Idiosyncratic || Peter Parker ||

||13||

Wednesday had been particularly hard for Isabelle, she barely could get herself out of bed but yet she did. The last two days she was slack when it came to finding the hidden identity of Spider-Man, only having crossed off fifty names in the last three days, including today. This was due to her feeling exhausted, but despite that factor, she was excelling in her classes even if she found it hard to concentrate with the thundering headaches she had. 

Since the track tournament is a few weeks away, Coach Wilson had the whole team spend at least an hour and a half after school to practice on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday's as well as their morning training sessions on Saturday's. Isabelle hadn't minded, it wasn't like she had much of a life to return to after school, unlike Flash or Jessica who complained about the sudden change in schedule. 

Peter and Ned would stick around in the bleachers whilst they waited for Isabelle, typically they would spend the first half hour after school dedicated to either decathlon meetings, marching band or Robotics lab and then wait for Isabelle. It was a rather nice day, the sun wasn't too harsh on the team as they lumbered up and jogged around the track after an intense forty minute relay sequence. 

Coach gave them a short ten-minute break to cool down and get a drink before they started back up again. Isabelle sluggishly dragged her feet up to the bleachers and sat beside Ned, she was covered in sweat and her breathing sharp and shallow. "Coach Wilson really drills you guys - Flash hasn't shown up for a Decathlon meeting in weeks because Coach is really pushing you guys," Ned commented as he looked out to the track team, standing around, spraying water on themselves. 

"Yeah, I guess he really wants to win the tournament... Could get us a place at nationals, then who knows maybe internationals..." Isabelle heaves tiredly, sipping her bottle of water. "Let's hope you feel better by the time the tournament comes around... still feeling tired?" He asked. Peter listened intently to the two exchange conversation, he noticed how at school she was trying her best and trying her hardest to stay awake in even her best classes. Yesterday she admitted she hadn't been sleeping well like she used to which was evident by the bags forming under her eyes, and more often than not she'd be in and out of class due to more nosebleeds. 

"Yeah, but it'll pass over soon I think." She assured, which wouldn't be the case at all. Coach Wilson blew his whistle harshly signalling the break was over. A groan forced its way from her lips, "that was the quickest ten minutes... I'll be back." Getting up, she hadn't felt much better from the rest at all, in fact, she felt more tired after the break. Leaving the two boys in the bleachers she joined back with the team as Coach spoke to them.  

"Has been to see someone? Anyone?" Ned turned to Peter, who simply shook his head in response, "No, I brought it up on Sunday but she keeps saying 'it'll pass' - I believed her but now... I'm not so sure..." To say he was slightly worried was an understatement over the rapid change in her within just a few days since it started on Friday. "She could be right, it's only been five days, I've been sick for longer," Ned assured referring to that time in middle school he had a cold for at least a month and a half which wasn't ideal. 

Peter looked at Ned, "dude you weren't bleeding profusely out of your nose every day, what if there's something actually wrong with her." His friend shook his head, "I think you're overreacting Peter... I'm starting to get the impression you like her." Peter stared at him wide eyed, "Of course I like her! She's our friend, Ned. Aren't you the least bit worried?"

"No I mean Like her, come to think of it - you've barely even mentioned Liz or looked at her this entire week and she totally came up and spoke to us and you didn't even freak out." Of course, Ned was concerned for Isabelle, but he knew her well enough already that she could hold her own and if things escalated with her then he'd be more worried. "oh my god - I'm not having this conversation with you, Ned." Peter put his head in his hands as he grumbled, it was bad enough May was on his case about Isabelle, but now Ned caught on as well. He didn't think he was doing anything purposefully out of attraction toward her, he thought he was just being nice and helpful.