Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Hey Now, You're an All Star

*~* Emma *~*

The next few weeks were a blur. Once Bucky and I admitted our feelings to each other, the pain of not being honest went away and we were able to enjoy each other once again. We were coming up on All Star weekend and the Ducks rest week right after. We decided since the All-Star festivities were going to be in Orlando this year, we would spend a couple of days after in Florida and then head up to New York to visit family. Of course, Steve would be with us but Wanda, my dad and Uncle Rob would join us.

The first day of the weekend was the skills day. I was walking backstage when someone grabbed me from behind. "Hey Shorty!"

"Sid! Oh my god! Sid! I haven't seen you in forever!" I turned to hug Sidney Crosby. "How is it in the second greatest city for hockey?"

"Oh, and Anaheim is so great?"

"Umm, yeah. Hockey and the beach all year round." I give him a chef's kiss. "Perfection."

"Whatever, Em. How have you been?"

"Great, working hard, being happy." I shrug.

"Yeah, I heard about you and Barnes. Is he treating you good?"

"We're happy," I heard behind me, as strong arms wrapped me. "Hey Sid."

"Hey, James. Congrats on your first All Star honor."

"Thanks Sid. How do you guys know each other?"

I laughed. "Sid and I met at the hockey combine. I went with my dad and the other scouts. This loser thought it would be cute to snow shower me." I felt Bucky chuckling behind me.

"Man, I've never seen her dad so mad. But she started to laugh, picked up the ice remnants, made a snowball and threw it at me. Seriously though, I think that's how I ended up in Pittsburgh. Your dad would not have me in Anaheim."

"Dude, your own fault. Anyways, having fun?"

"Yeah except for, you know." He rolled his eyes. "Pierce. Man, he is such an ass."

"I think I am well aware. I didn't know he got voted in. I really didn't look after Anaheim."

"Same old Em. Only focused on her team." Sidney shook his head. He shook Bucky's hand and then gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "He seems like a great guy, Em", he whispered. "See you on the ice Barnes."

"So when were you going to mention that you knew Sidney Crosby?"

"Sweetie, I know almost all the guys. Some are closer than others but they are all friends. Except for the guys from LA. I hate them," I said loudly as Andre Kopitar walked by.

"Love you too Shorty," he yelled back at me as Bucky and I busted up laughing. I missed the fact that Alex was nearby. And had seen my ring from Bucky.

*~* Bucky *~*

It was the day of the All-Star game, and we were having fun at the hotel with the rest of the West team. As we got on the bus, Emma was checking her email. I had a few things to check when I got an alert on my social media. "Oh shit." I muttered.

"Babe, what is it?"

"Uh, sweetheart, have you checked the Ducks social media page yet?"

"No, its next why?"

"You might want to check now."

She looked up at me and then at Ryan and Steve who were sitting across from us. They both had their phones out reading what I had seen, and they looked up at us. Steve's face paled and Ryan looked pissed. She checked my phone.

"HOCKEY PRINCESS AND NEW SUPERSTAR IN LOVE?"

Below was a picture of me and Emma in an embrace, kissing.

It looks like love is in the air in Anaheim. Hockey royalty, Emma Niedermeyer was seen being rather close to new Anaheim Ducks star, James Barnes. Reports are that Niedermeyer and Barnes have started a new relationship on the heels of Niedermeyer's break up with Boston Bruins' Alex Pierce. It seems that Emma does like her hockey stars. The NHL All Star weekend is happening currently in Orlando. With Barnes set to play for the West and Pierce in the East, we hope that they keep it friendly over the weekend.

I was stunned. I remembered when the kiss happened. It has been about a month ago when they announced the All-Star roster. But why was it published now. I could see that Emma was getting upset. "Sweetheart, its ok. You and I and the people closest to us know the truth ok."

"Ok."

"Emma, please, don't shut down. I love you and that's all that matters."

"Bucky, they aren't calling you a puck bunny. It's different for me."

"Who wrote this?" Ryan asked.

"It looks like it was the Los Angeles Times but it was picked up by a few outlets," Emma said.

I could see the wheels turning in Ryan's head. "What are you planning Cap?" I asked.

"Hey Rico, Rik!" The guys turned around in their seats in front of us. "Guys, none of you are talking to the press today," Ryan said.

"Cap, you know they can't do that," Emma said.

"We can and we will. Emma, just ask a few press people to do short interviews. But only people who haven't published that story. Its bullshit and you know it. This is supposed to be about the players and not their private lives unless we want it. Let's call Barton and confirm."

Emma and Ryan got off the bus and headed to a small room. I was pacing, not sure how to feel. Part of me wanted to be angry and the other was sad that they made Emma out to be something she certainly wasn't. Steve, Adam and Rick just stood there, discussing what was happening. After about 15 minutes, Ryan and Emma came back out.

"Ok, Barton just told us that we don't have to talk to all of the press. The Times didn't write the article. It looks like it came out of the Boston Globe."

"Boston?! Wait, does that mean Pierce did this to her?" I was furious.

"We don't know that Barnes," Ryan said as he put his hand on my shoulder. "Emma is going to issue a statement about her relationship with Pierce. And then we only talk about hockey. Guys, the less we bring attention to this, the better."

"Emma, are you sure you want to do that?" I asked her. "You only have to do what you feel comfortable with, doll. And I'll stand by you, whatever decision you make."

She leaned into me, burying her head into my neck. "Why won't he leave me alone?" She whispered.

"I don't know doll. But I'm here. I won't let him get to you." I looked at the guys. "No comment on our relationship, ok?"

"Yea, ok course punk," Steve said.

We started to walk to the locker room. I had my arm firmly around Emma's waist, not wanting to let her go. A lot of players said hi, a couple said they were disgusted with the article and said so. Crosby, Kopitar, Auston Matthews, Marc-Andre Fleury and a few others all said that they wouldn't talk to the Boston Globe out of solidarity for Emma. It made me proud of my girl that she touched so many players with her personality.