Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

Planning for the Future

*~* Emma *~*

Tony called me in to the office the first day we got back from Boston.  When I got into his office, he looked pissed. "Emma, seriously, why didn't you tell me about the text messages?"

I looked down at my feet.  "I don't know, Tony.  I thought it was just him being moody.  I really didn't want to take him seriously."

"Well, that's changing now.  If you go anywhere off this floor, you have a security guard with you.  Security is going to drive you home until this is resolved."

"Bucky's driving me until he gets better," I mumbled.

"Sweetie, I don't object to that. Emma, look at me." I look up.  "I think you and Barnes are great.  He called me this morning, asking for ways to protect you. If you want, I can let you work from home."

"No, I can't let him win. Alex can't win this.  He took two years from me Tony.  He won't take this team from me."

"Now there is the Emma I know and love!  So, for the next four weeks, Barnes is going to drive you.  When the team is away, you just stay with him ok?  We will figure out something else when he comes back from his injury.  But the security, when you are walking around the building, stays."

"Sure Tony, I can live with that. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah, make sure you forward any messages you may get.  I have my lawyers already building a case for the end of the season.  Barnes is right; as long as he is playing, he can't get to you. But I'm going to be prepared to help you press charges."

I went back to my office and tried to concentrate on work.  I just wanted to focus back on the team and get everything ready to go.  They have two months of games left and we were in second place behind Vegas in the division race.  My phone rang as I was planning the west coast swing that was coming up.

"This is Emma."

Hey doll. Are you ready for lunch?

"Are we going somewhere?"

Nope, but I got you something special.

"When do you get here?"

15 minutes. I'll see you in your office.

I hung up and kept working.  This would be the only road trip that Bucky would miss so I had to see who I was leaving as a single.  A knock at the door brought me back.  "Come in."

"Hey doll."

"Hey baby.  What's up?"

"I have a surprise for you."

"Really? What?" He pulled out a bag from my favorite Italian restaurant. "Babe, you went all the way to Fullerton and back?"

"Yep, something special for my girl to make her feel better."

"Thanks love."  We sat down to chat and eat. I explained the new security measures that Tony had put into place.

"Doll, I have a couple of appointments on Saturday.  Can you come with me?"

"I mean if I'm allowed outside, sure I'll go," I said with a little snark. Bucky gave me a look. "Sorry."

"Emma, if you want me to leave you alone, just tell me, ok. I'm doing my best." I could tell that Bucky was irritated with my attitude.

"I know Bucky.  I'm sorry." I took a breath. "What kind of appointments?"

"It's a surprise."

The week went by, and Saturday finally arrived.  I was up early and in Bucky's apartment before 9AM.  Steve had early practice, so I made breakfast for Wanda, Bucky and myself.  I had started to feel better the longer I was away from Boston.  We sat down to breakfast. "So, what is the plan today?"

"I have two appointments, one in Coto de Caza and one in Fullerton Heights."

"Those are weird places for appointments," I tell him. "When do we need to be at the first one?" 

"At noon and we need to wait for Steve."

"Well practice is over at 11 so he should be here soon. I'm going to get ready."

I make it back to the boys' apartment and we head off.  South Orange County is all hills and beach. It's beautiful but I've never really looked at it.  My dad's house is in Anaheim, so we were only really down here to visit Ryan and other players that lived here.  We pull up to the gates of Coto de Caza and Bucky punches in a code.  We pull up to a gorgeous house, smaller than the others, but just as beautiful.

"Bucky, what are we doing here?" I ask.

*~* Bucky *~*

I pulled in front of the first house my realtor had gotten a viewing for.  I wait for all of us to climb out and Emma turns to me. "Bucky, what are we doing here?"

Steve walked towards the front door to give me a minute.  I had asked his opinion about getting a house, but one where he would live with us too. 

"Doll, I want to set down roots here in California.  With you."

Emma's face is shocked. "Bucky, I..."

"Doll, I'm not asking you to marry me.  Yet." I smirk.  "But this house that I buy has to be one that you love too. I want to plan for the future, Emma.  And I can't see it without you."

"And Steve?"

"Of course, Steve will live with us because I know that punk and we still need each other."  I swallowed and kept going.  "I know that there is a possibility that I could get traded down the line, but home is wherever you are, Em.  I love you and I couldn't make this decision without you."

Emma's eyes are shiny.  "Are you sure you don't want to make New York home?"

"Em, California is where you are, and you love it here. I don't plan on going anywhere else, but I wanted you to know that I wouldn't make you move away from everything you love.  I already moved.  I can visit my ma and Becca anytime. We can always vacation in New York or anywhere else we want.  I love you, doll.  This is what I want."

"Oh, James, this is what I want too."  She jumps in my arms, and I twirl her around as best I can with my bum arm.

"Let's look at these houses and see if we can find what we want."