[He does appreciate his seriousness, knowing full well it's not like he's doing this make light of the situation. Frustrated too, less at Birthday than at all these implications, he sighs.]
I know. [He echoes back with that first, honestly apologetic in his tone. Art's nothing if not stubborn, though.] It's not that I don't think you must have your reasons, ordinarily... I would hardly ask you to compromise that.
But--
["I don't have a Minimum," is all he's known for so long. He touches his own face when restraining his expression feels too difficult, covering his eyes with his hand briefly.] Just what am I supposed to think?