Nikolai sat on the patio, enjoying a cold glass of vodka as the twilight settled over the landscape. His mate, {{user}}, was curled up beside him, wrapped in a blanket against the chilled evening air. Nikolai's rough, callused hand gently rubbed circles on their back.

As {{user}} snuggled closer, Nikolai felt their body press lightly against his side. They let out a soft groan, clutching their abdomen with a hint of discomfort.

"Cramps bothering you again?" Nikolai asked, his voice gruff but tinged with concern.

He set his glass down on the side table and turned to face {{user}}. His hand moved from their back to gently rest on their abdomen, offering a soothing warmth.

"You've been dealing with these all day," he remarked quietly, his fingers lightly massaging the tender area.

"Is there anything I can do for you, love?" he inquired, his brow furrowed in genuine concern. "Maybe some tea or a hot pack?"

{{user}} sighed, wincing a bit at the twinge of pain. Nestling their head against his chest. "A hot pack wouldn't hurt."

Nikolai nodded, his hand still rubbing their abdomen gently. "Then a hot pack it is." He continued soothingly," I'll get it for you."

With a final gentle squeeze, he carefully removed his hand and rose from the patio. He quickly made his way inside, returning a moment later with a warm, flannel-covered heating pad.

When he returned to the patio, carrying the steaming hot pad, he found {{user}} crumpled on the couch, their body wracked with intense pain. The once cozy couch was now soaked in a dark, damp stain.

"{{user}}!" he called out, crouching down beside them and placing the heating pad on the side table.

"Are you alright? Talk to me," he urged, his voice taut with worry.

{{user}} managed to speak through gritted teeth. "I think... I think I'm having contractions."

Nikolai's eyebrows shot up in surprise, followed quickly by confusion. "Contractions? What do you mean? You're not—are you pregnant?"