Notes: Hi guys. Chapter 2 is here, and I hope you guys like it. 

I don't know if you saw it, but I've changed the story rating. It doesn't show here, but is T+ now (Teen and Up audiences). Why's that: As you know, I usually rate it M for safety, but this works only for the collection since they had multiple stories with different ratings each one. For this story here and some others, there isn't any M content, so I've changed it. And I'll be honest with you all, as much as I've tried my best to let those kind of scenes poetic and light, I've always felt uncomfortable writing them. I'll probaly change the Kariver wedding one, and a few scenes in other stories, I know how it can make some people also uncomfortable and I want all my stories to be accessible for people to read. So yeah, I'll keep writing romantic scenes, but nothing detailed.

Enjoy. 

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Sara slowly opened her eyes, finally feeling like she had a proper night of sleep after having nightmares every night for so long. She looked at Barry's room and noticed the rays of Sunshine starting to fill the room through a small breach in the curtain. She looked at her side and saw Barry's side empty, and soon, a wonderful smell of food invaded the room. She got up, trying to fix the mess her hair was and followed the smell to the kitchen, smiling at the scene in front of her.

- So besides being a super hero, you also cook? This smells amazing...

- Yes, I like to do it sometimes... I don't know you ate at all last night, so I figured you would be hungry, I know I am, and I eat all the time...

- Ah, how sweet of you. Thank you, I didn't have dinner last night, so you were right, I'm hungry.

Sara smiled as she tasted scrambled eggs, toast with strawberry jelly, fresh fruits and coffee, just what she needed to have enough energy to face the day.

- I want to thank you. For everything, and for helping me... It has not been easy, but your support along with your team really helped me go through it all. – She said as she finished her cup of coffee.

- We'll always be here for you, you're part of the team now. And I'm glad we could help you.

- Oh, I'm honored. And... I will stop by Star Labs later, so we can keep training and I can try to find a way to deal with all of this better.

- Are you sure?

- Yes. I think is helping me...

- And I can see it is. – Barry smiled – Soon enough you'll be rid of this once and for all. And we'll be here to celebrate with you.

Sara finished her breakfast and smiled at Barry. His support meant a lot to her, and also the fact that he didn't judge her not even once, on the contrary, he understood and tried his best to help her. His team were wonderful to her as well, and she was really thankful she got to meet them.

Barry went to work and would meet Sara back at Star Labs later. In the meantime, Sara went for a walk and decided to go to Star Labs earlier, since she had nothing else to do that day. When she got there, she found Caitlin looking scared at her table in the med bay.

- Is everything ok? Did something happen? – Sara asked as she approached Caitlin.

- Yes... It was nothing...

- C'mon Caitlin, I can recognize a scared look anywhere, and is all over your face... You can tell me what happened...

- I'm just scared... – Caitlin looked at her, unsure if she could actually tell her the truth. – I'm scared I might be evil because... I have powers.

- Powers? How did that happen? And I doubt you could become evil just because of that, by the way.

- Yes... I don't know exactly how it happened. I've been manifesting some cold powers for a while now, but I was too scared of telling the others. We see so many metas becoming evil, that I was afraid it was going to affect me this way... But basically, I can freeze things...

- Like Elsa?

- Not funny... But yes – Caitlin said, noticing the smirk on Sara's face.

- I'm just kidding. But that's amazing. Why would you think you would become evil? Barry is a meta, he told me Cisco is one as well and they are not evil. We all have a choice, you know? When it comes to having powers... Is all about the chocies you make. Look at me, when I left the League, I chose to go back to my city, Oliver helped me reconnect with my family, and I chose to use what I've learned in the League for good. It took me a while but I did it. And now, even if I'm struggling with this bloodthirst, you guys are helping me find a way to control it, so I can make good choices instead of just give in to it and starting killing.

- I just don't know if I'm that strong as you guys are...

- Of course you are. And the same way you guys are helping me, I'll help you. You can chose to do something good with your powers, I don't think it was random, it happened to you for a reason. You just need to believe it.

- Look at you, making hopeful speeches – Barry said as he entered the room after hearing Sara's last words.

- I've learned from the best – Sara teased, winking at him.

It didn't take long for Harry, Cisco and Joe join them in the room as they were about to discuss the plan to deal with the meta of the day. Sara nodded at Caitlin and smiled, giving her support to tell everyone what she just told her. Caitlin took a deep breath and started to tell everything to her friends, feeling really nervous. She told them about how she woke up one day and felt something was off and how in a second, she froze her mirror and felt like someone else was inside of her straight away, and how it scared her.

- I can't believe you didn't tell us before – Cisco said as he walked towards Caitlin and hugged her – We could have helped you.

- Cisco is right, we can help you. And we will – Barry said also joining the hug.

Cisco grabbed Harry by his shirt, making him join them in the hug. He stared annoyed at Cisco, but hugged them quickly. Sara mentioned for Joe to join as well, with her giving them the last hug.

- We can train together and help each other – Sara said as she smiled at Caitlin, that nodded, enjoying the idea.

Sara spent a good time in Star Labs, training with Ciscbo, Barry and Caitlin, trying her best to help her friend and also try to control the bloodthirst better. She kne it wasn't going to be easy, but she was determined to make it work, no matter what. She owned it to herself. She went to her mom's home late in the afternoon to take a shower and maybe rest a little. She was just finishin her bath when she heard a noise coming from the living room. She wrapped herself in a robe and walked slowing out of the bathroom, ready to fight whoever she needed.

- I can't believe you're here

Sara stared at Nyssa Al Ghul in the middle of the living room and relaxed a bit. She wasn't expecting to see her anytime soon, and Sara never looked for Nyssa after she was brought back to life, so things felt a bit awkward.

- I'm here. – Sara said

- How are you feeling, beloved?

- How did you know I was here? – Sara looked confused at her – I'm... good.

- Your sister brought you to Nanda Parbat, and I warned her not to do it, because there would be consequences, and she told me about what happened in Star City when I pressed her about where you were, so please, don't lie to me, I know you're not ok.

- I'm getting better.

- No you're not. Don't delude yourself, Sara. – Nyssa approached Sara and touched her face – I worry about you, let me help you.

- How can you help me? Do you know why this is happening to me?

- Yes. Side effects of the Pit. You were killed, so when you were brought back, thirst for revenge ran into your veins. The Pit brings the worst in people, the violence, the thirst for blood... It will only fade if you kill someone. It will break the circle... Temporarily.

- What? – Sara looked incredulously – I don't believe it. I knew the Pit brought this bloodthirst on me, Thea told me... But... I won't kill. I found another way.

- I'm sorry my beloved, but you're only fooling yourself if you think anything else will work... Is inevitable. Let me help you, you can come back to Nanda Parbat with me now and we'll take care of it.

- We'll kill someone, you mean? Even if is a League member, some of your dad's enemies... I won't become a monster again. – Sara crossed her arms – see, I almost came back to the League, when all of this started to happen. But I decided to come here instead, and I'm glad I did it. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for everything you did for me, and I really loved you... But I can't go back to the way things were, I can't become na assassin again.

Nyssa looked at Sara with sadness in her eyes. She reached for Sara's shoulder and caressed it slightly with her hand.

- I'm really sorry... I hope this bloodthirst won't drive you mad, like it did to so many others... I truly do, beloved. Be well.

Nyssa turned aorund and left, jumping out of the window, leaving Sara stabding in the middle of the living room with a worried face, feeling her heart racing. She changed quickly and left to Star Labs, to take her mind from the things she heard from Nyssa. She was really determined to make things work and wouldn't let her get into her head like this, she just couldn't.

Sara got to Star Labs and as soon as she heard fighting noises, she ran towards the cortex, only to find two people looking exactly like Caitlin and Cisco, but dressed in some sort of futuristic outfits, attacking team Flash.

- Sara, be careful! – Cisco yelled from the ground, getting up and ready to attack the evil duo.

Sara tried her best to help her friends, but the girl that looked like Caitlin was faster than her, using her powers to blast her against the wall. Sara hit her back and fell to the ground, feeling pain. She was about to get up when the girl prepared to blast her again, when Caitlin got in front of Sara, using her powers against her doppelganger. There was a blasto f ice, making the woman fall down and Barry got to her before she could blink. The guy that looked like Cisco opened some kind of portal and grabbed his friend.

- This is not over! – He yelled and vanished with his friend.

Barry ran to help Sara get up and Sara hugged Caitlin, thanking her for saving her life. She looked confused at Barry as he took of his mask.

- They are from Earth 2... There is na evil speedster sending metas from there to attack me here.

- This is insane... – Sara said as she stared at Cisco and Caitlin – Are you guys ok?

- Feeling weird about seeing evil versions of ourselves, but ok – Cisco said

- Why are he doing this? – Sara asked

- We're trying to find out more... – Barry said – All I know is that he's a lunatic that's obsessed with me. But we'll stop him.

- I know you will. By the way, I wanted to talk to you... – Sara said as Barry walked with her a bit away from the others. Sara stared at him feeling a bit nervous, but she had decided it was time to go for the things she wanted and she wanted to enjoy life more. – The Christmas invitation is still up?

- Of course it is. – Barry smiled – Are you coming?

- Yes, I am. I guess it will be fun, and God knows I need more fun now...

Sara and Barry talked for a while, smiling at each other until Sara noticed it was really late and she needed to go back to her mom's. Cisco kept staring at the two of them and as soon as Sara left, he stared knowingly at Barry.

- What?

- Don't what me. You have a big crush on her... – Cisco teased, earning na annoying look from Barry.

- What? I don't...

- Let me stop you right there. You do. Is written all over your face. Listen, I'm really sorry that things didn't work out between Iris and you, and I'm glad you guys are good friends despite that, but is time to move on... Iris is practically engaged to that guy from her work, will you spend the rest of your life alone? You're always full of silly smiles when you're around Sara, so why not?

- I don't know...

- You need to realize it. And soon... Anyways, I'll go home and leave you with your thoughts.

Cisco walked away, leaving Barry alone and confused, thinking about everything that Cisco told me. Was he crushing on Sara? He knew he felt good things when he were around her, and yes, he felt like smiling more, but... He wasn't sure about what that meant. Was Cisco right? He left for his apartment with his mind full, remembering they shared a bed and felt different inside, and how he felt happy when she said she loved his food. He was feeling really lost, for sure, but he wasn't sure if she felt anything like that. And he wasn't sure if he would ever find out.

As soon as he was home, he made sure everything was ready for the party and then, turned on the TV to watch some musical that was on. It always helped him chill and stay calm when he felt nervous. His phone rang and he saw it was a vídeo call from Sara. He smiled, answering it.

- Hey there. – Sara said, adjusting herself on her mom's couch. – I just called to check if you needed anything for the party later... and also because there's this cool musical on and I remembered how much you like them.

- Is ok, everything's ready for the party – He smiled – Yes, I'm watching it right now. I love this one.

- You do know all musicals, don't you?

-Yes. I think most of them. Is like my mom used to say: musicals make everything better. You gotta see this scene coming up, is brilliant.

- Ok, I believe you. Let's see...

They kept commenting on the movie while they watched it, laughing and having fun for 1 hour and a half, until Sara had to go get ready for the party. She noticed she never talked to someone for that long over the phone before, but still felt good about it. It was fun, they definitely had to do it more.

When Sara got to Barry's place later, everyone was already there. She knocked on his door and got a huge smile from him as soon as he opened the door. They hugged and she came in, trying to clean the snow from her hair.

- I'm sorry I'm a bit late, I had to stay for a while at my mom's party. And it started snowing on my way here...

- Is ok – He laughed as he tried to help her take the snow off of her hair. – Oh, I called Oliver earlier by the way... He told me he was worried about you, so I told him you were here, if that's ok...

- Is ok.

- He also told me something like: you better take care of her, or I will shoot you again. – Barry said, as he closed the door behind Sara – Ollie being Ollie.

- Oh, shoot you again? What did he do?

- He trained me...

- Oh, I get it... Poor you. – Sara teased Barry and greeted everyone in the party.

Barry introduced Sara to Joe, Iris, her boyfriend and Wally, her brother, they were the only ones Sara didn't know yet. Sara spent a good part of the night talking to Caitlin and Iris, having the time of her life for the first time in years, finally feeling like she belonged somewhere.

- You need to come dance with me – Cisco said, laughing as he pulled Sara with him by the hand and started dancing like a crazy person, making Sara and everyone else laugh.

Around 1am people started to leave and say their goodbyes. Sara waited until everyone left and offered to help Barry with cleaning since she didn't want to leave yet.

- I know you can clean this place in like 5 seconds, but... Is my excuse to not go back home yet. I like spending time with you.

Barry lauged with Sara, feeling the same way she did. He also enjoyed spending time with her, laughing and watching musicals. He started to remember what Cisco had told him earlier, about him being into Sara, and wondered if that was why he was feeling his heart beating faster now.

- Me too. – He said, making Sara take a few steps towards him.

She thought about how cute he looked, holding the Santa Claus he just had took from the window. She smiled and grabbed it from his hands, putting it back where it was.

- I think you should keep the Christmas decorations for a while...

- Oh I will, I'll just clean up the mess... Cisco dropped a lot of crumbs everywhere.

- That can also wait... – She smiled and pointed up to the mistletoe hanging above their heads.

They stared at each other for a few seconds and Barry looked clearly nervous, something Sara noticed and thought it made him look even more cute. She started to notice a few things on Barry while they hang out and trained together, it made her feel that strange sensation of warmth, like she was finally where she belonged.

- Merry Christmas – She said, her face coming inches apart of his, their eyes never leaving each other's.

Barry felt his cellphone vibrating and tried to ignore it, but it wouldn't stop, so he thought it was better if he checked who that was. As soon as he opened it, there was a red emergency warning beeping nonstop.

- Someone attacked Jitters and made hostages.

- We better go. I'll help – Sara said getting out of her torpor, and Barry nodded with his head, blushing hard, and in a less than a minute, they were all suited up and outside Jitters.

Sara and Barry stood outside of Jitters, noticing the movement inside, trying to think about a plan to keep everyone safe. Sara stared at Barry, whispering to him.

- You need to use your super speed and bring them outside while I go inside and help the hostages. I've done it before... Bring whoever is inside straight to CCPD so we don't waste any time, I take care of the rest.

- Ok. Good plan – Barry smiled to Sara.

Sara looked around and found a long rope holding a bike near a gate and grabbed it, giving it to Barry. She ran silently towards the back of the place while Barry used his powers to bring the two criminals that were inside, and used the rope to tie from their mouth down.

- I'm sorry guys, no more crimes for today. Is Christmas, for God's sake. Nothing's sacred anymore? – Barry looked at them – What? I can't hear you... – He laughed – I will bring you to the cops now... Happy Holidays.

Sara was inside Jitters and helped all hostages be free. As soon as she let the last one go, someone showed up from the shadows, taking her by surprise.

- I knew that damn speedster would show up, I just didn't know he had such a beauty as a sidekick. – The guy hit Sara in the back and she fell down.

- I'm not a sidekick, you bastard! – She rolled in the ground and made a movement, getting up in a second – I'm the Canary, former member of the League of Assassins and you'll regret hitting me from behind. – She said, grabbing her bo staff and hitting the guy in the face. – What a coward!

The guy grabbed her by the waist and threw her through the window. Sara hit her back in the sidewalk and got back up again, feeling a bit of pain, but knowing she could handle it. She had glass and snow all over her wig and outfit, but couldn't care less. It was freezing cold and she also couldn't care less. All she cared about was knocking that disgusting smirk out of that creep's face. She started to fight him like the warrior she felt inside of her, not sparing him at all. His face were already covered in blood and Sara used a last move to make him fall to his knees on the street. She grabbed him by the neck right when Barry came back and approached the scene slowly. Sara stared at him and smiled, still angry, but feeling like she could do anything. She looked back at the guy, pressing her hand more in his neck, making his gasp.

- You know, I used to make guys like you suffer while being tortured... And then I would twist their necks as if they were nothing. And it used to make me feel powerful. Until I've learned that it could rip your soul and make you become a monster. And I was a monster, I could give you your worst nightmares as a gift. But I won't.

Sara threw the guy in the floor and kicked him where she know he would feel a lot of pain. He wouldn't walk properly for a while, but she finally felt in control enough to do just that.

- You're not worth it. But it doesn't mean I can't give you pain. – She kicked him again and he yelled in pain – That's for trying to ruin my Christmas! – She kicked him in the face, making him black out. She looked at Barry, taking a few breaths – Please, take him away from here.

Barry nodded and brought the guy to CCDP and came back in seconds. He knew Sara wasn't ok, even if she tried to look like she was. When he came back, he saw that she was on the ground, tremblind and taking deep breaths.

- Hey, are you ok? – He said as he ran to hug her. Sara hugged him back, with all the strenght she had left.

- I've made it! – She said, trembling, all soaked in snow and small pieces of glass that Barry helped her take off the best he could.

- Sara, you have a few cuts...

- It's ok, I had worse in my life... – She said and stared at him, fighting hard not to cry – I've made it! I didn't try to kill him. I didn't feel like it.

- This is great, Sara – Barry hugged her back – I told you, you could do it. But let's go back home, you're freezing and hurt... Let me help you.

- Sara nodded with her head and Barry took her in his arms, bringing her back to his apartment.

He helped get her wig off, cleaning the rest of glass that were in her outfit. He grabbed his first aid kit while she sat on a chair, and he helped her clean her bruises.

- I'll prepare the tub so ou can have a warm bath, I'll leave you clean clothes there as well, I'm sure it will fit you... Then I'll help you with this bruises, they don't look serious...

- Thank you Barry, you're na angel – Sara said, caressing his cheeks.

He smiled back at her and ran to the bathroom to leave everything ready for her. In seconds he came back and reached for her hand.

- C'mon, you're really freezing...

Sara held his hand and got up. She went to the bathroom while Barry made her some hot tea and let warm blankets in his bed for her. He wasn't sure if all of that was enough, and tried to think about what else could he do to help her feel comfortable.

In the meantime, Sara took the warmest bath she ever had. After feeling she was completely recovered and clean, she used a towel and found a nice grey Christmas sweater and Barry's shorts and smiled. She put the sweater on and it reached just a few inches above her knee, so she decided to not wear the short. She dried her hair and left, finding Barry in the living room.

- Thanks for everything Barry. But you also need a hot shower, you were there in the cold with me.

- Yes, I need – Barry smiled – I made you hot tea, to help you stay warm. And there are new blankets in the bed, I hope they're comfortable.

- Awn, thank you, that's so sweet – Sara said – Now go, you're starting to tremble – she laughed and Barry smiled back at her, going to take a shower.

Sara felt way better, and smiled, thinking about how Barry was cute and sweet and how much he helped her since he found her at Jitters. And to think she almost broke his arm, she felt embarrassed about it. Barry came out of the shower, with his a bit wet, and using a dark red pj shirt with black pj pants. Sara put the mug in the kitchen table, and went to sito n the couch, by Barry side. She reached for his hand and stared deeply into his eyes.

- Thank you... For helping me all this time, and for inviting me here today. I was really needing it.

- Thank you for letting us help. And for coming.

Sara looked at him, feeling a mix of emotions in side of her.

- I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to control myself and the bloodthirst today...

- This was a huge step, Sara. Is ok to have doubts, especially when we are struggling... But you've made it.

- Barely... I... Nyssa Al Ghul visited me earlier, at my mom's...

- Nyssa as...

- As the one who rescued me in the League...

- Oh...

- She told me this bloodthirst was a consequence from being ressurected in the Lazarus Pit. And that the only way of making it go away, was for me to kill. She told me once I did it, it would pass... I told her I refused to believe it, and she told me she hoped I wouldn't go crazy like others did... And, I need to confess it, I was scared of it.

- You don't need to feel scared. You proved today she was wrong. You could hold it back. – Barry said as he caressed her hand.

- I know... But I was really afraid I wouldn't. Until I saw you there, and it reminded me that I wasn't alone anymore. That I had you, Cisco, Caitlin... even Harry – She laughed, making Barry laugh. – I know I have my mom, Laurel, team Arrow, but it isn't the same. You guys managed to help me in a way no one could, and I'm thankful for that. And I know I'm nowhere near to be 100% cured by...

- Baby steps... – Barry said, getting a bit closer to her – We'll get there.

- I'm sure we will... I trust you.

Sara's lips were inches away from Barry's, their eyes met once again, this time full of want and she knew she couldn't waste anymore time. Her lips touched his and she felt him kissing her back and her heart exploded inside her chest. Their kiss become even more passionate and Sara felt a few tears coming down her cheeks. Barry's fingers slightly wiped them away.

- I'm here... – He whispered staring deeply into her bright blue eyes, kissing her one more time, even more passioned, if that was possible.

- I'm happy you're here – Sara whispered back at him as she felt him give hertender kisses on her neck. She grabbed the edge of his shirt and brought it up, taking it off of him.

Then, she took off Barry's sweater and smiled back at him, giving him soft kisses on his cheeks.

- That suéter looked amazing on you, by the way.

- Now it looks great on the couch – She gave him a playfull bite on his lips, her hands going to his neck, caressing it as she kissed him again.

Barry held Sara by the waist and got up, lifting her as he held her tight while still kissing her. He stumble a bit, but never lost his balance, and then, they finally got to his bedroom.

- I was going to ask you to share the bed with me again... – She said as he closed the door behind her

- I was going to say yes. – He said

Barry now was sure about what Cisco told him before, and there was no way he could keep fooling himself, not after all that happened. And he couldn't be happier that Sara was there with him, and that he was tasting her kisses. He wanted to make fer feel safe and happy, he wanted her to know he was going to be there for her and that he believed in her. He knew it the moment she said she trusted him. He knew she trusted no one, so he knew this was huge. He was determined to show her how much it meant to him that she trusted him this much.

They stopped kissing and stared at each other, while laying in his bed, their legs intertwined, Barry's hand caressing her cheeks while the other held her by the waist, both her hands caressing his hair in his neck.

- I can't believe you're real – She said, staring at him. – I want you – She said, giving him a small kiss.

- I want you too – He whispered, kissing her, this time at a slow pace.