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Geo loved Milli dearly. Not only is she his sister, she's his hero. She helped get his shapebelt back, she fixed the submarine when the troublemakers broke it. Even outside of team umizoomi. She always hugs him and kisses his boo-boos better when he falls while skating, always makes sure he's okay during scary moments, always comforts him when the world feels too loud, too bright, too much. That's what makes Milli his hero...and as her brother? It's his duty to be her hero when she needs it, too.
That day, Bot had went off on a quick errand, leaving the two alone for a few minutes. Geo could tell Milli wasn't feeling good. It was odd. Not many people would even spot a difference...but Geo knows his sister. Her ponytails weren't bouncing with her movements, steps lacking the excited bound she carries herself with, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. So subtle, yet screaming at Geo. His chest puffed confidently.
Today, he would be Millis hero. He grabbed a drawing from the coffee table and skated over to his beloved twin, who was brushing her hair out for the fifth time that afternoon. She glanced over as Geo approached, that off smile plastering on her face "Hey, Geo!" She chirped with joy, joy that Geo could identify as entirely fake. Nevertheless he decided to take a gentle approach for now "Hey, sis! I drew you something.." he held out the paper, which Milli took gingerly. It was a sweet drawing - of them and Bot hugging with a love heart above their heads. She always loved seeing her brothers creativity, though that day she didn't seem all that excited "it's beautiful, Geo...thank you.."
Geo hopped up beside her, his fingers instantly coursing through her ponytail - familiar, repetitive "you okay?"
"Mn?!-" Milli spluttered, for once caught off guard. She quickly collected herself, waving a dismissal hand towards her twin "I'm fine, bro..promise!"
"Milli.." Geo frowned "I know you want to be the leader n' all.." His hand moved to grip hers and give a soft squeeze "but I'm your brother! I know when somethings bothering you..and you can always talk to me or Bot..you know that.."
Milli sighed heftily. Geos words tugged on her heartstrings. The mask atlast slipped, revealing what Geo knew - she was stressed. "It's...its just alot...we've been doing so much...dealing with the troublemakers..." she rubbed her temple "I just feel like I have to be constantly ready...even when I don't wanna be." She evaded eye contact, expecting Geo to chastise her. However, her big hearted twin simply squeezed her hand again, eyes filled with a rare patience "I understand. Its alot. And we're still young, yeah? It's not a surprise that you're a little bit stressed." He scooted slightly closer "but...me and Bot are here, remember? We'll be right there if you don't feel ready...or up to much...we'll do anything for you, sis.."
"Just...let yourself relax."
With those simple words? Milli broke. She practically clung to Geo, head burying into his shoulder with a soft sob. Geo didn't pull away, simply wrapped his arms around her and rubbing her back "let it out, sis.." he whispered. This was a long time coming. He knew that. He didn't move an inch, not when Millis sobs grew louder, wracked her body with each breath, nor when her grip became so tight it sorta hurt. He would be there.
Geo shut his eyes "...you don't have to be afraid, Milli...I'll protect you...just like you do for everyone..."
It felt like a tsunami unleashed in her brain, flooding any coherent thought. All that mattered right now was her stress, her tears...and her brothers steadfast presence. Atlast her cries died off to soft whimpers and hiccups, her ponytails frazzled and dress wrinkled. She'd soaked his shirt, and just as she was about to apologise, Geo laid a finger over her lips.
"Better?" He said simply, his free hand idly smoothing out her dress and ponytails. Milli considered that question. Crying helped more than she thought it would. "Mmnm...yeah.." she atlast murmured, not protesting as Geo wiped her face. It was nice to be the one being taken care of, for once. "..Geo..?"
"Hm?"
"..I'm sorry if I was being-"
"No."
Milli recoiled from Geos shoulder, shocked by his uncharacteristically firm tone. Geo gripped her shoulders "never apologise for your feelings. Feelings are big, messy, ugly. Trust me, I know that. But nobody should have to apologise for feeling them. Because that's what makes you brave." He paused, tone softening "that's what makes...you..brave." He repeated "...its what makes you my strong, confident...kind sister Milli..."
"Gah..." Milli couldn't hold back a fond chuckle "you always know just what to say. I'm lucky to have a brother like you, Geo..."
"Well. I learnt from the best." Geo pulled her back into the hug.. millis mind wasn't so loud anymore. It didn't have to be. She learnt something new that day. It doesn't matter how much she feels or struggles.
Geo and even Bot will be there to catch her when she falls.