to call

Ophelia stepped on stage, a little shaken by the conversation she'd had with Mr. Hades.

The soft light on the Mines glowed just a bit. He stayed. He sat in his spot, but he seemed more invested in his business talks than usual.

She grabbed the mic, her dress brushing along the stage. Ophelia sat in the chair, breathing in.

• • •

"Take me to the rooftop,"

His eyes snapped to hers.

"I wanna see the world when I stop breathing, turning blue

Tell me love is endless, don't be so pretentious

Leave me like you do,"

Her eyelashes brushed her cheek gently, every so softly, just for a moment, making his breath hitch.

If you need me, wanna see me

Better hurry 'cause I'm leaving soon

"Mr. Hades?" His associate called. He put his finger up, as her eyes opened once more.

Sorry can't save me now

Sorry I don't know how

Sorry there's no way out

But down

Hmm, down

They caught his, like magnets. He let a bated breath, as she sang. Sang to him.

Taste me, these salty tears on my cheeks

That's what a year-long headache does to you

I'm not okay, I feel so scattered

Don't say I'm all that matters

Leave me, déjà vu

His associate frowned, not understanding what was happening. He looked to Mr. Hades and back to the woman. Back again.

Sorry can't save me now 

Sorry I don't know how 

Sorry there's no way out 

But down

Hmm, down

He swallowed, narrowing his eyes. He wasn't the only one captivated though. Many people were. She truly was a songbird.

Call my friends and tell them that I love them

And I'll miss them

But I'm not sorry

Call my friends and tell them that I love them

And I'll miss them

Sorry.

She looked up, locking eyes with him once more. He smiled softly, as she stood, putting her hands on her hips discreetly.

He chuckled lowly.

She sung another song after her sip of water. Mr. Hades tore his eyes off her, talking to his associate.

"What were you saying?"

"I was asking about this new singer. Have you thought of becoming her manager. She has a nice voice, and she has—"

"No. No. She's fine here," He refused. 

The other man frowned. "Well, I might approach her—"

Mr. Hades smiled, looking back at her. "Poaching my employees? Isn't that a little low for you, Mr. August?"

"She has talent—"

"I am well aware she has talent." Mr. Hades said his eyes still on her. 

August scoffed. "Do you like her?"

"Of course," he shot back. "She's agreeable. Very nice. Hardworking. She's always punctual, and she smells like peaches. Who wouldn't like her."

"I mean...do you like her, like her?"

Mr. Hades shot him a look. "Honestly? I haven't heard that since second grade. Besides, the music industry is...touchy for her. I'll talk to her about it."

"Or, I could talk to her about it, since you don't own her."

Mr. hades cleared his throat. "We have contract. I don't own her, but for now, she's given me ownership of her voice." he looked at her. "And I want her to use it." He said seriously.

"In the bedroom," August wriggled his eyebrows.

"No," Adrian frowned. "Why are you dirty-minded. I just mean...she has a lot of potential. Uncovered potential. She has so much to offer the world. But she slaved for someone else's dream instead. I don't understand that."

August frowned. "I'm lost."

Adrian stood, as Ophelia took her break, adjusting his tie.

"And I'm busy. We'll talk later," he followed her to her dressing room, picking up a drink at the bar.

He smiled, putting an umbrella in it. He figured...she might like it.

He knocked on the door gently.

"Is that you Mr. Hades?" Her voice rang sweetly through the silence.

He smiled. "Yes, little songbird. May I enter?"

"Please."

He opened the door, stooping slightly to enter, handing her the drink.

"Lemon and honey tea. Good for the voice." He offered.

She smiled shyly, taking it from him. 

"T-thank you, Mr. Hades."

He nodded. "So, How is the perch, little songbird? Better than with the poet, I assume."

She paused. 

"Say it," he urged. 

She looked up. "What?"

"Whatever you just stopped yourself from saying. Say it."

She frowned. "I have money. And I'm so tired. But I miss him. I love him. And I feel bad that I abandoned him."

"Every creature wants to live," he assured her. "Even the smallest songbird. It's alright to want to live, my Canary. So stay, under the hand that keeps you warm. Stay in the Mines, please."

She smiled. "And you're sure you don't know from anywhere else? You seem to have an interest in me, more than a stranger should."

He shrugged. "Just the Mines. But you shine brighter than a diamond, down in these mines."

She chuckled, sipping the tea. "How very charming of you, Mr. Hades."

He smirked. "Perhaps. Anything to keep you warm, little songbird."

She looked off. 

He contemplated, before clearing his throat. "If...you had a serious opportunity to be a music artist, would you take it?"

"No," she said immediately.

"Why not," he asked.

"B-because. Because that's...."

He smiled cynically. Because that was his dream. The man she loved.

He turned around.

"I understand. I thought as much."

"Are you offering?"  She asked hesitantly.

"Are you accepting?" He shot. 

She put her fingers together over the glass. "No."

He narrowed his eyes. "You love him a lot don't you?"

He didn't wait for an answer, leaving her alone.