Responses
I’m not too sure but this definitely tells that they are codependent on each other and it’s not really love. TJ’s love may be real for Ian but Ian implied already that he doesn’t have those feelings anymore like he used to (ch.15).
I think Ian feels guilty about something and tries his best to be there for TJ, that’s why they jump straight to sex for comfort. It’s not because Ian loves TJ. It’s because he’s feeling guilty and codependent.
I can't seem to remember this detail but... in chapter 26, TJ says that he is "leaning on Ian's guilt to keep him closer". What happened exactly? What is he feeling guilty about?