Chapter 7
the thrumming bass pulsated through Stiles body, leaving him torn between excitement and nausea.
He could hear the chatter from the media sitting right through the curtain that was projecting the PR video, a deep baritone voice talking about their history, them leaving Shield and forging their own path and that every good team needed a manager. There were also a pile of sports metaphors that he was sure were Tony's doing and would have made coach proud.
Stiles felt like bolting, all of his self doubt coming straight to the forefront of his mind. He was just a kid, he couldn't do this, the media was going to tear him apart and think this was a joke.
Noticing his nerves, Tony grinned at him, nudging his shoulder gently with his own. "Relax kid. You are going to be fine and the team's got your back. You've already been doing your job and finished training. This is just making it official."
Stiles took a deep breath, nodding.
Thor clasped his shoulder with a bright smile. "There is no one I would rather have, protecting my back Stiles. You may not have our physical or mystical strength but you are just as capable as the tacticians of Asgard."
Stiles melted at Thor's puppy dog smile. The man reminded him too much of Scott in that way. "Thanks Thor, that means a lot."
The rest of the team gave him thumbs up and smiles, all of them giving him a mix of: "You got this Stiles. Just get up there and show them what we already know."
Straightening to his full height and taking a deep breath he nodded to his team.
With a loud crack the curtain in front of them fell, quickly being dragged away by a pulley system to clear stiles path. a flare of lights, smoke and pyrotechnics lit his way as he walked forward to the podium, his team following him, one step behind him.
The light show and the heat of the flames made his lip quirk up in amusement, wondering how Tony had managed to get that passed Pepper.
As expected the press had a field day when they saw Stiles. questions being flung at an alarming pace, but quickly quieted down by the MC.
Stiles took a breath, smiling at the crowd like Pepper had taught him and started on his speech, managing to keep his tone even and throwing in a joke here and there, that made the crowd chuckle.
He didn't remember a single word he said, but from the way that Tony grinned at him and the crowd had relaxed, he must have done a good job.
When it was time for questions, the MC did an amazing job, screening questions.
The first question that was asked actually caused Stiles to laugh, Tony and Steve laughing right behind him.
"Mr. Stilinski, Do you have any relation to Mr. Stark? You were spotted at the airport on your arrival, looking very familiar with each other. The paparazzi have also caught you on outings and no one can deny that you look alike."
Stiles shook his head, looking at Tony who just shrugged. " I can guarantee you that I have no relation to Tony Stark. My father is a small town Sheriff. Tony and I are good friends, that's all and as to how we became friends, that's Tony's story to tell if he chooses to."
The reporter opened his mouth to argue but Tony piped in. "I have no issues, sharing the story of how Stiles and I met. He saved my life when everyone thought I was dead, hid me from danger and helped me rebuild my suit so I could come back and save the day. I owe a lot to Stiles and the fact that he has accepted this position means I will owe him even more. I couldn't think of a better person to have my back."
Another reporter lifted their hand before yelling out. "How do you except someone so young to be able to take over such an important position?"
Tony opened his mouth to answer but Steve cut in. "Stiles qualifications are from special circumstances that are private and classified. He has been training for two months now and has shown himself more than capable to do the job he has been assigned and there is no one I would trust more in my ear while I'm on a mission."
Steve clasped Stiles shoulder and gave Stiles an encouraging smile.
The rest of the questions spiralled down into private questions like if Stiles had a girlfriend or boyfriend, how much was he making as a salary and a pile of other questions that were mainly shot down by the MC.
Once everything was done, they were whisked away to the outdoor stage where fans had been standing for hours waiting to get a glimpse of their favourite avengers.
Stiles followed, shaking fans hands, people screaming and squealing, asking for autographs.
It baffled Stiles that some of these people wanted his autograph along with the rest of the avengers.
Once that was done, they were escorted to a limo and Stiles threw himself down onto the plush seats with a deep sigh. "They were acting like we were movie stars. That was ridiculously surreal."
Tony chuckled. "Better get used to it kid."
Natasha smirked. "Just don't let it get to your head like Tony here."
Tony and Natasha playfully bickered, the rest of the team getting in on it, teasing and razzing each other, helping Stiles relax.
The billionaire nudged Stiles back to attention. "You up for some Korean Barbecue tonight? My treat."
Stiles nodded with a grin. "I couldn't eat anything this morning, I could eat a horse."
Tony grinned and knocked on the roof of the limo, the drivers voice echoing through the speakers. "Yes, sir?"
The billionaire called out his instructions to his favourite Korean Barbecue restaurant and the limo changed course to the restaurant.
They were ushered in and shown to a private room by a server who seemed completely at ease with the group she was guiding to the table, proving that they came here often.
Stiles was fascinated by the little grill in front of their table, watching the others drop meat and vegetables onto it to cook.
Tony was the one to notice, pointing to his spot on the grill. "Your food isn't going to cook itself. Need some help with it?"
Stiles shook his head grinning. "No I was just watching you guys, pretty sure I got the hang of it."
He carefully placed his strips of pork belly on the hot grill, watching it sizzle and curl in on itself as it cooked.
His phone started buzzing next to him and he quickly picked it up, answering the call when he saw it was his father. "Hey Pops, what's up?"
The Sheriff chuckled in his ear. "Just wanted to congratulate you on the press conference. You did great. My phone on the other hand hasn't stopped ringing since you appeared on TV. Also the pack may be freaking out a bit. I was over at Melissa's to watch it with her and the pack was there."
Stiles chuckled. "It's expected dad, Hopefully it quiets down soon for you. As for Scott, well he knew what a great thing he had and took it for granted."
His dad chuckled. "His loss, son."
Stiles smiled as they continued to talk for another minute before bidding each other goodnight.
The rest of his team eyed him with curiosity and he waved them off. "Just my dad telling me he saw me on TV."
The team grinned, Tony stealing his cooking piece of meat and popping it onto his mouth as Stiles squawked. "He better get used to seeing you on Television kid. The media is going to be all over you for a while. Your the new thing."
Stiles shook his head, unbelieving. "I'm no one. There's no way the media will stay interested in me for that long."
The rest of the team eyed him sceptically but went back to eating and Stiles continued to enjoy his meal.
Stiles was quick to realise he never should have uttered that sentence.
Two weeks passed by rather quickly with Stiles taking on the full time position of Liaison, dealing with the media, Shield and the Military daily.
It was Friday and Stiles was in his office, Tony's eyes following his mad pacing.
"Flirting with her!?" Stiles roared, throwing the tabloid newspaper across the room to land hard against Tony's chest, causing the billionaire to let out a startled Oomph before chuckling at Stile's theatrics.
Stiles glared at Tony before resuming his Pacing. "She was a Barrista, I was ordering coffee! Tony this is getting out of hand! In the past two weeks the media has made me out to be hooking up with twenty different people and yet I'm getting none of the benefits of such allegations! A lady came over and got me to kiss her baby, people are asking me for autographs. I am not famous, I just boss around some superheroes!"
Tony chuckled. "The media fixates on what it likes and right now you're it."
Stiles opened his mouth to argue when the rest of the team walked in urgently, Natasha the first to speak. "You need to see this boss. Jarvis, pull it on screen."
General Ross's face pulled on on screen, stopping Stiles in his tracks, listening to the general's words. "Let's speak honestly here. Stiles Stilinski is nothing but a boy, his behaviour clearly shows that he is unfit to hold the mantle of being the Avengers handlers and Liaison. The fact that the boy is unable to control his hormones just cements it."
The reporters burst out with questions on the screen before one was singled out. "General Ross, Sir. Would you feel you are better equipped to be the Avengers Liaison?"
General Ross smirked at the screen. "With my experience I feel I would be one of the top choices for the position."
Banners fists clenched tightly as he growled out. "Jarvis, screen off."
Everyone shifted nervously, knowing how General Ross could get to Banner.
Banner took a few deep breaths before walking away.
Stiles moved to follow but Natasha stopped him, shaking her head. "Let him be, General Ross is the one way to make him lose control and he's due for a hulk out right now. He needs to calm down by himself."
Stiles frowned. "What do you mean he's due for one? I thought he had become in control, how often does he become green involuntarily?"
The rest of the team shifted nervously before Jarvis piped in. "The time between Mr Banner's involuntary transformations have become more and more pronounced in the last two years, Mr Banner has not had an incident in a month and would be due for another quite soon."
Stiles looked thoughtful but let it go, and sent the team off. "General Ross is just grandstanding, Go back to whatever you were doing and don't forget our meeting with Coulson at seven."
Finally alone he sat at his desk, looking through some of the mission profiles.
The paperwork only managed to hold is attention for an hour before he raised his head, speaking to Jarvis. “Jarvis, is there anyone in the sparring room?”
Jarvis spoke up, voice matter of fact. “Mr Banner is currently in the sparring room calibrating the simulators, Might i suggest staying away for a while? He seems to be failing and his frustration is rising.”
Stiles shook his head. “Jarvis, my man I have seen Bruce get punched by Tony when they argued over those calibrations and he didn't Hulk out. I don’t think our genius is going to go green because of a simple holographic simulator malfunction though I do appreciate the concern.”
Jarvis spoke up, voice clearly worried. “I’ll be sure to keep Mr Stark on speed dial in case things turn as you put it ‘Green’”
Stiles laughed grabbing his water bottle, his current outfit fine for his planned workout. He loved the holographic projections, setting it up for a run and making the room look like the preserve back home.
“You have a meeting at 7 PM with Mr Coulson” Jarvis reminds him for the seventh time.
Stiles rolled his eyes stepping into the elevator. Jarvis voice following him. “I know Jarvis, It’s noon am I have plenty of time for a run and lunch.”
“You've been up gaming all night with Mr. Mahealani, I'm just trying to ensure you don’t fall asleep” Jarvis helpfully reminded him.
Stiles huffed. “Okay that was one time. I accidentally fell asleep and you woke me up before I missed any meetings. Besides the military were being lazy. That mission could have been done by any spec ops team. I'm getting sick of them begging for the Avengers help for jobs they can easily handle, they need to learn to do their jobs”
“Agreed Mr Stilinski” Jarvis replies.
“Can you put on my work out mix?” Stiles asks the AI system.
“Mr Stark warned you that blasting that sort of music wasn't advisable.” Jarvis tells him, making Stiles smile.
Stiles smirked, speaking up to the ceiling and realizing that if he was to talk to the ceiling anywhere else he would be considered crazy. “We both know Tony does the exact same thing, he just doesn't like its being done to him,”
The elevator dinged as he arrived on the simulator floor before Jarvis spoke up, sounding as panicked as an AI can sound.“Sir I advise you to initiate the lock down protocol for the training room Mr Banners heart rate is elevating and I think he may be on the verge of transforming”
Stiles stepped out of the elevator and wished he hadn't as he laid eyes on Bruce who was in the middle of the padded sparring area, tools spread around him and his grunting would have left Stiles thinking dirty thoughts at any other time. This time it just caused his entire body to go deadly still.
“Bruce?” Stiles asks in a low whisper.
It attracts the attention of the convulsing and moaning man surprisingly quickly. “RUN!!!!”
Bruce roars and it’s not his voice it’s the voice Stiles has only ever heard once over the coms.
Stiles wanted to listen to the green tinged man and run but his feet wouldn't move, he was stuck where he stood, watching as the feeble and usually reserved man was gaining green coloured muscle by the second getting so big that the clothes ripped off his back and within seconds Stiles was staring into the face of the incredible fucking hulk.
“Jarvis initiate protocol green” Stiles whispered.
“But Sir you’ll trap yourself on this level with him” Jarvis tells him.
“If he gets out the rampage could be much worse than one person, initiate the program and do it now!” Stiles shouts jumping when his shouts attracted the growl of the Hulk.
Within seconds the wide room which was usually bright due to the ceiling to floor windows darkened with the one hundred inch Vibranium alloy that covered the building when the lock down protocol was initiated.
The hulk roared launching himself at the alloy covered windows the metal making a high pitch ringing noise that had Stiles falling to the floor clutching his ears.
Stiles may have screamed but the ringing erased it. The sound was torture, like he'd climbed inside a massive church bell while it was ringing. His ear drums were minutes from bursting.
He was still clutching his ears when the seismic sounding banging stopped, causing him to look up and see the hulk staring directly at him his head moving from side to side looking curiously at him.
“Please don’t do that” Stiles asks his voice is unusually loud due to the empty room and the echo.
The hulk smirks and bangs his fist against the metal again. He heard the distinct sound of heavy grunting laughter before the sound had him clutching his ears again.
“God could Tony pick a more secure protector that doesn't cause permanent damage to the ears and brain my head feels like it’s on fucking fire” He moans and his eyes widening when he suddenly felt puffs air like a huge gust of wind blowing his clothes.
When he looked up his eyes widened at the sight of the Hulk breathing heavily and staring at him intensely.
“Okay I get it you’re going to kill me which can I just say is so not cool, the only reason I came up here was for a run and maybe help you fix the damn hologram simulator and give you some company if this is what I get for helping people when I'm reborn I am turning into a unhelpful person” Stiles rants his breath leaves him in a huff when the Hulk plops down on the ground in front of him.
His mind was racing, body racked with nervous shaking. Since getting the job as the Avengers Liaison he’s used to weird scenarios and situations but he really doesn't want to die he loves pizza too much and his new salary means he can buy the best god damn pizza in new York without worrying about a thing. Okay, he may or may not love his team too.
After minutes pass of The Hulk just staring at him he takes a breath and attempts not to talk but fails, his ADHD kicking in and causing him to be unable to handle the silence, besides he was probably going to be dead in a few minutes, he could forever to be silent when he was dead.
“Okay can I ask a question?” Stiles asks. He doesn't get an answer but he never really expected one anyway. “I don’t know if you know me because we haven’t met before, at least not Hulk you. I've read all the files on your creation and according to literally hundreds of Psych evaluations, you, the Hulk, tries to suppress the Banner brain…” Stiles continues speaking until a growl make a lump suddenly appear in his throat.
“HULK NOT BANNER” The incredible rage monster bellowed. To him, it was probably normal talking volume, but it was enough for Stiles to almost empty his bowels, his heart skipping several hundred beats.
“Imagine how awesome you would be with Banners genius mind and your strength. You’d be unstoppable” Stiles tells him and he has no idea why he’s saying these things. Maybe it’s his brains way of stalling his death. Maybe Jarvis has alerted Tony and Tony had alerted the Avengers.
“HULK ALREADY UNSTOPPABLE” The Hulk bellows.
"Weren't you get beaten by that big headed green skinny guy? When he teamed up with Abomination?” Stiles asks, immediately regretting it when the Hulk stands and starts punching the floor over and over till the marble started to crumble.
“Dude stop please I know you can survive the caving in of this floor but I'm just a squishy defenceless human who can barely survive without food for a day let along a fall from this height” Stiles begs he doubts the big guy hears him but it’s worth a shot.
“It’s not like drilling a hole in the floor will help you, the whole building is on lock down” Stiles shouts smiling when the Hulk stops and looks at him like his dad looks at bacon.
“You’re not a cannibal are you?” Stiles whispers he’s startled when the Hulk actually laughs.
“THE LEADER WEAK USES POWERS, HULK FIGHT FAIR LIKE ABOMINATION, HULK SMASH NOT USE MIND LASER POWER” The Hulk shouts even lowering his voice a bit half way through when Stiles winces.
“Don’t you want to be the best though I read in your file that the gamma radiation basically gave you split personality, if you gave Banner some of your strength and Banner gave you some intelligence you guys would be the most unstoppable team. You’d be better than Sonny and Cher pre breakup” Stiles urges.
“HULK ALREADY STRONG” The Hulk bellows and Stiles actually rolls his eyes.
Stiles huffed. “I heard you the first time dude but seriously the war between you and Banner is stressful, I'm sick of avoiding the guy in case you pop out and kill me, he’s really great but your giving me some seriously stress with all the inner war thing and I'm sure if you guys worked together inside that massive brain The Hulk side would get more play time”
“HULK NO SMASH FRIENDS” The Incredible Hulk says looking confused.
“Is Banner your friend?” Stiles asks.
“NO” The Hulk growls.
“Getting you two to work together would be like getting Cat’s to worship Dog’s wouldn't it?” Stiles asks.
“Mr Coulson has a Shield tactical force outside as well as the rest of the avengers assembled.” Comes the voice of Jarvis echoing around the whole room.
“HULK SMASH” The Hulk roars and looks around the room waiting for the threat.
“Stand down!” Stiles shouts to the air the Hulk looks to Stiles and stops his pacing.
“They’re only here for my protection because they think you’re going to hurt me” Stiles tells him.
“HULK NO HURT FRIENDS” The Hulk repeats.
“Oh” Stiles says after a long pause “I'm your friend?” Stiles asks dumbly pointing at himself.
The Hulk just huffs.
“Sir, Mr Stark is extremely worried and trying to hack past your order.” Jarvis informs him.
The Hulk once again growls.
“Tony is kind-of overprotective of me, If I didn't know him I'd swear he's trying to woo me with all the outings and food. Some of them are almost like romantic dates without the kissing.” Stiles offers walking over with is hands held high.
He gets a smile out of the big guys.
“You’re totally a big soft romantic aren't you?” Stiles asks his tone stupidly teasing.
He deserved the flick he got.
It sends him flying across the room but he lands on the soft sparring mat so it doesn't hurt that much.
“Is this why you popped out of Banner? To terrorise me?” Stiles asks rubbing his surprisingly uninjured body.
“FELT TRAPPED NEEDED OUT” The Hulk says slowly and lowly for once he points one finger at his head and Stiles nearly passes out because Jesus fucking Christ, one finger is like the whole of his body.
The words finally catch up to him.
“Oh you needed to stretch your massive limbs?” Stiles asks smirking when he gets a monosyllabic grunted yes.
“Banner doesn't let you out unless he’s about to die or in extreme danger but it’s not enough for you is it?” Stiles asks.
He gets a head shake and he wants to fist pump the air because he’s a fucking genius.
“All Bruce and No Hulk makes Hulk a pissed off rage monster, that’s why your angry all the time you, just want to come out.” Stiles says out loud surprised when the Hulk answers yes sounding the most human he has all day.
"How about we make a deal?” Stiles asks.
“WHAT DEAL?” Hulk asks he doesn't shout but his tone is loud and possibly eager. Stiles wondered if an eager Hulk was even a thing.
“How about I get Banner to loosen the reins two times a week for an hour and we can chill inside the building with the lock down protocol on, that way you get to stretch your entire muscular everything and be free more and I don’t get shit if you get out and hurt anyone” Stiles offers.
“YOU CAN DO THAT?” Hulk asks and Stiles smiles.
“Dude Tony’s like my second dad I can get him to agree to nuke the world if I wanted to but I would never because I'm a good guy just like you are” Stiles smiles.
“HULK NOT GOOD” Comes the booming voice.
“Well you helped stopped the alien invasion and stopped Loki single handed so you’re not bad” Stiles tells him.
“HULK NOT GOOD OR BAD, HULK JUST IS.” He gets in reply.
“I get it you were made by people seeking power. you're only here because your amazing at fighting but you don’t fight because that’s what you're built for, you fight to survive. Stiles smirks when Hulk smiles all toothy and kind of cute. god this green guy was making his brain turn stupid.
He gets a grunt in return again.
“Do you want to come out more?” Stiles asks, he’s surprised when he gets a nod in return.
“You need to do me a favour then. You need to let up on the anger stuff, Bruce is on edge all the time. He’ scared to do anything really,he hears a bang and he jump. If I get him to agree to letting you out more, you need to stop trying to suppress Bruce all the time, prove that you’re not a rage monster like everyone is thinking you are and maybe you’d get to come out more. Maybe even on missions.I know you like to smash things up, but maybe if you could show control they’d let you handle all the heavy stuff and you can prove to the whole world you’re a bad ass and nobody can stop you” Stiles rants.
“MAKE HIM LET ME OUT MORE AND I WILL STOP TRYING TO GET OUT MORE” Hulk shouts obviously attracted to the idea of getting out.
“Fine but I need to speak to Bruce so you have to let him come back, but first I need you to prove to me that you trust me” Stiles asks him its risky but by the sounds of the banging down stairs Tony is getting desperate.
“HOW” Hulk asks and it surprises him how the Hulk can ask a question, but it’s more like a statement than a questioning query.
“You remember Tony, the kinda hot billionaire philanthropist who usually wears the red metal suit?” Stiles asks smirking when he gets the most minuscule head nods. “Well if I don’t let him in he’s going to explode and the Avengers are going to come and think you've kidnapped me” Stiles tells him.
“I DON’T HURT FRIENDS” Hulk booms again.
“I know but remember what I said? Everyone thinks you're nothing but a mindless monster. If I reverse the lock down and let them in, are you going to be good? Are you going to just chill with me or are you going to run away, out the window and then you and I can never be friends, because if you run away, I'm not going to ask Banner to let you come out and play.” Stiles tells him.
“I WON’T RUN” Hulk tells him and surprisingly he believes him.
“Jarvis override my lock down protocol authorisation code AVENGERNO1FANBOY and activate the magnets inside the elevator, make sure they surrender all weapons before they are allowed in. Tell them that’s what I asked for” Stiles tells Jarvis and his heart stops as soon as the massive lock down shutters start to rise.
The light blinds him a little and his throat jumps to his mouth when the Hulk gets up only it’s not the Hulk.
It’s a half-naked Bruce.
“What happened?” Bruce asks hesitantly, it looks like he’s got the worst hangover ever.
“I think I just became the Hulks best friend.” Stiles laughs falling to the floor his heart is still beating so fast and he's slowly experiencing an adrenaline crash.
The Elevator dings and Stiles laughs when about Couson's shield agents run out of the elevators with night-night guns raised high and Tony is looking torn, harassed and pissed.
Tony and Coulson’s eyes go to Bruce and they immediately look relieved.
“What’s broken?” Tony asks running up to Stiles.
“Nothing in fact I think I just gained a new best friend in New York” Stiles smiles.
His world is so weird now that he works for the Avengers anyone else would be stupid to actually consider asking to let the Hulk back out but if he's honest, he can’t wait till he gets to chill with the big guy again.