"standing out here with my outstretched hand. i guess no one taught you how to be a "real man."

Hephestus never really cared how the others saw him. He was aware his defects caused many if not all to frown at him and avoid him..

But, that didn't stop him from trying to be kind to them. Even to Ares which is surprising.

..when you came along, a newer god, he has never felt so awestrucked before.

Whenever he was around you, he would get nervous and couldn't sit still. Or he'd rub his greasy and sweaty hands on his apron

Or, he'd speak more, he was a quiet man but with you he felt talkative

Aphrodite must've been enjoying his obvious pinning.

So, him and you had gotten close. Close enough that he allowed you to walk into his forge whenever you'd like

So, here you are, talking to him about something you had seen when you were running around with the mortals.

"My my, you must've had fun, causing such chaos for those poor mortals."