Writing malec made me realise how similar they are and maybe, they were so drawn to each other because they already knew each other in a way, they'd struggled with abuse, both parental and from someone they cared for more than they should, they kept taking themselves apart for other people, they both wanted so desperately to love and be loved but didn't think it was possible, etc. They saw each other, properly. But hey, that's just a theory! A SAD theory!
yeah! i mean i don't want to romanticize what they went through but this is one of the things i dig about them, how they went through such similar things (and reacted to them so differently, too, because trauma can elicit many responses and it's great to see that) and understand each other and support each other? they are both the "i went through something terrible and i dont want anyone else to have to" type, and they really can be there for each other without going a toxic/unhealthy "i need to fix him/take care of him" route. they just love each other genuinely and also can connect and offer support and understanding through that, without that being the main point because their abuse doesn't define them or their relationship, but is something they can understand in each other, and build a healthy connection in that sense