Jon lets him take his hands, though it does nothing to settle the sinking feeling in his stomach. During his last break-up, it was so much easier to bear all the arguing, the insults, the hard feelings melding into some sort of outraged feeling of vindication. This, though, had no such reassurances.

"...I don't want to try to dodge a round this for too long, out of the deepest respect and care I could possibly have," Jon starts, frowning. It's difficult to look Neil in the eye, but he tries. "You've been a wonderful partner to me, and an even better friend. A-and, I'm sorry that it's come to this. I truly am. But, I..."

He trails off, and swallows roughly to steady his thoughts.

"My life before Pumpkin Hollow has caught up with me in ways I could have never expected it to, and had I expected it whatsoever, I wouldn't have put us in this position."