King Con. It was one of the largest and most spectacular conventions to ever grace New York at the beginning of the new year. It pulled in fans from around the world, each and every single one of them flocking to this three-day convention to take in the sights, enjoy being in the element of their fandoms, see celebrities, and talk with the creators of some of their very stories. It was a sign of the times, a reflection on the growing trend of “geekdom” and a reminder that it was okay to enjoy these things again. Maybe, one day, it will pass, but for the time being people were going to enjoy it to the fullest.

One of those individuals just happened to be Booker B. Bookman.

Booker was a great fan of conventions, especially when it came to cosplaying. He had always wanted to be a superhero but, when he discovered he had no powers, he had to settle for dressing up as some of his favorites. There was nothing wrong with that, of course, as the librarian found out just how much he enjoyed dressing up in a costume he put a lot of hard work into. He may never be the superhero he wanted to be, but he would settle for the next best thing.

Today was a special day too! Saturday, one of the best days of the convention, and he was spending it with something he actually wanted to hang out with, his new friend, Javier Moreno. The guy was actually pretty cool, a tailor whom he had met at the farmer’s market last November. What started as a random meeting had quickly turned into a friendship the likes of which that Booker had not expected -- and that continued to surprise him every time they met up.

Booker had seen Javier a few times since then, having gone over the tailor’s shop to have the basics of a costume crafted for him. Javier was great at his job and was really pulling together an amazing costume for Wrath of Con in the following months. Still, Booker wanted to expose his new friend to the convention world as it appeared that Javier didn’t have much experience with it. Of course that was a state of being that the librarian couldn’t allow so he offered him an open invitation. To his surprise, while heading over to hang out and try on a new fitting, Javier had agreed.

Oh how excited Booker had been. He loved going to conventions with people he knew, and introducing people to them were just as amazing. Immediately he wanted to bombard Javier with ideas as to costume choices, if he wanted to dress up, but surprisingly Javier had his own ideas. Of course Booker was dying to know what Javier would like to be, but the tailor had been secretive about that. Shame, but it seemed that Mr. Bookman would have to be patient.

The big day came and already Booker was standing outside, waiting for the arrival of his new friend. He had text him to say to meet up at the front doors as he already had his ticket waiting for him. Besides, he wanted to see Javier’s face when he saw him in his own costume.

Leaning against one of the pillars, Booker had already taken several pictures with other cosplayers who were impressed with his costuming abilities, though still not professional. Today the towering librarian was not standing, leaning against a pillar and looking through his phone, but rather the star-and-stripes wearing Lieutenant USA! Complete with shield, the dark-colored superhero was certainly a close representation of the original. Shield in arm, he smirked as he looked down at his phone, flipping through recent photos, awaiting to see where Javier was. Truly this was the most excited the librarian had been in awhile.

But, seriously, where was Javier? Booker chewed on the inside of his cheek as he typed out a text on his phone and sent it off.

Hey Javi! You here yet? Would be so much easier if I actually knew what you dressed as.

[SEND]

He sighed and looked up from his phone. Why was he nervous all of a sudden?

Picking a costume for a convention had not been an easy thing for Javier - which was ironic, given that his actual profession was definitely design-related. Ever since he began making friends with the overly excitable librarian, Javier had been obsessing over what he would do if he actually decided to work up the courage and go to a convention with Booker. Of course Booker was overflowing with ideas and suggestions, but Javier felt no strong attachment to any of the characters on the list, and really did not want to put on a costume he was not comfortable in. Costumes drew attention, and if he did not have the attitude to go with them, he would be standing around awkwardly, or even be judged by fans who actually liked the character, and wanted to see it come alive. So, Javier carefully considered and discarded dozens of options, before finally inspiration struck.

The idea came from the Internet. Preparing himself for one of the largest conventions in the world, Javier scrolled through fan site after fan site, looking for ideas, and trying to get a feel of the whole thing. This was hos he accidentally came across a guy with a genius idea: A character whose sole purpose was going around, helping people fix their costumes on the go. Now that was something Javier could definitely get behind.

Of course, he put his own spin on the outfit. The original focused on utility, while Javier could not help but redesign the idea in a more streamlined fashion. What he created was essentially a very basic "superhero" outfit - a very simple black tactical uniform, mostly hidden by the utility belt he wore around his hips, weighed down with all the tools of costume-fixing, from scissors to duct tape, and the line of colorful threads across his chest. His breast pocket held pins of all shapes and sizes. The finger-less gloves and the shades were just for show, but all in all, Javier felt like he managed to look okay, while also making it very obvious what he was supposed to represent at the con. He hoped that by being helpful to people, he would feel more comfortable in the crowds, and he could, at the end of the day, simply be a (more heroic-looking) version of himself.

Hey Javi! You here yet? Would be so much easier if I actually knew what you dressed as.

He already had Booker in his sight when he got the message. Javier glanced at his watch: He was not late, but Booker had arrived a lot earlier (as per usual, even by Javier's standards). He smiled a little as he noticed the familiar figure in the dashing superhero outfit. Booker could definitely wear both costume and character: He was just as likable (not to mention just as... tall and handsome). Javier picked up his pace and walked over, waving a hand at Booker, suddenly feeling nervous to see his first reaction to the outfit.

"Sorry for being late" he said, even though he wasn't "Nice costume choice. You definitely fit the part." he added with a smile, not sure in what way Booker would take the compliment.

Booker still was unsure what costume that Javier had finally decided upon. He had tried to get a feel for what the man liked and would be willing to dress as, but it seemed that none of his suggestions really hit it home with the tailor. Not wanting to push him, he decided that he would let Javier do his own research and promised that he would offer his assistance and answer questions if Javier had them. Strangely Booker never heard from the tailor as the day got closer, even began to wonder if maybe his new friend had decided to change his mind. But then he got word that a choice was made and Booker was just going to have to wait and see.

He smirked a little at that thought, his mind still reeling with trying to figure out exactly what Javier would have chosen. The possibilities were endless! What would it be? A known hero? A lesser one? Something from mythology? Or something mundane? Really any of it would have worked for Javier’s physique, but what really mattered was if the tailor felt comfortable.

At the end of the day, no matter what Booker thought, Javier was still a socially anxious person who was agreeing to go out to a fan convention that would be full of crowds. He was just happy that Javier was going to give it a go, rather than stay away as if it were a plague victim. He would have understood, sure, but he wanted to be able to go out and enjoy the things he liked with his friend. And who knows, maybe Javier would end up having a good time after all.

In the end, that was all that mattered.

But, still, it would be nice to know where he was. Booker was early, as usual, but Javier was an early bird too. It was turning into a game of who could get where earlier and this time Booker had seemingly won. So he stood, leaning against a pillar in his costume, wondering where Javier had gotten himself to. He wouldn’t have to wait for long as he lifted his gaze and found a familiar figure waving at him from across the way.

Booker’s smile broaden all the more. Of course a reason was the fact that Javier was actually here, but the second reason was due to the costume he spotted. He was initially mystified but as the tailor drew closer, Booker noted the thread, the ducttape, the glue, and he had to clap in utter amusement. Honestly, he couldn’t have picked a better outfit for his friend than that of a Superhero Tailor.

>>"Sorry for being late...Nice costume choice. You definitely fit the part."

Booker chuckled and shook his head. ”You’re not in the least bit late,” he grinned. But, even if you were, you’d be worth the wait.” He paused. He started to internally sweat. Quickly he picked up his fumble before he ended up making things too awkward. ”I mean, that costume is so frickin’ brilliant!” Booker grinned as he looked Javier over. ”Superhero Tailor definitely suits you!”

Javier smiled as he walked up to Booker. His costume looked very well constructed, and (even more importantly, from a fan point of view) looked very good on him. And who didn't like Lieutenant USA?

>>”You’re not in the least bit late. But, even if you were, you’d be worth the wait.”

Javier blinked, a sudden rush of warmth flooding his chest, and tried very hard not to ruin his superhero image with a blush. He sunk his hands into his pockets and looked down, waiting for Booker to correct himself.

>>”I mean, that costume is so frickin’ brilliant! Superhero Tailor definitely suits you!”

Javier looked up, moving past the momentary awkwardness and smiling in relief as Booker commented on his costume choice with his usual enthusiasm. At least he did not immediately think the costume was a mistake. He looked down again, fiddling with some of the equipment he was carrying.

"Thanks! I mean... all of this is functional. I figured, is anyone needs a costume fixed on the go... I'm good at that." he admitted with a shy smile "The idea wasn't really mine, but I kinda re-created it as a costume..." he shrugged, not really sure what else to say about his costume. Hopefully people would recognize it for what it was, and think that it was useful. "So... shall we go in?..."

Okay so there was a small hiccup. Maybe Booker said something that he should have taken more thought on. In all fairness, he didn’t initially think there was anything wrong with what he said. It was true, he liked hanging out with Javier and, therefore, it was worth the wait. It was worth waiting for a lot of his friends! That was just how the librarian saw it. Of course his words could easily be taken out of context, something that the librarian immediately noticed the second he said them.

It seemed that the foot-in-mouth disordered he tended to suffer from was rearing its ugly head again. Sigh.

However Booker was able to immediately spin the issue. The costume. Yes. He was just excited to see the costume. Javier had teased it enough that Booker’s need to know was at its highest peak. How could he not be excited about it, especially when this was supposedly Javier’s first time cosplaying? At a glance it was certainly worth the wait. The creativity that went into it was awe-inspiring and it perfectly fit his friend’s persona because it was something that he loved and it ensured that he wouldn’t draw too much attention to himself, other than being helpful to people.

Booker was almost upset that he hadn’t considered the option himself, but he was grateful that Javier was able to find something that appealed to him. So, he admitted, the costume was absolutely great. He watched Javier fiddle with some of the baubles attached to his costume before he offered him a kind smile.

>>"Thanks! I mean... all of this is functional. I figured, is anyone needs a costume fixed on the go... I'm good at that...The idea wasn't really mine, but I kinda re-created it as a costume..."

A wide grin and Booker nodded, giving Javier a playful punch in the arm. ”Great thinking. That really, really suits you,” he said warmly.

Booker still couldn’t get over what an amazingly appropriate costume choice that was. He found himself staring for a few moments, smirking as he looked over the other. A variety of scenarios filled his head, Javier running to the aid of someone who had tore their cape or accidentally ripped a wing from its harness. It was enough of an image to make the librarian chuckle but somehow just seemed very fitting from what he knew of his friend. Again, he had to congratulate him on a great costume choice.

>>"So... shall we go in?..."

He blinked, shaken from his musings. That was right. They were here to do something. So he nodded as he reached into one of the supply pouches attached to the belt around his waist and pulled out their passes. The laminated badges were on lanyards that easily slipped around their necks. Booker slipped on his own before offer Javier his.

”Yup! Just put this on and we’re away!” He grinned. Turning and sliding on his shield (a hefty price but it was worth it) and led Javier to the front doors. ”Make sure the barcode is showing, okay? They’ll scan us in and be prepared. You’ll see a lot for your first time.” He chuckled. ”But, if you need a break or to find someplace less crowded, let me know. I know the ins and outs of these things. There are pockets were you can gather yourself. I promise.”

Booker was very appreciative of the costume. With every smile and compliment, Javier relaxed a little more, smiling proudly at the end as Booker broke through the line between "politely complimenting" and "sounding convincingly genuine, even to someone with anxiety." The tailor smiled, looking down at his costume. He was glad that he had not made some unforseen geek faux pas. Now he just had to hope the rest of the thousands of geeks inside the convention center were similarly okay with the idea.

>>”Yup! Just put this on and we’re away! Make sure the barcode is showing, okay? They’ll scan us in and be prepared. You’ll see a lot for your first time.”

Javier slipped the lanyard over his head, making sure the pass was showing properly. He could see other people wearing the same kind of tags on visible places. He felt like one of the crowd, even though he did not know much of the crowd yet.

>>”But, if you need a break or to find someplace less crowded, let me know. I know the ins and outs of these things. There are pockets were you can gather yourself. I promise.”

It was very considerate of Booker to remember that Javier was not a fan of crowds. He had not really explained in detail what his GAD entailed, but the librarian possessed enough empathy to pick up on cues in their conversations, and Javier knew he could trust him to help if things got out of hand. He took a deep breath, and nodded. With Lieutenant USA at his side, he would be just fine.

"Alright, let's go. Show me what all the hype is about."

There was a little bit of fear for Javier. He knew that he other man would be trampled or anything, but he was certain that it would be a bit overwhelming for the shy tailor. Conventions were not for the faint of heart as they tended to be filled to the brim with people from all walks of life, every single one of them clamouring for attention. There was laughing, roaring, sometimes a couple of fight, but at the end of the day, everyone was there to have a good time, despite how loud and rambunctious the entire lot could be. That was something that Javier had to be prepared for and that scared the librarian just a little bit.

But it seemed that Javier would be a good sport about it. He wanted to give this a shot and Booker would make sure to not abandon him throughout the experience. That was why he warned him that things could get a little hectic and, if Javier needed a break, he knew those pockets of freedom that could be found throughout. The librarian was going to ensure, to the best of his ability, that his tailor friend would have a good time.

Handing off his badge, Booker started to led the way to the front doors and offered his warning and his assurance. With a smile on his face, Javier followed and nodded.

>>"Alright, let's go. Show me what all the hype is about."

Booker laughed. ”Hah! I hope I didn’t overhype it too much,” he shook his head. The last thing he wanted was to make it sound far more interesting. But, he shrugged his shoulders. ”If anything, you’ll certainly have a story or two to tell.”

And stories there would be. The second that the duo walked in through the front doors, they would find themselves in a world of impossibilities made possible. Walking robots, celebrity look-a-likes, superheroes, monsters, angels, devils, and everything in-between all existed here. It was a place that was out of time and in a world unto its own, it was a cosplay convention. From the towering autobots, to the regular people dressed up in thematic t-shirts, it was a place that was open for all to let their geekdom fly, with little judgement. It was what Booker liked to call home.

As he marched in, he held up his pass to allow the workers to scan it before he moved into the air-conditioned room. The scent of frying churros and sounds of various catchphrases filled the air, weaving a thick atmosphere of geekdom to assault all the senses. Before immediately jumping right in, Booker merely stood in the center of it, waiting for Javier to join him at his side. He waved at a few people who shouted “LIEUTENANT U.S.A.!!!” He took a quick pose with his shield for a picture or two before his grinning self turned back around. When Javier was finally at his side, an empathic smile etched his lips.

”How you doing, buddy?” he asked cautiously. ”All good?”

To tell the truth, Javier was a little nervous. Not that he worried about the crowd, or the costumes, or feeling out of place; but rather, he worried what would happen if it turned out that the con really wasn't his thing. Not that he was a couple with Booker or anything... he was not required to like the things the librarian liked. But with that said, Booker's sheer enthusiasm made Javier wish that he could really like them too.

>>”Hah! I hope I didn’t overhype it too much. If anything, you’ll certainly have a story or two to tell.”

Javier smiled and nodded, following his friend to the gates. Booker got through first, and then Javier's badge was checked. The man working the gate asked him to step aside, which gave Javier the familiar adrenaline jump, thinking something was wrong. He hated that feeling. Luckily, a few minutes later he was through the gates, and looking around to find Booker.

>>“LIEUTENANT U.S.A.!!!”

Javier smiled as he saw Booker posing for pictures. He was really in his element, and judging from people's reactions, he was really appreciated for his dedication to the costume. Javier waited, making sure he did not photobomb any pictures, before he joined him.

>>”How you doing, buddy? All good?”

"All good" Javier nodded, adjusting his belt "They wanted to see if I had anything dangerous... I told them I only have dull scissors, and they decided needles are not a threat. Apparently many people pin their costumes... I think they just liked the idea." he chuckled. Once the people at the door realized what his intention was with the costume, they seemed very amused.

"So... there is a map" Javier noted, holding up the leaflet they gave him "But I guess you already know your way around all these... halls, and levels, and hallways... Where to?"

Booker stepped aside as he waited for Javier. While the librarian normally just threw himself into the fray and got started with his usual runs, today he was going to take things a bit more slowly. He tended to do so whenever he was bringing someone new into the convention world. It could be overwhelming the first time and he didn’t want to pull Javier into a whirlwind of movement, sight, and sound. No, he would calm his adventurous spirit and being the dutiful guide for his newfound friend. Of course that didn’t meant that photo opportunities were off the table.

This was one of Booker’s favorite parts of going to the conventions, stopping for photos. There was something nice about other people wanting to take photos with you or of you. It was a validation that all the hard work he had put into his costume had been worth it in the end. So when a few people shouted out the name of his character, Booker chuckled, put on his best Lieutenant U.S.A. pose and waited for them to take a few photos. More would come but, with a way, the fans were off and Booker turned to see Javier smiling and at his side again.

He knew that he didn’t need to dote on Javier, but still he wanted to make sure he was okay. So he asked.

>>"All good...They wanted to see if I had anything dangerous... I told them I only have dull scissors, and they decided needles are not a threat. Apparently many people pin their costumes... I think they just liked the idea."

Booker nodded understandingly. Security needed to be on it with these things. Some people wanted to bring in their most expensive collectables, especially if they fit their cosplays. So many swords, polearms, and BB-guns were turned away at the doors simply because of the danger they posed. Not that too many tragedies happened at these things, but it was always better safe than sorry.

”Oh yeah,” he said with a wave of his hand. ”I figured you would be okay. I mean, even if you went nuts, there’s only so many people you can prick before security tackles you to the ground.” He chuckled. The scissors were dull and the needles were harmless -- Javier’s costume was just fine. ”Besides, they probably only used it as an excuse to check you out.” He beamed. Then realized what he said. ”I mean the costume...of course.”

His cheeks colored. Dammit. Thankfully Javier pressed on, holding up a pamphlet given to all attendees which contained a map. Awesome.

>>"So... there is a map...But I guess you already know your way around all these... halls, and levels, and hallways... Where to?"

”Actually that’s more useful than me!” He grinned. He moved up closer to Javier, peering down at the pamphlet in his hands. ”They change these things around all the time, vendors vie for certain spots every year and the panels change up all the time. But this will definitely give us a good idea of where to start!” He pursed his lips, peering at the map, the schedule of events he memorized, and spots where some of his favorite vendors were located. ”Well it’s early enough that not a lot of the big things are happening. So you wanna just wander? Get you into the feel of it? Maybe pick up some sweet, sweet swag?”

He nodded, grinning, waggling his eyebrows as if swag were the absolute end-all-be-all of things. Of course swag was just a bunch of meaningless merchandise, it was still a great part of the experience.

For a split second Javier had that sinking feeling kids tended to have when their parent left them in the grocery store line to run and grab something. What if Booker got lost in the crowd? How would he even find him?... But then there he was, and Javier quickly explained what had kept him at the door. There was no harm done, but as his very first experience walking into the con, he wanted to share it anyway.

>>”Oh yeah. I figured you would be okay. I mean, even if you went nuts, there’s only so many people you can prick before security tackles you to the ground. Besides, they probably only used it as an excuse to check you out... I mean the costume...of course.”

Javier blinked. Going nuts and pricking people... not that he ever planned on going on a rampage, but if he did, it would not make use of the needles, really. Then again, he still owed Booker a confession about his powers - something that he had been putting off all this time. Not that he thought Booker would mind. He was a pretty open-minded guy. It was just... Javier really did not use his powers, and he had learned a long time ago that they were not very reliable anyway. He just... did not want to go into all that, just to sound more disappointing than his anxiety already made him.

As for the other comment... he quickly pulled the map out as a distraction.

>>”Actually that’s more useful than me! They change these things around all the time, vendors vie for certain spots every year and the panels change up all the time. But this will definitely give us a good idea of where to start!... Well it’s early enough that not a lot of the big things are happening. So you wanna just wander? Get you into the feel of it? Maybe pick up some sweet, sweet swag?”

"That... sounds good to me" Javier ventured. The vendors' hallway sounded promising, and a lot to look at. Besides, as they strolled, most of his attention was drawn by the various costumes anyway. "You'll have to tell me what counts as good swag, though. I'm a little behind on the references." he chuckled. They were finally moving, and he could see some people's faces light up as they saw Booker in his costume. Checking out or not, he definitely drew more attention. "So... what are you looking for?" Javier ventured after a while "I mean, everyone seems to have characters, and costumes, and... things they are excited about..."

Booker was more than ready to jump into the mess that was the convention center but he wanted to make sure that Javier would be good for the experience too. It was a lot to take in for the first time but the librarian was hopeful that he could steadily ease the tailor into the world. But Booker would be at his side, he would help steadily get a handle of the environment and, for starters, they could start slow. Booker didn’t need Javier overwhelmed before lunch.

So when he was asked where to start, Booker took immediate note of the fact that it wasn’t very late yet so there weren’t that many things for them to really get into the meat of just yet. Wandering. Wandering would be in store of them. Just a chance to walk around, see the vendors, and maybe get a few good pieces of swag. That seemed like a good place to start.

Javier seemed to agree.

>>"That... sounds good to me...You'll have to tell me what counts as good swag, though. I'm a little behind on the references."

Booker grinned. ”Of course! Swag is just the promotional things that vendors give out to get you to watch their shows, read their books, etc. So bookmarks, pens, collectibles, that kind of stuff.” He commented as they walked. ”Last con I went to I got this amazing soundtrack for a movie that was coming out later in the year. It was a great sneak peek.” He beamed. ”Still listen to it on my MyPod from time to time.”

Conventions were usually great places to get some promotional items. Not all of it had uses but sometimes it was just nice to pick something up that you will never, ever use again. It made the librarian smile inside knowing that Javier would leave today with something that he helped him to attain. Hopefully he would like it.

They made their way towards the vendors, seeing that it was still early enough that most places that had lines were fairly small and quick. That was the good thing about being experienced with cosplaying and convention going, you know exactly when to strike. As they started to mill about, Booker taking a mental snapshot of the stalls he wanted to see, he stopped when Javier drew his attention.

>>"So... what are you looking for?...I mean, everyone seems to have characters, and costumes, and... things they are excited about..."

He shrugged. ”Oh I’m on the look-out for a lot of things,” he said. ”Mainly I just come to have a good time and see all the costumes, and, of course, make others smile.” He smirked, moving around a rather large costume in the shape of a red police box. Dedication. ”The panels are pretty good too. Sometimes you get some behind-the-scenes video, or a glimpse of some movie coming up later in the year. They’re pretty good about ensuring that people who make the trek to come to these things are the only ones who get to see it first.”

Booker then smiled as he looked down to Javier. ”You? What made you finally say yes?” He said sweetly. ”My sparkling personality?”

Due to both of them being earlier than intended, they managed to arrive early enough - as far as Javier could tell, way before the large crowds came in. Sure, there were enough people in the hallways to give the con its magical, costume-filled atmosphere, but it wasn't overwhelming yet, and the booths and tables were easy to get near. Javier looked around curiously as they walked, his attention divided between cosplays and vendors.

>> ”Swag is just the promotional things that vendors give out to get you to watch their shows, read their books, etc. So bookmarks, pens, collectibles, that kind of stuff. Last con I went to I got this amazing soundtrack for a movie that was coming out later in the year. It was a great sneak peek. Still listen to it on my MyPod from time to time.”

Javier had a general idea of what Booker meant by swag, but he was not sure what kinds of things one might encounter at a convention. They seemed to be things that fans would be excited about, and hold valuable, so that they would return, and share their experiences with others. Javier's eyes scanned all the colorful things on tables, and the signs put up everywhere. This place was really a treasure trove for people who were passionate about geek things. He wondered which ones Booker was interested in.

>>”Oh I’m on the look-out for a lot of things. Mainly I just come to have a good time and see all the costumes, and, of course, make others smile... The panels are pretty good too. Sometimes you get some behind-the-scenes video, or a glimpse of some movie coming up later in the year. They’re pretty good about ensuring that people who make the trek to come to these things are the only ones who get to see it first.”

Javier nodded. He liked movies. They were a fun thing to do with other people without being in a crowd, and a topic that was fun to discuss in awkward social situations. Javier definitely had his favorites, and even though he did not think of himself as a geek, he spotted some of their merchandise in the vicinity.

>>”You? What made you finally say yes? My sparkling personality?”

Javier blinked, caught in a headlight with the sudden question.

"Yes." okay, that sounded embarrassing. He blinked again "I mean, yes... the way you talked about this, it sounded fun." okay, that sounded pathetic. Javier sighed "I like to experience things with people who are really passionate about that thing. That... makes it fun, if I'm with someone who likes what they are doing, and I learn a lot from listening. So I thought, if I am going to a con... I'd like to go with you." he looked away, suddenly feeling shy "Also... I kinda wanted to see the costumes."

As nice as Javier was, he certainly did seem like the flighty type. He was consistently shy, a bit nervous, sometimes blushed a little too brightly, so why did he agree to come to this? The librarian would be lying if he didn’t say that the question nagged at him. The tailor owed him absolutely no explanation but he was still curious on the matter. So, with slight grin on his lips, he simply went ahead and asked him -- what made him want to come?

There were a plethora of reasons to choose from, he was sure. To see costumes, nothing better to do, maybe to get the librarian off of his back; but in the end it was Javier’s decision and if he wanted to keep it to himself, Booker would understand. Thankfully he didn’t have to wonder after it as the tailor did seem fit to provide him with a response to Booker’s joking comment about it being because of he was sparkly and shiny.

>>"Yes...I...I mean, yes... the way you talked about this, it sounded fun."

Booker paused for a moment, his eyebrows lifted at the mention that Javier was doing this for him. His mind was ready to start running with those words, but he stopped himself when the tailor clarified that he had based his decision on how much Booker had spoken about the convention.

Yeah, that made sense. The convention could inadvertently draw people into the fold who would have never thought they would go to one in the past. Besides, even if there was the smallest inkling of “geek” in the tailor, then the draw of a free ticket should have been enough to pique his interest. And his interest was obviously piqued. Look at him! He was actually in costume!

Truly it was a blessed day.

>>"I like to experience things with people who are really passionate about that thing. That... makes it fun, if I'm with someone who likes what they are doing, and I learn a lot from listening. So I thought, if I am going to a con... I'd like to go with you...Also... I kinda wanted to see the costumes."

Booker smiled a little stupidly as he walked alongside Javier. He admitted that part of the reason that he wanted to come was because of Booker’s enthusiasm. He didn’t know why but the librarian took a bit of pride in that knowledge. He knew that he could talk a lot about comics and geek culture, to the point that people could get sick of him. But the fact that he hadn’t driven Javier to that point was both a relief and a bit encouraging. He liked hanging out with Javier, he liked talking to him. He would have hated to learn that he infuriated the guy by never shutting up about what he enjoyed.

But that wasn’t the case. Instead, he had almost inspired the tailor to want to take part in this side of his world. It made Booker both smile and blush a little at the notion.

Of course Javier didn’t just leave it at that. He seemed embarrassed and quickly added in that he wanted to see the costumes as well. He nodded, lifting his head again as he scanned their surroundings for vendors and possible swag. Though Javier tried to backpedal, Booker couldn’t help but offer a compliment in return.

”I’m glad I came with you too,” he said with a small, slightly shy smile. However, he didn’t elaborate lest he overstep his bounds and just shook it off, marching ahead to where there wa sa vendor giving out Flying Fox sleep masks (get it? To put over your eyes? Making you blind? Like a bat? Sigh.). Booker grinned as he waved Javier over. ”Come on! Sleep masks!” he announced, as if it were a vein of unclaimed gold. ”Let’s get in line and see what else we can get!”

>>”I’m glad I came with you too,”

Javier could feel his cheeks heat up, which was extra embarrassing since they were both wearing superhero costumes (sort of), and they were surrounded by a whole lot of people, many of whom were already fangirling over Booker USA. But still, it was nice to hear that. With some luck, this was going to be a fun, low stress day at the convention.

Soon, Booker located his first prey.

>>”Come on! Sleep masks! Let’s get in line and see what else we can get!”

Javier chuckled and followed Booker to stand in line. Flying Fox was a classic; he was not surprised they had so much swag for his brand.

"And there goes the man himself" Javier chuckled, nudging Booker as a man in a Flying Fox costume appeared in the crowd. It was a pretty well done costume too, with the signature ears and the snout. Javier would not have been surprised if the guy turned out to be a professional. "Never quite understood the flying fox thing though. Don't they eat fruit?..."

Okay so Booker could get a little excitable when it came to getting swag. He couldn’t help it, he was a collector. Of course his sister would rebrand him as more of a hoarder, but it wasn’t as if Booker didn’t have room to move around in their home. Besides, he was certain that one day that storage unit full of his collectables would pay for itself before long. Not that anyone actually needed to know about his storage unit. Ahem.

But that was besides the point. Booker was just a fan of collecting things. Conventions were great places to pick up random things to replace your already owned random things. For example, Booker had a sleep mask at home. He didn’t use it every night, usually only on nights when it was fairly difficult to fall asleep. But wouldn’t it be far more likely to be used it possessed the same steely eyes of determination and the flat, bat-like nose of everyone’s favorite B.C. superhero?

At least that was how Booker would justify it to himself right now. Later, well, he’d worry about later when it actually got here. In the meantime, FREE Flying Fox sleeping mask!!

His enthusiasm must as been amusing to Javier because just as he tried to bring the other to join him in line, he found that Javier was just grinning. It may have been silly but he was glad that Javier didn’t make fun of him for it. Javier, apparently, was too nice of a guy for that.

They had just gotten into line when Booker too noticed the man dressed up like Flying Fox. It was a pretty nice costume! Not the absolute best but close enough to have probably earned the cosplayer some awards. Booker had an eye for noticing those people who put a lot of work into their outfits and this Flying Fox certainly wanted to express his love for the character.

>>"And there goes the man himself...Never quite understood the flying fox thing though. Don't they eat fruit?..."

Booker smirked. ”Yeah but in the 1930’s, a bat was a bat. You’d be surprised how many were classified as vampire bats when there are tons of different varieties” Booker’s knowledge of comics and history were fairly expansive. But, he didn’t want to bore Javier so he pressed on with the point. ”The artists saw how big flying foxes are, biggest in the Chiroptera family, and decided they would model their vigilante after it.” He snorted. ”Ironic because, as you say, total fruit lover.”

Almost as if to continue his point, Booker looked off to the side and noted the tall, lanky man dressed in a purple suit and white skin. One would have almost mistaken him for a clown if it weren’t for a closer look at the red lip stain he wore (berry juice), and the shape of his fluorescent yellow hair (combed into the shape of a banana). Yes, the Producer was a dastardly villain of the Flying Fox and fitting since the real bat dined on fruit. Booker just smirked, watching the cosplayer brandish handfuls of fruit at passerbys, even heading off to pester whichever Flying Foxes he could find.

The librarian snickered as he pointed him out to Javier. ”That’s actually why they retconned that fruit stand worker into the villain known as the Producer for Flying Fox to square off against in the 40’s. It’s all connected, I guess.”