Fic: Closer I

Closer I

Author: Aphrodite

Feedback: Yes, send to nsaphrodite@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: Fiction based on fictional characters.

Rating:PG-13

Fandom: American Idol Slash

Summary: Heejun Han never went out at nine.

Author's Notes: I apologize for the racial remarks ahead of time. I am sure Heejun's mother is a lovely person in real life; just not in this story. Also, this work is completely unbeta'd and to be honest, I'm not completely satisfied with it, but hopefully it'll get better.

Closer I

Flushing, NY 2010

Heejun Han wants to tell his mother that she shouldn't pack that much for him because he probably won't be gone for long. However, he doesn't have the heart to tell her otherwise. Becoming an international pop star is as much her dream as it is his. Ever since the show first aired, he and his mother would watch it before bedtime together as his younger siblings slept. They would talk about Heejun's dreams of singing in front of thousands of fans. If only you are not too shy, Heejun, his mother would say. Working for Milal Mission has helped him to overcome his shyness and become more socially active. He is now ready to show America what he can do with his voice, however, only a few ever make it. As his mother continues to jam his belongings into the last suitcase, he waits patiently in the small kitchen of their small apartment for her to drag out his four suitcases full of clothes and other belongings from the bedroom he shared with his siblings.

"All done," she announces, depositing the suitcases by his feet. "And remember, Heejun, don't talk to strangers."

"Ma, I'm not a little boy anymore."

"Don't go near black people." Because they're violent, she used to say.

"Okay."

"Stay away from Mexicans." Because they're not as good, she used to say.

"Okay."

"And avoid whites." Because they're always racist, she used to say.

"Ma, you want me to be all alone out there in LA?"

"Heejun, go to Koreatown and find a nice Korean girl to-"

"Mother!" Heejun interrupts her. "We had this conversation five years ago when I told you I was gay. No nice Korean girl for me."

"Heejun! You are lucky your father is still at work," she says and then quickly adds, "A nice Korean boy."

"Ma, listen to me. Just because one black man robbed Mr. Wong's liquor store does not mean all black people are violent. Just because there are Mexican people picking fruits in the fields does not mean they are below us. Just because one white woman made fun of your accent and called you a chink does not mean all white people are racist. And I will bring home a nice boy to meet you, but I won't promise he'll be Korean."

"Chinese."

"Argh!" Heejun throws his hands up in the air in defeat. He grabs the handles of his suitcases and drags them out of the door with him. "Good-bye, mother!"

He is halfway down the hall when his mother crashes into him, hugging him tightly.

"Heejun, I want you to be safe."

"I know."

"I love you."

"I love you, too, but you must know that I am a man now. I can take care of myself and make my own decisions."

"You're so young. You just turned twenty-one."

"I'll be okay."

"Call. Everyday."

"I will. Good-bye, Ma."

"Good-bye, Heejun."

And then he was gone, off to chase his dreams.

TBC

Closing Notes: To read all my fics including this one, please visit Aphrodite's Labyrinth.