Heartland

~ Eight ~

Jin has had a few beers already and eaten enough to calm his hunger. But he has not been able to keep his eyes to himself. Tae chuckles cause he realizes the effect he has on the doctor.

"I'm curious doc, what made you decide to become a doctor?"

Jin's eyes shine bright as he begins his tale. Of his journey to become just like his father. The man who raised him.

"Well, growing up I would always see how people loved and respected my father. Everywhere we went people would want to hug him or just be in his presence. I knew that it was because he was different from other men. No, my father saved countless lives and in a way. He was a superhero."

Tae listens intently.

"I think it was when I was about 8-9 years old. We had gone out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. I saw him talk to very important people and I was in awe.

Then during the middle of dinner, there was a huge commotion a few tables down. Apparently the mayor had slumped over and his guests were calling for a doctor. My father didn't think twice and jumped out of his seat and ran towards him. I followed behind and saw him start his life saving methods. He assessed the situation and knew he would die unless he did something. So he cut him open right in the middle of that restaurant. I could hear the breaking of his breastplate and then saw my father massage his heart until the paramedics arrived. He gave instructions to the person taking over as they loaded him in the ambulance.

Everyone there were clapping and congratulating him for saving his life. I was beyond proud of him and that's when I decided that I would be exactly like him when I grew up."

He then looks saddened and quickly adds, "Of course that was before I knew the truth. That he wasn't my real father. And now he doesn't even speak to me.

But.. I guess it's just something that had to happen. My real father was a doctor too. So it's in my blood regardless."

"I think your father will come around eventually. I mean, I don't think he can just forget about the son he raised as his for so many years. Just give it some time."

Jin nods, not wanting to say much. He just keeps drinking.

Tae recognizes the need to change the subject and feels like teasing him a bit.

"So why haven't you dated anyone since you moved here?" Tae asks.

Jin takes a big swig of his beer and says, "I haven't really met anyone who has caught my eye. Besides, I've been too busy trying to keep my clinic open. There's still some folks who don't trust me."

"So you're saying that the young attorney who you've been spending time with hasn't caught your eye?"

"Psh! He's married remember?" Jin responds.

"Not yet he's not."

"Same difference. Why are you so interested in who I may or may not be attracted to?"

"I'm not.. I'm just curious. I mean, I wonder how someone as good looking as you can go so long without... you know."

Jin laughs and says, "I haven't even tried to date anyone. So don't you worry about it. I'm fine."

Tae chuckles and says, "If you say so."

They continue talking about random things and Jin gets more comfortable with him. But the more he drinks the more he wants to jump his bones.

Tae notices how touchy-feely he's getting as the night progresses. But doesn't want to make a move for fear of rejection.

Jin then stops drinking his beer and asks for some water. So it can help sober him up a bit. When Tae goes inside, Jin follows him. He looks around and sees that he has the place nicely done. And he spots the massage table in the corner.