Natalie Gray
Bio
Welcome, Travelers! Allow me to introduce you to a compelling world of Magick and Mystery. My stories are not for the faint of heart, but should you deign to read them I hope you will find them entertaining and intriguing to say the least.
Achievements (7)
Stories (181)
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The Art of Caregiving
Step 1: Patience is a Virtue Your loved one may be in a bad mood, driven by frustration, pain, or depression at being in their current state. This is normal, and expected. As their caregiver, it is up to you to boost their morale, which can be done with positive affirmations and/or physical gestures of love; e.g. hand holding, back rubbing, showering with praise. Note: keep in mind that too much praise can be detrimental. The path to healing has no participation awards, and there are times when a firm yet gentle hand is needed. These occasions may coincide with doling out medication, feeding, and attempts to foster independence. If you have the luxury of being in a hospital/institutional setting, extending patience to the facility's staff is a must. They cannot be everywhere at once, and there are other patients on their rotation besides your loved one. In rare cases where staff members seem especially inattentive, it is considered polite to refrain from wringing necks and spouting verbal abuse. The general rule of thumb is the kinder you treat the staff, the friendlier and more helpful they will be to your loved one in return. This is harder to achieve for many people in a caregiver role, but over time the self-inflicted wounds from chewing one's own tongue to hamburger will heal given sufficient time. Your patience and nerve will be tested at all times. It is of vital import that you remain calm, supportive, and flexible, so that you can cater to whatever needs your loved one may have. Additional restraint may be required if your patience is repeatedly taxed, and not met with the appreciation you feel is deserved. Overall, however, the bulk of your patience will usually be rewarded.
By Natalie Gray5 days ago in Fiction
Firebug: Chapter 17 - Out
Theo didn't have time to think. He didn't even have time to scream. The sound was stuck sideways in his throat anyway, refusing to be dislodged. His body acted all on its own, launching him across the dance floor toward the pool. Not caring how many of his classmates he had to knock over or shove out of the way to get there. By the time his brain caught up to his body, Theo was diving head-first into that glittering, dark blue abyss.
By Natalie Gray5 days ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 15 - MVP
"See? Told you those blackguards didn't stand a chance." Roman nearly came out of his sweaty, grass-stained football togs when Theo had spoken. He'd been so focused on the game that he'd apparently forgotten Theo was still there, warming the bench alongside him. The moment their eyes met, his lips stretched into that signature grin of his. Although it made Theo's heart flutter, the Brit couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about it.
By Natalie Gray19 days ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 14 - The Game
Friday night had arrived way ahead of schedule for Roman. He'd been preparing for it for so long, he'd let it sneak up and blindside him with no warning whatsoever. To be fair, it wasn't the game itself he was worried about. The Hill Academy Hurricanes had faced off against Briarwood's Gladiators many times before now, and had won more often than lost.
By Natalie Gray22 days ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 13 - Sick Day
As soon as Thaddeus learned what happened in the weight room, he insisted Theo stay home from school the following day. Normally, Theo would complain about such an unnecessary inconvenience. He wasn't injured that badly, nor was he physically ill. Spontaneous human combustion tended to drain one severely, though, rendering him too exhausted to protest. Mostly, however, Theo heeded his father's orders for Roman's sake.
By Natalie Gray29 days ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 11 - The Truth. Top Story - December 2025.
"Sorry, Babe," Roman grinned, waving at Luna. "Wild ball! I've really gotta work on my... aim..." his grin faltered in surprise as his sentence petered off, but he screwed it back into place as quickly as he could.
By Natalie Grayabout a month ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 10 - Confrontation
"Grounded" did not begin to describe the punishment Theo received for staying out all Friday night. Still, he supposed he should be grateful. Thaddeus could've spontaneously decided to move again in the dead of night. Besides, grounded or not, he could still see Roman during school hours. That, at least, made it all bearable.
By Natalie Grayabout a month ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 9 - Thaddeus
Theo claimed he was okay, but he was still shaking like a newborn pup in Roman's passenger seat. He hadn't said much of anything since learning what Chris had almost done to him. Understandable, to say the least. Roman wasn't in much of a talkative mood himself. Not after Theo told him about the Quill Family Curse.
By Natalie Gray2 months ago in Chapters
Firebug: Chapter 8 - Ripples. Top Story - November 2025.
Rain, gentle and soothing, pitter-pattered on the window beside Theo. The steady percussion roused him from slumber slowly, teasing him awake like an oyster being pried out of its shell. It was only then he realized that his bedroom didn't have a window before. And that the door was on the wrong side of the room. The bed itself was all wrong, too, made up in soft, dark blue sheets that certainly weren't his.
By Natalie Gray2 months ago in Chapters
