[Putting his food down, he realizes how he must sound, given her reaction. He smiles softly back at her, letting his head prop up against a loose fist. Ajax looks down at the table, taking a breath- but he figures he should just be straightforward with her about it. It's always been something they've been confused about, and with good reason.

And he really doesn't want to dance around it anymore.]

Listen, I know our lighthearted exchanges about the possibilities of my future profession weren't really meant to mean anything, and I know you feel as if you don't think you should have a say in anything I do, but...

[Ajax looks directly at her, eyes questioning, almost hopeful.]

...what if I told you I want your opinion to matter in matters such as that? That perhaps your opinion should matter.