Author's note: This was just some plot bunny that hit me. I just had this image in my head of Bay angrily signing at Emmett, and so this story was born. Rated T to be safe. Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own switched at birth.

Bay woke up to light shining in her eyes. Her world was silent. It was still hard to get used to that. At least she knew sign language before this happened. She couldn't imagine how much hard this would have been without that.

Emmett was coming over later that day, so Bay dragged herself out of bed. She remembered when she first told him. He of course had already known, Daphne or her parents would have told him, but Bay wanted to tell him also.

Remember when you said it would be easier if you could go out and find a deaf bay? Looks like you got your wish. Bay regretted what she'd said the moment she finished.

Even though the words were mean, Emmett came over and hugged Bay. He wasn't going to let anything break them up. They were meant to be together. He knew that.

Bay, remember what I said after that? I just want you. It doesn't matter to me if you can hear or not. I'm here for you.

Everything just feels so different sometimes. Bay signed, while she sighed. They were sitting in her art studio, just the two of them. Sometimes everything just seemed so different she wanted to cry. She couldn't even find comfort in blasting music and losing herself in painting. That had always helped her when things were overwhelming her. Like when she was waiting for the DNA test results. Bay had spent days locked in her art studio.

I understand Emmett signed. He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, but Bay pushed it away.

No. You don't understand. You have no idea what it's like. Bay signed angrily. I remember what it's like to hear. To wake up to the sound of birds chirping. To sing along with the radio. Emmett, you can't understand. Tears were streaming down her face. You were born deaf, you don't know any other way. You don't know what I've lost. At this point Bay couldn't stop crying. She didn't even care. Why did it matter of Emmett, or anyone else, saw her crying.

If Emmett had looked away, or closed his eyes, he wouldn't have her words echoing in his head. But he couldn't look away. The words hurt. They were true. There was no denying that. Emmett didn't know how to respond. It was one of those situations where anything he did would most likely end up with her being angrier. More than anything he wanted to make Bay feel better. Make this OK. He'd do anything for her. But there were no words he could say that would help her. All Emmett could do was hold her. Moving a little bit closer to her, Emmett put his arm around her. He let her head rest on his chest. Let her tears soak though his shirt. Time stopped and it was just them.

The sun was setting when Bay opened her eyes. They'd fallen asleep. Well, Bay had fallen asleep. Emmett had stayed awake. He didn't mind. Her head rested nicely on her chest, her arms lay across him in a hug. Bay seemed so much more peaceful in her sleep. He could even see her lips say "Emmett" a few times. Her eyes fluttered a few times before opening fully. Emmett shivered for a second when the warmth of her body wasn't on top of him anymore. What time is it? She asked.

About 8.

I'm sorry. Bay meant it. She wished she could take back every word she's said. Thinking about it, she hadn't been that nice to him at all since she'd lost her hearing. Yet, or some reason, he hadn't left. He was still there for her. There were no words for all the things she was feeling. No way she could ever really explain to Emmett how she was feeling, especially since she didn't really know herself. Before he could respond, Bay leaned in a kissed him. She kissed him like there was no tomorrow. The whole world melted away and it was just them. She breathed in his sent, it was indescribable and perfect. It didn't even matter that they were lying on the floor of her art studio(which really, when you get down to it, was a garage). None of it matter. Because she had Emmett who was here. Bay didn't know how long they were kissing, but by the time they stopped the moon was high in the night sky with stars twinkling all around it.

Author's note: thoughts?