The lively streets of Orario were filled with chatter and the scent of fresh bread from nearby stalls. Felis had expected a simple morning—maybe a meal, a bit of wandering—but somehow, he found himself being tugged into a clothing boutique by a very eager goddess.
"Come on, Felis!" Hestia beamed, her fingers wrapped firmly around his wrist. "It's been forever since I got to shop properly!"
Felis sighed but allowed himself to be dragged along. "Didn't realize we were on a shopping trip."
Hestia turned back with a slight pout, her blue eyes full of determination. "Hey, I do need new clothes! I can't wear the same thing forever!"
She wasn't wrong. For as long as he'd known her, she'd only worn that familiar white dress with the blue ribbon. Not that he was complaining, but it wouldn't hurt for her to have more variety.
As they stepped inside, the boutique welcomed them with soft lighting and neatly arranged racks of dresses, tunics, and accessories. The shopkeeper, a woman in her forties with a keen eye, noticed them immediately and walked over with a warm smile.
"Oh my, looking for something special today?" she asked, eyeing them both with amusement.
Hestia nodded excitedly. "Yes! I need some new outfits!"
Felis leaned against a nearby clothing rack, arms crossed. "Something practical, nothing that'll make her a walking abduction target."
The shopkeeper chuckled. "Well, I can certainly help with that. Why don't you start picking, dear?"
Hestia wasted no time diving into the racks, eagerly selecting a mix of dresses, tunics, and skirts, some practical and some… less so.
After a few minutes, she turned to Felis with a wide grin. "Alright! I'm trying these on!"
Felis exhaled through his nose, watching as she disappeared behind the changing room curtain.
---
The Changing Room Routine Begins
A moment later, the curtain slid open, and Hestia stepped out in a simple yet elegant blue dress.
She twirled lightly, gripping the hem. "Well? What do you think?"
Felis gave a slow glance before nodding. "Looks good."
Hestia pouted, hands on her hips. "That's it? That's all I get?"
Felis smirked slightly. "What, you expecting poetry?"
Hestia huffed and stomped back inside.
---
The next outfit was a sleeveless tunic with a frilly skirt.
She stepped out, adjusting the hem. "Okay, how about this?"
Felis tilted his head slightly, eyes flicking over the outfit. "Bit breezy, don't you think?"
Hestia twirled once. "It's cute! And the fabric's light—good for summer!"
Felis raised an eyebrow. "And good for turning heads."
Hestia's face turned pink. "M-Maybe I'll just wear it indoors…" She quickly retreated back inside.
---
Then came a bold, form-fitting dress with a slightly lower neckline.
This time, when Hestia stepped out, she hesitated.
Felis, for once, didn't respond immediately. His golden eyes traveled down, then back up, his usual smirk absent for once. He exhaled slightly through his nose.
"…You sure you're not trying to get stared at?"
Hestia crossed her arms. "It's not that bad!"
Felis leaned against the doorframe of the fitting room, tilting his head slightly. "It's a little bad."
She shifted under his gaze before grumbling, cheeks burning, and storming back inside.
---
Then came a high-cut tunic paired with shorts.
This time, when Hestia stepped out, she caught the brief pause in Felis's expression.
His smirk wasn't just teasing this time—it was the kind that hinted at trouble.
She narrowed her eyes. "Well?"
'Damn… Didn't think she'd actually pull this off.'
Felis let out a slow breath before running a hand through his dark hair. "You're enjoying this a little too much, aren't you?"
Hestia's cheeks turned red. "Y-You're supposed to give a normal opinion!"
Felis stepped forward, stopping just before her. His golden eyes flickered with amusement. "Oh, I am. Just wondering how long before you realize you're basically modeling for me."
Hestia stiffened, her face heating up. "T-That's not—!" She quickly turned on her heel and ducked back inside the changing room, almost tripping over her own feet.
---
The 'Accidental' Tease
A few moments later, Felis heard her struggling behind the curtain.
"…Ugh. This strap won't—"
Before she could finish, he stepped forward and pulled the curtain open slightly. "Need help?"
Hestia gasped, turning sharply. "Wha—?! W-Wait, you—!"
Ignoring her stammering, he reached in, fingers brushing against her bare shoulder as he adjusted the tricky strap.
Hestia shuddered slightly, her breath hitching. "Y-You—"
Felis met her gaze, holding it for a beat too long.
Then, with a smirk, he flicked the strap into place and pulled back. "There. Problem solved."
Hestia's hands clenched at her sides as she glared at him, face red. "You're the worst."
Felis chuckled, stepping away and letting the curtain fall shut.
---
Final Choice & The Hairpin Gift
After several more outfits (and plenty of flustered moments), Hestia finally picked something modest yet cute—a comfortable tunic with a simple design.
As the shopkeeper rang up the purchases, Felis's eyes landed on a small fire-shaped hairpin displayed near the counter.
'If I remember correctly, Bell gave her some hairpin—bell-shaped ornament, right? Heh, sorry Bell, but I call dibs first.'
Without a word, he picked it up and placed it alongside Hestia's new clothes.
Hestia blinked. "Huh? You… actually got me something?"
Felis shrugged. "Think of it as a reward for your little fashion show."
Hestia's lips curled into a bright smile before she held the pin out to him. "Then help me put it on."
Felis raised an eyebrow but took the pin anyway. Stepping closer, he brushed back her dark strands, fingers lightly grazing her scalp as he fastened the hairpin into place.
A brief silence lingered.
Hestia twirled once, looking up at him with slightly pink cheeks. "How do I look?"
Felis tilted his head, his lips twitching upward. "Like someone who's about to set hearts on fire."
Hestia puffed her cheeks. "I knew you were going to say something cheesy!"
Felis chuckled. "You walked into that one."
Felis casually spoke to the shopkeeper.
"We'll take all of them."
Hestia froze. "H-Huh?"
The shopkeeper smiled. "Oh, all of the outfits she tried on? Excellent choice!"
Hestia turned sharply to Felis, eyes wide. "W-Wait! What are you doing?! I already chose what I want!"
Felis turned to her, his golden eyes calm yet unwavering. "That's what you want." He gestured to the pile of clothes. "But all of this? This is what I want."
Hestia opened her mouth, then closed it, her face heating up once more. "…Y-You're so unfair."
Felis smirked, ruffling her hair. "Get used to it."
And with that, he handed over the Valis, grabbed the bags, and led a thoroughly flustered goddess out of the shop.
Felis made sure to buy everything she tried on, despite her protests, because to him, every outfit suited her beautifully.
As they stepped onto the bustling street, Hestia hugged the smallest bag to her chest, biting her lip. She glanced sideways at Felis, who walked beside her as if what he'd done was completely normal.
'Hephaestus has always looked out for me, but… this feels different.'
He wasn't just helping her because she needed it or because he felt responsible. It wasn't out of obligation, pity, or the careful kindness of an old friend. Felis wanted to see her in every outfit. He wasn't humoring her—he was enjoying it.
And that realization sent a small, unexpected flutter through her chest.
Her fingers tightened slightly on the bag as she tried to suppress the feeling, but the warmth creeping up her neck betrayed her.
"…Thanks," she muttered, barely above a whisper.
Felis glanced down at her, one ear flicking, but he didn't press her for more. Instead, his tail gave a slow, contented flick behind him.
"Anytime."
Hestia swallowed, her pulse skipping for just a second. She quickly looked away, her grip on the bag tightening.
She wasn't sure what this feeling was—only that it made her heart beat a little faster.
And this time, she didn't argue.
---
As they wandered through Orario's bustling midday streets, the aroma of fresh bread and sizzling meat filled the air. Hestia's stomach growled softly, earning a glance from Felis.
"Sounds like someone's ready for lunch," he remarked, adjusting the shopping bags in his hands.
Hestia pouted, hugging the smallest bag to her chest. "Well, of course! It's already midday, and we haven't eaten yet. First, we went to Goibniu's, then shopping… I'm starving."
Felis gave her a dry look. "We planned this, didn't we?"
She huffed, shifting the bag in her arms. "Doesn't make me any less hungry."
As they walked, her eyes wandered over the bustling street, searching for a good place to eat. The Hostess of Fertility wasn't an option—it didn't even open until evening. Besides, squeezing into a packed tavern full of rowdy adventurers wasn't exactly what she wanted right now.
Then, her gaze landed on a familiar wooden sign hanging above a charming little restaurant. Warm light spilled from the windows as the rich aroma of baked bread and simmering stew drifted into the street
Hestia's face brightened. "Oh! Let's go there—Hearth's Embrace!"
Felis followed her gaze, taking in the welcoming sight of the small establishment. The windows glowed warmly, and a savory scent drifted out as the door swung open for a departing customer. It wasn't flashy, but it had an inviting air—cozy, familiar, like stepping into a friend's home if she liked it, he wasn't about to argue.
"Hearth's Embrace, huh?" He nodded. "Looks like your kind of place."
Hestia beamed. "Exactly! It's warm, comforting, and the portions are great!"
With that, she eagerly led the way inside.
The moment they stepped through the door, a wave of warmth greeted them. The restaurant had a rustic charm—wooden beams lined the ceiling, and simple but well-kept furniture gave the place a welcoming feel. The scent of freshly baked bread mixed with slow-cooked stew, making Hestia sigh in contentment.
A cheerful woman behind the counter—likely the owner—glanced up and smiled. "Welcome! Feel free to sit wherever you like."
They found a seat near the window, where sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow on the wooden table. Felis set their bags aside while Hestia eagerly picked up the menu, though she already had an idea of what she wanted.
"Everything smells amazing," Felis said, leaning back.
Hestia grinned. "Told you! It's simple but really good. Nothing too fancy, just hearty meals that fill you up."
A waitress soon arrived, a friendly smile on her face. "What can I get you two?"
Hestia didn't hesitate. "One of the lunch specials, please! And extra bread on the side!"
Felis glanced at her, amused, before turning to the waitress. "I'll have the same."
"Great choice! I'll be right back."
As the waitress left, Hestia rested her elbows on the table, chin in her hands. "You know, this kind of place really makes me feel at home."
Felis tilted his head. "Yeah?"
She nodded, a soft look in her eyes. "It's not about the fanciest food or the biggest portions. It's just… warm. A place like this, where people can relax and enjoy a meal without worry, feels like what a hearth should be."
Felis watched her for a moment, the way the light from the window softened her features. He wasn't sure if she realized it, but her words held a deeper meaning.
"A hearth, huh?" He leaned forward slightly. "Guess that makes sense, coming from you."
She chuckled. "Well, it's in my domain, after all."
Their conversation was interrupted as the waitress returned, setting down their plates. Steaming bowls of rich stew, thick slices of freshly baked bread, and a side of roasted vegetables filled the table.
Hestia clapped her hands together. "Alright! Let's eat!"
Felis picked up his spoon, taking a bite of the stew. The flavors were deep and satisfying, the kind of meal that warmed you from the inside out. He let out a pleased hum.
"Not bad," he admitted.
Hestia beamed as she tore into her bread. "Right? I told you this place was great!"
Felis found himself watching her, the way her eyes sparkled over something as simple as a good meal. He found himself smiling—not his usual teasing smirk, but something quieter, more genuine.
"Yeah," he murmured. "It's not bad at all."
As they ate, their conversation flowed easily, filled with light laughter and small stories. Outside, Orario continued its lively midday bustle, but inside Hearth's Embrace, the world felt a little slower, a little warmer—just for the two of them.