Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Courage, My Man, Courage

*~* Bucky *~*

As Emma drove us out of the stadium towards our new apartment, she pointed out the landmarks in the area including Disneyland. She pulled into a modern looking building about a couple of miles from the area. As we grabbed our luggage from the back, she directed upstairs.

"So, guys, our floor is floor 10. All of the apartments are owned by the Ducks. Some of the other guys lease it, but most buy or rent other homes when they have time. The only curfew you have is on game nights. Coach Fury will tell you what time on which day and they usually only apply on away games."

As we arrived on the floor, she handed out keys. "Trev, Jamie, you are in 1012. Bucky, Steve, you are in 1016." We walked into a really spacious two-bedroom apartment. Modern appliances were installed along with a huge TV.

"You guys have cable and Wi-Fi, and all the passwords and stuff are on the counter. I left my business card that has my cell in case you need anything." She looked around the room. "You're on your own about who gets what, but I had some basic groceries delivered and stocked the fridge and pantry."

"Thank you, Emma," I said. "That was really sweet of you."

"Don't worry about it. I hope you guys like it in Anaheim. I should get going and let you get settled." She turned to walk about of the apartment.

"Hey Emma," Steve called.

"Yeah Steve?"

"Thanks!" He pulled Emma into a hug, making me frown. "I've never lived anywhere but New York," he told her. "Thanks for making it easier to leave home."

"Aww Steve. It's my pleasure." Emma smiles. God her smile made her even more beautiful.

"Yeah, doll. Thanks for everything." She blushes at my comment.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow. I'll have a car for you by then." She left.

I looked at Steve. "Have you ever met someone so sweet to a couple of strangers?" I asked him.

"God, Buck, don't do it. You heard what the guys said. Ryan'll kill you."

"Only if I hurt her. Which I don't plan to. Gotta have courage my man." I turned and walked out of the apartment to try and catch her. The elevator doors had just opened so I ran over to stop them. "Hey doll?"

"Did you need something, Bucky?" She looked up at me with big eyes. Gorgeous green eyes.

I walked on to the elevator to let it go down. "I was – uh -wondering if you wanted to grab a coffee or something? You seem nice and beautiful, I mean, you're sweet and..." Smooth Barnes.

*~*Emma*~*

Watching Bucky try and ask me out was adorable. I had promised no more hockey players, but Bucky seemed different. I decided to put him out of his misery.

"Sure Bucky, we can grab coffee. I know you don't have to be at the arena until 3 tomorrow so how about after I drop your guy's cars off, we can go? Around 11?"

His eyes lit up when I agreed. "Sure, umm you'd have to tell me where to go. See I'm not from around here," he jokes.

I couldn't help but giggle. "No problem. Text me so I have your number." The elevator hit the bottom floor. "See you tomorrow," I said.

"Bye doll." I turned back to look at him and he had a heart stopping smile on his face. Crap. Rule number 1 was just broken.

I climbed back in my car when I checked my messages.

Ryan: still mad?

Emma: maybe

Ryan: aww come on. You know Paige is going to kill me

Emma: you should be nicer. And never use that name again.

Ryan: I promise Em. I'm really sorry.

Emma: Fiiinnneee. I won't tell her.

Ryan: You're the best. Soooo....

Emma: what

Ryan: you have a crush.

Emma: what? I do not.

Ryan: Please Em. I saw you staring at Barnes.

Emma: Whatever Ry.

Ryan: Its ok with me. He seems nice.

Emma: cool.

Emma: Because he already asked me out for coffee

Ryan: Didn't waste time, did he? LOL

Emma: shut up

Ryan: Don't be embarrassed. You deserve to be happy. Maybe he can do that for you.

Emma: Maybe.

I checked my phone before bed to see if Buckyhad texted. Nothing. Disappointment washed over me as I laid down and tried togo to sleep.