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Hulk as leader of the Avengers
People point to Hulk catching Iron Man and say "He takes care of his own."
People point to Bruce Banner and Tony Stark getting in a car in Central Park and say "He listens to his people."
People point to Culver and say "He's a protector." Harlem's a little trickier but looking back, they see Abomination started it. They see Ross chasing him and really look at the numbers, finding the General responsible for much of it.
"Turn it off," Bruce said, gaping at the video compilation. "Please tell me this is a joke."
"Nope," Tony grinned "People actually think you're the leader of the Avengers, or the other guy is anyway." For a solid minute, he floundered before Tony continued his explanation "I think it's just because you're well known."
"So are you."
"Yeah but people know how busy I am with SI and things."
"And Steve?"
"They think he's a fraud, a look-alike and nothing more." Bruce could admit those were both valid points and before he could make another suggestion, "The others are unknowns. Did you know about Thor or either of the agents before SHIELD pulled you in?"
"No," Bruce finally got it, "But the Hulk?"
"Process of elimination, big guy. It can't be one of the nobodies, it can't be the knockoff or me so it must be you."
"That makes a scary amount of sense." Bruce still looked vaguely mortified at the idea of the Hulk leading anything.
Tony clapped him on the back "The good news is, with the public on your side, Ross is going down. You don't have to run anymore."
"Right, there is that."
Bruce decided to stick around after Tony sent some more qualified doctors to Calcutta through one of his charities, beginning an outreach program similar to Doctors Without Borders. When the Mandarin attacked the mansion, his people set off the Hulk. A spare suit Tony kept off-site for him came to fish Bruce out of the ocean afterwards, freeing him to assist with AIM. The press ate the whole thing up and Bruce just threw his hands in the air, "Apparently I'm your boss now," he told Tony, who laughed like mad in response.
"I knew you'd come around."
"I'm implementing minimum health requirements."
"What?"
"To keep the team functioning at optimal levels. We don't want any loose cannons out in the field so you'll need therapy and you need to stop replacing sleep with caffeine. Despite what you may believe, that does impair mental function."
"Wait, what? You know you're not actually-"
"You said I am, the world thinks I am, I might as well own it. Don't worry, I'll hold Rogers, Romanoff and Barton to the same standards. Thor, if he ever comes back."
"What have I done?" Tony gave Bruce a look of genuine mortification.
