Michael Emerson with a Deaf S/O (Headcannons)
A/N: reader insert, gender neutral reader, could be read as romantic and/or platonic
This may also be a bit repetitive from my other deaf s/o headcannons (the ones I did for the lost boys)... sorry
This is based on my bffâs experiences (they can speak fluently and lip read) so theyâre not super universal and for that Iâm sorry... if youâd like me to do other hcs, please let me know and Iâll be happy to write more âșïž
Gif credit to @welcometomymadness-blog đ
Michael was feeling bored at home, so he decided to go to the boardwalk. Sam had friends over and Grandpa was busy working on another taxidermy piece for Mrs Johnson
He thought heâd wander around a bit, just for something to do. Perhaps even get something to eat or visit his mom for a moment at her new job
That was when he spotted you
Michael had seen you from far away, but something about you just drew his attention and he couldnât deny it the magnetic pull he felt towards you
Michael tried to get your attention as he walked up to you, throwing out a couple awkward compliments about your outfit
You never turned to look at him though, which he found puzzling
It wasnât until he was standing in front of you, talking directly to you, that he understood (and, even then, it took a while)
He made an offhand comment about complimenting you earlier and you apologized, explaining you couldnât hear him
It took Michael a bit of time to understand. At first he thought it was the noise of the boardwalk that had prevented you from hearing him. Even when you asked him to look at you while he spoke (rather than away from you like he does when heâs nervous or flustered) so you could read his lips, he didnât seem to understand
Youâre going to be up front with this guy because he does NOT pick up on things
Youâre going to have to spell it out for him
Once he realizes youâre deaf, heâll try to make sure to look at you when he speaks
Whenever he forgets, youâre going to have to remind him
Heâs very flustered and apologetic afterwards though
Michael offers to take you to a small diner to hang out. He asks you about your life, if you go to school and/ or work, and how long youâve lived in Santa Carla
You both quickly lose track of time because youâre enjoying each otherâs company so much. Before you know it, the diner is closing for the night
Before you both leave, Michael asks to see you again
After that day, the two of you are practically inseparable. You spend almost every day together exploring Santa Carla, hanging out at the Emersonsâ house, and visiting with Michael when he has to babysit/ look after his younger brother, Sam
The rest of Michaelâs family liked you almost immediately and you quickly became close with the whole family
Even Samâs friends, the Frog brothers, think youâre pretty cool
The Emersons are really good about adapting their behaviour so that things will be easier for you. Theyâll turn to face you so that youâll be able to lip read and they ask you to teach them some sign language
Sam picks up on sign language the fastest
Michael takes the longest to pick up on even basic signs, but itâs heartwarming to see how hard he tries
When he finally signs his first full sentence to you, itâs such a thoughtful and heartwarming moment (If you and Michael are dating, the first sentence is probably something cheesy and/ or romantic like âI love youâ)
Sometimes, especially early on in your relationship, Michael will forget to do things like turn to face you or try to sign words. Heâs used to turning away when he feels nervous, stressed, or flustered. Itâs a lifelong habit though, and he is working hard on breaking it
Whenever Michael forgets though, Sam, Lucy, and Grandpa Emerson will often remind him before you even get a chance to. Lucy will be gentle about it, Sam will probably run with it and just end up embarrassing him even more đ
You end up having a great relationship with Michael and his whole family
You even have a great relationship with Sam, who now thinks of you as a bonus sibling. He loves to show you his music and comic book collections. You two spend lots of time talking about your favourite super heroes and favourite genres. Sam likes to show you his favourite music too and, even if you canât hear it, you can still enjoy it in your own way
Whenever youâre out which Michael, heâs really protective of you
If anyone says or does anything hateful towards you for being deaf, he will absolutely not hesitate to punch them in the face lol đ
Michael is eager to learn everything he can about your experiences
He just wants to be the best friend/ boyfriend he can be
Overall, you and Michael have a wonderful relationship. Heâs a very kind and thoughtful friend/ boyfriend
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