limerence ☂ a sequel ☂ mary poppins returns

c l i n q u a n t

TRIGGER WARNING: Small mention of self-harm, not in detail.

When Vivian woke up in a sweat, crying and screaming, she realised she was alone in the bedroom until she heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

Mary soon appeared by Vivian's side. "Are you alright? What's happened?"

"I- I had a nightmare, it was nothing. I'm alright." Vivian took a deep breath. Mary's eyes, which were widened in concern, softened a little.

"Breathe, Vivian." She did so, smiling weakly at Mary Poppins.

"What was it about- if you're not too rattled to talk about it?"

Mary sat down next to Vivian, putting her hand on Vivian's cold ones.

"It... I rather not say anything, if that's alright."

Mary smiled, her eyebrows creasing sympathetically.

"That's perfectly fine, Vivian," She let go of Vivian's hands, having warmed them up sufficiently. "I'll be downstairs making breakfast."

Vivian quickly caught her hand before she left. "Wait-" Mary sat down once again, Vivian inching closer to her, reaching her hands to her collar. "You just..." She quickly fiddled around. "Had a button undone." Vivian smiled as she pulled away, satisified.

Mary cocked her head to the side, shaking her head in amusement. "Alright."

She then walked down to the kitchen, followed by a hungry Gwendolyn.

"You know she's happy to be around you," A voice suddenly said. Vivian was startled, unsure where to look for the source of the voice. She spotted Mary's umbrella winking at her, so she got up to bring it closer to her.

"Do elaborate?" Vivian asked with a cocked eyebrow, wondering why the parrot umbrella had only spoken up now.

"She's been very happy to see you. I shouldn't say this but, uh," He whispered, "If it weren't for you, I'd be back with the cane."

Vivian chuckled. "Rather sinister that cane, isn't he?"

The umbrella nodded. "Yes. But- I must insist that you realise how much you mean to Mary Poppins. I've always known her well, no matter how enigmatic she is. She's taken a liking to you, Vivian. Cherish it." And with that, he shut his beak and closed his eyes, and there was silence once again.

Vivian sighed, wiping a bead of sweat off of her forehead.

She began to walk down the stairs and was startled when she saw the teapot floating and pouring itself. She then softly approached the table, sitting down and waiting patiently for the tea to be poured.

"I do rather like having your magic around, Mary Poppins."

Mary spun around. "What magic?"

The teapot came to a halt and returned to the table.

Vivian cocked her head and smirked. "Mary, it's quite evident- and you shouldn't be so quick to halt such a thing when you're with me."

Mary laughed, letting the china plates float up as she put the food she'd made onto them, watching as they glided to the table.

"Pardon- It's just that I... I'm used to having to pretend that whatever I was doing wasn't happening at all. Most adults would think their children had gone mad."

She walked over and sat down next to Vivian, drinking her tea with her pinky out.

"Manners, Vivian." She cocked her head to Vivian's elbows on the table. Vivian hurriedly put them on her lap.