can go to sleep. May can sleep in her room, and if you need anything, tell Jarvis and I'll come over."

Peter made a noise of acknowledgment, and Tony took that as a sign to help tuck him in. He did just that, watching as blissful sleep washed over his kid, hoping tomorrow would bring a good one. It was the new year after all, "Goodnight Peter, happy new year." With that, he quietly left the room, shutting the door behind him.
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The End of Chapter 225