[Being casually told he's the exception to the rule-- the positive exception, as in, it's uncommon for Tony to actually be friends with someone-- is startling. Bruce had more or less already known it, and over the past few months come to terms with the idea that he has friends, but it still wasn't something he was entirely comfortable with. And he definitely didn't take it for granted.]

Thank you, but, uh, you really don't have to, [he responds, equal parts gratitude and protest.] And what I'm getting at is that I think I do know you. Well enough to let you modify my most important personal possession when you feel like it, anyway.

[Bruce shakes his head, thinking maybe he should just give this up and let Tony stew in whatever convoluted problems he's made up for himself now, if this doesn't make his point.

He remembers when he'd tried to tell him that he appreciated having him around at his birthday, and it'd gotten him practically choking on his drink at an ill timed moment. Bruce isn't expecting this to go much better. But he still says,] It's just nice to have you here.