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You were left feeling insecure. The misbehaving students have you questioning your teaching skills, you're still grieving your late boss, and on top of that, Dort treats you like a piece of shit despite all your efforts.
After a particularly long day, you lay in bed with your wife. You can see Isadora should be asleep any minute, but your thoughts are running wild. You have to ask her this quickly, before she nods off, just so you can ease your mind.
"Would you still love me if I was a worm?"
"...Huh?" She pipes up after a good minute of silence. She's very visibly confused, though you assume it's just because she's sleepy.
"I asked... if you'd still love me, if I was a worm.." you repeat yourself. Your voice is even quieter now, unsure.
"Um... no?" Isa props herself up on her elbow. "I mean... maybe if we were both worms? But if I was human and you a worm? Then I think not."
That really surprised you. You thought she would respond like most partners that are subjected to this question; something along the lines of "Yes, of course". Or maybe a "What's with the silly question? Yeah, I guess so?" But not a straight up no.
"Oh... I see." Once you've processed that answer, you suddenly seem a little more emotionally withdrawn. "Alright, then... goodnight, Isa." You curl up under the blanket, pulling it under your chin tight.
Seeing you curled up, not knowing that her words were upsetting, Isadora assumes you must be cold. She wraps her body around yours, spooning you, and kisses your hairline, "Goodnight, my dear."
You only hum. She accepts that and moves on like nothing happened, but you stay awake until you run out of thoughts.
This conversation did not help at all. You came looking for reassurance, but if anything, it only made things worse. She said the one thing that she wasn't supposed to.
The next day, things go as usual, except you're a lot more quiet. Isadora doesn't immediately question it; you can be grumpy in the mornings. It is only suspicious when you stay like that the whole day.
She tries asking about it, but you brush her off. So instead, she catches you at your most vulnerable; when you're sleepy. "You were quiet all day, baby... What's wrong?" She holds onto your hands, stroking your knuckles.
"It's nothing much... I'm just a little insecure, I guess." You hide your face in her neck. You really don't wanna talk about it... but you have to. Be it irrational, but it really hurt you when she said no.
"Why? What happened? Is it something specific, or just... generally?" Isa is quick to get concerned. She scoots closer to you, and reaches out to brush your hair back.
"Well, it's just... generally. But what you said yesterday..."
"What?"
"The question, Isa..." You don't like her oblivious act. She should know! But again, how should she? It was so random....
"Oh... But why is that bad? Would you love me as a worm?" She's so confused, it's infuriating.
"That means something like 'Would you love me unconditionally?' Just.. more hidden."
And your wife immediately looks horrified. Did she really just imply that she doesn't love you no matter what? Isa slowly grows panicked, and she moves to lay her head on your chest. "Oh my gosh, baby I'm so terribly sorry!"
You place your hand on her back, feeling the need to comfort her. She looks so upset at the realization!
"Ohh, I swear, baby— I do love you! But I didn't know it was a loaded question like that!"
"Hehe... it's okay, I suppose you couldn't have known... But still, it would've been awkward to just straight-up ask it, you know?" You rub her spine to reassure her.
"It wouldn't be! You could've just said it!" She sits up, looking down at you like you said something outrageous. "Darling, you'd be the sexiest worm I know, and I'd protect your soft little self at all costs."
You burst into laughter at her response, from emotions and amusement. You pull Isa back down, giggling like an idiot. "Thanks. That helps a lot, actually."
"I'm really glad." She replies, and kisses your forehead. "Can you fall asleep now?"
You nod, and snuggle into her like an oversized kitty. Isadora holds you close, and tight enough that you can't escape if you tried. Just for safety reasons.
"Alright, then. Goodnight, dearest. I love you." She presses another kiss, this time to your lips. You just lean into her, and close your eyes.
Now that that's settled, you can rest well again; knowing that your wife loves you.