Chapter Text
HEADLINES
New York Times Bestseller is being turned into major motion picture.
Production Powerhouse SHEILD acquired rights to Author Y/N Y/L/N’s debut novel.
Bucky Barnes’ Fanfiction About To Hit The Big Screen From Its Book Adaptation.
Fans Hoping James Barnes is picked to play lead role in adaptation, twitter is being sent into a meltdown.
Is Bucky Barnes Being Roped Into Playing Rhys Bass? Here are 10 swoon worthy reasons why he would be perfect.
Who is Y/N Y/L/N? Inside scoop on the author of Bookstagram and BookTok sensations, (yes including the one based on Bucky Barnes)
Are books that were Fan-Fiction worth spending money on? Here is our top five list starting with Y/N Y/L/N’s ‘I Think I Met You In My Dreams Once’.
Read Bucky Barnes’ previous scathing take on fan-fiction about himself!
Uh oh, James Barnes spotted with best-friend Loki Laufeyson as movie adaptation announced, looking glum!
Y/N Y/L/N says ‘Fan-fiction gave her the creative outlet to improve her writing. Says it is a dream come true to be published’ — and have a movie adaptation.
Author Y/N Y/L/N says people can have their opinions on book origins and inspirations. Does this brew trouble for SHEILD? Read her catty remarks in response to an old Bucky Barnes interview here!
Bucky Barnes Spotted Outside SHEILD Productions Is THE MOVIE Being Discussed?
Bucky runs a hand over his face, this meeting was droning on and on without a point being reached. So what if a book that was fan-fiction about him is being made into a movie? He just needs to know about his next role.
“Is there a point to this?” He questions pushing away the various pages of articles printed out with highlighted points over several sections, Sam gives him a glance.
“We’re trying to tell you that we want you to pursue this role.” The executive producer, Alexander Pierce smiles and Bucky sits up by straighter.
“No.” Bucky says, “Sam, absolutely not.” He gives a glare across the board.
“Listen this book is an absolute hit, the story is actually beautiful.” Sam defends the book. Bucky clicks his tongue.
“This is a book, with a character inspired by me, because this author had to change my name and major things when it was converted. You all know, I do not delve into the whole fan-fiction thing.” Bucky looks at the hardcover book, at least there isn’t a male model on it. The cover is simple— a vase with a sunflower and a pink lily.
“We went over this, I distanced myself from even speaking on this when the book got published.” Bucky runs a hand through his hair.
“I know and at that time avoiding reading or commenting was fine. It has been about two years since that. Listen this book good get you all the nominations we need and the win you want.” Sam offers temptation. He read the book he knows Bucky will love the role.
“Listen what we can do is maybe set up a meeting with the author, she’s a—,”
“A fan?” Bucky raises a brow, reading your name on the spine of the book.
“Well that can be said also you could read the book, make the decision willingly.” Maria Hill adds her expression unreadable.
“Willingly?” He looks from Sam to the executive panel.
“You have a five movie deal with the production house, this is the fourth we have lined up.” Nicky Fury says and the remaining executives shrug.
Bucky looks at Sam.
“If you would like a contract extension, I suggest you agree.” Alexander smirks, Bucky bites his tongue.
“Just give the book a chance and the author. She’s really nice and not creepy at all.” Sam explains and Bucky scoffs.
“You’ve met her then?” He raises a brow.
“Well I do sift everything for you to sniff out the bullshit.” Sam gives an easy grin.
Bucky turns to the executive panel, “What if I say no, even after?”
Maria Hill purses her lips, “Then the other movie slated for this year is being directed by Brock Rumlow.”
Sam whips his head to Bucky in warning, and his own eyes widen.
“That trashy director who only caters to the ego of men?” Sam scoffs.
“The same Brock Rumlow who I swore to never work with?” Bucky adds, “He represents misogyny and so much racism as well as sexism how can you even still employee—,”
“These are the two projects we have open for you this year. You may take time to read the book and then make your call.” Fury cuts him off, “Otherwise the decision will be made for you.”
“We’ll be in touch.” Sam says and they rise from their chairs. Opting not to have this go any further south and have Bucky take the time to process everything.
Bucky looks around the room, grabbing the book with a reluctance. He thanks everyone before leaving the room behind Sam.
“Who is the director for this movie?” Bucky questions him.
“There are talks to rope in the Parker-Danvers duo or it may be given to Natasha.” Sam answers.
“So they are banking a lot of success for this if the hopeful directors have those names being scouted.” Bucky hums quietly, peering down at the book. Thumb tracing over the lily wondering what significance that held in the story.
Sam takes it from him tucking the book into his bag, “I’ll give it to you at home, don’t want the paps to get any ideas.”
Bucky sighs, retrieving his sunglasses as the elevator doors open. A figure hastily exits and collides against his shoulder.
“I’m so sorry!” You look up at him, Bucky looks down at you. Your eyes are red, you sniffle.
“Y/N?” Sam questions. Bucky’s brows furrow, why is your name familiar? Then it hits him as he realises you are the author, but why are you upset?
Hastily you wipe at your eyes and face Sam with a smile.
“Oh, Sam hi! I’m sorry I’m running late that’s why I collided into you, I’m sorry again about that Mr. Barnes.” Your eyes shift to Bucky, his frown is evident and you wonder if you messed up, royally.
“No, it’s… are you okay?” Bucky raises a brow, you nod. It doesn’t seem as though he bought the wordless lie, hell you don’t believe you’re okay either.
“Did someone say something?” Sam questions worry lacing his tone, your phone starts ringing.
You make a displeased sound at the contact name. Bucky catches the name of Maria Hill.
“Shoot, I’m really sorry, I hope we can meet again under better circumstances.” You look to both, your eyes linger upon Bucky’s blue ones.
You swear your previous works that describe his eyes don’t do them even a minuscule of justice.
Bucky watches on, as you answer the phone and inform that you’re on the way inside.
“Yes, I know they don’t—,” you huff, “Look, I’d like the integrity of my written characterisation preserved and respected. The lead is supposed to be a plus size woman—, when the rights were bought I—,” You grit your teeth, frustratedly wiping at the corners of your eyes.
Stupid fucking tears.
Bucky looks towards Sam, who watches you with an expression bordering on sympathy. His gaze shifts back to you, as you again try and fail to hide your incoming tears, part of him wants to reach out to offer comfort.
The other part screams at him to keep himself in check.
“Can we discuss this inside, please? Thank you. I will be there in two minutes.” You inhale deeply, trying to centre yourself, the breakdown you restricted to the confines of elevator was short lived.
Sam and Bucky exchange another glance as you lock and pocket your phone. Sam already knew this was going to occur, he had skimmed over the list of the shortlisted actresses. None matched your written lead in physical characteristics.
“I hope so too. To meet in better circumstances.” Bucky adds with a smile, hoping to ease your worry. You look up at him with a small smile. Shoulders ever so slightly sag with relief.
“Thank you. I, um, I’ll get to,” you point towards the conference room direction. “It was really nice meeting you both.” You want to say more to Bucky but you hold off.
“Likewise.” Sam smiles waving as you turn away. Bucky watches you go, he then turns to his agent/manager who has one brow raised and a smile.
“What?” Bucky questions, stepping into the elevator.
“Nothing at all, Mr. Barnes.” Sam teases usually Bucky was quick to correct anyone being formal with him.
Bucky rolls his eyes, putting on the sunglasses as the flurry of paparazzi begin taking his pictures as he walks to Sam’s car.
The driver carefully pulls them through the parking lot and the mob of flashing cameras.
He ponders over why you were upset? He didn’t know several things about the book, just a few facts that it was first fan-fiction written about him. Bucky’s experience in reading that genre for quenching his curiosity had left him queasy at some of the things and also incredibly impressed by how some writers had him down to a t.
He knew it was an escape for so many people, providing comfort either by writing or reading him or his characters in scenarios that either took him by surprise or just borderline made him wonder about how he was perceived.
He wondered which category you fell into with your work, or where you made changes before the book was published. He did enjoy reading most of his Instagram was of his kindle or a paperback with his cup of coffee or a few on film pictures he had taken that matched the aesthetic of the book.
Bucky had a monthly livestream in which he would round up his reading list, it gave him a chance to connect with his fans and share his own love for reading. He loved interacting, but unfortunately his interactions were limited over the years to these round up videos or a few meet and greets.
At the point in his career at which he was didn’t come without a price to pay in many aspects. He swallows the lump in his throat.
He focuses on what occurred two years ago when your book hit the shelves.
The headlines that it made and every interview had the same questions.
Has he read it?
Will he read it?
Have you reached out to him?
What does he think about the sex scenes?
Have you become his favourite author?
Will he ever meet you?
Does he know you intimately?
Bucky knew, that you wrote him without his bionic metal arm.
The interviewer had questioned him so invasively, he actually just stared at the man for several seconds before formulating an answer. He didn’t know what else occurred in the story. He only hoped you didn’t turn the character inspired by him into someone complete or whole and sugar coat things. He knew he was flawed even beyond the arm. He hoped your character despite the outcome of the book remained human, believable.
Bucky takes off his gloves, the metal softly gleams in the sunlight as he flexes his fingers.
“Give me the book.” He murmurs and Sam gazes at him curiously then smiles.
“You’re giving the book a chance?” Sam begins to retrieve the book.
“I’m giving the story a chance like any script.” Bucky holds the book carefully, fingers of his left hand tracing the embossed title, then the flowers.
Yelena enters the room after you’ve settled into your seat in front of the executive panel at SHEILD Productions. Alexander Pierce keeps staring at you and even though you’re pretty covered up with the turtleneck. His sleazy intense gaze still rubs you the wrong way.
“Yes, now that Miss Belova is here, finally, we may begin.” Sharon Carter assistant to Alexander gives a sneer to the two of you.
“I appreciate the hospitality, Ms. Carter, I suppose the meeting notes will include the facial expressions you made?” Yelena raises a brow, you purse your lips trying not to laugh.
Maria Hill clears her throat, everyone turns to her, “Well, we heard you’re facing some issues regarding the casting?” She questions right off the bat.
“The female lead of my book is a plus sized woman. When your production house bought the rights to turn this into a movie I only agreed if the physical characteristics were honoured of both the main leads.” You explain, the publishing house warned you from being too vocal but your talent agent — Yelena Belova didn’t agree and so you were here fighting for the integrity of your book to be preserved.
“Miss Y/L/N, I hear you desperately need the money coming in from the movie and even are considering being an executive producer, yes?” Alexander rests his chin on his palm with a cheshire grin.
You swallow thickly. Yelena purses her lips this news was not supposed to be public.
“And I believe your mother’s recent illnesses has left your family in turmoil, so unless your next novel or this movie is a full fledged success you won’t be able to keep the roof on your head. A newbie little author like you just starting out and already making such great demands? Hasn’t your publication date been pushed back? For a third time now?” Alexander tuts, giving you a pitiful look.
“I don’t even know how are you a bestselling author of three books.” Sharon scoffs, Maria shoots her a warning look.
You swallow down the reluctance to stay quiet, “I think you should ask my reviewers that, the comments on my Goodreads page can explain your lack of information.”
Yelena chuckles, “Assistants usually are silent aren’t they? And shouldn’t you be fetching coffee for everyone? Or are you incompetent Ms. Carter?”
“I believe I did order a green tea.” Nick muses, Sharon pushes her chair back. Huffing as she leaves.
You sigh, “I just would request you please reconsider to preserve—,”
“We are trying to rope in Bucky Barnes to play Rhys Bass.” Maria cuts you off, you look at Yelena having already discussed your own discomfort for him to play a role he has a strong public stance against.
“His public stance doesn’t matter.” Yelena shrugs, “To them.” She gestures with a tilt of her head towards the panel.
“He would have to play the movie without his arm is he comfortable with that?” You request to know you cannot just order a person.
“Mr. Barnes can make his own decisions, we however are willing to offer to buy the TV rights to your second book as well.” Nick Fury speaks.
“Oh, that is generous.” You look to Yelena, she nods, catching onto the undercurrent you feel.
“You want her to back down from her stance.” She narrows her eyes.
“And also handle the social media backlash.” Maria adds with a wave of her hand.
“I—,” You begin, Yelena places a hand on your arm.
“Creative outlooks differed and the main producers took the call.” Yelena offers, it would save you from being called a sell out to a certain extent.
The board looks at each other, then all three nod. Sharon enters placing Nick’s cup down, her glare stays upon you and Yelena.
“Alright, we’ll put in an offer for the series when the auction time comes in.” Nick smiles, you follow Yelena’s lead by standing. Hands are shook but you don’t feel any better than coming into the office.
“You’re lucky you’ve been given this chance Miss Y/L/N, I suggest you not mess your clearly bright future up.” Alexander warns his other hand clasps over yours, you stiffen as he leans in further.
“It would be a shame to see talent wasted. Bucky Barnes knows where his success lies and how to get there. I suggest you learn to keep your head down.” His palm moves along your wrist to your forearm, you stay frozen in place.
Yelena pushes her chair into your side and you stumble away from Alexander.
“Oh, I’m so sorry Mr. Pierce.” Yelena feigns concern for him as you gather yourself. Leaving the conference room.
As you both stand quietly in the elevator; Yelena rubs her hand across your back offering comfort.
“It’ll be okay, I have an auction set up for the second book, you focus on writing your fourth, okay? They understand your troubles and the dates pushed back.” She tries comforting you, “I’ll make sure only Matt handles your contracts from now on, okay?”
“Thats what the agency said last time Yelena, the TV Series better not fuck up the representation.” You look up at her, all the supportive comments and messages from your fans about how they felt seen and heard in your books swirled in your mind.
“I know but the Publication house—,”
“They are scavengers? Eat every little piece of meat down to the bone?” You offer cutting her off.
She nods, “The royalties are good, we’ll make sure you have better financial gain as well, with being tied in and the advance I know it has been hard, but at least things are set in motion?” She urges you to look on the bright side.
You bite the inside of your cheek then nod.
“I want to know how they know?” You wonder.
“I think the agency will have an answer. I’ll find out what I can, give me twenty four hours okay? Put on your sunglasses.” She reminds as the elevator doors open, you put them on, sighing again.
“I’ll have it handled.” She assures.
“Thank you. I’m sorry about snapping its just, I told you how important it was, I changed so much from the original draft that it was…” You trail off.
“I know, I read the fanfic first didn’t I?” She smiles, reminiscent of the plethora of emails she sent to convince you to turn the fanfic into a book.
As the car you settle into begins moving out, the cameras catch your exit and you realise that to generate buzz, SHEILD had timed your meeting right after Sam and Bucky.
HEADLINES:
Y/N Y/L/N exits SHEILD half hour after James Barnes are we getting our casting wishes granted?
Female Lead? More Like MIS-lead, read all about the actresses in consideration for the anticipated ‘I Think I Met You In My Dreams Once’ Adaptation.
Bestseller or Sellout? Body Positivity Advocate, Inclusivity Encourager and Writer Y/N Y/L/N Is Keeping Quiet On a BIG Characterisation Change.
Fans Furious At SHEILD Productions For Disrespecting Author’s Creative Vision. Petition Formed, with 60,000 Signatures Already.
Bucky Barnes spotted with hardcover of I Think I Met You In My Dreams Once, Can We Expect Good News?
Bucky Barnes Scheduled Livestream To Discuss Books That Caught His Attention— Is A Certain Newly Famous Author On His Mind?
Loki Laufeyson To Play Best Friend On Screen Roped In By SHEILD Productions for Second Lead In ITIMYIMDO.
Y/N Y/L/N looking Nervous As Paparazzi Swarm Her Home, Yelena Belova of BW Talents Working With Cyber Unit of NYPD To Find Out Who Leaked The Data.
Author Y/N Y/L/N Spotted With Actor Bucky Barnes, seems like they have buried the hatchet? Do We Expect Bucky Barnes to say yes to playing Rhys Bass? We have an exclusive sound bite recorded by an onlooker!