He would always be her boy but he wasn't a child in a custody battle. That was exactly what this was becoming and he had the right to make up his own mind. Whether he wanted to see his father or not. He chose to keep distance between them. He wanted her blessing not her to stand between him and his wishes.
"What if I did want to see him, would you prevent that? I am not saying I do, but it is my choice." He took her hand from her lap, holding it softly. "This is difficult on me to," he did feel ignored, like he had lost his voice. "I know you will listen, but---this is something important. You were the first person I wanted to tell and I couldn't. I need you here for me right now or I might fall apart again." Peleus being here distressed him, more than he ever thought possible.