Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Falling for a Duck

*~* Emma *~*

I woke up disorientated in a room that was not mine. I saw Wanda sleeping next to me.  It turned over and saw Bucky's pictures. Then I remember the night before.  Thankfully I was not hung over.  I looked at the clock, 530.  Christ its early but I'm up now. I decided to make the guys' breakfast as a thank you for the night before.  It could have ended so much worse.

I made it to the living room area and saw Bucky asleep on the couch.  He looked so peaceful.  I snuck over to him and gently pushed some of his hair out of his face and then I gave him a gentle kiss.  He smiled in his sleep and then settled again.  I went to the kitchen to start.  They had a 1 o'clock game against Chicago so I knew they would be up soon. I decided to make pancakes, eggs and bacon for them.

As I was pouring the batter, I felt two hands slide onto my waist making me jump. "Good morning gorgeous," I heard in my ear.

"Morning super star.  How'd you sleep?"

"Great.  Had a dream that this beautiful woman gave me a kiss.  Know anything about that?"

I giggled.  "No clue Mr. Barnes."

"Really, Miss Niedermeyer?  It kinda went something like this."  He leaned down and kisses me.  It was so full of passion but gentleness that I couldn't help but moan into it. I felt him smile and kiss me deeper. I pulled away and turned back to the pancakes.

"You're going to make me burn them" I told him.

"I'm only allowing this Emma because I'm hungry," Bucky said with a growl.

I turned around to face him again and put my arms around his neck.  "Tell you what, you let me finish breakfast, you win the game and I'll come back here with you and I'll cook you a victory dinner.  Just you and me."

"What about Steve and Wanda?"

"Oh, I think Steve and Wanda want to go out by themselves.  What do you say super star?"

"Sounds like a plan, doll.  But what happens if we lose?"

"Same thing except you might get a dessert." I winked at him.

"Emma," he whines.  "I can't not want to win."

I laugh, and whisper, "dessert was always included, handsome. Win or lose, I'm your girl."

He smiles and give me a quick kiss. "It's on doll. But I think you might have burned a pancake."

"Aww crap."

Steve and Wanda woke up around the same time and we all sat down to breakfast.  Bucky gave me a ride back to Wanda's car and she and I headed back to our place.  When we got there, there were flowers waiting with a simple note.

I'm sorry. A

I rolled my eyes and threw everything away.  I was happy finally for the first time in a long time.  I wouldn't let Alex take this away from me.  Wanda and I got ready for the game. I wore my jersey and decided I would need another one soon.  As we made our way to the arena, I asked Wanda about Steve.

"Emma he is so cute and a gentleman.  I was so impressed the way he stood up for you and Bucky.  He told me on the way home that he felt like he needed to protect the both of you.  I mean I don't have a friend that would do that."

"Hey! I would totally do that for you! I'm insulted."

"So, if you saw some puck bunny hitting on Steve you would..."

"Grab her by the hair and tell her how it is.  But, only if there was something there.  So spill. Is there?"

"I don't know.  I've only met the man once.  I hope there might be.  What about you and Bucky?"

"Bucky asked me to be his girl.  I said yes.  I'm cooking him dinner tonight after the game.  They have tomorrow off."

"What's their schedule like?"

"Off tomorrow, practice on Monday, LA at home then LA in LA and then they take off to San Jose, Edmonton and Montreal. They will be gone for eight days."

"You going to the game in LA?"

"Yeah, you want in?"

"Absolutely."

We made it to the arena and back into Clint and Natasha's box. We were chatting for a few minutes when an attendant came in carrying a box.  "Miss Niedermeyer?

"Yes?"

"This was sent up for you." He hands over the box.  On top there was a note addressed to me. 

Emma, I hope this isn't too forward, but I hoped you would wear this tonight and every game.  The second one, I hope that it would be every day.  You are my light, doll, guiding me home.

Bucky

I opened the box and found a new jersey with Barnes on it.  On top of it was a velvet box.  Inside was a silver necklace with a lighthouse charm on it. I gasped when I saw it.

"That boy had it bad for you," commented Natasha with a big smile.  I pulled the jersey out and immediately changed it out.  Clint helped me put on the necklace.  The music for warmup started and I went to the edge.

*~* Bucky*~*

I skated onto the ice for warmups and immediately looked for Emma.  I saw her and she waived and turned around showing me she was wearing the jersey I sent her.  I smiled and I guess it was big because Ryan skated over to me and showered me with snow. "Dude!"

Ryan just laughed.  "She looks happy.  I heard about Alex last night. Adam told me."

"Yeah, I don't know what his problem is."

"You're with Emma.  He always thought they were soul mates.  The rest of us tried to tell him he was taking it too far too fast but he didn't listen.  Believe me, Emma hasn't looked this happy since we won the Cup."

"Thanks Cap. I just want to be with her, what ever way she'll have me.  She's special and I'm not going to let that go."

We finished warmups and then headed back in.  I tried to re-focus when my phone went off.  I snuck a look.

Hey super star! Thank you for jersey and the necklace. I'm happy to be your light.  Good luck today.  You don't need it but I'll be cheering for you always.  Emma

Yeah, if the guys didn't know that I was in love, they do now.  Ryan happened to walked by as I was reading my text.  He grabbed my phone and read the message.  All the guys hooted and hollered. I covered my face.  "Shut up guys!"

"You in love, Barnes?" ask Derek Grant.

"I don't know.  But I'm happy. Very happy."

Coach Fury came out right then.  "All right ladies, Chicago is tough but we had a great game against Boston so lets keep that momentum going.  Starting line is Rakell, Getzlaf, Henrique, Rogers and Barnes.  We got Gibby in the net.  Let's get out there!"