Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Telling Lies, Telling Sweet Little Lies

*~* Bucky*~*

The team and I land in San Jose after splitting the games in LA. I facetime with Emma when we get into the hotel.

"Hey doll, I made it to San Jose.  I miss you."

I miss you too super star. She looks sad.

"Emma, are you ok?"

I'm fine.

"Emma, please talk to me."

I just miss you Bucky.  This is the first time we've been away from each other.  And there are seven more days.

I chuckle.  "Doll, it's going to be ok.  We'll do this every night and anytime you want."

Are you sure?  I feel like a clingy girlfriend.

"Doll, you are my light. I'll be yours if you let me."

Thank you, Bucky.  You ready for San Jose?

"I think so.  Any insight?"

She taps her chin. Hmm, Evander Kane thinks he's cute to feint to the right and Martin Jones favors his stick side.

I laugh.  "Why aren't you an assistant coach?"

Honestly, I have no idea.  She giggles.

"I love your giggle, doll.  Makes me think that I can do anything."

Yeah, well your smirk could convince me of almost anything.

"Really?  Good to know." I smirk right then.

Damn Barnes. Ok what do you want?

"Can't tell you doll.  Wouldn't make me a gentleman."

And what if I don't want you to be a gentleman?  Her face has taken a lustful look.  I groan.

"Baby, it's a week before I can see you.  Don't give me that look, please."

Something to look forward to then.

"Sweetheart, you are killing me right now.  What has gotten into you?"

James, I just want you. You, the most amazing man I have ever met.  You take care of me, you want what's best for me not us just me and that is exactly what I want.  I know, I know, its too fast but I know that you make me feel treasured.  You make me feel... she stopped.

"I make you feel what?  Emma, you are the most wonderful girl and you take care of me too. I'm still going to go at your speed. I care deeply for you. I miss you."  It takes everything not to tell her that I love her.  I don't want to scare her.  Steve walks in then, breaking the trance I have.  "Doll, Steve just walked in.  Say hi Steve.

He looks upside down to the camera, "Hi Emma!  I miss your pancakes."

This makes her giggle again, putting me at ease.  Yeah well I miss your French toast.

"I'm going to go doll.  Goodnight, dream of me."

Night superstar.  I always dream of you.  Dream of me.

We hang up and I fall backwards on my bed. "Steve, I am seriously screwed."

"Buck, what did you do?"

"It's what I didn't do.  I'm in love Steve.  I love Emma.  And I almost told her.  But I'm scared that I'll scare her away by going too fast."

"So, wait until she tells you." I look at him with confusion.  "Seriously, you can't see that she is in love with you too?" I shook my head.

"No, she likes me but she's not there yet."

"Bucky, I say this with love.  You are an idiot." I sat up to look at him.  "You have defended her, cared for her, encouraged her. And she looks at you as if you are the center of her world.  I bet you ten that she tells you the minute she sees you."

"Twenty."

"Deal."

The trip continues on and we win 2 of the 3 games, only losing to Edmonton. I'm impressed with Connor McDavid.  That kid is good, and I tell him so after the game.  We fly back to California on Thursday night and we get in around 1 AM.  Coach cancelled morning practice and made it an afternoon skate so we can sleep.  We have games on Sunday, Tuesday and then Friday.  Thursday is Thanksgiving and I still haven't talked to Steve or Emma about going to the Niedermeyer house.  As I get up on Friday, there is a knock at the door.

*~* Emma *~*

"Surprise!" I say as Bucky opens the door. Bucky wraps his arms around me.

"I've missed you, doll."

"I missed you too superstar. I brought stuff for French Toast.  I'm hoping I can convince Steve to cook."

Bucky laughed and said, "doll you can try but he is probably sleeping like the dead.  Montreal was tough on him."

"Yeah, but I'm his favorite. Watch I'll show you."  I ran over to Steve's door.  I opened it and saw he was still asleep.  That wasn't going to stop me. I took a running leap and jumped on his bed. "Morning Stevie!!!"

"Holy shit!" Steve rolled and landed on the floor. Bucky and I doubled over laughing with tears in our eyes.

"I swear Emma you are the only one that can do that," Steve grumbled getting off the floor. "Let me guess, French toast?"

I smiled and nodded.  I looked at Bucky. "Told ya! He loves me!"

I saw a flicker on Bucky's face before he smiled.  "Everyone loves ya, Emma." He gave me a hug and a kiss.

Ok, yes, I was avoiding telling my real feelings to Bucky. I was scared shitless that he wasn't going to feel the same way.  I was just happy to be with him in this place. Two weeks was so fast.  I wasn't like this at all with Alex.  I didn't tell Alex that I loved him until a year into our relationship.  But with Bucky, it was easy.

As we sat down to eat, Bucky said, "hey doll, about thanksgiving.  Your dad invited Steve and I over for dinner with you guys.  Is that ok?"

"Of course.  I'm sorry you guys can't go home."

"It's ok, Emma.  But you're our new family, right?" Steve asked.

"Absolutely." I smiled.  "Wouldn't have it any other way.  Ryan and Paige and the kids usually stop by. I know that Adam will be there since his family is in New Jersey.  Sometime Rick invites everyone over later for a bonfire in his yard. I can ask."

"That's great, doll." Bucky kissed my cheek.

"I always bake for Thanksgiving."  Yep, I kept dodging.  Then I saw Steve slip a 20 to Bucky. "What was that about?" I ask.

"I owed Bucky for dinner last night" Steve said.

"Oh ok.  Well, I got to get to work." I kiss Bucky.  "Thanks, Stevie for breakfast.  See you later Bucky?"

"Yeah doll.  I'll stop by after practice. Did ya want to grab dinner tonight? Seafood?"

"Sure, with my boys any time."  I flashed a smile.  I left and got onto the elevator.  I sagged against it. "Emma you are an idiot" I said to myself.  I just needed to tell him.