Crushing on You

Photo Op

I arrived at the convention early, determined to be one of the first in the door when it opened. My big brother Andy stood next to me, laughing to himself at the way I was practically vibrating with excitement. I could hardly stand still. My feet kept shuffling, my hands and fingers drummed against any object I could find and my eyes darted around like I just didn't know which way to look.

"Calm down little Sis. You look like your on smack or something" he teased.

"I can't. I'm so excited!" I laughed.

"I bet I can guess why..."

"Shut up" I laughed.

Finally the doors were opened and we made our way in among a sea of other excited fans. The noise of hundreds of people all talking around me was almost deafening in my ears, and the fact that people kept brushing up against me as they tried to squeeze by had me on edge. I always had terrible social anxiety, and large crowds made me very uncomfortable. But I could tough it out for one day, I was in my element surrounded by all things comic related.

"So the photo op isnt until like 11, we got some time to kill. Where do you wanna go first sis?" Andy asked as he grabbed a convention map.

"I definitely gotta check out the Funko stall. I want some more Pops for my collection" I grinned.

"How many have you got now?"

"Almost fifty" I replied proudly.

We cruised around the convention for a couple of hours, and in my collection of goodies I had four new Pop vinyls, three superhero t-shirts and a replica Lucille from The Walking Dead. Heading to the photo op area we lined up and waited for my turn.

"You nervous?" Andy asked.

"Are you kidding? I'm beyond fucking nervous. I think I might vomit. Or pass out... Or vomit and then pass out in a puddle of my own puke" I rambled and my big brother just chuckled at me.

"You're such a dork!"

"And proud of it" I retorted as I punched him in the chest softly.

As we waited the line slowly grew shorter, and the closer I came to the front the more nervous I became. My palms were sweating and my cheeks and neck were flushed slightly pink. Thankfully I had the foresight to put on a little make up that morning so that hid a majority of my blushing skin.

"Relax Sis" Andy whispered.

"I can't... I'm freaking the fuck out! I'm about to meet Ruby Rose! I've only been in love with woman for like... 4 years!"

"Oh I know" He laughed. "But you'll be fine. Just play it cool".

"C'mon bro... You know me when it comes to talking to people I like. I am anything but cool".

"Yeah that's true".

"Hey! Not helping" I grumbled.

"Look, just try to forget about how nervous you are. Easier said than done I know. But don't try to be anything other than yourself. Because who you are is great sis" Andy smiled reassuringly.

"Thanks Andy".

"No problem... now you're up! Go get her kiddo" he smiled as he gave me a light shove. I was escorted through to a designated area where I came face to face with my idol.

"Hi" Ruby smiled as she looked me over and outstretched her arms, beckoning me closer.

Oh god... She's smiling at me... She's so fucking beautiful. Is she gonna hug me? Holy fuck... She's gonna hug me. Oh fuck... say something you dick.