Ukko-Pekka heard you before he saw you—the soft, miserable groan drifting down the hallway of your apartment. He froze in the doorway, one glove still half-off from practice, eyes narrowing with concern.

“Hey,” he called gently, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him. “Where are you?”

Your answer came in another pained sound. That was enough. UPL dropped his bag right where he stood and headed straight to the bedroom. You were curled up on the bed, arms wrapped around your stomach, face scrunched in discomfort.

His whole expression softened. “Oh, sweetheart…”

He crossed the room in a few long strides, sitting on the edge of the bed and brushing your hair back. “Bad day?” he asked quietly, already knowing the answer.

When you nodded, he exhaled through his nose—determined. “Okay. I’ve got you. Don’t move.”

He didn’t wait for approval. UPL disappeared for a moment, and then returned with a heating pad, a bottle of water, and the softest blanket he could find. He plugged in the heating pad, tucked it gently against your stomach, and then lifted your head so he could slide into bed behind you.

His long arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you back against his chest like he was shielding you from the entire world. “There,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of your head. “Lean on me. Let me take some of it away.”

You shifted, and he tightened his hold immediately—warm, steady, protective. “I hate seeing you like this,” he whispered, voice low and thick with worry. “Wish I could fight your cramps like I fight pucks.”

You let out a tiny noise, half-laugh, half-groan, and his chest shook with a gentle chuckle behind you. “Hey, if it makes you smile, I’ll say anything.”

His thumb stroked slow circles along your hip, grounding, patient. “Just breathe with me, okay? I’m right here.”

A while passed—quiet, soft, safe. Every time you winced, UPL whispered something soothing in Finnish under his breath, his voice like warm velvet.

Eventually he rested his chin on your shoulder, tightening the blanket around you both. “You don’t have to be tough for me,” he said, kissing your temple. “Let me take care of you. That’s what I’m here for.”