Fire Force WG - Plump Princess - 03 (END)

Hidden Ember

Hibana huddled on the floor of a burned-out ice cream parlor, the air heavy with the scent of burnt sugar and ash. She rested a hand on her massive belly, feeling the twins stir within. How did it come to this? Once proud and glamorous, now she hid here in ruins, clad only in lingerie and an oversized cardigan stretched tight around her changed body. Her pink hair hung limp around her face as she gazed down at herself – wide hips, thick thighs, a huge belly, and breasts so full they had begun to leak through the thin fabric. Her cheeks burned with shame. I never wanted him to see me like this…

A creak of floorboards cut through the silence. Hibana’s heart jumped. Someone was here. Before she could even struggle to her feet, a familiar figure stepped into the doorway.

Shinra.

He stood outlined by the fading daylight, breathing hard. His red eyes widened as they landed on her. “Hibana…” he breathed, equal parts relief and shock in his voice.

Hibana’s blood ran cold. Instinctively, she tried to shrink back, pulling her cardigan tighter. She felt utterly exposed. “Shinra… no…” she whispered, tears already pricking her eyes. “Please… don’t look at me.”

Shinra stepped forward, concern etched on his face. “Hibana, why did you disappear? We were so worried,” he said softly, carefully closing the distance. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, unable to meet his gaze. “I’m not hurt,” she managed, voice small. A tear slipped down her cheek. “But I… I…” Her composure shattered. “I-I’m pregnant,” she blurted out, tears spilling. “With twins—yours.” Her hand trembled as she touched her belly. “I didn’t want you to see me like this,” she sobbed. “I lost control of everything – my cravings, my body… Look at me, I’m huge. I thought you’d… you’d be better off without this burden.”

Hibana covered her face, hot tears flowing. Months of loneliness and fear poured out in those cracked words. She braced herself for silence, or shock, or revulsion.

What she felt was the gentle touch of Shinra’s hand taking hers. He pulled her hands away from her tear-stained face. Hibana looked up, blinking through tears, to find Shinra kneeling in front of her. His eyes shone with heartbreak and compassion.

“Hibana,” he said tenderly, “why would you ever think I wouldn’t want you?” He reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb. “You don’t have to hide from me. Not now, not ever.”

“But… I’m…” She gestured helplessly to her swollen form.

“I’m here,” he interrupted softly, squeezing her hands. “And I’m not leaving.” To prove it, he gently placed his palm on her round belly. Hibana inhaled sharply at the contact. Almost on cue, one of the babies kicked against his hand. Shinra’s eyes lit up in awe. A slow, joyous smile spread across his face. “Our kids…” he murmured, marveling. Then he looked back up at her, that same smile overflowing with warmth. “I love you, Hibana. That hasn’t changed. If anything, I love you even more now.”

Hibana’s breath caught. She searched his face, finding only sincerity. “You… you still want me?” she whispered. It felt like a fragile dream.

“Always,” Shinra promised. He squeezed her hand, his smile unwavering. “I’m crazy about you. I want us to be a family.”

A broken laugh of relief escaped her lips. Hibana leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Shinra’s neck, and he embraced her carefully, mindful of her belly between them. She buried her face against his shoulder, tears of joy now dampening his shirt. “I’m sorry… and I love you,” she mumbled, heart swelling as she felt him hold her tight.

They stayed like that for a long, quiet moment in the ruined parlor, holding each other as the sun dipped low. At last, Shinra pulled back enough to see her face. He brushed a stray pink lock from her eyes and thumbed away a lingering tear.

“Let’s get you out of here,” he said gently. “You need a real meal and some rest.”

Hibana nodded, feeling drained but lighter than she had in months. Shinra stood and offered his hand. With some effort, she rose, leaning into him as she found her balance. He kept an arm around her for support.

“How about we get some dinner? I know a great steak place,” Shinra said with a playful grin, hoping to lighten the mood. “Remember Bubai’s Steakhouse? Like our first date.”

Hibana let out a soft, genuine laugh. Her stomach growled at the mention of steak, and she blushed. “I’d like that,” she admitted.

She glanced down at her attire and grimaced. “Though… I can’t exactly go out like this.”

Shinra quickly slipped off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. It didn’t cover her belly, but it helped a little.

“We’ll stop by your place on the way,” he said. “Get you something comfy. No rush.”

Touched by his thoughtfulness, Hibana gave his hand a squeeze. Together, they began walking out. The evening air was cool on her skin, and she breathed it in deeply as they stepped onto the quiet street.

Shinra stayed close, matching her slow pace. The sky was streaked with orange and pink.

“Steaks, and then…” he began with a sly, lighthearted tone, “maybe we head back to your place for dessert?”

Hibana felt a pleasant flutter in her chest. She raised an eyebrow at him. There was the Shinra she knew – sweet, a little cheeky, utterly devoted. Summoning a bit of her old sass, she smirked.

“Dessert, huh? Only if you think you can handle something that sweet.”

Shinra’s face flushed, and he laughed.

“I can handle it,” he assured her, giving a goofy grin that made her giggle.

Hand in hand, they moved forward under the glow of twilight. Hibana leaned on Shinra, and he supported her without a second thought. In the span of a single evening, her world had gone from cold and lonely to warm and hopeful.

Whatever challenges lay ahead – awkward explanations, the trials of motherhood, sleepless nights – Hibana knew she wouldn’t face them alone. Shinra was by her side, love burning bright in his eyes.

She rested her head against his shoulder as they walked, a content smile on her lips. In the ashes of that abandoned parlor, she had feared her story was ending in sorrow. But as they stepped into the soft night, Hibana realized this was just the beginning – a new life, a new family, and a love that would shine through it all.