Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

The Best Laid Plans

*~*Emma*~*

Once I got home, I started to get ready to get the office. I had just gotten out of the shower when my roommate Wanda came barreling in.

"Where the hell were you last night? Ryan called me when you didn't call him to let him know you were at home."

"Morning Wanda, yes I would love to wear some pants before I get interrogated," I said sarcastically. "I spent the night at a friend."

"Male or female?"

"Male. But nothing happened. I ran into Alex last night and Bucky and Steve were nice enough to let me stay when I drank too much."

"Who are Bucky and Steve?"

"They are the trades we just got from New York. Nice guys. You would like Steve. I pulled up his player profile for her to see."

"Oooo. He is cute."

"You wanna go to the game with me tomorrow? It's against Chicago so it should be fun. We can meet them after?"

"I'm in. What about this Bucky guy?"

"Oh." I pulled his profile up.

"Good lord. You spent the night with both of them? Girl, details."

"No, because nothing happened. Bucky is sweet. We did kiss though." I blushed at the thought.

"Really? He looks nice."

"He is. Wanda, he is so nice. He told me that he wanted to go at my pace. Especially after I had to tell him about Alex."

"Really? You had too?"

"Yeah, Alex tripped him during the game so I knew that there might be questions with the press today. I had to give him fair warning."

"I guess. So what do you have to do today? Can we have dinner?"

"I can't. Dinner with Dad. Maybe we can grab drinks after?"

"I'm game. I'll talk to you later."

I finished getting ready and headed to the office. I was in the middle of planning the next road trip for the guys when my phone rang.

"This is Emma."

"Emma, its Ryan. You might want to turn on the TV."

"Why? Ry, what's going on?" I flipped on the screen. Low and behold there was Alex. I turned up the volume.

R: Alex, how does it feel to be back in Anaheim.

A: It was nice. It was nice to see my former teammates and see how they are doing.

R: You played aggressive all night. Any reason?

A: I was motivated.

R: Reports are that you saw Emma Niedermeyer after the game. Any reconciliation in the works?

A: I don't comment on my personal life but if she's game than I am too

My heart dropped. What the hell kinda game is he playing at. I turned off the TV and just stood by my window. I felt sick. I knew practice was still going on and that interviews wouldn't happen until after. I sent a text to Bucky, hoping maybe he was already done.

Emma: Hey super star, just FYI Alex made a comment about him seeing me last night.

Luck was on my side today when he replied.

Bucky: Hey doll. Ryan told me. Anything you want me to say if they ask?

Emma: Just be honest.

Bucky: Gotta a question before the press gets here?

Emma: What is it?

Bucky: Be my girl? This is not how I wanted to do it but I'll make it up to you.

I was stunned. Already? Its been like three days. But it felt so right.

Bucky: Doll, you still there?

Emma: I am.

Emma: I would love to be your girl Bucky. But we're still going slow, right?

Bucky: Of course, Doll. Your pace, remember? It's just easier if they ask to be honest. And I honestly like you a lot.

Emma: ok well you just earned yourself a kiss.

Bucky: And now I am the happiest man in the locker room. See you soon.

I flipped the channel to NHL Network because I knew they were going to carry the press conference live. My leg was bouncing so hard. Finally, they got to Bucky.

R: James, how was your first game in Anaheim?

B: It was great. The crowd here had me pumped up. The team is great. They are a bunch of great guys.

R: Are we going to see your more aggressive side now?

B: I'm going to show off my great hockey side. The Starks and the fans deserve that.

R: We have multiple reports that you have been seen with Anaheim's hockey princess Emma Niedermeyer. Care to comment.

This was the question I was waiting on.

B: Well I'm sure Miss Niedermeyer is her own person and not just a hockey princess. She has been great with getting Steve and myself settled here in Anaheim. As their top-notch PR manager, she has been doing a wonderful job.

R: Are you concerned about Alex Pierce's comments?

B: About?

R: His relationship with Miss Niedermeyer.

B: I really couldn't comment on someone else's feelings. Mr. Pierce is entitled to them.

R: Would Emma say the same thing?

B: I don't speak for Emma. However, I think she is a beautiful person and when she wants to share her personal life, she will. As for me, I don't like to share details of my personal life.

God, he is good at this. He's saying all the right things. They know that we are something but until they can confirm it, they've got nothing.

R: Would Alex's reactions in the game be of concern because of the relationship between you and Emma?

B: I wouldn't know. You would have to ask him.

Smooth, confirming our relationship with out actually saying it. I am starting to love this man.

B: Ok I'm done talking about drama. Any hockey questions?

And just like that the press conference is over. And the world knows that I have a new man in my life.