A/N: Well, a rather random drabble about our favourite permanent nanny. A little bit dark and strange.
When Jack
When Alex Rider did things, important, mission-like things – even everyday things – it was extraordinary, and done by the skin of his teeth.
When Jack Starbright did things, well, it was always quick, clean, and neat. Cooking; she sliced through the batterfishsaladmeat with quick, clean, neat slices using a very large knife. Cleaning; a quick, clean, neat swipe of the dustwashcloth left a sparkling surface in its wake.
When Alex came home, bloody and mangled as he often did, Jack would give him a small, sad smile, and quickly neaten him up and clean off the blood – where she'd once just given a small, sad smile to Ian, when she could do no more (he was old enough to look after himself).
When Alex left home, worry and determination set into his features, she would neaten him up and give him a quick kiss to the forehead, handing him a clean shirt as he went – even as his bloody clothes were still in the wash. (And wished she'd had the courage to kiss Ian goodbye, too)
When Alex was ever followed by an agent, he would tense, walk rigid down the street, and she would sent a quick, clean glare at the man behind them – then neaten Alex's un-tucked shirt in a motherly, comforting, don't-worry-I'm-here sort of way. (Like she wasn't but wished she had been with Ian)
When Alex was ever followed by a bad man, and she noticed, Alex would hurry her along and she would check if he was clean and quicken her steps. (Because Alex was there, and Ian had been too far away)
And if anyone ever saw her put a kitchen knife neatly through the bad man's back when he wasn't looking (thought she didn't know about him), then quickly shoving his body into the alleygutterrivergarbage…
… Well, that was just keeping her home clean, and taking out the trash.