Unpopular and Controversial topic

You realize that he’s not the one who needs to back off here, right? It’s actually Ian showing up while TJ told him not to…

That's what happens when you are in a codependency relationship. TJ knew Ian wouldn't leave him especially if his life in danger so he's using Ian's guilt and responsibility as a way to manipulate him staying by his side possibly in the gang considering Ian never wanted that life to begin with. That's why Ian always ends up running back to TJ.

Your understanding of the way TJ feels about Ian has definitely skewered your ability to read that scene for what it is. The only thing he cares more about than keeping Ian close to him, is keeping him safe. Not to mention they both didn’t want that life, it’s simply that TJ accepted it while Ian eventually tried to leave it. And Ian always ends up running back to TJ because despite the messiness of their relationship, TJ matters to him. But hey, believe whatever floats your boat I guess.

I actually think I hit the bullseye. Both TJ and Ian had different priorities when they started working for Jason. TJ wanted power and money but Ian only wanted money. Ian never wished for this life to begin with and that's why he decided to leave while TJ stayed and now he's in a position where he can achieve his ultimate power that he always crave for knowing Jason is dead but bad news to him Jamie finally started to make a move.

Thanks for the refresher. All that aside, I don’t believe I’m wrong either. Codependency most likely plays a part on their dynamic (I think these things always depend on whether the author means for that to be what we’re supposed to understand), however that doesn’t mean that TJ is well aware of it. It’s not like he’s secretly smirking when he thinks Ian isn’t looking. He genuinely cares about keeping Ian safe far more than he does keeping him close. Especially after his own life was just recently endangered.

It isn't about Ian's safety or letting him go but the fact that Ian interfered his plans to deal with Jamie because TJ knows Ian getting involved will means Jamie knows his weakness. Jaime will bring out the best and worst of Ian, Joseph and TJ.

Ian being TJ’a weakness effectively puts Ian in danger. So yes, it’s about his safety just as much as it’s about him staying in control of the situation.

I think we will find out TJ's real weakness.

OH. I HAVENT SEEN THIS STORY IN SO LONG I FORGOT ALL OF IT. THANK YOU