beta
How difficult. They both have their own compelling personal reasons.
TJ has lived in a world where only power has given him a place, and he doesn't know how to live outside of that world. And although he initially could have done it for Ian, he later, out of his own ambition, wanted to achieve something more. Although he loves Ian and wants him by his side, he already has a clear goal and might even die for it.
For Ian's part, he's absolutely right; he can't continue living like this. Especially after going through so much. Even if TJ were to lead the mafia and not get married and openly take him by her side. It's a life Ian doesn't want, no matter how much he wants TJ by his side. The best thing is to get away from all that. And well, he's already found a way to achieve it through Joseph.
Although Ian wanted to leave everything behind and try one last time to make that new life with TJ...how hard it is to see how much he loves him. But ultimately, it's something irreconcilable between him and TJ. I suppose Joseph will probably understand and forgive him. In time, Ian will stop loving TJ so much... I think.
So they'll still love each other passionately. They want very opposite paths.
I hope they both end up well apart. It's healthier for both of them not to persist in that relationship and for them to each live the life they want. Ian has already endured a lot of waiting for TJ to give up everything for him.
Although with all that huge trouble that's been created... I suspect they'll end up killing TJ. And Ian will end up running away with Joseph.