"Chloé, come on! We're supposed to go after the akuma!"

We all glanced over when Ladybug showed up, looking frustrated. "So? I still need someone to do my homework!" She snapped. "Do you even hear yourself?" I sigh. "That would explain a lot," Ladybug chuckles. "But seriously, Chloé, we need you out there. At this rate we might as well give the Bee Miraculous to Esme."

I laugh at this. "Even I'd do more work than she does and I'm definitely not hero material!" "I can do twice as much work as you in my sleep!" Chloé snarls. "Prove it, then," I shrug. "Go help Ladybug and do your own homework."

Chloé huffs, but reluctantly leaves with Ladybug, causing us both to sigh in relief. "Thanks, Esme," Ladybug smiles as she swings away with her yo-yo. I watch them go, then head back inside. My homework's already finished up since I usually do it at school. Being alone a lot has its advantages, I suppose.

Guess it's time to start on chores.

~•~

"Master Fu? I have the Bee Miraculous back from Chloé," Marinette smiles as she entered the guardian's parlour. The old man smiled and opened the Miracle Box for her, allowing her to replace the Miraculous.

"Good work, Marinette. I assume there was no trouble?" Master Fu checked. He always made sure when Chloé was involved. "She... mostly sticked to script," Marinette sighed. "She went after Esme again. I hate that she just picks on the quiet people that do nothing wrong!"

"Hm... this is the third time this week. What is it about this girl that she hates so much?" Master Fu asked curiously. "I don't know, but she mostly just tries to take advantage of her," Marinette sighed. "And every time we go see her to detransform while Chloé's with us, she won't even-!"

"Wait, you detransform in front of this girl?!" Master Fu asked in shock. "Oh, no, no!" Marinette assured him quickly. "Of course not! Esme's started letting superheroes stop by her house so they have a safe place to go to detransform and feed their kwamis in private! She's got a whole floor of her house set out so there are rooms we can stay in if we're too tired to get home safely after a night patrol and stuff like that!"

"Really?" Master Fu looked intrigued by this. "Hm... what else do you know about this girl?"

"I don't really speak to her in school," Marinette admitted. "Nobody does. She's always on her own." "Why is this?" Master Fu asked curiously. "Is there something that makes you not want to be around her?"

"No, not at all. Everyone likes her, she's really nice. It's just... I don't know, really. She just never tried to talk with anyone much."

"And have you tried to instead?"

"... no..."

"Why not?"

"I don't know... I guess I just thought she liked being alone. But now that I think about it... she does try and talk to me a lot when I go to her place as Ladybug. It's the same with everyone else."

"It sounds to me that this girl is lonely," Master Fu stated wisely. "But she doesn't know how to approach you. When you've approached her in the past, she's met you halfway. But she doesn't know how to initiate this."

"Maybe you're right," Marinette nodded slowly. "I guess I should try talking to her at school. I'll invite her to eat lunch with me and Alya!"

"That's a good idea," Master Fu smiled. "Oh, and Marinette? Do you think it would be possible for you to ask the other heroes about this as well?"

"What? Of course, Master Fu, but why?" Marinette asked in confusion. "I want to know what everyone honestly thinks about this girl," Master Fu explained. "In fact... perhaps I will make an appearance and speak to them myself. Inform the heroes I will be there tomorrow at five."

Marinette's eyes widened. "O-of course!" She gave him the address and was on her way, still amazed by the idea of Master Fu stopping by Esme's place. "Can you believe this, Tikki?" She asked her kwami.

"I've never known Master Fu to do something like this!" Tikki chirped excitedly. "I think he wants to see what kind of stuff Esme's done for us! It's not every day a civilian takes care of heroes, especially not like this! He must be really happy about it!"

"Yeah, I can't wait to see Esme's face when she meets the guardian!" Marinette laughed.

~•~

Even Chloé was present when Ladybug helped Master Fu reach the balcony. All the heroes were gathered, awaiting the arrival of the guardian that most of them hadn't actually met until now.

Master Fu immediately took notice of the sign on the balcony just above a table of snacks and a coffee maker;

'All heroes welcome to food, drink and a place to stay. Help yourself to anything you or your kwami need. Inside are some rooms, they're not much but they have a bed, some food for your kwami and privacy so you can detransform safely. Please stick to the top floor only unless you want to talk about anything, in which case please knock before you enter any rooms. I won't try to find out who you are, but if there's an accident I promise your secrets are safe with me. Please make yourselves at home :)

- Esme'

Master Fu smiled as he read the sign, then he and Ladybug entered the building. The entire top floor of the building was lined with rooms on two of the three walls that didn't lead to the balcony. The last wall had a kitchenette attached to it and the stairs leading downwards. The centre opened out a bit more and hosted several comfortable chairs and tables, a lovely space for the heroes to relax, eat or whatever else they wanted to do.

Master Fu examined the place, looking into each room. "Is the girl here? Esme?" He asked. "I checked, she's nowhere in the building," Chat Noir shook his head. "And none of us exactly have her number."

"I see..." Master Fu nodded, frowning slightly. He'd wanted the girl to be there so he could meet her, but no matter. He only needed the heroes.

"Now... I want you all to honestly tell me what you know about Esme and what you think about her. Anything at all."