Bruce would like to believe that Tony was telling the truth, but his bullshit meter was going off so hard that he was surprised it wasn't making an audible noise. He folded his arms and fixed Tony with soft brown eyes that held a lot of affection in them, as well as some wry amusement.

"Okay. So look me right in the eyes and tell me that was the truth and I'll believe you, tell me you weren't avoiding me."

Because he knew that if Loki hadn't come along, Tony would have found himself another perfectly plausible excuse for why he needed to sequester himself away and keep Bruce at arm's length.