Bruce paused, feeling a lot of things at the moment with no real leaning at the moment toward what was strongest. Anxiety and embarrassment, yes, but also he was glad it was being said out loud, even if it was uncomfortable. He never had anyone to talk about these things with. He was deeply skeptical of what Tony was saying, but his self-esteem had been low since childhood, something that Betty coaxed higher whenever she could. He couldn't deny that two beautiful women did for some reason find him attractive enough to want to be with. And they are smart, capable women.

"You don't have to say any of that," he murmured, hesitant. "I think you're biased and being kind." So Tony wasn't lying, but he also couldn't speak for other women and men. He was a good friend. Bruce paused again, thinking about it, turning the subject around in his head. "God, I didn't think about the fact I could now, without the Hulk getting in the middle. But I'm not sure, it seems really unimportant in the grand scheme of things. This hardly seems like the right situation to start a romance with anyone." Of course the man who planned on marrying the only woman he'd ever been with couldn't imagine sex without romance attached.

Bruce tilted his head at his friend, putting a reasonable distance between them since they were talking and Bruce was likely to just turtleshell into Tony's chest if he didn't. "Oh, yes, the horns, okay. What does he have to do with ---" Yes, he's a genius, shhh, but Bruce also has a tendency to ignore things. A powerful brain meant a powerful ability for denial. "You're not."