Hephaestus inwardly groaned. The ever-curious Algaea would want an explanation from him, and the last thing he wanted to do was talk about the day's events.
"She cheated on you." It was a statement not a question. Algaea had her back to the fire, so Hephaestus could not read her face, and for that he was grateful. He did not want to find pity there. He nodded. "I knew she would. Why did you allow yourself to be seduced by her?"
Hephaestus was confused. Algaea sounded…almost angry. Cheerful Algaea, bright, shining Algaea, with something completely foreign in her voice, something akin to hatred. Hephaestus thought it was directed at him.
"You're right. I'm stupid and low and ugly. How could someone as beautiful as she ever belong to me? I never deserved her. I deserve loneliness," he said with self-loathing.
"No," she whispered. "You're completely wrong. She never deserved you. She may be beautiful on the outside but her soul is cruel and wicked and selfish. You deserve something better. You deserve something Aphrodite could never give you. You deserve love."
Hephaestus could not be more confused. But he knew, somehow, that the answer could be found in her eyes. If only he could see her face. But for some reason Algaea was hiding in the shadows.
"Come out," Hephaestus ventured. "Step into the light so I can see your face."
Algaea stepped forward, almost shyly, refusing to look away from her feet. Hephaestus walked to her and gently raised her chin. Algaea's face was tear-stained and her lips trembled in fear, but her eyes, sweet and clear and blue, held something unnamable. And Hephaestus saw the answer. Algaea was the only one who was kind to him, the only one who never judged him for his outward appearance. She was grace personified, and she was the only one who could ever love him for what he was. He bent his head towards hers, and as they kissed, she caressed his face, not seeming to mind one bit that it was ugly.