Song: ''Count to Five – Bedroom'', or any of their songs.

The next morning, Alexandra was up with the dawn. Determined to clear her mind and energize her body, she pulled on her black running shorts, a remnant from her days at Vermont's Police Academy, paired with a plain grey T-shirt. After securing her headphones, slipping on a baseball cap, and grabbing her sunglasses, she stepped out into the early morning light of Gotham Heights.

As she began her run, the quiet streets of the neighborhood transitioned into the bustling avenues of Central Gotham. Alexandra lost herself in the rhythmic beats of Bedroom, the music a perfect companion to her steady pace. The city was waking up; the early rays of sunlight glinted off the high rises, casting long shadows on the pavement.

Her route took her towards Gotham Bay, a part of the city that offered stunning views of the water, juxtaposed against the urban skyline. As she approached the bay, Alexandra felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck, the unsettling awareness of being watched. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a hint of plum—a car, subtle yet distinct in its color, that seemed to be pacing her from a distance.

For a moment, Alexandra considered stopping, confronting the follower, but her instincts told her to brush it off and continue. She wasn't about to let a lingering shadow disrupt her morning routine or her mood.

With the bay behind her, Alexandra picked up her pace, heading back toward her apartment. She had plans with Celine later—a promised shopping spree that she was genuinely looking forward to. As the city sounds enveloped her and the hint of plum faded into the bustling cityscape, Alexandra focused on the day ahead.

By 9 AM, Alexandra was fresh from the shower, her hair thrown up into a messy bun that framed her face casually. She opted for black low-cut flare jeans paired with a low-cut blouse that accentuated her figure and highlighted her toned, soft-cream skin. Slipping into her Dr. Martens, she prepared for the day ahead, a mix of excitement and trepidation filling her as she awaited Celine's arrival.

Celine showed up at Alexandra's door with an infectious energy, her eyes sparkling with the promise of a fashion overhaul. "I can't wait to update your wardrobe with something more... chic," she exclaimed, her tone playful yet determined.

Alexandra hesitated, her comfort in her usual attire clashing with the anticipation of something new. "I suppose I could use outfits for different occasions," she conceded, smiling at her friend's enthusiasm.

The two then stepped into a private Bentley, greeted by the courteous nod of their chauffeur. As the car glided towards the upscale shopping district of Gotham, Celine's excitement was palpable, her plans for the day grandiose.

Amidst the backdrop of boutique windows and luxury retailers, Alexandra broached a topic that had been on her mind. "Celine, have you thought about reaching out to Bruce Wayne again? Alderic mentioned it might be a good idea."

Celine's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "I've sent him letters, Alex, but he hasn't responded. I feel like... maybe he's moved on or just doesn't want to reconnect."

Alexandra touched Celine's arm gently. "You know, Bruce lost his parents just like we did with grandma and grandpa. I remember how mom was after grandma and grandpa died. It's hard, being the only boy in the family with no one around consistently. Even though dad kept in touch and visited often, those moments alone can be incredibly isolating."

Celine absorbed Alexandra's words, a soft sigh escaping her. "You're right, Alex. Maybe I've been too caught up in my own feelings to see the bigger picture."

She smiled, a new resolve lighting her eyes. "Thanks, Alexandra. I'll send him an invitation for dinner this weekend. It'll be casual, nothing too imposing."

As their shopping spree continued, Celine shared updates about the family business empire. "Lacroix & Delune stocks are soaring, Alex. We've been expanding aggressively, and with the efforts we've put in, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, finance, and technology, we're seeing incredible growth."

"Not to mention the infrastructure and transport sectors globally," Alexandra added, well-aware of their sprawling business empire. "And with Damien making it into the New York Philharmonic, it just adds another layer to our family's achievements."

Celine nodded, pride evident in her expression. "It's amazing, really. The combined net worth of Lacroix & Delune might just place us among the top billionaires worldwide—estimated at around $190 billion."

As the luxury of their surroundings melded with thoughts of their burgeoning empire, Alexandra couldn't help but reflect on the vast potential ahead. "Europe and Asia have been fantastic, but the U.S. is a different playground. It opens up so many new avenues for innovation and technology."

Their conversation drifted between family achievements and business prospects, weaving a tapestry of past struggles and future ambitions, all while the heart of Gotham bustled around them. The day unfolded with a mix of personal revelations and professional aspirations, each moment a step toward understanding the complex interplay of their extraordinary lives.

After a morning of shopping and rejuvenating her wardrobe with Celine, Alexandra switched back to her professional mode. By early noon, she was at the precinct, deeply engrossed in her case files. The station buzzed with the typical clamor of urgent calls and ongoing investigations. Suddenly, a call came through about a burglary in a nearby neighborhood. With the department currently short-staffed, Alexandra volunteered to assist on the scene, blending her detective instincts with the routine police work that the situation demanded.

Upon completing the preliminary investigation and ensuring the necessary measures were taken at the burglary site, Alexandra returned to her apartment. The transition from the lively streets to her quiet personal space was always stark. Eager to shake off the day's stress, she headed to the gym located within the tower. The gym, her recent project, was still being set up exactly how she wanted it—a space not just for physical training but also for mental relaxation.

After a rigorous workout session, Alexandra moved to the next phase of her evening routine. She had been organizing a personal office space in her apartment, a dedicated area for her to delve deeper into her cases, plan her strategies, and handle the more serious aspects of her detective work. The office was becoming a sanctum of sorts, equipped with all the necessary tools and references she might need, arranged meticulously to her preferences.

With the physical and mental exertions of the day behind her, Alexandra felt a pull towards a different kind of solace. She sat down at her piano, a beautiful, well-maintained instrument that had become a companion in her moments of solitude. The room filled with the soft, melodic introduction of "Count to Five" by Bedroom. Her fingers danced across the keys with practiced ease, her voice melding beautifully with the melancholic yet soothing melody. The music was a balm, her singing perfect in its emotional delivery, each note and lyric resonating within the walls of her apartment.

As days turned into a whirlwind of activity, Alexandra found moments to connect with her family. During one such day, she video-called her parents, Alderic, Xavier, and Damien. They shared laughs, updates, and the comforting mundanities of daily life. In one of these calls, Alderic took a moment to express a personal message for Bruce Wayne, asking Alexandra to convey his regards and the hope to see him soon—a reminder of the deep ties that still bound them despite their complex, intertwined pasts.

Each day closed much like it started, with Alexandra finding balance between her demanding career and her personal life, always seeking to blend the intensity of her professional pursuits with the grounding presence of her music and family connections.

On Celine's side, the invitation was sent out on a Monday, an elegant card embossed with the Lacroix family crest, addressed to Bruce Wayne. As the week passed without a reply, Celine's initial excitement gave way to disappointment. However, to her surprise, a response came on the very morning of the dinner, which was scheduled for Saturday. It was not Bruce himself who replied, but his faithful butler, Alfred, confirming Bruce's attendance.

The relief and anticipation that filled Celine upon receiving the confirmation were palpable. She spent the day preparing, her emotions a mix of nervous excitement and a deep-seated longing for closure—or perhaps a new beginning.

As the appointed hour approached, Celine stood at the door, her heart pounding as the chime echoed through the foyer. When she opened it, Bruce stood there, slightly hunched, his expression somber. "Hi... Celine," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, awkwardness etched into every feature.

"Hey, Bruce," Celine replied after a brief, heavy silence. Her voice was soft, and a tear welled up unexpectedly, quickly brushed away before Bruce could fully notice. She stepped forward and embraced him lightly, the contact brief but filled with years of unsaid words.

As they sat down to dinner, the atmosphere was thick with a mixture of nostalgia and tentative reconnecting. The table was beautifully set, a stark contrast to the simplicity of their conversation.

"So, Bruce," Celine started, her fingers nervously twisting her napkin, "it's been a long time. I've often wondered... where you've been, what you've been up to."

Bruce's eyes met hers, a fleeting smile crossing his lips before disappearing as quickly as it appeared. "I've been around, Celine. Gotham has kept me... occupied." His gaze drifted, focusing on something unseen, a weight seemingly pressing down on him.

Celine nodded, understanding his allusion to burdens she couldn't fully understand. "You don't have to say anything, Bruce. I... I understand, either way."

Bruce looked back at her, his smile more pronounced this time but still tinged with sadness. "Thank you, Celine. That means more than you might know." He paused, his eyes searching hers. "I've thought about you often. Wondered how you were."

Their conversation then turned to a more personal message from Celine's brother. "Alderic sends his regards," she mentioned casually, watching Bruce's reaction. "He hopes to see you soon."

Bruce nodded, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Please tell him I said hello. He's been a good friend through a lot," he replied, his tone reflecting a mix of fondness and respect for the bond they shared.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as the evening progressed, but the undercurrent of their shared past hung between them. They discussed mutual acquaintances, trivial happenings, and the city they both called home.

As dinner concluded, the initial awkwardness gave way to a more comfortable silence, filled with mutual understanding and the complexities of their intertwined pasts. Bruce stood to leave, his demeanor still guarded, yet softer than when he'd arrived.

Celine walked him to the door, pausing as he stepped out into the night. "Bruce, it was really good to see you."

"Likewise, Celine," Bruce said, allowing himself a final, genuine smile. "Thank you for this... it was more needed than you know."

With a nod, he turned and walked away, his figure blending into the shadows of Gotham, leaving Celine at the doorway, watching until he disappeared, a mix of emotions swirling within her as the city's night swallowed him whole.