At 6:30am the alarm sounded within the room. Both Luke and Penelope awoke and stretched, then Penelope turned off the annoying sound.
"Okay! First things first" Penelope said, then kissed Luke good morning.
"Morning chica"
Penelope was up from bed in less than two minutes and heading for the small closet. She pulled out the two garment bags.
"I want to get ready in the bathroom so go in, wash up and everything."
"What if I wanted to get ready in there?"
"Then that would ruin the surprise. You wouldn't want that, would you?"
"Is it one I would like?" Luke asked
"I have no doubt."
"Alright" Luke got up and went to start washing up. Penelope laid Luke's costume on the bed. Then she pulled out her boots and Luke walked back into the room.
"Your costume is there. While your dressing up here I'll be getting dressed in the bathroom".
"I can't wait to see you" Luke said.
"Likewise, handsome" Smiling she walked into the bathroom, carrying the garment bag and boots. A half hour had passed….
"Chica, are you ready?"
Immediately after Luke asked the bathroom door opened. As Penelope came out Luke's mouth dropped.
"What do you think?"
"You were right I do like the surprise. You make a great Wonder Woman."
Penelope dawned the newest version of Wonder Woman attire. Blue mini skirt with a red corset with the golden W outlining and adorning the top of it. The tiara on her forehead, the gold lasso tied to her waist. Penelope was tying the cloak.
"Thank you my dark knight. Do you like what I picked out for you?"
"I'll admit I do like the all black Kevlar look alike suit with the pointed ear mask and cape."
Penelope walked over to him, placed her hand on his costume covered chest.
"Good, I think you look incredible as Batman. The good thing at this comic con they allow masks."
"Hey, don't you need to have some type of bracelets on?"
"I'm impressed, thanks for reminding me" Penelope said and made her way to the bathroom to grab the bracers.
"All set?"
"Let's go!" Penelope said happily.
Hand in hand they walked the short distance from the hotel to the event hall.
The doors had just opened, they just had to wait to walk in. Many other people were dressed up as well. From comic book heroes to sify characters. Each wearing a lanyard with a badge just like Penelope and Luke.
"What's the plan?" Luke asked
"There is a panel on the new Star Wars movie, I thought we could do that. Do some shopping."
"Okay".
They finally got to the entrance and their badges were scanned. Walking into the event hall there was many booths promoting everything, comic books and science fiction related. Luke kept a hold of Penelope's hand as they started walking the crowd filled aisles. Browsing the items for sale: comics, DVDs, action figures, posters and much more.
"I'd like to get something for Reid" Penelope said
"What do you think he would like?"
"Maybe a Star Trek novel".
"Okay I'll keep and eye out" Luke said
They continued looking at the booths and their displays. Making their way to on that sold novels. "Check it out chica" Luke said as he led her to the area with novels.
"Fabulous" Penelope let go of Luke's hand and begun to look thru the books.
He browsed alongside her until he saw a display of various t-shirts. While she was busy with the books he looked at the t-shirts the vendor had. The majority were of DC and its extended universe. There was one's picturing the justice league, others with villains and many with hero symbols. One t-shirt caught his eye.
"Excuse me" Luke said
"What can I do for you?" said the vendor
"Does that come in women's sizes or only men's?
"Both"
"Hmm… Okay I'll take one, men's large. My girlfriend can use it as a sleep shirt."
"Is Wonder Woman there her?"
"Yes, I'm very fortunate" Luke said with a smile.
"You two look good together, great costumes. Your total is $25"
Luke handed him the money when Penelope came and stood next to him. The vendor handed him the bag.
"Thank you. Find anything chica?"
"No"
"There is plenty of more booths."
"What did you get?"
"Just a little something".
"Can I see?" Penelope asked
"No because it's a surprise for you. Which you'll get later".
"I can't wait."
"It's only fair. You made me wait to see my costume. Besides I'm not making you wait long just until after we're don here today."
"Okay" Penelope said then kissed him.
Little did both of them know that an event coordinator had seen them form a far. They continued looking at all the merchandise. Penelope pulled Luke into a booth that was selling art.
"This is interesting, I would have never guessed comics could be turned into art."
"Yeah, not only posters but oil paintings, cloth posters and sometimes figures made of heavy metal" Penelope said
Looking at all the art Penelope came about a watercolor, a white canvas with its subject painted in black.
"I like this"
Luke turned to look at what she was seeing.
"You really like Batman and Wonder Woman don't you" Luke said
"Yes, they're the best. People would disagree with me but I don't care."
The canvas was 11 x 14 and showed both heroes standing. Wonder Woman had her arms around Batman's neck while his hands were on the side of her hips. Batman's cape was flowing towards Wonder Woman. Both looking into each other's eyes.
"It is nice".
"Sir, I'll be taking this one" Penelope said as she handed the picture over
"Great, that will be $30"
Penelope was reaching for her small crossbody bag.
"Here you go" Luke said handing the vendor the money
"But"
"Nope don't start chica."
The vendor gave them the bag.
"Thank you" Penelope said then leaned and kissed Luke's jaw that was covered by the mask.
Luke smiled and both continued to shop. They came upon another booth selling graphic novels and went to look. After spending 15 minutes there they left with a Star Trek novel for Reid.
"Let's head for the panel now" Penelope said
"Alright"
They made their way to the westside of the hall where there was a fairly large screen and about 15 rows of chairs. Luke saw two open chairs and lead Penelope by the hand. After taking their seats the panel started within 15 minutes. On the panel was the director of the movie and a few of the stars. Which answered questions from the host. That portion lasted bout 25 minutes then the director announced that they would be releasing a new trailer and everyone there would get to see it. On the screen the preview played. Once done the crowd clapped and marked the end of the panel.
"Okay I think we need to find some food" Luke said
"Yes"
They got up in search of nourishment. As before Luke intertwined his hand with Penelope's. Making their way thru the crowds which had gotten bigger since the opening. Coming upon a pizza vendor, their sign read Joe's Pizza.
"You good with pizza?" Luke asked
"Yeah, that's fine."
Luke ordered a slice with hand and green olives and Penelope ordered a veggie slice. After a short time, they were given their food. Each slice was the size of the plate and was going over the edge. Penelope had grabbed napkins and their drinks. They ate at a high tabletop. In between taking bites they, people watched. After finishing up Luke there their trash away. Once again holding hands they began to walk in the crowd. A young woman approached them.
"Hi, my name is Luna - I'm one of the coordinators of all of this. I saw you two earlier and obviously you're a couple."
"Yes, we are" Penelope said
"I'd like to know if you would be willing to take part in an event for couples called married within the comics."
"Sounds fun to me, what do you think my knight?"
"I'm game, let's do it."
"Great, you'll be our first WonderBat couple!"
"Really?" Penelope asked
"Yes, more people are for Superman Wonder Woman."
"That's just so wrong" Penelope said
Luke just smiled and both of the began to follow Luna. They neared a smaller stage near the center of the event hall.
"So, the basic idea of married within the comics is basically how it sounds. Comic book characters get married hence becoming WonderBat, Superwonder and so forth. Even villain couples. Each will make/say vows of what you imagine the characters would say or anything you would like to say. Then after you get a picture to take with you."
"Alright" Penelope said
"You'll each just need to fill out these two papers." Luna said handing them the forms and pens.
They took seats that were to the side. The forms asked personal info such as names, date of birth, address, age, status (ex: single, married) and at the end a signature. It took them five minutes to fill everything out and return the forms the coordinator.
"Thanks, in twenty minutes we'll go ahead and start. You can take the time to figure out the vows." Luna said
Luke and Penelope began to think of what they would say.
Luke thought: this is my chance to tell her what she means to me as myself not as Batman. Lay it all out, plus it be a practice run for the real thing in the future.
Penelope thought: I'll incorporate some phrases about our heroes/characters. I'm going to make it heartfelt. Maybe say something about Roxy.
They were pulled out of their thoughts when Luna approached with a man in robs.
"Okay guys we're just about ready to start. This is David he'll be conducting the ceremony."
"It's Luke and Penelope, correct?"
"Yes" Luke answered
"Nice to meet you! Now if you just follow me."
They followed him up on to the stage.
"Before we start we'll need you to face each other."
Once they faced each other immediately they were holding hands.
"Ready?" asked David
Both Penelope and Luke nodded and smiled.
"Welcome to what at this moment is the center of this universe to join these two individuals in a powerful bond. That of love that will surely grow stronger with time. They balance each other, the darkness and light both fighting for justice. It's a path they each have chosen but as of this day forward they do it together side by side. Let's begin with the vows, I know both of you have prepared you own. Batman please say your vows to Wonder Woman."
Luke took a deep breath, smiled and began:
"You are the most incredible woman I've ever known. You bring out the best of me. Helping me face my struggles no matter how dark they are. I love how you fit in my arms and how we share with each other, never holding back. What we share is priceless, there is nothing that can take its place. You're already become my family and I look forward to expanding it. I'll never let you go because you're the love of my life. I promise to love you for eternity, be your partner in the search for justice, be by your side in good and bad times and forever be not only your knight but your newbie as well."
Penelope was tearing up, at what Luke was saying. A few tears fell and Luke reached up and wiped them away.
"There is no reason to cry chica."
"They're happy tears." Penelope said
"Okay, Wonder Woman it's your turn" David says.
Taking a deep breath Penelope began:
"I never thought I would find an extraordinary man like you. I wasn't even sure there were any left out there. Just like Batman you're intelligent, strong, generous and at times stubborn."
That cause Luke to laugh, Penelope continues
"Those are only a few of the things I love about you, honestly I love everything about you. How you love your pup Roxy and take care of her. You're the one who has my heart and I know that no other will. Not only do I want happily ever after if want forever and I know that with you I can have that. I'll never let you go because you're the love of my life. I promise to love you for eternity, be your partner in the search for justice, be by your side in good and bad times and forever be your chica."
Luke couldn't hide his smile, David smiled as well.
"Now do you Batman aka Luke take Wonder Woman aka Penelope to be your partner in this universe?"
"I do" Luke answers
"Wonder Woman aka Penelope do you take Batman aka Luke to be your partner in this universe?"
"I do" Penelope answers
"With the power vested in me in this universe I unite you in the bond of love and justice. I happily pronounce you WonderBat. Batman you can kiss your Wonder Woman."
Luke pulled Penelope into his arms, sealing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss. Pulling away from each other they each had huge smiles on their faces. People around the stage who had been watching started to clap.
"Okay you two let's get your picture, Luna" David said
Luna came up with a camera, David moved off the stage.
"How do you want us to be?" Penelope asked
"Anyway, you would like."
"Okay" Penelope says as she goes to stan in front of Luke. He gets the idea and wraps his arms around her, Penelope's back meeting his front. Luna takes the picture, it captured Luke nuzzling Penelope's neck.
"Perfect, what size print would you like?" Luna asked
"An 11 x 14 would be nice" Penelope says
"Can I get one too?" Luke asked
"Of course, what size?"
"I'm not sure, either a wallet size o 7. I want to make sure to keep it in a safe place."
"We can do both those sizes for you."
"That would be great, thanks."
"It'll be about 10 minutes" Luna said
Then headed to print out the pictures.
"Why couldn't you decide on a size?" Penelope asked
"Well I feel like it's for my personal enjoyment. Plus, since we're still in agreement to keep us on the down low I wouldn't want someone to find it and find us out."
"It has been really good being just us and no one else."
"You got that right. Eventually we'll tell the team."
"Yes, when we both feel the time is right. What would you like to do next?"
"What time is it?"
Penelope pulled her cell phone out and said:
"4:30pm"
"Okay, let's walk around for another hour and then head back."
"Okay handsome."
Five minutes later Luna came up to them with a large white envelope.
"Here you are all set. Thank you for taking part in this."
"No problem at all, it was really a great time" Penelope said
"I'm not sure if you're aware but some of the actors of Justice League are signing and taking photos. If I'm not mistaken Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck and Jason Mamoa are here."
"Seriously?!"
"Yes, I am" Luna said
Penelope turned to Luke with a radiant smile.
"We can go" Luke said
They headed towards the are where the photos and autographs were being done. Unfortunately, they waited in line for an hour and a half. They got a picture with the actors who played Batman and Wonder Woman. Which was autographed as well.
"Thanks for sticking out that wait with me and being patient Luke."
"It wasn't that bad because I was with you. Hey what's that?" As he pointed to a screen
"It's a show from anime called Initial D. Deals with drifting and drag racing."
"Sounds kind of cool."
"Let's watch an episode then" Penelope said
They meant only to spend a half hour there but ended up spending an hour instead.
"Are you tired chica?"
"Yes. We've had a full day."
"Well if you're ready mi amor we can head out. You good with that?"
Penelope nods her head and Luke begins to lead her out of the event hall.
Once outside Penelope grabs onto Luke's hand. After a short walk to the hotel, they're in the elevator. Making their way to the room, Penelope pulls the key out then opens the door.
"Are you hungry?" Penelope asks
"No, I'm good thanks. What do you feel like doing?"
"Maybe look at all the cool stuff we got, undress and change then kick back."
"In that order?"
"Does is it matter?"
"Hmm… Luke acknowledged.
Then thought undressing is important for what I want to do. Penelope sat on the bed with the bas minus one that Luke placed inside his luggage. Beginning to look at what they bought. A few shirts, the print of WonderBat, the gift for Reid. Penelope opened the envelope that Luna gave them as Luke took off his mask.
"These pictures of us came out awesome!"
"I'm glad you like them" Luke said placing the mask on the table. He continued I had a really good time."
"So did I handsome. Oh my gosh!" She was looking at the cream-colored sheet of paper in her hands.
"Baby, what is it?"
A/N: I couldn't resist the chance of doing a cliffhanger. Sorry but it will be revealed in the next chapter.