Competition/Challenge Block
Written For: Monthly Challenges for All (Year 6); Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry 2.0 (Term 2)

Hogwarts: Slytherin; A4 - Geology Task #3 (Write about being passionately devoted to something/someone.); Library (Trope: Found Family)

MC4A: Shop (Asexual); Swap (Van Gogh Comforter; Blue Glass Vase; Tilted Cat Bowl; Charm Bracelet; Trivia Game); Hunt (Cat Toy; Asexual; Tofu; Zucchini/Squash)

Word Count: 2,584

Warning Tag: Minor Innuendos

What I Wouldn't Give

Year 2.1

It wasn't completely out of the ordinary for Tony to wake up with someone occupying the spaces next to him. He tended to get himself dressed and slip out of the room, leaving them behind and having someone else kick them out while he went about the day.

This time, however, when he found himself waking up in the early hour to two people taking up the rest of the oversized bed, he smiled and stayed with them. James and Lily Potter were one of the best things that could happen to him in his young—but well lived—life. Not only were the couple utterly adorable with each other, they were generous enough to bless him with their relationship and genuine affection because they liked him for him. Not his money, fame, or to get laid, just him.

They had made it official several months ago now, and when Tony felt like it was solidified just enough between them, he asked for them to move into his home away from home. It was somewhat small by his standards: five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, plus a den, full sized kitchen, dining, and living room, it was actually just enough.

Everyone had elbow room at least in comparison to the couple's single bedroom apartment. Not like it bothered anyone overall, but the bathroom situation got complicated and Tony's array of assignments and projects were taking up a lot of space and became a headache when it mingled with their schoolwork. Organization was not in his forte, and neither was it James', so poor Lily was pulling her hair out in frustration in the end.

Having the space filled full time was nice though, he realized. There were no long lengths of time of just silence or it being so packed one couldn't weave through the crowd without something being spilled on him. He almost felt safe enough to say those days were over for him.

Lily and James shared their life with him almost immediately, integrating him into his friend circle where he met Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. They strangely enough weren't part of the college life, instead they all took the career paths in… something or another. None of them really talked about what they did aside from vague comments here and there. James and Lily worked at the coffee shop most of the time, but there were also points when they wouldn't be there when he swore they were scheduled. Little things like that would normally leave him paranoid, worried they were drifting or thinking he wasn't trustworthy and they'd up and vanish one day.

Naturally he introduced them to his people as well. Rhodey took to everyone like a fish to water, wary but supportive and happy for Tony to have others to "keep on eye" on him while he was out of town. Pepper was fairly neutral as usual, and Obadiah wasn't very thrilled by "the distraction" but otherwise said nothing about it. Everything was just so perfect despite the nagging doubt and fear lingering in the corner of his mind. He kept things from them as well. It wasn't like he could fully share the projects he worked on or was willing to share what made Stark Industries so famous. It was sort of general public knowledge, he assumed anyway, and they all seemed to be good on a don't ask don't tell agreement with certain things.

Of course he knew they liked their one on one time, most married couples did as far as he knew. He was one hundred percent for it, often excusing himself to his office or makeshift workshop in the garage to pass the time and catch up on whatever needed his attention. It helped drown out their rather loud and passionate exchanges at least.

Not like Tony cared nor minded. He wasn't the sort that'd shy away from sex or find it repulsive, either, but if it wasn't something he had to participate in to receive affection in turn, then he gladly will pass on it. The best thing was they never pressed him about it, either, and would pour affection over him like a never ending fountain if he asked.

He often integrated himself into their shared oversized bed in the godless hours of the night to cuddle with them when the insomnia finally exhausted him to the point of passing out. He savored the hours of rest in turn. Their warmth and cuddles were like a security blanket, and he never wanted the day to come when they were like this.

If there was only one thing that he had to change, and he wasn't even sure he would anyway was…

"Meow."

The Potters cat jumped right up on top of Tony, settling on his chest, purring quite loudly while kneading on the blanket covering his chest. The action wasn't exactly uncomfortable, just strange. He was never introduced to the idea of pets up until recently. It just wasn't a thing in the Stark household, so when he was introduced to Snowbell the smush-faced, flaming orange furrball shortly before he offered the Potters to move in with him, he was perplexed to say the least.

They found him out in the snow under a bush when the large clock tower chimed while they were walking back from the cafe one evening. Lily would never leave an animal out in the cold, and James would never deny her anything, so they ended up with a cat. Giving its namesake from the literal circumstances. At least Snowbell was cute, even if the dirty cotton ball had no resemblance of snow nor a bell, he strangely became quite attached to Tony.

The cat's padding and purr lulled Tony back into a trance-like state, not quite sleeping but not quite awake. When he came to again it was a little bit brighter in the room and there was one person short.

James was gone.

Lily was nuzzled against his side, one of his arms were trapped under the pillow she occupied. Her mass of red curls were safely stowed under the pink silk wrap, her brown skin seemed to glow against the blue of the sheets and Van Gogh comforter (a joke gift he got after they visited an art museum).

He lightly traced his fingers over her bare shoulders, causing her to stir Some. The cat decided to get up from its sleeping spot beside Tony and hop over them to bother Lily now. His gentle paw brushed against her cheek, receiving a groan in turn.

"Mm-kay, alright Snowbell…" she murmured, rolling onto her back and stretching.

Snowbell moved to the pillow, chirping up a storm. Tony gave his head a light pet with his now freed arm but knew the feline wanted breakfast.

"Mornin'," he said slowly.

Lily seemed to have noticed her husband's absence and sat up to inspect the empty space. She reached for a note on the end table Tony hadn't previously noticed and opened it, cuddling up to him so he could read it too.

"Went out with the guys for the day. Honestly had no choice," Tony read out loud, "Take care of our Lil, Tones. - Love, James."

He frowned. "And I wasn't invited?"

"Aww, don't feel left out," Lily said, draping her arms around him and giving a peck on the cheek. "He's known those three his entire life. They always do something special for their birthdays."

"Ah," he muttered, curling into her embrace. "Who's birthday is it?"

"James'," she said. "Which means that you and I can plan something extra special for him to be surprised with when he gets home."

That's something new. Tony hadn't the first idea on how to plan a party. The best he ever could do for the people he cared about was remembering their birthdays and sometimes go to a dinner or chill on the couch watching whatever. His people weren't the sort to be overly adventurous nor make a big deal out of their birthdays, either.

Well, maybe Pepper.

"Okay…" he said, nodding. "What do you have in mind?"

What Tony didn't know was that Lily had already planned everything weeks ago. His family arrived not long after she got herself up and ready to help prepare the food (and the menu was massive. From venison to tofu and zucchini sticks, to wine, spiced tea, and infused waters). He was glad that Rhodey, Happy, and Pepper were able to come so they could counter all of the newness. Meeting people always had him on edge.

Thankfully Lily was happy to excuse Tony from host obligatories once everyone got a proper hello. He provided a nice wine he hoped would compliment everything and a nice blue glass vase full of fresh spring flowers to help brighten up the space and make it more welcoming.

He tucked himself away in the den with Rhodey and Happy, Pepper was more than willing to mingle and engage with the prepping and conversation. It felt like forever had already passed and wondered when the guest of honor was coming home. Snowbell joined him, happily picking away at his meal from his tilted food bowl after a good play session with the cat toy Tony abandoned on the end table beside him where a favorite trivia game sat untouched.

"Never thought I would be invited to a party without the partee-er," Rhodey said with a chuckle, sipping his beer. "Fun so far regardless. Everyone is so friendly, and the smell of everything alone is a knockout."

Tony was leaning on Rhodey's shoulder staring at nothing in particular. He didn't even know what Happy turned on the TV. Probably rugby or football. Pollo?

"Yeah. I guess it is a tradition thing. James and his mates go out and do something special for each other's birthdays," he explained. "And he never carries a mobile, so Lils has no idea when they're even coming back, but that she is certain it will be by supper. I gave them cellulars for a reason…"

"You've been hanging in England too long, Tones," Rhodey said. "You're catching a bit of an accent."

"It's only been a year," Tony pointed out. "And my super secret assignment is going swell, thank you."

"Yeah, your not-so-secret lovenest," Rhodey said, smiling playfully.

Tony sat up to look at his cuddlybear. "Someone's jealous, Happy."

Happy glanced their way and grumbled nonsense that could have translated to, "Leave me out of this."

"See? Happy doesn't have a problem here," Tony said.

"He's here with you twenty-four seven, of course he isn't bothered by anything," Rhodey said. "Who do you think I get my intel from?"

Tony quirked a brow at that. But of course those two talk. All three of them talk and keep tabs on him in one way or another.

"Anyway, I was only messing, Tones. I'm hardly jealous."

Tony knew his sourpatch would be with him every second of the day as well if he could. Alas, Rhodey had a career to honor, and Tony couldn't deny him that, as selfish as he would like to be in that aspect, he respected his zucchinis decisions.

He scooted back up against him, loosely draping his arms around Rhodey and giving him a peck on the cheek. "Good, because you'll always be my best and only platypus."

"'Preciate it," he said, patting Tony's arm. "Yet I can't help but wonder what Jenny would say about all of this, though. She'd be… curious how you know so little about the Potters."

Tony pulled back some at the mention of Rhodey's sister. Jenny was a psychiatrist and Tony had seen her a few times when he was younger. She helped him figure out a lot about himself in a short period of time, but when she wasn't wearing her doctor's hat, she treated him just like a little brother.

Unfortunately Rhodey's comment needled its way into Tony's chain of thought, causing him to wonder a bit about what he did know of the Potters. They're college students who work at a coffee shop. He assumed they came from comfortable families in order to manage their expenses to such a prestigious university and cozy apartment prior to moving into his. They did not drive, instead used the public transit to get around, and they never wasted anything.

They were dedicated to their majors and they worked very hard at them while juggling the coffee shop. There were times when things seemed a bit unusual, but nothing to raise major suspicion for Tony to worry about (missing a class, not working at the coffee shop when he thought they worked, little things like that). In turn he was only vaguely a part of the university, mainly working behind the curtain and juggling Stark Industries stuff, wishing to establish a branch in the UK. That takes work, after all, and knowing the right people and having the connections to do so takes effort. Honestly, it was boring, but growth is important in order to advance.

"I know enough to matter, and what's it matter? You think they're spies or something?"

Happy chuckled at the joke, and Rhodey just shook his head. It was something that did cross his mind not long ago during one of their disappearances that just turned out to be a date and Tony missed the note left behind.

No, not spies or undercover agents, just two young college students he fell over heels with.

Lily sure knew what she was doing. The party turned out great. The food was amazing, everyone who came were friendly and didn't prod or judge or anything. His small group mingled well with James' small family. The only thing that soured the entire evening (for Tony, anyway) was that the guest of honor never showed up to experience it. Tony found it odd that no one else seemed to mind this big thing at all. Having a party without the celebrant to receive it.

If only there was a way to get a hold of James. What if something happened to them?

"Lily, where's James at?" he asked while washing up some of the remaining dishes. "He is awfully late. You think he's not drunk in a ditch somewhere, do you?"

Lily smiled warmly at him, those emerald eyes shining. She placed a hand on his arm and gave it a squeeze.

"I've been in contact with him. He is on the way," she said. "He'll explain later, but don't be upset, okay? Time has a tendency to slip his mind."

Tony felt a twinge of disappointment at the vagueness of the assurance. He gave a nod however and placed the pastel blue plate in the drying rack. He knew first hand how time runs away from him.

"Fair enough."

"I did want to ask you something," Lily added, moving to the fridge to put away leftovers, she pulled out some strawberries and whipped cream, giving them a little shake before placing them on the counter. The charm bracelet she wore jingled from the action. "I know it isn't your cup of tea exactly, but James really enjoys food play. Would you like to be a part of the after party celebration?"

Tony slowly dried his hands on a tea towel, taking in the scenery Lily presented in front of him. He would give just about anything to these two…

"What do you have in mind?"