Responses
Exactly, it seemed pretty sad for Ethan. Besides, now they've both done something similar "outside of the relationship" but to protect each other and who they care about. Their goals, feelings, nothing has changed. Feels might get hurt, but hopefully they don't go hard on the angst side of it and they stay strong.
They both have to do things in order to protect each other. Notice how Ethan treats this whole ordeal, as a "business transaction". No blushing, my boy wasn't even hard. And this "ex" of his, calls Ethan's father's name, not his.