[The Hulk would protect her, more than Bruce gives him credit for. He has a special weakness for children-- and for women-- and Hayley is young enough that she counts for both. That Bruce himself sees her as someone to protect, despite all evidence to the contrary at her needing it, solidifies that fact. She's undeniably safe with him around.
Bruce would still argue it if he knew that's what she was referring to. He has a blast radius with a high likelihood of collateral damage, and he has not nearly enough faith in the Hulk's moral choices to count on him. As it is, he assumes she means he was convenient, for a variety of reasons. It makes sense to him. Everyone has to do things they aren't thrilled about for practical purposes, him more than most.
He simply acknowledges her with a brief,] Don't mention it.
assume from here? unless there's anything else you wanted to cover
Bruce would still argue it if he knew that's what she was referring to. He has a blast radius with a high likelihood of collateral damage, and he has not nearly enough faith in the Hulk's moral choices to count on him. As it is, he assumes she means he was convenient, for a variety of reasons. It makes sense to him. Everyone has to do things they aren't thrilled about for practical purposes, him more than most.
He simply acknowledges her with a brief,] Don't mention it.