Chapter Text
A - artist (maryxbert)
Bert was sitting on the windowsill of his flat with his legs hanging out. He wasn't scared of heights, not in the slightest. Especially given he currently worked as a chimney sweeper and his flat was on the 28th floor of his building. He caught himself thinking about Mary Poppins. How her hands felt against his, how her lovely deep blue eyes watched him, how she smiled so dearly at him any chance she got, and most of all how much he loved her.
Mary Poppins was moving precariously from rooftop to rooftop, eager to see her dear Bert again. She had just finished a job much farther north than he lived, which had made coming to see him on her second Tuesdays far more difficult. But now that job was complete, and she had the next month or so to herself, left to spend however she might please.
Mary reached the building she was looking for and opened the door that would lead her down stairs to the 28th floor. Her heels clicked on the staircase as she made her way down, pinching her skirt in her fingers as to not trip and fall. Finally she reached her desired destination and knocked on the door. She hears shuffling around, as he makes his way to the door.
The door opens revealing a semi put together Bert « Ello, ‘ow can I… » He starts, trying his best to sound professional. But once his gaze shifts and his eyes focus on who's standing at his door, his eyes widen and he smiles that goofy grin that Mary loves so much. « Mary! » He exclaims and hugs her so tight she can't breathe at all. Bert finally lets her go and pulls her inside. « I've missed ya so much, Mar! Oh tell me, where ‘av you been, what ‘av you been gettin up to? » Bert brings her over to the couch in the living room. « Nothing much really, just some classic nanny work up in Leeds, but I'm done with that job now, I have the next few weeks with you. » Mary smiles, brushing her thumb over Berts hands as he holds them firmly in his. « That's wonderful, love » Mary can hear the joy seeping through his voice. She can't help but blush when he calls her those pet names, so in an attempt to try and conceal how flustered she felt, she turned to look around the room. Mary noticed a collection of new paintings adoring the walls. « Have you painted all those yourself? » She asked, gesturing to the art. « Ye, I've been uh tryin' to keep myself busy » Bert shrugs sheepishly « They’re very pretty » Mary tells him. « They're not at all as pretty as you, Mary » Bert is awfully flirtatious, but then again he's always like this when Mary first comes back. Mary's face flushes hot and before she can react Bert jumps up from the couch like he's on fire. « I'm going to paint ya! » He states, and with that he runs off to their bedroom.
Mary hears Bert rummaging around in their bedroom, and silently hopes that he won't break anything. A few minutes later, Bert re-enters holding a cup with water and paintbrushes, a box of acrylic paints, and a palette. He lays out his supplies and leaves one more time. This time he comes in with an easel under one arm and a canvas under the other. He sets up his workspace and sits down in front of it. Mary sits perfectly still, unsure of what to do, she opens her mouth to speak but Bert cuts her off. As if reading her mind he says « Just sit there an’ look pretty Mary » He smiled softly and dips his brush into a deep blue.
Mary loses any and all sense of time. Although shes been sitting there for almost two hours, her spacial awareness has dwindled almost completely. She's mesmerized my Berts concentration, the way his eyes drift between the painting and her, how he's in full control of the way the brush sweeps the canvas, and the way his mouth curls into a soft smile ever so often.
« it's finished! Bert exclaims, hopping up with the painting in his hands. Mary returns from her daze and focuses on Bert standing in front of her, eagerly awaiting the reveal. Bert turns the canvas revealing a stunning work of art. Mary's eyes widen in awe. It might be the most beautiful painting she's ever seen. She's at a loss for words, and Mary Poppins is never at a loss for words. « Bert.. It's the most wonderful piece of art ever » Her voice is soft and sincere. Bert smiles proudly. « I'm glad ya like it, Mar » He sets the painting back down on the easel. When he turns back around, he lets out a yawn and stretches his arms up above his head. « Let's go to bed shall we? » Mary asks, offering a hand.
Dressed in their sleepwear, Bert and Mary climb into bed. They're quite tired, but they lay contently together in the few minutes they have together before they drift off to sleep, Together yet again.