do i even know anything about horse polo

[bravelypees]

[It was a perk being a poly-science major and a friend of Jean Kirstein. While not exactly rich, he had access to parts that were–and the people within them. Accompanying him on one of his "home visits" was a surefire way to meet a number of lesser politicians, businessmen and the like.

Jean knew this. It was why he invited Armin with him, why he took him to his fencing lessons, country clubs, high fashion hangouts and where the were currently–the Junior Polo Field.

The game's just finished (Jean's team has won) and Jean disembarks his horse, handing the reins to one of his pals as he searches the crowd for Armin. It isn't until he unbuckles his helmet that he spots him, smoothing out his helmet hair and parting his way through the ground until he stands in front of his friend, all of his gear in hand.]

Hey. You meet anyone yet?

Comments

[bravelypees]

[Jean looks at him curiously.]

Isn't that what politicians do?

[Shouldn't you get used to that? And did that mean he was uncomfortable here? Nervousness pricks at Jean's skin and he glances away, pretending to scan the rest of the crowd. Idly, his hands play with his riding crop, pressing it against the ground to bend it.]

That sort of thing gives you connections.

[As obnoxious as it was.]

[lengthyspeech]

[Well that makes things a little heavier... He doesn't frown exactly, but he does look over to Mark as he speaks.]

Jean, do you think I'll need to have connections to get anywhere? [Now he looks back, curious. But whether or not that gets answered, he tacks on something else pretty quickly.] I think his invite was for the connection to you rather than anything else.

[bravelypees]

I don't think it'll hurt.

[Armin was smart enough to get his way no matter what–that was something Jean firmly believed. It was something he admired. It was why he had thought to bring him home. Armin had a long journey ahead of him. If Jean could do anything to minimize some part of it, he would. Armin deserved that much.

At the mention back to Mark, Jean scowls.]

I don't get why that guy's always on my case. I don't have any influence he needs.

[lengthyspeech]

[Won't hurt huh. ...Maybe he can go then. If Jean thinks that, at least.

But at the last part, he straightens a bit, watching Jean.]

Maybe he just likes you. [Is that really so hard to realize...]

[bravelypees]

[His reaction is immediate–a sharp, clearly befuddled look shot his way.]

Mark? The guy's had four girlfriends. There's no way he's gay.

[Nevermind interested in him.] Mark's a polo nut. He's been to ever game I've been in. The only reason he'd be interested in me is by roping me into his team.

[He pats his lower thighs before standing.] Anyway, if you want to go, let me know. I can show up with you to make sure you can get in.

[lengthyspeech]

[Armin blinks at this information, watching Jean stand and gripping at his own sleeves that are a little too long.]

I guess it wouldn't hurt to go. [Jean seems convinced it'll help. He's generally able to get along with most people anyway, so maybe it won't be too bad...] You don't have any other plans?

[bravelypees]

[He shrugs.] None that matter.

[But he's known Armin long enough to suspect something when the sleeves start to get played with.]

... We don't have to go.