Clarissa
Peitho manages to drag Hephaestus away from the forge for the day...
Walter
In the heart of the city, where traditional met modern, there lay one place that seemed to balance both the past and the future like a secret held near and dear, lay the forge of Hephaestus. It was an eclectic place, where ancient anvils and hammers with the roar of flamed mingled seamlessly with state-of-the-art technology and innovations. The walls were adorned with all manner of weapons and tools and items while craftsmen, apprentices, and others worked forge at their own spaces and stations breathing life into all manner of items.

On this particular afternoon, the god of the forge was not in his sanctuary. The beautiful day found him out and about the streets of Olympian the rhythmic hammering of metal against metal a distant ringing that still sounded in Hephaestus' ears. He smiled as he looked over to his left, his eyes falling on Peitho as she walked beside him. It had been her idea to head out for the afternoon, to take a break from the forge, and to just enjoy the day and see where it led. It was a rare thing indeed for the god of the forge- leaving his fiery sanctuary was rare enough, but to do so without a plan, with no solid goal in mind was nearly unheard of.

"I still can't believe I let you talk me into this" He said with a smile as they made their way down the street leading from the forge. "All that work... Sitting waiting for me back at the forge..." He grinned playfully, letting Peitho know he was kidding and was actually excited to be out with her this afternoon.

"Hephy! You promised a day out, remember?" Peitho said with a laugh. "It's high time we pry you away from that beloved forge of yours for the day!" She declared with a bright smile.

Hephaestus smiled broadly as they continued on, leaving the forge farther behind and getting closer with every step to wherever it was that she had in mind for their 'so totally not a date' that afternoon. "Ah, Peitho, only you could make me leave my sanctuary," He said with a fond smile as they walked. 

That afternoon Hephaestus had chosen to wear something nice and comfortable. A simple red shirt and jacket with a comfortable pair of jeans was all he needed that day. In one hand he held the usual wooden cane, the other reaching out almost shyly for Peitho's hand as they went. Knowing it was going to be a day with a lot of walking and standing, Hephaestus had opted for the heavier-duty brace that day- it wasn't as stylish but it would hopefully serve its purpose. He didn't want anything to ruin the day ahead.

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Cindy
***Peitho strolled happily alongside Hephaestus through the Market in the Apollo Arts district. Ever since the party, she had found herself spending some more time with him in the depths of the Hephaestus Forge district. While she knew that was his comfortable place, she had made other plans for the two of them. She felt he needed to get out and about more, see all the city has to offer outside of his usual sanctuary. It took much convincing on her part, but her efforts were not in vain. For she succeeded in scheduling this little date of theirs. Though it was purely for Heph, as much as she liked him she felt he could upgrade his style some. Perhaps new clothing would instill some confidence in this man. Make him feel a bit better about himself, and maybe he will discover something new he didn't know he would enjoy.*** 

***Unlike the times he had seen her, she didn't wear her usual lipstick. Instead, she opted for her signature winged liner and mascara only. Her red curls left loose as always, yet instead of her usual dark apparel she opted for something lighter. A cream colored jumpsuit that hugged her curves, wrapping up around her stomach and neck. It showed little skin, but it was one of her more comfortable outfits. She wore a pair of matching flats along with it, a small purse hanging from her left shoulder. She smelt of vanilla and lavender today, one of her favorite perfumes***

~

***Her hand held onto his, pulling him to their first destination. Her knowledge of fashion helped her remember the names of particular shops she knew sold clothing to die for. Though he was unaware, she was to take him to these shops and then to dinner soon after. It was the perfect plan in her eyes, hopefully he would enjoy this little outing with her. As they walked, her eyes would glance over at him every so often. Checking for any sign he may be too tired to continue, or worse any sign of him being in pain. For a moment her gaze fell on his brace, she tried to not look at it so often. But she couldn't help it sometimes, she felt sorry he had to wear it. Smiling brightly at him, she continued to walk with him. Soon enough, they stopped in front of the first shop. She turned to face him, wrapping her arms around him. Her eyes peering up at his, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.*** 

"Welcome to destination number one, one of the various shops I will be taking you to. As much as I adore this look of yours, you could use some more fancier clothes. Or even just some new ones to add variety to your wardrobe. I hope you... Don't mind. I of course will be paying for all of it, consider it my treat to you." ***She said happily, holding herself close to him purely so he couldn't deny going inside with her. Knowing him, he would absolutely refuse this gift of hers. But she would make it so he felt he couldn't, he deserved more than he truly believed in her eyes.*** 

"Pleaseee Hephy, I think you will enjoy this shopping trip of ours. I already scoped out the best places for clothes, shoes, accessories... You name it." ***Peitho grinned, tilting her head slightly. He wasn't much taller than her, so she pulled his head down for a light kiss. Nothing she would take too far... That would be for later. After a few moments, she would pull away. Looking at him expectantly as she awaited his answer.***
Walter
Hephaestus returned Peitho's smile, though lingering unease gnawed at him. It had been ages since he had ventured from his forge for more than a brief errand or to fulfill the whims of Ares or Zeus. The outside world felt foreign and intimidating, with its bustling streets and colorful storefronts. But Peitho's warm presence by his side brought a sense of comfort and adventure that he couldn't resist. It was a rare opportunity for him to simply exist outside of the confines of his workshop, and with someone like Peitho by his side... He couldn't believe she actually cared about him. It was a new and foreign concept for him, one that he had only experienced with a select few in his long existence.

The sun's warm rays kissed his skin, and the gentle breeze tousled his hair in a playful dance. Gazing down at Peitho's small hand intertwined with his own, Hephaestus couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. As they strolled through the bustling city streets, he took in the vibrant sights and sounds. Merchants eagerly displayed their goods in lively stalls, calling out to passersby in hopes of making a sale. The air was filled with the scents of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and exotic spices as they passed by open doorways and shops filled with alluring trinkets and wares. Children chased each other, their laughter ringing in the air even as a few stopped briefly to speak to 'Grandpa Heph' or 'Uncle Hammer' as many of the children had taken to calling him. 

The public square was adorned with grand statues of powerful gods and legendary heroes, standing tall and proud in their eternal glory. The enticing aroma of exotic spices and sizzling meats drifted on the gentle breeze, enticing passersby to stop and take notice. Hephaestus allowed himself to be led by the hand by the woman who had meticulously planned this outing for them, taking in all the sights, sounds, and scents around him with a sense of wonder and contentment.

Hephaestus glanced at Peitho, her hand clasped in his. She seemed to thrive out here int he middle of the hustle and the bustle and energy. Where he seemed to pull inward on himself in such an environment, she seemed to blossom even more. He envied her easy confidence. But he had to admit, the day was not turning out nearly as dreadful as he had feared when he first heard there would be shopping involved. 

Despite his initial dread at the idea of spending the day shopping, Hephaestus found himself surprisingly content. The atmosphere was alive with vibrant colors, enticing scents, and lively chatter but for some reason it did not seem to wear on him as it usually did. 

As they strolled aimlessly through the market, he felt a sense of freedom and relaxation that he hadn't experienced in a long time. There was no need to rush or adhere to an agenda - simply enjoying each other's company was enough. As they weaved through the crowded stalls, Hephaestus couldn't help but be captivated by the diversity of goods on display - from intricate jewelry to exotic spices to handcrafted furniture. Even with his long held respect and admiration for the talent and passion of the mortals, he felt a newfound appreciation for the artistry and hard work that went into creating these items.

When they arrived at the first shop however, Hephaestus balked momentarily. He had never cared much for fashion or fancy garments. Sturdy work clothes suited him just fine at the forge. Hephaestus eyed the fancy clothes on display in the window warily. He had never been one for keeping up with the latest fashions. His old, stained work clothes had always suited him just fine. But he knew this outing would make Peitho happy, so he resolved to try and enjoy it.

Peitho wrapped her arms around him excitedly, her eyes twinkling. "Please Hephy, I think you'll really like this shopping trip," She said. Though initially hesitant, Hephaestus found he couldn't say no to her enthusiasm. He nodded and allowed himself to be led into the boutique. The grandeur of the window display was nothing compared to the opulence within the shop. Fine suits, silk shirts, and other exquisite pieces caught Hephaestus' eye as he glanced around in awe. He couldn't believe that materials like these existed outside of his forge, let alone in clothing form. Yet, there they were, beckoning to him with their elegance and grace. Though he felt a bit out of place among all the finery, Peitho's hand on his arm had a surprising grounding effect that helped him stay relaxed.

His eyes still wandered around, even as Peitho let go and started walking to the first rack of clothes. Hephaestus found himself distracted again by everything that seemed to be crammed into a shop that had looked much smaller from the outside. He turned to ask her something. But Peitho was already busy picking out clothes for him to try on, draping them over one arm as she looked over at him. "I can't wait to see how handsome you'll look in these," She said, eyes shining letting him know she was going to be ok, even if he still wasnt sure about the whole wardrobe upgrade... Or her paying for it either.

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Cindy
***If there was one thing Peitho loved more than messing with mortals, it was shopping. As she was walking alongside Heph, she noticed the awe in his eyes as he looked at the mortals selling their many goods. All varying between types of artistic material, from jewelry to hand crafted spices and furniture. She made a mental note to allow him to look around some after their shopping. She wanted him to have some enjoyment after all, it was the point of their outing. Many would think she was up to no good, but she decided to display a rare type of kindness towards him.*** 

~

***If there was anything Peitho loved more than stirring trouble amongst mortals and the other gods, it was shopping. She had always been one for fashion, following the various trends that arose over her many years of life. She personally loved and missed the togas, but she did enjoy the modern day world. The fashion tastes of mortals had certainly improved, with a variety of styles as well. Having seen this variety, she knew she needed to get Heph some new clothing to further his style and introduce him to new things. Add some flare to his wardrobe, maybe even fancier clothes for special events like parties or galas the gods may throw. The opportunities were endless for him, she just had to show him.***

~

***When Heph had agreed to go into the boutique with her, she smiled widely. Leaning up slightly, she pressed her lips to his gently. A light, quick kiss to show her appreciation and happiness. She pulled away, taking his hand and leading him into the first boutique they would be going into. She then linked her arm with his, pulling him further into the store. Fine clothing hung on the walls and on various racks, the store sectioned between mens and womens clothes. Peitho began to lead him towards the left of the store where they kept the mens clothing, swerving in between various racks of fine clothing. All made of different, luxurious materials. All either formal or some form of a casual formal. Smiling brightly, she had let go of his arm moving towards a rack. She began to flip through the clothes on the rack, her eyes scanning the various garments.*** 

~

***She looked around, beckoning for one of the salesmen towards her. Using her charm, she managed to get him to help her hold the various items she would pick out for Heph. Peitho didn't hold back, taking a variety of items off the rack. The man would follow her as she moved around, picking shirts and pants of various kinds. Finding belts to go with, new shoes, and even ties. It was to the point where baskets were needed to hold the articles of clothing. She eventually reserved a dressing room for heph and herself even.***

~

***Walking back towards Heph, she motioned to the dressing room section of the store.*** "Oh Hephy I picked out many items for you to try on. And you will be trying them on, I will hear no excuses." ***She pecked his cheek, dragging him along to the dressing rooms. She would await for him to try on every piece of clothing she grabbed him, giving her opinions and making a keep and give back pile to separate them. When they finished, she would grab herself some clothes in the process. Having modeled them for Heph, she would check them out and hold the many bags of clothes. Leaving the boutique and walking to the others she wished to bring him to. By the end of this little shopping adventure, Peitho had bought various items for herself and Heph. Once they exited the last boutique, the sun had begun to slowly set on the sky. Turning to face him, she would nudge her head.*** "That was certainly productive, now you have two options. We can explore the market some more... Or we can go to a nice dinner. The choice is yours Hephy, either way these bags will need to go in the car. Thank the gods for those things, imagine not having them and carrying all of this the entire day."
Walter
At first, the thought of sifting through an assortment of outfits in a bustling store filled with people had been daunting. The mere idea of trying on different garments in front of prying eyes was enough to send shivers down his spine. And not just for the attention it might draw, but for the reminders of his own physical imperfections. Yet, as he slipped into each new ensemble Peitho had chosen, Hephaestus found himself appreciating the way the fabrics felt against his skin, the way the colors played together, and the way some cuts made him look surprisingly... Normal, almost... Elegant. 

With each outfit change, Peitho's infectious enthusiasm lifted Hephaestus' spirits. Her genuine compliments were like rays of sunshine, warming his heart. "That color is magnificent on you, my dear Hephy!" Or "Oh, look at how well this fits your muscular frame!" Her words and presence made all the difference. As he stood in the dressing room, admiring himself in the mirror, Hephaestus caught glimpses of his reflection. Over time, these glimpses became less jarring and more intriguing. Instead of seeing only flaws and imperfections, he began to appreciate them in a new light.

It was rare for Hephaestus to take notice of his own appearance. His face and body were usually hidden beneath layers of soot and grime from his work at the forge, or buried deep within a shattered self-confidence that refused to see himself as anything more than a crippled god. But today, as he stood before the mirror, he caught a glimpse of someone else staring back at him—a man who, despite his scars and disability, could still stand tall and proud. It was an image that filled him with both awe and disbelief.

With each change of clothes, the weight of self-doubt that had burdened him for so long began to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance. The trendy and sleek garments he tried on seemed to mold perfectly to his form, as if they were made just for him. And in that moment, Hephaestus finally saw the evidence right in front of him - he belonged among the gods, not just as a skilled craftsman but as a strong and capable individual worthy of consideration and attention.

He was starting to enjoy the process, the transformation, not just in appearance but in spirit. It felt liberating, being out here with Peitho, not as a god of the forge, but simply as a man on a day out, sharing moments that were light and easy. When it was all said and done, outfits bought, accessories found, and the shopping trip a success Hephaestus and Peitho started back towards the car. It was, Hephaestus realized, one of the first times in a long while that he had truly allowed himself to just be, without the weight of expectations or the clamor of the forge.

Walking along with Peitho, watching her animated expressions, feeling the soft breeze, and just appreciating the moment, Hephaestus felt a contentment that was both profound and simple. He realized how much he had needed this, needed her encouragement, her relentless positivity, her belief in him. It wasn't just about the clothes or even about being seen outside the forge. It was about feeling acknowledged, feeling appreciated—not for his divine duties, but for his very human desires to feel good about himself and enjoy the company of someone who saw him, truly saw him, as he was.

As they finished loading her clothes into the car, Hephaestus let out a thoughtful hum, tilting his head as he considered her question. "Perhaps we could venture to the market?" He suggested, almost shyly. "It's been quite some time since I've had the chance to visit the mortal markets. I used to find great joy in conversing with the vendors and farmers there." A nostalgic smile tugged at his lips, widening the already large grin on his face. "I frequented the market so often that even the children from the nearby village recognized me and would come running whenever I arrived. It would be nice to revisit those memories... Even just for a little while before going to dinner," He added with a hopeful twinkle in his eyes.

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Jimmy
***Heph and Peitho ended up going to the market and continuing on with their date.*** `End Scene`