Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Personal Intention

*~*Emma*~*

So Barnes, I caught your press conference. What is your intention with our Bells here?

I swear I almost choked on my wine. I threw a look at Uncle Rob to say what the hell when I heard Bucky clear his throat. He took my hand and said, "I think Emma is great. She has been the sweetest since I have met her. I would like to get to know her, take her out and treat her like the queen she is. I care about her even with the short time I known her. I don't ever want to hurt her, but if I do, I will make sure that I beg for forgiveness and do whatever she wants."

I think that I stopped breathing. That had to have been the most romantic thing I had ever heard. I saw Steve dart his eyes from Bucky to Uncle Rob to my dad, unsure of what might happen.

My dad leaned forward, putting his hands on the table and looked directly at Bucky. "Son, you said all the right words. Emma is the light of our lives. If she is the light of yours, then we'll be ok."

I let out the breath I was holding and smiled. I looked at Bucky and he smiled at me. "Sir, she is my light. I can't wait to get to know her better. On her terms."

Uncle Rob chuckled. "He's already better than the last one. Bells."

Everyone at the table relaxed and shared a laugh. Dinner arrived and we had small talk in between. Steve asked, "Why do you call Emma, Bells, Rob?"

Rob laughed, "When she was born, they had to bring her and her mom in with an ambulance. I whispered to her that she had to come into the world with all the bells and whistles. Scott heard me and then told her the story as she grew up. So, I started calling her Bells."

Bucky and Steve laughed at the story, while I tried and failed to hide my blush. "Its's ok doll, I think its sweet."

As the dinner winded down, I got a text from Wanda that she wanted to meet at the local bar near the guys' apartments.

*~* Bucky*~*

As we waited for the cars at the valet, Scott pulled me aside. "Look, James, I know you had a reputation in New York and then you changed. She is the most precious thing in the world to me. Alex ripped her apart. Please take care of her. She just put herself back together."

"Sir, I want nothing more than to earn your daughter's love and trust. I promised her that I would go at her pace. And I'll do anything to protect her, especially from Alex. And you can call me Bucky, sir. It's my nickname."

"Well then Bucky, hopefully we'll see more of your around. Since the Ducks play on the Friday after Thanksgiving, you and Steve are more than welcome to our home for Thanksgiving dinner."

"Thank you, Scott. I think we'll take you up on that offer as long as its ok with Emma."

We shook hands and he and Rob said goodbye to Steve. I drove us away and Emma took my hand in her. "You were perfect Bucky. I'm sorry you got ambushed by Rob."

"It's fine, doll. Anything for you." I lifted her hand and kissed it.

"You guys are going to make me throw up," Steve said from the back.

"Aww Stevie. I'm sorry," Emma said with a giggle. "I'm going to make it up to you in just a few minutes. I have a friend waiting for you. Just head back to your apartment B, the bar is down the street from there."

It took us about 20 minutes to get back and we pulled into a dive bar called The Catch. I helped Emma from the car and headed in. Emma pulled me along and spotted her friend. This tall, willowy woman with light brown hair and blue eyes hugged Emma when we got there. "This is Bucky," she pointed to me and "that's Steve. Guys, this is my best friend and roommate, Wanda."

"Hi Wanda," I said and shook her hand. Steve however, looked pale and nervous. He lost his manners, so unlike Steve. I nudged him to bring him back.

"Sorry, hi, I'm Steve." I looked at Wanda and could see her blush. Well, well. I pulled Emma to me. "I think they like each other," I whispered to her. She giggled and whispered back, "I think so too."

We slid into a booth so I could put my arm behind Emma. We order some beers and chat getting to know Wanda. She only had eyes for Steve and he turns on the charm. I'll making fun of him later for this. It was a great evening until I see the last person I actually wanted to see, starting to head over.