tbh the tendency to reduce mlm relationships to the same old steriotipes always upsets me, but with pynch I find it even more unnerving because the only way a relationship could work for either one of them is if it's a completely equal one. both of them are strong and fragile and with the ability to be incredibly careful and soft, they see each other as equals from the get go without pity getting in the way and are both absolutely in love. I know heteronormativity pushes this idea of couple where one is weak and in need of protection and the other one is strong and caring, but it's wrong and unbalanced and it doesn't makes sense at all, really. both adam and ronan got up and saved themselves on their own terms, with the other barely being a supporter somewhere in the background, romantic love is good and sweet but should be just a minor detail, not something that shapes the way you see two characters entirely.