S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Rhapsodos: Taking the Backseat

Summary: It was supposed to be his reward from the Goddess after his service as a WEAPON to the Planet. Except, his life now consists of being a SOLDIER, Turk, Superhero Sitter, & this time as the unwilling hero in one. With so many heroes around, Genesis decides to take the backseat. At least Coulson concurs that the backstage crew can make differences. Fury doesn't seem to agree.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avengers or Final Fantasy VII. They belong to Marvel and Square Enix respectively. Any other copyright things or otherwise I don't own. I simply own the plot and make no profit whatsoever from this fic. Other added disclaimers will be noted on specific chapters.

Beta-ed by: CommentatorInThePeanutGallery (October 6th, 2012) [Last Edit: January 1st, 2016]

AU Notes: Plain and simple, I REALLY wanted this sort of crossover. No one has written this type of fanfic yet, so I'm taking this huge project into my own hands.

This fic does not contain Yaoi/Yuri of the kind. So it's Gen. Not focusing on romance here although there may be some implied canon ones from both fandoms. It's only that, just for flavoring the fic.

Based on the movies SHIELD stands for: Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division

However, in the comics it stands for: Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate

As how it stands in this fic, we're using the first one as it's within the MCU.

Enjoy!

~ Prologue: The Crimson SOLDIER Agent ~

"A drunk driver is very dangerous. So is a drunk backseat driver if he's persuasive." ~ Demetri Martin

Despite the wall sound proofed room, his ears twitched at the humming that was always present on base.

Having Mako in his veins in a figurative sense at times seemed like a curse.

He dismissed the horrendous noise by tuning down his enhanced senses.

Black leather gloved covered hands scribbled onto numerous papers that were in need of signing. His job wasn't so different after all like he had in his previous life. Yet, at least, this time around he wasn't the Catalyst that nearly destroyed the world, and had to be a WEAPON that saved it in the end. Logistics, mission reports, his salary details, and more future missions he signed without a second glance after giving each a thorough skim. While he wasn't the true perfection paperwork workaholic like Sephiroth, all of his work would be done as diligently and professional as possible without skipping out any long-earned fun. It was something he learned as 1st Class to deal with.

His small office wasn't all that large. He hardly came to the Helicarrier unless he needed to do the most sensitive reports. The large flying beast of a Helicarrier just wasn't homey to him, even if it looked better than Midgar throughout the ages back on Gaia. He had a simple minimalist desk with a wheeled chair, the newest state-of-the-art CPU, and Standard Issue stationary that all SHIELD agents have. Nothing special and he preferred it that way. The younger 'him' back on the Planet would never have accepted it, but with all the hardships he went through in his previous life, the auburn haired SOLDIER spy now was more reserved to taking any spotlight. Not to mention he now wore a suit that would have labeled him as a Turk back where he came from. Well, he had a reputation of sorts that many agents liked him for, and he was just slightly more careful on maintaining his temper.

On his last two papers, he was to sign, a knock was heard.

"Come in."

He promptly stood up from his seat as his superior came in.

"Agent Coulson."

"Genesis, just call me Phil. I'm not here related with work at the moment." The brunette agent eyed at the nearly finished pile of paperwork with a smile. "It seems like you're nearly done there."

Genesis rolled his eyes. "Best to tackle paperwork out of the way now, before it gets in the way later."

"I know, I know," the elder agent chuckled in amusement. He sat down on the chair opposite to the auburn haired spy. "It's just; most agents think that paperwork is evil. I'm glad you're actually good at it, my other colleagues complain about their subordinates when it comes to paperwork."

"For a perfectionist like you, Phil, all your subordinates who you take under your wing are the serious kind. Natasha's the perfect spy seductress; Clint's the ultimate sniper with a bow."

"And you're the perfect unpredictable wild card to SHIELD's enemies," Phil stated easily.

Genesis frowned at the hint his mentor was giving him. "Is Fury still considering me to be added to the Avengers Initiative roster?"

The man shrugged casually. "You are the youngest SHIELD agent with abilities that many would want you dead for."

"Been there, done that. I'm considered the youngest because I 'grew up' in this world. Of course, my ID would say I'm 23, not what I was before." With the last two papers, he signed them quickly enough before stacking them into a divider that sat on his desk. He paused, and then sighed, "You know that we can work just effectively by supporting the main group. I don't see why Fury is so persistent about this."

"He believes in Heroes."

Genesis chose not to comment on that.

At the silence, Coulson spoke, "Natasha's agreed to join if things get hectic, along with Clint; if that makes it comfortable for you."

A pause. "I'll think about it."

"Sounds good to me!"

'Anything to stop them from rubbing the Initiative in my face,' Genesis bitterly thought inwardly. He had enough of facing with 'destiny' in his previous life. He needed to change the topic fast.

"So, are you enjoying yourself over the fact our scientists found Captain America?" Genesis mused, knowing that his superior had a hero-worship for the said World War II hero.

"You have no idea." Phil grinned. He looked like a kid who got what he wanted for Christmas.

Minutes after that, it was just Phil explaining and enthusiastically describing how they (SHIELD) had found the long-lost hero under the ice alive and whole. To Phil and SHIELD, it was a triumphant win they succeeded in Operation Frostbite. (1)

To say Phil was thrilled wanting to meet his hero idol was an understatement. The way his current mentor was acting reminded Genesis fondly of Angeal's Puppy: Zack Fair. He didn't seem to mind, since Genesis particularly enjoyed the man's company. Coulson could be the calm and cool agent when he needed to. In regards to who Captain America was, the hero reminded the auburn haired spy and agent that there was still pride and honor in this world. Genesis was sure that Angeal would have taken a liking to the hero too.

"Fury's not letting me see him anytime soon, though." the elder agent sighed, disappointment on his face.

"Perhaps when you're all calmed down," Genesis teased.

Phil's eye twitched. "You're really enjoying this, are you?"

He chuckled at the elder agent. "It's not every day I see you worked up about something."

"Come on, Genesis! This is the Captain America! You're just as worked up when it comes to literature like Shakespeare and LOVELESS."

The auburn haired agent snorted but agreed nonetheless. "Fair enough; so, while we're on standby, is there an alternative place to stay before we're deployed?"

"You never like it here on the Helicarrier, huh?" Phil asked.

A sigh. "My friend, the fates are cruel... I don't want to force my ears to dampen my hearing for twenty-four seven; the not so good perks of enhancements."

"Where to?"

"As long as it's on solid ground, it's most indefinitely better. The traffic buzz isn't so bad to tune out as the turbines on this blasted ship."

"How about Eddie's bar?" Phil suggested, "For old time's sake?"

"Old time's sake my ass," Genesis scoffed at his superior. "They only let me drink there two years ago."

A shrug. "Only because they don't know how old you really are. Even I don't." He leaned to his 'supposedly' youngest agent and asked, "Are you going to tell me?"

"Not in a lifetime," was a deadpanned reply.

"And that's what makes you an interesting puzzle of a man to be with, Genesis," Coulson said dismissively. "But I can't complain. You, Natasha, and Clint all have your own past secrets. Just don't let them swallow you up. As long as I can keep an eye on you, you're family."

.

.

Eddie's Bar they called it.

No one would have spared a glance at it and deduced it was an exclusive member nightclub.

It was because the bar had been hidden in plain sight for SHIELD agents.

Not a single soul in the area seemed to think it was placed to hang out, considering its 'premium status for members' and that the bouncers outside were famous for enforcing the rules. People would simply just choose the other club on the other side of the street block that was usually packed and friendlier, not knowing they'd been paid by SHIELD to do so.

Cars and vehicles that SHIELD agents and workers owned were parked in the underground basement, away from prying eyes. It was one of the fewer places where most agents could hang out without being so secretive on who they were. Well, that was the case after they screened you that you were a SHIELD agent through security, and boy was it tight. It was a safety procedure they implemented as there were certain mutants or people who had abilities or technology to look like someone else.

The two came in and sat in their usual places. People just seem to know where they would sit like it was a rule that you don't take another person's place. That was unless they were on a temporary leave or dead because of the job.

"The usual, Joe," Genesis ordered his drink.

"Are you sure? For a kid your age you're a heavy drinker." Joe the bartender eyed his client with a raised brow.

Phil was grinning when the 'kid' so to put it, rolled his eyes dramatically. "He can handle it."

"I know he can handle it, but you think it's gonna be good for his liver?"

Genesis grumbled because he was called a 'kid'. With the Mako still affecting his metabolism partially, it still made it a bit tedious in trying to make himself feel the effects of alcohol. Not in the extreme case like it was for Sephiroth who needed a whole bar, but with his metabolic rate normal booze didn't seem to work well as he would want it to. Plus, the only people he knew about his real abilities to some extent was Fury, Coulson, and Natasha.

"I'll be fine." the auburn haired youth stressed. He had a reason to make his point. The drink was infamous to knock out a normal adult for a whole night unless you had an extremely high alcohol tolerance.

"Knock yourself out," Joe said, as he mixed the poison and slid the glass to Genesis. He kept an eye on the auburn haired agent as he took the drink calmly and that it seemed like it didn't affect the young man as he thought it would. While surprised, he considered both agents wanted their privacy and retreated away in astonishment masking his abrupt shock to serve other agents in need of a drink.

"He's just concerned for you," Phil chuckled. He was entertained thanks to Joe's reaction.

"Hnn."

Being ignored, the other agent heaved out a breath. "You're not taking the Initiative are you?"

"You've read my mind," Genesis replied, eyes focused on his drink but still listening to the elder agent.

"I thought you said you were thinking about it."

"I'm considering it as an option. Not necessarily the only option." Genesis pointed out facing Phil this time. "As a normal agent, I can do my job just as effectively."

"There will be a time where normal people won't be able to handle it," Phil argued. "Fury wants someone from SHIELD with special abilities to serve as a backup in case things might turn for the worst. There's only so much I can do."

This time, the auburn haired agent emptied his glass without stopping and slid the glass expertly where Joe was tending to another customer. "I thought I've seen enough already through your files on babysitting Stark and Thor. With my lack of patience, I'd be a bad candidate. I've got other better things to do."

"Like searching for old friends?" Phil inquired knowing it was the auburn haired spy's only drive at the moment.

Genesis had a small sad smile on his face. "It's one of the reasons why I joined SHIELD, and I'm still in it. Searching through 6 billion people on this rock hasn't gotten me any results yet. I just wish for closure."

Of course, being friends with Coulson for more than 5 years, he knew from the elder agent's expression that he wasn't going to let it go until he got his wanted answer.

"Humph, fine. Are there any alternatives then?"

"You can act as a consultant."

"I thought Stark–"

"From our side," Coulson cut in.

"It's still the backseat, right?"

"Yes, it is. I'm only passing the message to you. You know very well I agree with you, but it's my current job to ask are you in or out." Phil scratched his head with frustration, "I don't see why you're avoiding the spotlight like a plague."

"You know, I don't avoid people–like a certain agent that favors staying in his 'nest'. (2) I can be just as deadly in the background and still mingle with the civilians." Genesis stated. He stopped their conversation as his cell phone buzzed, and he flipped it open to receive an email. He skimmed through it, shut his clamshell phone, and stood up.

"I've got to go."

"Where?"

"Mission," Genesis replied straightening his suit and tie.

"Are you sure after you drank that thing?" Coulson asked incredulously, pointing to the glass what most agents would declare as poison.

His young agent thought differently waving his mentor with a dismissive gesture. "Don't be such a mother hen, Phil. As for your offer... take it or leave it."

"Which one?"

"Consultant."

"Alright... No promises about what Fury will say, though." The elder agent then hesitantly asked again, "Are you sure the alcohol won't mess with your senses?"

Genesis smirked, "It'll take me about another 7 glasses to make me drunk. Even if the morrow is barren of promises... Nothing shall forestall my return."

When the youth exited the bar, another agent came over to Phil. Unlike Phil, the agent had a tan complexion, was bulky, bald, and wore glasses.

"Coulson."

"Sitwell."

"He didn't agree to join the Initiative?" Sitwell asked about Genesis.

Phil shrugged his shoulders. "He's willing to take the alternative choice given to him."

"Stubborn kid." Agent Jasper Sitwell shook his head. "Well, better him than Blonsky that's for sure." (3)

"He's still sorting out his past," Phil defended.

Agent Sitwell blinked as if he learned something new. "It's that bad?" When Phil didn't say anything, Sitwell took note of it. "Right; I don't have the acquired level clearance to know. And even if I did, I think I'm stepping over some eggshells here." There was a small pause. "So what now?"

"I'll let Director Fury know about the alternative offer."

"We all have the temptation to be backseat drivers when it comes to decisions that don't work out the way we want." ~ Don Mattingly

TBC...

Notes/Trivia:

(1) SHIELD was responsible for Operation Frostbite in rescuing and recovering Captain America from being encased in ice.

(2) Refers to Agent Clint Barton or Hawkeye. Being a sniper with a bow, he likes to observe from afar (and from above) and usually doesn't like mingling with most people. His code name Hawkeye is also part of the inside joke he likes to be in his 'nest'.

(3) Refers to the events that took place in the One-Shot Marvel Film: The Consultant.

Comments, opinions, your thoughts, are always welcomed.