"….. I hope Japan gets back here soon. I don't even know what this is about…."
America was confused, but pleasantly so. His best friend in the entire world (other than Tony) had taken him to a super special secret place! But the hero was still confused as to what the event was about, and why a boy was wearing a sailor moon outfit.
Wait a minute…..
Alfred F. Jones could only stare as the boy walked past him into the hotel he was currently standing in front of. In fact, he was so busy wondering about what Japan had planned that he didn't even take in his surroundings!
Glancing around, America noticed that there were so many people in so many different types of costumes. Some had Japanese uniforms on, others were wearing long, blue-ish wigs, and some had these strange horns on their head. Lots of them were carrying various items, from swords to those plushie things Japan had hidden in his closet (A/n: he didn't know that America had seen it, so please keep this secret to yourselves, readers.) Honestly, it was really cool. These people obviously didn't care what others around them thought, judging by the looks on the bystanders' faces and their lack of attention toward them. Some of them even took pictures with the costumed kids! And adults, America noticed. Looking around some more, America noticed they were in Texas, on the river walk in San Antonio. America wasn't left to wonder anymore, however, because Japan was already making his way back to him.
"Sorry to make you wait, America-kun. But that line was so long, and then I saw a Hatsune Miku cosplayer, and I had to take a picture of her."
" 's okay, dude. Where are we, anyway? What's with the people in these awesome getups? " America asked his friend.
In response, Japan handed him a badge. Looking at the cute artwork, America noticed two things: one, his name was on it, and two, that the event was called San Japan. Seeing as how Japan had put on the badge, America did as well. But as soon as he had done so, he bombarded Japan with so many questions.
"San japan? What is this, Japan? Do you run it? Did they get the honorific-thingy wrong? Because I've been learning about your culture, because we're totally best friends and everything, and I know for a fact that the 'san' goes after your name! oh wait, dude, you didn't change it did you? Why would you change it I liked it the way it was before change it back, dude!"
"America- kun, please calm down, I'll explain once we're out of the sun-"
"dude! That's right we're in Texas, and its blaring heat right now! We gotta get inside!"
(A/n: Texas is sooo hottt, but it's usually perfect when I go for the convention. :D )
Grabbing Japan's hand and ignoring the small blush on his face, America rushed into the building that all the other- what had Japan called it? Oh yeah, crossplayers- were going into. Soon they were out of the heat, and America was back to his previous questioning.
"why are there so many crossplayers, Japan? What are they anyway? Is it some new thing hipsters are doing? Because hipsters aren't hipsters anymore, because being a hipster is starting to become mainstream, and they don't go for anything mainstream-hmpp!"
America's monologue of questions was cut short as japan stuffed his mouth with some lemon bread. Japan used Alfred's momentary silence to answer his questions, and to-hopefully- prevent any more from being asked.
" America-kun, we are here at an anime convention. I've heard from the internet that America-kun's conventions are as pleasant as mine. So I decide to introduce you to another part of my culture, here in your own home." Japan told him. America soaked up the information like a sponge, his smile getting bigger and adding a twinkle to his eye.
"Dude! I've been wondering about anime- that is what dragon ball z and that sailor moony chick are, right? Dude! If I'd have known that those were anime I would've looked into this more long ago!" Alfred practically screamed. His loud voice was attracting attention from the other con-goers, but of course, that's what con-goers do.
"Glad to hear that, America-kun. Would you like to begin looking around? If you have any questions, please ask…just not so loud…" Japan told him as they began to walk towards the escalators.
"Yeah, dude! What's crossplaying, and why is almost everyone doing it? "
Japan blushed lightly at America's mispronunciation. "It's cosplay, America-kun, not crossplay. That's completely different."
"Oh! Okay, well what are both of them?"
"Cosplay is when fans dress up as their favorite characters from anime, manga, video games, or other 'fandoms.' It comes from the words 'costume' and 'play.'"
"So, really, like Halloween for anime fans?"
"Somewhat, yes, America-kun."
"Awesome, dude, so I've already done it! Hahahaha! Okay, so what's crossplay?"
"Crossplay is when someone dresses up as a character of the opposite gender."
"Whoa! Dude that's hardcore fan worship. So that dude I saw in the sailor moony outfit is a crossplayer?"
"Indeed, America-kun."
"Wow…..so what are fandoms?"
"Good question, America-kun…how about I show you what it is, instead?"
Japan received an answer via an extremely loud and happy "awesome!" again, the con-goers stopped and stared, but also again, it's just what they do.
Next time on Dragon Ball- oh wait…..um, next up is: Japan taking America to his first panel! Will he learn what fandoms are? What shall become of the sailor "moony" crossplayer? Tune in next time to find out! Hasta la Pasta!