It took the boys not very long to find the first panel- a simple little introduction to what anime is. The line was short when they got there, so they didn't have to wait too long. (Which was good for Japan-America may be his best friend, but that didn't mean he was okay with his excessive whining.)

Happily seated inside the room, America observed the other people in room. Kids and adults alike were in costumes, geeking out together without a care in the world. It was nice, America noted. He knew that kids were made fun of in some places for liking stuff like this. He voiced his opinion to his dark haired friend.

Japan smiled at his friend. "Hai, America-kun. You are right- that's why I love anime conventions. In my home, so many are ridiculed and scorned for their hobbies, and they have to hide their interests -even from their own best friends. So I enjoy how happy and lively these events are, for everyone here."

"Dude, that's touching. No joke, now I'm even more pumped for this! So what's this thing for? Panel, was it?"

"Indeed. Panels are small events at conventions focused usually on one topic or anime. This particular one is an introduction to what the convention is all about. Typically it's for newbie anime fans or friends of the con-goers, and in some cases the parents of kids who are anime fans."

"Cool, dude. So we just chill and let them teach us all about it?"

"Pretty much."

"Awesome, dude! "

Japan smiled again, but his focus was pulled towards the hosts of the panel, a young boy and girl in cosplay.

The young girl, dressed as Rose Tyler from Doctor Who, moved directly in front of the room. Smiling, she greeted the con-goers and began the panel.

"Hello, everyone, and welcome to San Japan! We hope you enjoy the convention, and have lots of fun here!"

Her companion, a young man dressed as the 10th Doctor, stood next to her, and started up an internet tab on a projector.

"Hope you all find this convention, and these fandoms, to be fantastic!"

"Duddddeeeeeee….. This is blowing my mind!"

"Glad to see that, America-kun. Now-"

"Who knew that fandoms were so….massive! Those fans are crazy! In a good way, though."

"They are called fandoms for a reason…."

"That website, Tumblr, was it? Is it only for fandoms?"

"It seems like that most of the time, but it's for anything, really."

"Well those fandoms looked amazing! Like, those people-no, cosplayers! They were from the Doctor Who fandom! And all those others….so that means all these cosplayers belong to fandoms! Various or otherwise! Man, Japan, I'm learning fast! Hahahahahahahahaha!"

Japan made a noise that was a mix between a sigh and a small chuckle. He was glad that America was learning and enjoying his culture…. But he was also upset that the staff decided to use Tumblr as the source of "fandom 101" as America was already referring it to. The poor young man's life was sure to be ruined after this….

"JAPAN! DUDE WAKEY WAKEY!"

Japan snapped out of his daydreams, thanks to his best friends extremely loud vocals. Glaring at the American, he noticed that they had wandered to the artist alley from the panel room. America looked eagerly at the different tables, and the wonderful art and creations made by the sellers. He looked at Japan , his blue eyes excited , and practically begged to go see. Japan laughed at his impatientness, and waved him off. With a "Whoop!" America was running towards the nearest table.

"Hey, hey, did you make all of these? " America was at a table with badges of various characters, along with buttons and the like.

The cosplayer in charge, a pretty young lady dressed as the VOCALOID SeeU, blushed and nodded. America's grin got wider, and he began to look at the badges with earnest. At the same time, another young girl, dressed as the VOCALOID Aoki Lapis, came up to the SeeU, carrying sodas.

"Heya, Cinda, sorry I took forever. There was this Sherlock cosplayer right in front of me haha, I had to take a pic. Here's your drink. How's the sales so far?"

It was then that the girl saw America and Japan in front of the table. Breaking out in a grin, she immediately went into what Cinda deemed "seller mode."

"Welcome, gents! Please, take your time and feel free to ask me any questions. I'm Misa and this is Cinda, and together we make up Artistically Unknown Productions!" She smiled warmly at the both of them.

"Well, thanks! Man, these are amazing, you two should be proud! They are from fandoms, right?" America asked with confusion clear on his face. He was still so new to this…

Both laughed, and nodded. Cinda turned to help Japan, as he was ready to buy a badge that said, " Free hugs? Try free glomps." She usually left the talking to Misa, since the other was used to talking to strangers at conventions. Now was one of those times.

"Yeah, all of them are. We haven't tried for original characters, yet. Maybe next year. But you, my friend, have the look of a noob. First ever convention?"

America blushed slightly, but nodded when he noted that Misa wasn't making fun of him. She smiled again, and said," Hey, don't worry, mostly everyone was at their first one. Relax, have fun! That's the real purpose of these, anyway. And yeah, every anime, manga, video game, book, or regular TV show is considered a fandom if it has actual fans, not just people who watch it when there is nothing else on. Simple, right?"

America nodded, happy to have met such awesome people already. "Thanks, really girl, for being so nice. In fact, everyone I've seen so far has been nice- you, Cinda, the Doctor people (at that Misa smiled, Doctor Who being her latest obsession), and Ja-Kiku here!"

"Alfred-kun, I was with you to begin with-"

"You still count, okay?"

Both girls giggled at the friends. Misa started, "Well, thankies, darling. I will tell you, though, not everyone is nice at things like this. As much as there are awesome people here, there are haters, too. Which really doesn't make any sense, seeing as you have to pay to get in here-"

"WOW REALLY? A fat girl like you, dressing as a VOCALOID?" haughty laughter reached the Artistically Unknown table, and all the people there looked at the source. Misa rolled her eyes, the target of the cruel words.

"Really, Carlos, do you have to be a douche? I can't help that I'm overweight, just leave me alone." Her words were strong, and her expression stone. She was used to people looking down at her for her weight.

"Yeah! Just leave her alone!" Cinda proclaimed, shocking all except her best friend. She made a protective stance slightly in front of Misa. Con-goers started to slow down around them. Some simply curious, others waiting for a fight, and more than those two together waiting to step in.

America instantly was on guard. Japan sighed, hoping that they wouldn't have had to see this until at least Sunday.

The boy looked about ready to argue back when Misa turned back to her customers.

"Alfred, was it?" She asked.

America looked up at the use of his human name. "Yeah, that's me."

She smiled sadly, and said, "Look closely, as you are about to witness the actions of your very first convention hater!"

Next time: what will America and Japan do about Misa and Cinda's situation? Will the two girls become friends with our nations? What will happen to our "convention hater?" Why did Japan buy that badge? Tune in next chapter to find out!

Thanks all who read my story so far! And to the nice anons, or anon if you are the same person, for the reviews! It makes me want to write more ^^ the two girls in this story are based on myself and one of my best friends (all will have a cameo I decided). Can you guess which one is me? ;) I hope you enjoyed reading, please review! And remember that I do not own Hetalia or San Japan- however, Cinda and I do own Artistically Unknown Productions, we are the co-creators of it. We cosplay and have plans for cosplay videos and skits. Again, thanks so much for reading! Love you all! 3