Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Real Feelings

*~*Bucky *~*

Drinks with the guys and Emma is fun.  She walks in with my jersey on of course they give us shit.  I can't get rid of the smile on my face and Emma is a constant shade of pink.  Everyone is excited for the day off and making plans.

"You know, I could give you guys a tour of the area," Emma says.  "We can make a day of it."

"If you want, doll. I don't want to take all of your time if you have stuff to do and people to see."

"That's sweet that you think my life doesn't revolve around the team," she laughs. "Just so you know, I always clear my schedule for the week after a new player joins, just in case they need help getting around and finding stuff.  Sorry super star, you're not that special."

"I'm hurt Emma.  I thought that we were bonding." I pout at her.

She leans into me and I put my arm around her, pulling her closer.  "We are more, James," I heard her whisper.  Well, this makes staying with the team harder. I kiss her temple, knowing more would be a bad idea, especially in front of the team.

I start to get to know the team better.  But after a couple of hours, Emma and I bow out.  We get to my place and she makes an awesome dinner of steak, potatoes and veggies.  I pour us some wine and we just talk for hours.  She stays with me for the night, just cuddling.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

We get up on Sunday and are watching the news with coffee I can tell that Emma has something on her mind. "Doll, are you ok?"

"Are you sure you don't want more Bucky?" She asks breathlessly.

"Doll, I always want more.  But I don't want to push you."

"I guess I don't realize that as much as I want to rush, just being with you makes me feel better. Like I'm special and not just arm candy."

"Well, you are arm candy doll." She nudges me and I laugh. "But you're special to me Emma. I don't want to rush because I want to make sure our feelings are real".

"Thanks Bucky. So, what should we do today?" 

*~* Emma *~*

Bucky was right.  We needed to make sure what we were feeling was real and not just the rush.  We bounced around Orange County.  I showed him and Steve the Packing house, The Outlets in Orange, because they still needed California clothes.  We headed to the beach and I showed them Balboa Island.  We ended up at Downtown Disney for dinner at the Jazz Kitchen.  We actually got to see some of the fireworks from Disneyland.  Overall, it was a great day.

The next couple of days were the reality check I needed.  I had to go back to work and leave the bubble we had created.  But the feelings never went away.  Bucky met me for lunch, and we talked all night Monday.  For Tuesday, work was punctuated with setting up for the game against Los Angeles.  This was a sellout night for the cross-town rivalry. Also knew that I wouldn't be able to see Bucky until they got home the following Thursday. It made me sad, like chest crushing sad and I didn't know why.  I called Paige.  She was a hockey wife and maybe she could explain this feeling.

"Hey Paige, how are you?"

Hey Emma.  I'm good.  Just getting Ryan ready for the road trip.

"That's good."  I fell silent not sure how to proceed.

Emma, is everything ok?

"Yeah, it just, Paige I think I'm going crazy."

What's wrong?

"I just, my chest hurts Paige.  I keep thinking of James leaving for the trip and it makes me sad.  Like I'll never see him again.  I've only known him for a week, but he's been the best.  I keep thinking he only wants to be with me for the name, but he would rather stay home than go out.  He calls me his light and I don't know what I am doing.  I have never felt like this and..."

Emma! Breathe, girl. I hear her chuckle on the other side.  I'm putting you on speaker, ok? Ryan's here too.

Em, are you ok?

"I'm fine Ry, I just, I don't know why I feel like I'm going crazy.  I just never felt like this before.  And I don't know what it means."  I repeat most of what I had said to Paige to Ryan but calmer.

Emma, you're my best friend, right? Ryan asked.

"Yes, Ryan."

So I can be honest right?

"I hope so."

Ok, don't kill me but, you sound like me when I met Paige.  I think you are in love, Em.  Real actual love.

I don't say anything for a few moments.

Emma, you still with us? Paige asked.

"Y-yeah.

Emma, I think Ryan is right.  Its ok for it to be fast.  It was for us.  As long you are always honest and always talk, it will be ok. Paige smiled on the other side; glad her friend was finding true happiness.

"But what do I tell Bucky?"

Em, just be honest.  When you are ready, you can tell him.  Why don't you take the road trip as a way to double check your feelings? Ryan advises.

"Ok, I can do that. Thanks guys. I'll see you guys at the game?"

We'll be there.

I hang up and sit back.  Rule number two has just been broken.