Kissing was something they both did well. Kissing wasn't about hearing or speaking – wasn't even about seeing. It was all...instinct and feelings and...a lot, a lot of pleasure.
But it was also about thinking. Usually about how great the kissing was and how happy Bay was when she was with Emmett. Sometimes though...old thoughts liked to pop up.
"Alright, wait...wait...wait..." Bay broke the kiss, looking Emmett in the eye with a wide smile.
Is something wrong?
No, I just thought of something.
What?
Ok, you have to promise not to be mad. This was just something I was thinking of. I asked Daphne about it this morning, too.
What is it?
You have to promise me you won't get mad at me.
Emmett sighed and rolled his eyes. I promise I won't get mad at you. Now tell me.
Ok. Did you ever think of yourself...hearing?
Emmett's smile vanished. Immediately Bay panicked and sat up straight. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to look down on you or whatever. I just...was wondering...if you ever thought of it – in general. I swear I'm not trying to be a idiot here." She knew her signing was getting sketchy – she wasn't really good at keeping the language straight when her emotions got the best of her.
It's okay. It's okay. I get it. Emmett still wouldn't smile, like he usually would to calm her down. He brought a knee to his chest. Resting an arm around it, he looked down in thought.
Bay tapped on his shoulder to get his attention. "I don't want a hearing you. That's not why I asked. Believe me, I like you the way you are."
Now Emmett smiled at her. I know. It's just...me and hearing have never really clicked.
Ever?
Emmett looked thoughtful again. A few times. Once, when I was really little. Before I met Daphne. I was at a hearing school and I would be bullied for never understanding what Teacher was saying or for having to stay after class just to keep up with everyone else.
And after that?
When Daphne found out about you guys. It was the first time I'd ever really come in contact with a hearing family. I saw how fast you guys communicated with everyone and how happy you are and I wondered if I could hear, would I be able to experience that?
Bay pursed her lips. If you could hear, like all of a sudden, what's the one thing you'd want to hear?
Emmett's smile changed. It changed to that flirty little smile that he saved just for her. Your voice.
Bay blushed and laughed and looked away and looked at him, all at the same time. Slowly, her smile died down, but she just kept looking at him. "I think you can." Bay reached for Emmett's hand. She placed it at the top of her throat, just below her jaw. Emmett looked at her like she was crazy, watching as she closed her eyes and breathed in, breathed out. Finally, she looked at him. "Emmett, I love you."
Emmett blinked and blinked and blinked some more. A smile spread across his cheeks. That hand curled across Bay's neck, pulling her close to him. His lips touched her brow and their smiles mirrored each other.
He looked her in her deep, brown eyes. Bay could hear him clear his throat and take a deep breath. "I. Love. You. Too."
Bay smiled bright, tears glistening in her eyes. She practically threw herself on Emmett, sealing his wonderful speaking voice in a kiss.