(Author note: I find as I work on the new Before The Credits (BTC) series for GaMM, it means I need to edit the ATC's to reflect the overall storyline I'm creating for an episode. So no, you aren't imagining things if you think "that wasn't here the last time I read this ATC". Thought you'd want to know. When in doubt, I'd recommend you read them BTC, MMDrabble and then ATC for any given episode if you want to keep it up to date. GSC)
"Well, almost all," she said smiling as the children raced outside to play with their newly returned dog. "Indeed Madam," he said reappearing in front of his portrait, "surely you know how much I am overjoyed at the return of the four legged member of your family?"
"I do know Captain," she said looking out the window where her children and dog were playing in the yard. "But I am most interested in having you continue your story, about how deep feelings are hidden behind a wall of quarreling. Surely you were speaking about more than just Scruffy and Sheila?"
"Well," he paused, tugging at his ear, "even though I find the shrill barking a nuisance, I am quite aware that when a dog is barking and wagging his tail, he is happy and wanting to show how much he would like to play, rather than showing animosity toward someone. Surely you know that, don't you?"
"I do indeed," she said settling down on the sofa by the fireplace, "but I was speaking more about people, rather than dogs. At least I thought you had more than one meaning in the tale you were sharing with Jonathan this morning." Settling beside her, he smiled, "You mean, I suppose Madam, that a declaration of love, of deep emotion might be communicated in ways besides actual words? If that is your meaning, then I have to admit, this house might indeed be full of such declarations, but that is for you to say, M'dear."
Blushing, she stood and moved to the window, pulling the curtain back into place, she paused watching the children and dog at play, "Ah Captain, sometimes words are the least useful tool to use when you truly want to communicate something of importance, don't you think?" With that she turned, and with a deep, soft gaze, hoped with that alone, she might share her thoughts and feelings with him.
Stepping closer, he raised his hand, as if to touch her cheek, and letting his fingers stop a fraction of a space away, he sighed looking into her eyes, "at least, here, today, in this home, I think words will have to wait, at least for now."
And wordlessly, they smiled and turned to watch the children and dog at play. Scruffy paused, looking toward his lady and the bearded one. 'Still? They are just going to stand there and only look at one another?' he thought. 'I was sure they'd learn. I found my release with Moby, why aren't they doing the same with each other?' Frustrated, he allowed himself a doggish shrug and returned to play. 'I tried; I hope they figure it out soon. All that attraction in the air is hard to handle, I sure hope Sheila stays around for a while.'
With that, he turned as Jonathan tossed his favorite ball in the air. He leapt and bounced it off his nose. He grinned as it sailed over the rock wall. It was good to be home.