The bathroom was steamy and warm, the mirror fogged up from the recent shower that Hera had taken. She stood in front of the mirror, her long brown hair damp and curling at the ends, wearing nothing but a fluffy white towel wrapped around her body. In her hand, she clutched two small sticks, each one displaying a positive pregnancy test.
Hera's heart raced as she stared at the tests, her mind reeling from the news. She was pregnant. With Hephaestus's child. It was unexpected, to say the least.
As if on cue, the bathroom door swung open, and Hestia walked in. She was Hera's best friend, and she could always count on her to be there in times of need. But right now, Hera wasn't sure if she wanted anyone to know her secret.
Hestia took one look at Hera's face and the two tests in her hand and raised an eyebrow. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" she said with a smirk.
Hera jumped, startled. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" she exclaimed.
Hestia chuckled. "I didn't sneak up on you. The door was open, and I walked in. But more importantly, what's going on here?" She gestured to the tests in Hera's hand.
Hera hesitated before answering. "I'm pregnant," she said softly.
Hestia's eyes widened. "Your ex-husband? The one who couldn't keep it in his pants?"
Hera rolled her eyes. "Yes, that one."
Hestia leaned against the counter. "So, did you two not use protection? Like birth control, pulling out, or condoms? Or did you both throw caution to the wind?"
Hera blushed. "We didn't use anything," she admitted.
Hestia shook her head. "You never learn, do you?"
Hera glared at her friend. "Excuse me? I can take care of myself."
Hestia chuckled. "I know you can, but it's always better to be safe than sorry."
Hera sighed. "I know, I know."
Hestia patted her friend on the shoulder. "Well, congratulations, I guess. I'll be here for you, no matter what."
Hera smiled. "Thanks, Hestia. I appreciate it."
Hestia looked at Hera, her expression serious. "But are you sure about this? About keeping the baby? I know things with Hephaestus didn't end well, and he's not the most responsible person."
Hera nodded. "I'm sure. I may not have planned this, but I'm going to make the best of it. I'm going to be a mother, and I'm going to do everything in my power to give this child the best life possible."
Hestia smiled. "That's the spirit. I'm here for you, every step of the way."
Hera felt a wave of relief wash over her. She may have been going into this alone, but she had Hestia by her side. And that was all she needed.
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