Benevolent.

Ephemeral

"I'm surprised they even found out about our discovery,"

"Youre being too humble. You made a life changing discovery, you even won an award for it!"

"Yeah but still, I have a full house. I don't know ill even have any time for an interview," you muttered into your phone propped up between your shoulder and chin, a bowl of salad in your arms as you plopped the greens onto plates. "My parents just came in, I haven't seen them in a couple of months."

"Have you had any time do even do anything? You're always at home, and when you're not, you're at work! This might be a good break," Robert chided from his end of the line.

"Dinner is ready!" You called out before resuming your conversation with your researcher buddy. "Maybe you're right. Between you and me, I've really had to buckle down here. All these people have some problems, and holy shit, Robert, they need help."

Hustling around the kitchen with food in your hands, everyone hurried down the tables grabbing themselves a plate you served themselves. "I just don't know Robert, it's going to be televised this time. None of our interviews have been televised!"

At the mention of television, France silently listened to your conversation, the mention of media attention a little bit more interesting than the salad he was picking at. He snatched the pitcher of juice from your left hand, sending a wink in response to your grateful smile.

"If you're worried about looks, there will be makeup artists and hairstylists. But if you're worried about looking like a fool, I'm right near you. So we'll share the embarrassment 50/50." He tried coaxing you, a soft reassurance of a big once in a lifetime event.

"That's not entirely what I'm worried about. Who's going to watch Apollo? Who's going to watch my home?" You whispered the last word, looking at all the dents and scratches littering the walls and furniture from just a week ago.

"You can bring Apollo! I'm bringing Daniel, I'm sure they would enjoy the whole food tray that's bound to be there." He suggested, taking a pause to scold his own son on his end. "And if you're talking about the penthouse, maybe leave the most trustworthy in charge? Have your parents be in charge, make sure none of them pull any fast ones."

You clicked your tongue, your hip resting on the counter as you contemplated fucking life.

Can you trust them not to burn the whole building down?

To not get the cops called on everyone?

To not die in some unfortunate Carbon Monoxide accident because they couldn't differentiate the fire alarm and the monoxide alarm?

Good lord, you may as take your parents with you so they don't end up as collateral damage. After a second more of thinking you made up your mind.

"No."

"That's great! Okay so they want us there in at least two months minimum-- wait, what?"

You sighed. "I'm sorry Robert, but everything is just too hectic. Everything is just... hitting all at once. With everyone here, I've been neglecting my clients. I have two appointments in an hour!"

Dragging a heavy hand over your face, you mumbled into the phone. "I'm sorry Robert dear, maybe we can do a Zoom of some sorts? I just won't be able to make it physically,"

He let out a stifled groan, no doubt unnerved by your decline. "I'll talk to them. They suck to talk with, they don't know how to send a email for the life of them. I'll let you know the updates."

"Update me soon, Robert."

"Y/N, you know I always do."

You pursed your lips, hands on your hips as you thought of your next plan of attack. It would've been a great opportunity yes, but truthfully, you need to sort out your own affairs before tackling another major project. You have your own skeletons in the closet to swat out.