Work Text:
You wake up one morning to a slew of texts from your friends asking you how you feel. Confused, you try to recall what happened.
Oh! Yeah, I went to the hospital because of my high fever.
You slightly remember seeing Connor. He was the one who found you passed out on your porch. He’s an old friend of yours and a study partner ever since you moved to Detroit. So you asked him to help you catch up.
“Please, Mr Anderson. I need Connor to help me catch up with my studies.” You pleaded with the older man. But he persisted, “Look, kid, I understand why you need Conner. But your parents wouldn’t.” He explained, followed by a sigh. He is right. Although the neighbours respect Connor as he is, they are ostracising him because he lives with Hank Anderson.
Hank Anderson, seen as the neighbour to fear, is a father-like figure to Connor. Your parents, friends, and neighbours exclude Hank from events because of his alcoholism. “I understand. But if I can’t invite Connor, I hope you don’t mind my studying at your home.” You asserted.
After a lengthy discussion with your parents, they allowed you to go to Hank's home to study. “Make yourself comfortable, kid. Connor’s just out getting me some meds.” He said flatly. “As soon as he’s here, I’ll leave you two to be.”
Connor entered the house, stumbling a bit with groceries and medicine in hand. “I brought you the medicine, Hank,” he smiled. “Oh! You’re here! I’ll be there in a second.” He handed Hank his meds and walked into the kitchen. “Alright, I’m off then. Stay safe, you two.”
Connor returned to the living room in stride with a tray containing tea and snacks for the study session. “I’m honoured that you asked me to help you with your studies, but…” he gave you a weary smile before continuing, “Isn’t it recommended in your religion to–I mean–Isn’t it recommended that you, as a Muslim woman, be with other–I–Sorry,” He says nervously.
You understood what he meant; you explained to him that there are different beliefs and interpretations of Islamic rules and traditions, and that as long as your intentions are pure, there is nothing wrong with the study session. “Alright, I understand. Thank you for explaining,” he smiled.
The study session proceeded smoothly, focusing on circuits and electronics. No one said being a STEM major was easy. After some time, Connor urges you to take a break. “2 hours and 30 minutes — are you hungry? We need to eat something to regain energy.” You shake your head; “I can run off caffeine and a single muffin”, you shrug before stretching.
Connor was staring with concern; “No. Not healthy. I'll make you something to eat. Wait here.” He orders to get up. You get the sense that I should tell him something, but what? Before rushing after him. “Connor, um, there are things I can and can't consume.” He stares at you with confusion; “Uh. Let me make us something to eat. Uh, do you have wheat flour?” You said while approaching him.
Connor was watching. He pointed to the wheat flour. “The floor is yours. As a note, Hank is going to arrive during the last bit of study, so” You nodded and got to work. Making your family's roti recipe, one you brought with you to Detroit. Connor watched in amusement as your hands kneaded the dough, then set up a pan and a kettle.
“Three teacups, please.” You said while looking for tea in the cupboards. Time flew by; you reconnected with a piece of you that you hold dear, and Connor found your ability to multitask amusing. Once finished up, the front door is open, with an audible thump from the couch. You and Connor meet eyes and know who it is.
“Here is your delayed lunch/early dinner. My family's roti and chai.” You place the plates and cups on the coffee table in front of Hank. He reaches for his bread, takes a bite, and starts crying. “It's… too good.” He says, wiping his tears. You’re all eating in peace before Hank excused himself, giving you a ‘good luck, kid’.
You and Connor spent the next two and a half hours studying before he walked you home. Your parents open the door, glad you're safe. You thank Connor for helping you study, and he thanks you for the meal and kindness.
Two weeks pass, and you decide to pay Connor and Hank a visit, with food in hand. Lightly knocking on the door, because you know Hank hates the sound of the doorbell, Connor, who's dressed for work, opens the door and greets you. “How are things on your end?” he asks while you make yourself comfortable on the couch. You hand him an envelope.
Connor toys with it for a bit; “It is an invitation to my graduation. Valedictorian.” You say with pride. Hank, who's prepping for work, approaches with scepticism. Noticing the scepticism, you decide to perk up. “I told my friends that if I got valedictorian with Connor's help, I would invite you both to the graduation.”
Hank and Connor exchange looks before agreeing. You then pointed to the basket you brought with you; “That's your food, by the way. Take it with you.” You hand them the food and leave. Connor and Hank look baffled. Quite amusing.