Hi! I am definitely not new to the site, but this is my first foray into the realm of Mary Poppins. I just recently saw the musical and it rekindled my love of the movie (that I've seen upwards of 20 times). I really hope you enjoy this and I really hope I'm managing these characterizations. I don't want anything to be entirely out of character! And, of course, it's Mary/Bert, because... well, because I said so!

The first part is sort of a flashback to when Mary Poppins leaves the Banks' house, and I kind of was, let's say inspired by a scene from the musical (I'm sure you can figure out which one, if you've seen it).

Unfortunately, I own nothing but the idea and the computer it was typed on.

"Goodbye, Bert," she says, a trace of sadness lurking behind the always prim demeanor.

"They'll miss you, you know, Mary Poppins," he points out, the cockney accent pervasive.

She shakes her head. "They don't need me anymore, Bert. It's how it should be."

"Ever wonder, Mary, if how it should be isn't how it should end up?"

"I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about," she sniffs, trying for her normal, haughty tone but only managing mildly curious.

"If you ask me, you know exactly what I'm talking about and you just won't admit it."

She sighs. "The wind has changed, Bert. I only stay-"

"Until the wind changes," he finishes. "Will the wind ever stop blowing, Mary?"

"I- I don't know," she admits, stumbling a little when she sees just the faintest bit of frustration—completely out of character for the always congenial Bert—hidden behind a calm face. "Practically perfect people do not stay in one place, Bert. My task here is complete. I am sorry that it did not take me longer, but the wind has changed and it's time for me to leave. Jane and Michael don't need me anymore and in three weeks, they shall hardly miss me at all."

She turns to gather her things but he gently grabs her wrist. "I'll miss you, Miss Mary Poppins," he confesses.

"Oh, Bert," she sighs, placing a gloved hand on his cheek briefly. "If ever there were a truer friend in the world…"

"I guess the truest friend in the world wouldn't ask you to stay."

She smiles sadly. "He wouldn't." She leans in and places a soft kiss on his cheek, allowing her face to linger next to his just long enough for her eyes to flutter closed momentarily. "Au revoir, Bert. Until we meet again."

She picks up her carpet bag and opens her umbrella, allowing the winds to take her where they may.

He stares after her before picking up his brooms and continuing on his way, singing a few bars of a familiar song, only with new lyrics, "Chim-chiminee, chim-chiminee, chim-chim-cheroo, wonder if I'll ever say I do love you…"

0ooo0

"No! No. I won't. I won't. I won't!" For someone Mary Poppins had left "practically perfect," Jane Banks certainly throws a lovely temper tantrum. Then again, these days, everything Jane does is lovely. The years had certainly been kind to young Jane; she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman of eighteen in the years since Mary Poppins had left her locket. A beautiful young woman and an unqualified brat.

Winifred Banks sighs, knowing that there's no point in arguing with that pout. Once upon a time, a simple stare from Mary Poppins, communicating intolerance and condescension for such a pedestrian thing as a temper tantrum, would have been enough to banish that stubborn look from the girl's face. It has been years since Mary Poppins gave any such glance and Jane has long since forgotten the power.

"But, Jane, dear, it's simply time to think about it!"

"I don't want to! I want to go to school. I don't want to get married!"

"No one said you have to get married right away, dear!"

"I don't care! I don't want to marry."

"I suppose you could train to be a governess," Winifred suggests tiredly.

"I won't spend my days looking after snot-nosed brats!"

"Jane!" Mrs. Banks exclaims.

"Michael gets to go to school," Jane sniffs.

"Michael wouldn't spend the whole time mooning after boys," Michael Banks cuts in. He has not changed since Mary Poppins left, not really. He's still a little caustic, a little silly, and he still just wants to fly kites and stare at the skies.

"Because you're too busy mooning after the moon," Jane sneers. "Life happens on the ground, Michael. Not up in the clouds."

"I don't understand why you "moon" over boys in school, but won't hear of courting," Winifred sighs.

"I will not be forced into making small talk with dull, boring suitors you and Father pick out for me!"

"Dull and boring are synonyms," Michael points out absent-mindedly as the bell rings, signaling a visitor.

"We'll discuss it later," Mrs. Banks says, trying to hide the scene before the person at the door is granted admittance.

"No, we will not!" Jane insists, her voice rising shrilly. "And you can't make me do anything I don't want to do!" she cries, stamping her foot.

"Jane Banks, is that any way to talk to your mother? Did you learn nothing from me?" a stern and familiar voice rings out. Everyone turns to find Mary Poppins standing calmly in the doorway, looking as ageless as ever. Mary allows them a moment to soak in her return before ordering, "Close your mouth, please, Michael. We are not a codfish."

Michael's mouth snaps shut.

"Mary Poppins!" Mrs. Banks exclaims. "You've returned!"

"Yes, mum."

"We're too old for a nanny," Jane whispers to Michael. "What does she think she's doing here?"

"Clearly my lessons did not stick in your head the first time, Jane Banks." She turns to Mrs. Banks. "I'll stay until the wind changes. I assume the children have their own rooms now, but the old nursery will be just fine for me, thank you. I will still require every second Tuesday off and as for the subject of my payment, we can discuss the matter later. Now, I'll settle in, if you don't mind. Jane, Michael, please remind me of the way. Come along. Spit spot!"

Jane and Michael snap to life and scramble to obey.

Mrs. Banks collapses on the sofa with a happy sigh.

Mary Poppins has returned to number 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

I am truly nervous about this, so feedback would be greatly appreciated!

-Juli-