Growing up in an extremely ultra religious, cult-like family was a mindfuck for multiple reasons but that doesn't stop unfortunately, even when you escape. For example, see: The overwhelming feeling of boiling hatred and shame for who you used to be.
The angry hatred for the past person I used to be, the version of myself that mindlessly parroted my family's beliefs and listened to their every command, constantly simmered under my skin and invaded my every thought. I was embarrassed of what I used to be- even as I made friends of different ethnicities and faiths, as I listened and explored new ideas and worlds that I never knew existed, as I started the first LGBTQ+ club at my school and volunteered with kids who deserved so much more- there was always a little voice in the back of my head.
"They would hate you if they knew what you were. They would hate the horrendous teachings that were seared into your mind, the things that you used to say and believe. You are nothing but a pretender."
And it is true that my beliefs were bigoted in all the worst ways. It is true that I believed truly heart-wrenching things without a second thought and judged others in such harsh and unfair ways. I told myself that there was no coming back from that, not really. There was nothing I could do to ever make up for it.
Then I remembered that the person who said those things wore velcro light up sneakers and collected finger puppets that the librarians handed out as awards for reading picture books. The person that held signs at pro-life rallies and anti-LGBTQ+ protests had a cherished sticker book and hunted minnows in the creek after school and adored their puffle on club penguin and was really into greek mythology and had skinned knees from climbing trees at recess and knew every Disney song by heart and was absolutely terrified of the dark.
That person was a child.
I was a child.
It took a really long time. Years and years of reflection and distance, but I've decided that I can't hate the past version of myself anymore. I feel pity and remorse, I feel anger- I feel so much fury and violent rage- at what my childhood was and I grieve what could- no, should- have been, but I no longer resent who I was.
I'm not ashamed.
I am so, so, so unbelievably proud of that little kid. For being brave enough to leave the comfort and safety of what I was told was right. For not being afraid to be wrong. For seeking out information and knowledge in a culture that praised ignorance. For questioning everything, relentlessly.
I am by no means a perfect person, I never have been and I never will, but I am proud of myself in every iteration that has ever existed because I know that I have never stopped trying to understand and learn and grow, and I never will.
If you have ever been in a similar situation and feel similar things, first of all: My condolences on your lost childhood. Second of all: Please be nice to that past version of yourself and recognize all the hard work they did to make you who you are today. That person was a survivor and an inspiration. They deserve nothing but love.
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uhh, idk if i'm allowed to ask like this, or if requests are even open, but...
can i rq first kiss fluffiness with kakashi? a scenario where him and reader haven't been dating for long, and they're chilling on a rooftop at night watching the stars like all romantic couples do.. but instead of the stars kakashi's staring at the reader because we're beautiful ofc and then he just leans over and kisses her softly?? and it's really cute??
fem reader please ^^ love your writing!
i needs this wholesomeness pls i'm lonely
my dearest little anon you seem like such a sweet person i wish i could hug you and give you head pats <3 much love and thank you for sending a request <3
The night's quiet, peaceful. The only sound resonating from crickets hiding in the distant forest or the occasional civilian making their way home from the night shift. None of it matters though, not when he’s laying next to you staring at the stars.
There was some hesitance at first, where the two of you wondered if it was a good idea to lay down on a slanted roof top, a similar hesitance to the one Kakashi had before he started dating you. Would it be a good idea? (It was.) What if something goes wrong? (It won’t.)
His hand engulfed yours, thumb stroking the back of your hand to calm you down. It was normal to be nervous at such a height, but when Kakashi holds you close, even with just a hand, your nerves relax. Everything about him was relaxing regardless of the lifestyle he chose to live. Similarly he found solace in you, in ways that he has yet to find the words to describe.
“That one looks like a cat.....kind of...” Your hands point out the shape. There’s two twin stars the serve as the eye, all surrounded by a janky circle and one triangle at the top. “A cat with a missing ear and some funky looking whiskers but if you squint you can see it!”
Kakashi only hums next to you, one so quiet that it makes you look over to check if he’s fallen asleep. He’s not looking to where you’re pointing, and you’re not even sure if he’s heard what you said. His focus isn’t on your hand or your weird perception of what a starry cat looks like, his attention is on you.
There’s something different about the way you’re looking at each other. You’ve only been dating for a little bit, but you’d like to think that you’re getting better at communicating without words with him. Something practiced in your friendship now perfected in your relationship.
The hand placed under your chin tilts your face up and it’s then that you realize how close he’s moved to you. That’s the thing about staring into his eyes, there’s nothing more mesmerizing than getting lost in them. He pulls down his mask, effectively making your stomach flip in excitement. His face is nothing new to you, but it doesn’t stop you from feeling bashful every time you catch a glimpse. His tongue glides along is lips, making them glisten under the moonlight. Silver tufts of hair glide smoothly between your fingers, silk strands held tightly in your guiding hand.
The stars shined brightly down upon the two lovers on the rooftop, each one twinkling in excitement, as if it was cheering them on. They gleam brighter when their lips connect.
An unhurried kiss brings a heat to both your cheeks. Bodies are drawn closer to each other, eager to close any space between them. A moment that’s been long awaited. From hesitant kiss on the cheeks and awkward goodbyes, there never seemed to have been a perfect moment to relish each other like this.
Lips part for air, and you can’t tell if you’re lightheaded from the kiss or the lack of air. Your heads press against each other, silly little smiles and shallow pants shared between you.
No words need to be said. Just a moment to be savored, enjoyed.
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