Yay! I'll be reading that now.

Yay! Validation for the torture that it took to write it! :D

Wonderful Manifesto! You have accurately described the unique relationship M & L shared. I agree with your point that a simple, unidimensional explanation such as sibling love, gratitude, or devotion doesn't explain why Michael would sacrifice himself to such an extent. I believe it's all of these things together but more than the summation of them. There is an expression in Buddhism is called "Yuan", meaning connection. Two people who share such connection are always inexplicably drawn to each other, whether or not it is to their detriment. The connection can be momentary and fleeting, or lifelong and tangled. What M and L shared is the latter. Most siblings when they grow up, they also grow apart. Not these two, they become each other's lifelines and complementary halves(like you said: Yin and Yang). And yes, it is only natural when the two of them shared a connection as intense as this, they would want to reach each other anyway they can (especially physically). That's what makes your M/L slash fic so believable and heart-wrenching.
Now I shall treat myself with a slashier creation of yours.

I believe it's all of these things together but more than the summation of them.
Yes-- all of these things are important and factor into it, but they are not compelling enough even as a group to warrant this level of devotion.

There is an expression in Buddhism is called "Yuan", meaning connection. Two people who share such connection are always inexplicably drawn to each other, whether or not it is to their detriment. The connection can be momentary and fleeting, or lifelong and tangled. What M and L shared is the latter.
Oh, I love this idea. More than just soulmates, it is an irresistible drawing together of two people to their linked half (whether that half is good or bad for them). That would actually cover classic hero/villain pairings such as Superman/Lex Luthor. They are bound together for all eternity (actually, that exact phrase was the one I originally had as the title of that Manifesto, but I decided that perhaps it was a bit much).

And yes, it is only natural when the two of them shared a connection as intense as this, they would want to reach each other anyway they can (especially physically). That's what makes your M/L slash fic so believable and heart-wrenching.
To find the completion that is always desired-- as if to satisfy the magnetic pull that underlies everything and refuses to ever go silent. A lovely thought.

Thank you so much for your comments, dragonmaiden. They are also so intriguing, giving me so much to think about. ♥