I am Hope. I Believe. I am Alive. I am Everything.

and she’s like, “idk if this counts but I went to middle school with the guitarist from Corroded Coffin and he asked me out at the talent show. I said yes and we high fived and he never spoke to me again, so now when guys I’m not interested flirt with me I tell them oh, so sorry, I’m actually dating a musician named Eddie. it’s technically true.”

obviously it goes viral.

a week later, guess who pops up in her DMs like, “well damn Cunningham I didn’t know we were still together. you’ll have to let me treat you to dinner so I can break up with you properly!”

So two religios leaders in the town, Thomas Stanley and William Mompesson, got together and came up with a plan. They would put the entire village of Eyam under quarantine. And they did. For over a year nobody went in and nobody went out.

They put up signs on the edge of town as warning and left money in vinegar filled basins that people from out of town would leave food and supplies by.

However, they did successfully prevent the disease from spreading to the nearby town of Sheffield, even then a much bigger town, and likely saved the lives of thousands of people in the north of England through their sacrifice.

Here’s the thing. One third of the residents of Eyam died during their quarantine, but the Black Plague was known to have a NINETY PERCENT death rate. As high as the toll was, it wasn’t as high as it should have been. And a few hundred years later, some historians and doctors got to wondering why.

Fortunately, Eyam is one of those wonderful places that really hasn’t changed much in hundreds of years. Researchers, going to visit, found that many of the current residents were direct descendants of the plague survivors from the 1600s. By doing genetic testing, they learned that a high number of Eyam residents carried a gene that made them immune to the plague. And still do.

And it gets even better than that, because the gene that blocks the Black Plague? Also turns out to block AIDS, and was instrumental in helping to find effective medication for people who have HIV and AIDS in the 21st century.

Five Steps Behind by @urulokid (Yelena/Bob - 6/6 - E) Summary:

“My daughter is extremely reticent to the idea of needing protection,” said Melina thinly, placing her hand on the back of Yelena’s arm and giving her a light pinch where Barnes and Reynolds couldn’t see. Yelena maintained her grimace smile, not moving. “Your work is certainly cut out for you, Agent. I applaud your bravery in picking this assignment.”

___________________

Yelena Belova, only living daughter of the President of the United States, is assigned a new Secret Service agent, which she does not, under any circumstances, want.

Robert Reynolds, former Navy intelligence, is eager to prove himself in his new duties.

read on ao3

rating: e

chapters: 6/6

emma nolan/brendon "the shark" park

“What, um,” she swallows and pushes her braid back over her shoulder with her other hand, “what are you doing?” Her voice wavers, and she hates that he might hear it. Hates that he might be able to read her mind—she’s never been good at hiding her emotions, they’re always painted plainly on her face.

“One, I need to hold onto something,” Dr. Park explains, leaving no room for questions, “and two, I don’t want you to jump away from me while you help.”

“Help?” Emma slowly raises her eyes to meet his.

“Yes, help,” he says flatly, blue eyes boring into hers so intensely she’s sure he can tell what she’s thinking. “I can’t suture with one hand. I need you to be the other one.”

“I–I’m not sure I’m the best person for this,” she glances over her shoulder, looking to signal Donnie or someone who’s actually good at sutures. Her brain scrambles for an out, something to ground herself, to slow this down. “I’ve barely been here a month and—”