15 yrs is an incredibly long time! Yes, TJ was a red flag in many ways, but he has grown, and his fear of losing Ian shaped much of who he became. I truly hope they get back together, but even if Ian ends up with Jo or they all part ways, I will respect the ending. All three characters are deeply likable, shaped by different lives and values, and hating any one of them feels dumb.

I love them all, and I am in awe of the author for creating such a powerful story. The ending feels close. I just hope that b@astard Jamie dies on his way in a car crash or something before he can hurt any of them. LOVE THIS WORK!!!!

Now that Cato is down, coming back here after such a long time feels refreshing. There is real engagement, and people are focusing on TJ and Ian’s relationship again. As a huuge Ian x TJ fan, I have a strong feeling the story might end with Jo as the endgame. It feels intentional, like the author is making this relationship even more painful and memorable with these scenes bc she likes all three characters. The hate TJ received after the bathroom scene was intense, and this arc could either be his redemption or a clearer look at his true intentions, which were always centered on Ian.

TJ’s feelings were never impure. His methods were different bc his life was different. Unlike Jo, TJ grew up without love or stability, and Ian was the one constant he had. He always intended to stay by Ian’s side, even if that meant taking extreme measures. His fear that Ian might not feel the same has clearly always existed, and like one other commenter here mentioned, Ian never truly voiced his feelings either. Their love was built on unspoken understanding rather than reassurance.

What ultimately drove them apart was not a lack of love but their opposing visions of life. TJ wanted power and control so he could give Ian security and comfort, while Ian wanted peace and an ordinary life and feared becoming someone he no longer recognized. Still, TJ leaving the gang and the organization was a massive sacrifice. As he said himself, it was his entire identity, something he built with years of blood and sweat. Walking away from that for someone is not small. Jo never had to make that kind of sacrifice, and bc of that, he can continue his life and eventually move on. TJ cannot. Ian is all he has ever had.