It’s been a long time since Hank has used anything more extensive than a single burner on his stove or the microwave ( well-loved and repaired multiple times from wear of use ), but he remembers a life in which he prepared meals that would put even the higher scale restaurants to shame. He’s no gourmet chef and he’s never had a proper cooking lesson in his life, but he’s always had some affinity for the kitchen. Over the years, those skills waned and fell to misuse; there’s no joy in cooking only for himself.
Then a new arrival appeared in his life. Pushing through every wall he built up over the past decade, Connor somehow did more than just befriend Hank—he changed Hank’s mind. Anyone who knows the lieutenant knows that trying to convince him of anything he’s set his mind against is an errand in futility, but that never occurred to Connor. Even if it was just programming, he was a stubborn and dedicated personality; maybe something in there resonated with the hard-ass officer.
Once Hank realized Connor had nowhere to go, it was an easy offer to let the android stay with him. The company is nice and it’s not as if Connor has to consume any resources. Plus, he helps clean up and takes over the lack of cooking that had been occurring before his arrival. So, even with another presence around, Hank still had little reason to cook his own meals.
But it’s been a good day. Good enough that he’s open to appreciating all that Connor has done for him, both intentionally and otherwise. He knows that the android doesn’t need to eat, but sometimes he’ll play along—maybe just to humor his human counterpart or maybe because he wants to fit in more. Either way, Hank enjoys those times ( secretly ). It’s been too long since he’s had someone to sit across the table from.
It’s late when Connor finally arrives home, but that gives Hank time. Time to clean up the mess that’s slipped the android’s attention; time to plan, prepare, and serve the first full dinner he’s put any effort into in years; time to set his record player to send calm, soothing jazz notes throughout the home; time to light some candles and double-check that everything is in place.
It turns out a bit more romantic than he really intended; he just wants everything to be… pleasant.
“You’re home.” Finally is on the tip of his tongue, but this is about thanking Connor ( in his own way ) and so he lets the smart comments die down. For now. Instead, he gestures to the table—set for two with Sumo close by in anticipation of dropped food or generous hand-outs.
“I made enough in case you wanted to join me. It’s up to you.” Okay, so he’s not totally on point with the gentle touch, but his edges have been roughened for too long to cure it all overnight. It’s a step in the right direction, anyway.