Christmas 1938

Finally the day that Bert and Mary had planned in the café about a month ago was here: Christmas!

The chimney sweep was decorating and preparing all day long, because he did not just get one guest: he and Mary thought it would be best to invite Elizabeth as well; because she was there every year. She accepted the offer overjoyed and had many ideas how to arrange the evening.

For food there was goose that day; Mary wanted to get Rum punch and Lizzy's contribution was, according to her, the wood for the fireplace.

Bert danced happily through the snowy London with his last errands. What could be better than spending Christmas with the people who meant the most to him?

His already wide smile broadened when none other than Mary Poppins stood before his apartment. He made briefly sure that no one see them before swinging his free arm around her waist and kissed her "Merry Christmas, Sweet'eart."

"Merry Christmas, Romeo."

"Well, you lovebirds?" Both swirled around immediately and turned red, while Elizabeth, who had a full bag beside her backpack, passed them with a meaningful look past them in the direction of the door.

—

In the apartment, Mary and Bert prepared the food together, while Liz set the table and put everything in a cozy but romantic light. Of course, she also organised a mistletoe.

"Didn't ya want t' lit the fireplace?" Bert asked, followed by Mary, coming out of the kitchen.

"Oh, yea' right," she said and snapped. Within seconds, a fire in the fireplace was kindled and the jaws of the adults dropped; both were just speechless.

Bert, because he was impressed but shocked at the same time- But Mary ... Mary did not know how to handle thiss. On the one hand, this was quite clear, for example, why the medicine had not worked back then. But on the other hand, she felt uncomfortable at the thought that this stubborn and unpredictable youth had magical powers; in addition, was able to control the fire!s

Only a few could handle fire. She and her uncle Albert had, how many others, the gift to work with the air; Earth and water were also elements that many people who dealt with magic could handle. But until now Mary knew only one person who could do something with fire: Bert.

He has done this only once in a picture but according to his own statement, he could do so, but with restrictions, outside of the drawings.

The nanny was just wondering if dealing with certain people can transfer magical powers?

Liz realised what she had just revealed and tried to dub this with her casual manner: "You can close ya mouths again... and if I were you I would look after food; I can't save that from burning."

Bert quickly walked into the kitchen as Mary approached Elizabeth, "Since when can you do this?" Her voice was just a whisper.

"Oh… for quite a time…"

"And you did not think it necessary to let us know?"

"Err...", she said sheepishly and wanted to avoid this conversation. Actually, she did not want to show them that she had this gift ... at least not yet.

Liz was about to go to the cupboard to fetch glasses when she was gently held by her arm, "Do not mess with that, Elizabeth..."

She looked at Mary and searched for the right words before she finally took off her hard shell: "I know. But… It scares me..."

"Come… sit down," Mary led her to the sofa and sat down next to her.

"It all started with a stupid coincidence" Elizabeth began and the nanny listened. "Someone grabbed me arm and I got angry. Then it got 'ot under the 'and first an' then 'ot .. An' .. An' the lanterns around us flared up dangerously. Something like that" Instantly the flames of the candles and in the fireplace enlarged their large, before they calmed down again.

"Can you control it now?"

"Yes, mostly. But if I'm aggressive, angry or sad… ", she shook her head,"then I'm a different person. If someone touches me then I will probably burn this persons fingers... "

When Mary heard that, she unconsciously slipped a few inches away: her suspicions were confirmed.

"Why did not you go to Bert or me?"

"I was embarrassed" Liz kneaded her hands and looked down, "I thought you will name me a monster or somethin'... Because you can control that so well and I don't want to unsettle Mr. Bert, err, Bert. See! Me head is… I'm puzzled.", She got up and went to the fireplace, which she sat down with a hump.

'Mr. Bert' these words, coupled with her attitude, made Mary's heart break and suddenly she saw the little girl again. The nanny followed her: "You just have to learn to handle it. I had to too... "

"Really?" The teenager looked up at her and Mary could see the fear but also hope and understanding in her dark blue eyes.

"Really... I can only help you with certain things, because fire is not my profession. But I think you can handle it, too."The nanny sat down on a pillow next to her and began to talk.

While Mary explained some things to the teenager, Bert stood in the doorway, watching them both with a sad smile. At that moment, he was sure that she was not only a magical nanny, but would also be a wonderful mother. He literally had to overcome his words, but he was reluctant to destroy the little magic lesson: "I 'ate t' disturb yas... But the food's ready."

—

After the Christmas dinner Elizabeth went back to the orphanage, as she wanted to grant the two lovebirds their togetherness.

These drank Rum punch, which Mary hab brought and talked extensively about this and that. However, the topic of "relationship" was skill-fully bypassed.

But when they brought the empty bottles and glasses into the kitchen, they finally noticed that there was a mistletoe in the doorframe under which they stood.

"I 'ope ya don't want t' break the tradition" said Bert, looking at her with a meaningful look; he put his hands on her waist.

Mary took a step closer and put her arms to his neck, "Do not worry."

The next thing Bert feels were her soft, sweet lips on his.

Instinctively, he closed his eyes and let his hands slide to her hips, pulling her closer. They did not know if it was the level of alcohol or just their long-held desire but the kiss was more intense and passionate than ever! Mary's hands moved to his chest, while Bert caressed her neck with light but meaningful kisses. God, how she loved it when he did that!

With skilful fingers, the nanny opens the two upper buttons of his shirt, as Bert suddenly stops and distanced himself from her.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Mary," he said softly, before leaving the kitchen, not without kissing her forehead again.

The nanny stood there as she looked after him. Maybe he was right and they should slow down. But another thought slowly crept into her brain: what if he does not want her; What if he had no feelings for her?

As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter :)

And as always, I would be very happy about reviews with your opinion :)