Hockey Rules (Bucky Barnes AU x NHL)

The Return of Bucky Barnes

*~* Emma *~*

In the few weeks that Bucky was off for his wrist, we settled for the house in Coto.  It was perfect.  It was 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.  The basement was converted into a guest space, but we decided that it would be perfect for Steve to have his own space.  It even has a side entrance so Steve could come and go as he pleased but he said that he would probably be with us when we were not in our room.

The gated community made us feel safer and we would be closing escrow on the house soon.  I loved the house.  It wasn't so big to make it feel awkward, but I knew it would soon be our family home.

As we planned on the furniture for the new house, Bucky got the ok to return to limited practice three and half weeks in.  He would still take me to work but he and Steve would stay after practice to wait for me to end the workday before we all went home. I was starting to get nervous that I would be on my own soon.  The closer Bucky got to being cleared for games, the more anxious I got.

And then five weeks after taking that brutal hit, Bucky was getting ready for his first game back against Vegas. I went with him to the locker room where security was waiting for me to take me up to Clint's box.  "Baby, please be careful," I told him.

"Always, doll.  Technically, the last time was not my fault." He gave me his trademark smirk.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Steve. "Stevie..."

"I got it Emma. Don't worry and enjoy the game."

I hugged Bucky tight, "Come back to me."

"Always. I love you." He gave me a deep kiss.  To which, of course, Ryan and Adam came out just in time to witness.

"Gross, Em." Ryan complained.

"No one asked you guys to come out here, Ry."  I stepped back to let them go into the locker room.  I grabbed Ryan before he went in.  "It's going to be ok, right?"

"Emma, I've never seen you nervous like this before.  He's got this.  We all do. Relax and enjoy the game." He kissed my forehead.

I turned and left with my security guard, Bruce.  We chatted as we walked to the elevator when I heard, "Hey Shorty!"  Really, when did this nickname become popular again?  I turned around to see Marc-Andre Fleury and Shea Theodore coming towards me. I hadn't seen Shea in a while. He got traded to Vegas from us and I still miss him from time to time.

"Hey Marc, Shea, what's up?"

"Just checking to see how you are doing.  We heard some rumors."

"Rumors of what?"

"Nothing big.  Uh, Pierce is saying how he's trying to win you back," Marc says. "As your friend, I hope you have better taste."

"I would never go back Marc but thank you for your concern.  Have a good game, guys." I started to walk away when I felt a hand on my arm. I looked and Shea had a hold of me.

Shea lets go of my arm.  "I just wanted to say sorry."

"For what?"

"For not stopping him earlier." Shea pulled me in for a hug.  "I knew he wanted to ask you out for the wrong reasons, and I should have stopped him.  I'm sorry Emma."

"It's ok, Teddy."  I had really did have nicknames for everyone. "I'm happy now and that's all that matters."

He gave me a kiss on the cheek that was a little close to my mouth.  I pulled away and shook my head.  "No Teddy."

"I'm sorry Em.  I know you are with Barnes but..."

"But nothing Teddy.  Have a good game." I walked away with Bruce, not realizing that I was being watched by Adam and Bucky.

*~* Bucky *~*

I had walked out to catch Emma to ask her about my missing undershirt and see her with Theodore.  I watch him try and make a move, but Emma moves away shaking her head with a sad look on her face.  She leaves with Bruce, her security guard.  I walk up to Theodore.  "What the hell was that?"

"Barnes, I'm sorry.  I wasn't thinking man.  I just..."

"Just stay away from her ok."  I turn and walk back to our locker room. I avoid everyone and just concentrated on putting my pads on.

"Barnes, you ok?" I look up to see Adam looking down on at me.

"I'm fine, just nervous to be back." I try and hide my anger.  I know Emma didn't ask for it but I wondered how close she actually was to the players.

"Are you sure? Because I saw you outside."  Adam folded his arms.

"Is she always that friendly?" I ask quietly, annoyance seeping in my voice.

"No.  She loves her team, and we all love her like a sister.  Shea had carried a torch for her; didn't realize that it was still there." He bent down to my level.  "But I've never seen her love someone like she loves you.  You can ask any of us.  We're just happy that she is happy."

"Thanks Adam. I guess I'm just used to Captain Douche making moves on her I didn't think I would see it from anyone else."

"No worries.  Let's just get out there and get you back to form." 

I took a breath and kept getting ready to go.  We headed out for warmups, and I can feel the adrenaline going up in the blood.  I love this game and touching the ice was bring me back to life.  I look up to where my girl sits and I see her in my jersey, waving at me to get my attention.  I wave back and she blows me a kiss.  Boston was five weeks ago, and I missed having her wave and blow me a kiss. The last few weeks with her made me want to think about our future more.

We get to the game start and when they announce that I'm starting, the crowd cheers a little louder.  I'm pumped and I get the game started with a check to Reaves. Steve and I work great defensively, and I'm able to block a shot.  It always stings but I knew I would get it from Emma later.

I played smart all game and get a breakaway with Ryan.  I pass it to him, and he gets it top shelf past Fleury. The game ends with a win 1-0. Best way to come back from injury.  I felt great, my wrist was great, and my girl was here to see it all.  The return of Bucky Barnes was complete.

With the win, we are now tied with Vegas for first in the West.  We have 15 games left before the end of the regular season.  We just need one more win to clinch a playoff spot. I would love to cap this year off with a cup and hopefully a fiancé.  I think it's time I talk to Scott.