Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

I'll Keep You Safe

*~* Bucky *~*

Waking up the next morning was great and awful at the same time.  I still had Emma in my arms, but my head was killing me.  The doctors came in and cleared me to go back to my hotel room.  Coach Fury, Clint Barton, Scott Niedermeyer, Ryan and Steve also had a meeting with me before I left.  They asked Emma to stay because they wanted to share the theory they had come up with.

"Ok, James, we think that maybe the hit was a set up between Rumlow and Pierce.  We know that Emma has been getting messages from Pierce, usually saying that she would regret her decisions.  We think that you two should present this to the league," Barton explains.

"And ask for what?" I asked.  "That he be removed from the league or suspended?  That's just going to set him off and give him time to get to Emma.  We should let this play out.  If he's with the team, we at least know where he is. And I think we should have security for Emma."

Scott answers, "Oh I agree, Emma needs to have security and maybe move into the team building for now."

"Dad, c'mon, I have my own place and what about Wanda?"

"You both should move there," Scott says.  "The less opportunities for him to get to you, Emma, the better."

"I agree," Barton says.

I grab Emma's hand.  "It's only until the playoffs.  We may not see Boston again until next year unless we make it to the finals.  Once we know what we are dealing with, things may change.  Doll, we just want to make sure you are safe."

Emma walks over to the window and looks out. I know that this is her thinking pose so I turn to everyone else.  "What is the league doing about the hit?"

"They asked for your medical record," Coach Fury tells me.  "That will determine how long Rumlow's suspension will be. They will be here in 30 for a review with you."

"OK, I remember that from my own suspension. What happens after that?"

"You're cleared to go back to the hotel but not to fly. Emma is going to stay back with you and make sure you get back to LA ok. But we moved you to a different hotel and under a different name.  We don't want anyone to know where you are right now," Barton explains.  He turns to Steve, "We need you to continue with the road trip up to Philadelphia.  We still have a playoff spot to defend."

"Sure, boss, whatever you say," Steve says with a chuckle.  He leans over to give me a hug.  "See you in a few days, punk."  He turns to Emma, "take care of him Emma.  He's stubborn when he's sick."

"Whatever jerk," I pipe in, making Emma giggle.

"I will Steve, thank you."  She hugs him tight.

"See you James, feel better," Ryan says. He hugs Emma and the two of them leave with Coach.

"We have a car waiting for you and Emma.  Scott already moved Emma's stuff over and Steve moved yours," Barton explained. "Rest, take it easy.  The Ducks are taking care of everything and Boston management have requested to take care of a dinner for you as an apology.  You can decline if you want."

"I'll think about it," I say. Barton and Scott say their goodbyes and it's just Emma and me in the room. "Tell me what you're thinking, doll."

"Honestly, I'm scared.  Bucky, is he really going to try to get to me?"

"I don't know, doll, but that's why we wanted to make sure you are safe.  You're safe in the office and you're safe with me, Steve, Ryan and your dad. We won't let anything happen to you."  I kiss her hand. "Sweetheart don't let this bother you.  We'll take care of it, you see."

We left the hospital from the back, to avoid the press as much as we could.  I guess the hit was big news especially the announcement of the 15-game suspension for Rumlow. The league had assessed me and determined that the hit was more malicious.  I watched it on ESPN, and I was surprised I didn't get hurt more.  I'm thankful.  But I also heard the audio as well.  It hurt my heart to hear Steve and Emma panicking.

We stayed in the hotel room the entire time we were in Boston.  Emma was too freaked to leave the room, she wouldn't even go down to the restaurant.  The Bruins were scheduled to leave the same day we were, but Clint made sure that we had the first flight out.  Emma trembled the whole way to the airport.  All I could do was hold her hand and tell her that it was going to be ok.  I didn't want this for her. I didn't want her to be scared. She finally relaxed when we took off away from Boston.

Getting to John Wayne Airport, Scott met us, hugging his daughter tightly. "I've moved your things to the apartment right next to James and Steve. Wanda is there as well.  She completely understood, Emma. You ok?"

"Its fine, daddy.  I'm just overtired."

"Ok, princess.  James, how are feeling?"

"I'm doing better, sir.  Just ready to sleep in my own bed."

Emma stopped in the restroom. "Scott, she hasn't really slept since I left the hospital.  I'm hoping that being with Wanda and Steve again will help her."

"Thanks for letting me know.  How scared is she?"

"We never left the room.  She barely made it to the plane."  I sighed.  "My girl is losing her light.  And I don't know what to do now."

"We'll fix this Bucky.  Let's just get her home."

We made it to the apartments and Emma actually looked relieved to see the security in the building. She looked at me and just hugged me.  "I'm sorry for shutting down, love."

"Doll, I understand.  This is going to be difficult but that doesn't mean we can't live our lives.  I'll keep you safe. I'm right next door and for at least for the next four weeks, I'll drive you to work and pick you up. Don't worry too much.  Wanda and Steve are waiting for us."

"Bucky, thank you.  I love you so much."

"I love you too, Doll." I gave her a small kiss. "I've been thinking and I'm going to need your help with some stuff I want to do during my time off."

"Sure Bucky.  Anything with you."

"Great! Let's get upstairs and get settled.  Steve will be back from practice any minute."