Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Sharing History

*~*Emma*~*

"God, Em, you're too much sometimes," Ryan said. He gave me a hug and whispered, "he's a good guy, just go slow. I think he's worth it." He kissed my forehead and said, "See you later Squirt."

"I'm going to kill Clint for that nickname," I said as I rolled my eyes. Ryan just laughed, shook the guys' hands and was out the door.

I thought about what Ryan had said. He never told me that when I was with Alex. I sipped my scotch and sat back down with Steve and Bucky. "You guys have any questions?"

"Was he the one that called when we met you?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, I didn't look at the caller ID before I answered."

"Did he ever hurt you?" Bucky looked down, like he was ashamed he asked the question. There was no good way to answer it. Only Ryan knew the truth. The other guys would have killed him if they knew.

"Umm, yes, once. Right after the trade." Bucky's eyes flew to mine. I could see Steve's jaw tighten. "He, uhm, slapped me. I stayed in a hotel that night. He apologized and it never happened again." I downed the scotch in my hand. "Please don't tell the team. Ry knows but I didn't tell anyone else."

I was now uncomfortable, so I looked at my watch. "It's late, I better go."

"Doll, you can't drive, you've been drinking." Bucky grabbed my hand. "Take my room, I'll sleep on the couch."

"Really, I'm fine."

"We insist," Steve said. He gave me a hug. "I'm sorry you had to go through this Emma. But we won't let anything happen to you." He gave me a real genuine smile.

"Thanks Stevie. Wait, is it ok if I call you that?"

He laughed, one hand on his chest. "Its fine. Just for you." He looked at Bucky, "Not for you."

Bucky laughed. "Whatever, Stevie. C'mon doll, I'll get you something to wear." He took my hand and led me to his room.

*~*Bucky*~*

I took Emma into my room, and I found some sweats and a shirt for her. "Here, they might be too big."

"It's ok Bucky, thank you. I'll just change in the bathroom." She grabbed her purse and went in. I changed quickly and then went back into the living room. I cleaned up the beers and glasses and grabbed some linens for the couch. "Hey Bucky?" I heard behind me.

"Yea doll?"

"Can you stay with me?" Her green eyes were hopeful.

"Doll, I don't think that is a good idea." Her face fell with my words. "I mean, I want to, but I can't guarantee that I would remain a gentleman with you. I respect you too much to take advantage. I meant what I said Emma. I would wait until you're ready."

"Bucky, I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't ok with it. We don't have to do anything but sleep. I just don't feel like being alone. Those memories..."

"I understand Emma. C'mon."

We went back to my room. She looked around and saw the pictures I had there. She looked at the photo of my mom and sister and then one of me and Steve in college and with the Rangers. There was a fourth that she picked up. "Who's this?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "That's uhm Dot. My former girlfriend. She died a few years ago."

"I'm sorry."

"It's ok. She had a lot of problems, and she took her own life. She's my reminder to be great and do better."

"Were you guys together long?"

"Through college and my start with the Rangers. After she died, I played overly aggressive. I'm sure you heard Alex call me the 'Winter Soldier.' It was because of how I played. Then a guy from Colorado got really hurt because of me and I was suspended. That was my wake-up call. I went to anger management and therapy. I learned to play smarter." I didn't mean to dump all of that on her, but I figured since she shared her story, I could tell her mine.

"Thank you for sharing that with me. I think it's really brave of you to admit that you had a problem, and you did what you needed to do to fix it."

"Yeah, Steve helped a lot. He never gave up on me. I was happy we got traded together." I laid down on the bed and she laid next to me. We faced each other. "I'm really happy I got to meet you." I pushed a strand of hair out of her face and behind her ear.

"I'm happy to have met you too. Good night Bucky."

"Good night doll. Sweet dreams."