Nyssa sat in the middle of her room, meditating. She has finally felt at peace since Sara had left. It had been a turmoil, but she has decided to finally let go of the pain and anger. Sara made a choice, and she shall respect that.

"What are you thinking about?" Nate casually stood by the door. Though it was not customary action for an assassin, he could not care any less. No one was there to see him. He wants to feel like a normal friend visiting another.

Nyssa breathed in and out a few more times before she answered.

"Do you not meditate to clear your mind? Not clutter it?"

"Meditation isn't my strongest suit. I wouldn't know."

"Clearly."

Nyssa opened her eyes to look at Nate. She smiled when she saw that same smug face he usually had before. She didn't know she missed that about him.

"I haven't thanked you properly."

"For what?"

"Saving me. You saved me from doing something I would have ultimately regretted. You saved me from giving in to the pain, when you convinced Sara that one cannot be at peace knowing the pain they leave behind."

"I was only trying to protect you."

"And you did, Al-Hami."

Nate's face turned solemn. Hearing that name he had chosen as a testament to her pass through her lips, felt very uplifting. For her to acknowledge him as the protector, her protector, was life fulfilling. A goal he thrived for, realized.

"I'm glad."

Seeing Nate's reaction, Nyssa realized how much it had truly meant to him. She had been reluctant to let him take on that role, but it never wavered him. He has proven himself worthy to be called what he has always been, a protector.

They went on to train as they usually do to occupy their time. The rhythm of their movements seemed to have blended well with each other. It was as if something finally clicked and there was balance and harmony between them. A common understanding and acceptance of one another.

They spent more and more time together, on a professional and personal note. They grew closer together. Nate noticed how Nyssa's features have a lighter feel to them. She was smiling again, even without Sara's presence. He hopes he could be the reason for it, but dreads that she simply remembers the one who holds her heart.

He wishes to have a deeper relationship with Nyssa, but is afraid to even bring the idea up. He is afraid to ruin whatever little connection he has with her. And her continuous presence as they spent much time together does not help the desire he tries so desperately to hide. He wishes to at least show her that he could love her more than anyone could. He knows he's not Sara, but he is not nobody. And as Nyssa calls him, Al-Hami, his hope for something more grows.

He decided to shake up their calm rhythm by sneaking up on her in her room for sparring. But he was in for a bigger surprise when he crept out of the shadows and found Nyssa, only having finished bathing with a loose robe around her. Nyssa felt a strange presence lurking behind her. She grabbed whatever nearest her and threw it in its direction. Nate dodge it, but lost himself at the sight in front of him, when Nyssa's robe fell off.

Nyssa had seen Nate look at her with desire, but she never minded, because he has always seemed to have controlled it. This time was different. His eyes burned with it, uncontrollably.

Nate took a step closer as if to test how Nyssa would respond. Much to Nyssa's surprise, she was unable to move. She was hypnotized by the burning desire in Nate's eyes. Her thoughts quarreled as to what she desires to happen.

Nate continued his ascent, and when Nyssa was still unmoving when he reached her, he claimed her mouth. She was unresponsive at first. But Nate was persistent. He pulled her closer, taking her deeper, and she gave in to the sensation. His kiss, his touch, his caresses, she gave herself up to them. She lost herself in them.

Nate desperately peeled of his clothing, wanting to touch her not just with his hands. He wants to feel every bit of her skin against his. He was able to free himself of his upper body clothing, hungry for more of her, he pulled her closer once more. Feeling her chest against his made his desires go wild. He picked her up and swiftly placed her on the bed. He parted their lips and looked deep in her eyes, searching for doubts, but he saw none.

He could feel the pain of himself straining in his pants. His greatest desire is in his hands, could he hold out long? He has to. He has to make every moment count.

He removed his bottoms, freeing himself of all the restrictions. There they were, bare to each other. Nate then dove in once more to devour her mouth with his. Nyssa wrapped her leg around his hips to keep them closer together. She could feel the warmth and hardness of his length pressing against her entrance.

Nate could barely contain himself, but he must endure. It should not be about him. It's about making her feel all the passion, desire, and love she has for her. They're past the point of no return. It would definitely change the course of their relationship. He has to make it right.

Nyssa whimpered low at the lost of contact when Nate moved away. He paused for a moment, trying to figure out how to proceed. He kissed her again, then went to explore every inch of her body with his mouth. He trailed kisses all over her skin, sending shivers down her spine. She didn't think there would be another to make her feel lost in pleasure the way Sara could. But she should not be surprised. It's Nate, she knows how well he pays attention.

Her breathing hitched when Nate reached her lower abdomen and started going down even more. She moaned when she felt his hot breath on her entrance. Then she was once again disappointed when it disappeared. Nate claimed her mouth once more then looked into her eyes in search of second guessing, but it simply reflected the desire he had in his.

He positioned himself at her entrance, and took her in a single breath. Nyssa cringed at the sudden jolt of pain. It had been a long time since she's been with a man. They stayed still for a while as Nyssa adjusted to his length. Once ready, Nyssa initiated by moving her hips forward. Nate responded by rocking in and out of her. Their movements unhurried, taking their sweet time to pleasure the other.

Nyssa dug her fingers in his back and bit her lips as she felt herself closer to the peak. Their movements grew faster and more frantic, taking them closer to the edge. Nate could feel Nyssa's walls closing in around him tighter. A few more pumps, they were both arching their backs, gripping their hands in whatever they could, as they both reach their climax.

They went limp when the ecstatic feeling subsided. They lied next to eaxh other without a word. Neither wanting to break the spell they have created. Then Nate slipped out of the room, once Nyssa had fallen asleep.

They spoke no word of it after, but their encounters of such sort continued. Then for the first time, Nate awoke with Nyssa still in the room. She was standing by the window with only a robe on. She was longingly looking out into the star lit sky. The sight of her was breathtaking.

He took his chances and made his way to her. He snaked his arms around her waist. He was quite surprised when Nyssa leaned back against him. He held her tighter and closer to him, and placed a kiss at the top of her head. He wanted to ask her what she was thinking of, but was afraid she was thinking of Sara.

Even now that he already has her in his arms and Sara is nowhere near them, he feels he is still competing with her. He knew there was no competition. He was lucky enough to be this close to her. He knew her heart would always belong to Sara.

"I love you, Nyssa." Nate felt her stiffen at the words a little, but he continued. "I know I can never be what Sara is to you, but I'm okay with that. I can't promise you much, but I will do all that I can to make you happy, and I promise to be by your side always. I'm not asking you to love me, Nyssa. Just let me love you."

Nyssa turned around, so he would see clearly in her eyes what she was about to say. She reached up to touch his face and placed a light kiss on his lips.

"Haven't I already?"

His heart was lit with hope. He never thought it possible that he would be able to hold Nyssa in his arms the way he was doing at the moment. He longed and hoped to be recognized by her, since that unfortunate day at the field that tied all their lives together, but now he is with her. He knew she cared for him. Now, he thought maybe it was possible that she could love him as well.

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In Starling City, Slade has started to make his move, along with his mirakuru soldiers. Sara knew it would be impossible for Oliver with only his team to defeat all of them, even if the SCPD helped. She had to get more help. She ventured off to Nanda Parbat while they still had time to spare. She hoped Nyssa would not turn her away. They may not have parted on the best terms last, but it could have been worse.

When she arrived, she was greeted by Nate.

"What are you doing here? You are no longer welcome here, Sara Lance."

"I need to talk to her." She could still sense Nate's frustration with her.

"You shouldn't have come here. I told you to keep away from her."

"I know, but I need her help. Please."

"Of course you do." Nate hissed out.

"It's okay, Al-Hami. Leave us." Nyssa said from behind him. Nate wanted to object but decided to obey instead.

Sara smiled warmly as she caught sight of Nyssa. It was always nice to see her. Somehow, even for a moment, all her worries always seem to fade.

"You look well."

"And you're beautiful as always."

Sara smiled. Nyssa reached out her hand which Sara took. "I missed you, Sara."

"I missed you too." She knew she was pressed with time but she couldn't help but ask even a little about how she's been. "You called him Al-Hami."

"He deserves it." Nyssa paused for a while. She wanted to tell her about them. She doesn't have to, but she just wants to. Not because she wants her to know she's happy or what, just simply because it's her, it's Sara, and she just wants her to know.

"He's still mad at me."

"I don't think so. Upset, maybe. Especially now."

"Why is that?"

"He feels threatened that you're here." Sara waited for her to continue. "I gave him a chance. He and I are..." she trailed off, not exactly knowing what to call what they currently were.

"I see. I'm happy for you. Both of you." She truly was happy for them. They deserve to be happy with someone who is ready to be there for them at all cost.

"So, what brings you here?"

"I need your help. I need the league's help."

"Why?"

"Starling is under attack. Please, Nyssa. My city needs you."

"I would, if it were up to me. You know that. But we are not some assassins for hire that are at your disposal."

"I know. That's why I offer my allegiance back to the league."

Nyssa smiled at the idea of having her back with her, but her heart ached at the thought of Nate. No matter what, she intends to try and make things work between them. She owes him that much.

"Al-Hami won't be pleased to hear that, though I am."

"I promise not to..."

"I know."

"It won't be you he would worry more about, it would be me. He knows my heart still is with you."

"Nyssa."

"It's okay, Sara." Nyssa smiled as she gripped her hand reassuringly.

Nyssa turned to find Nate, by the way he looked, she knew he heard what they were talking about. He would again revert to feeling he needs to just stand by the sidelines, and Nyssa can't have that.

"You just can't say no."

"Nothing will change, Nathaniel."

"Everything changes."

"Only if you let it. You know going in, that I still do love her, but I'm choosing you now. Trust that."

He was still not convinced, but Nyssa asks him to trust her, so he would. She's trying to make it work for them, why wouldn't he.

Sara saw the two of them, and can't help but feel a dull ache in her chest. That used to be her. It still could have been her, but she took it all for granted. She was still glad, Nyssa opened up to someone else, to someone she trusted not to hurt Nyssa the way she had done.

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A/N: I would like to thank my sister, SilentPseudonym, for the new story cover. Check out her Malec stories, though she is more diligent in making covers, than writing her stories. LOL.