Chapter Text
A sappy tune floats through the control room as Leonard approaches the screens.
"What the world needs now, is love, sweet love," Cisco sings to himself, switching through the camera angles. "It's the only thing that there's just too little of…"
"Cisco," Leonard sighs. "Please. For my sanity, shut that drivel off."
"Not just for some, but for everyone," Cisco trails off, even as the music comes to an abrupt halt. "Someone could use a coffee," he mutters.
"This is the fifth coffee I've had since 5 a.m.," Leonard rubs his forehead, sipping from his mug.
Cisco laughs. "Then might I suggest you add some whiskey to that coffee?"
Mick shuffles forward, offering Leonard a bottle. "Boss was up all night," he says, as Leonard waves him off. "Cut him some slack."
"All part of the biz," Leonard says, although his pounding head begs to differ. "Can we zoom in on camera two?"
Cisco relays the message over the walkie, and the camera zooms.
"Who's this yokel Sara's talking to again?" Cisco asks, flipping through his notes. "He got the first impression rose, right?"
"Adrian Chase." Leonard's response is immediate. "And yes. Predictably." Leonard's eyes narrow. "Of course, the spoiled socialite would pick the ignorant asshole."
Cisco shrugs, changing shots. "You don't usually hate the bachelorettes quite this much," he says. "What's got you with her?"
Leonard throws a hand up, exasperated. "She's a brat. She's only here because daddy is a D-list celebrity with friends in high places at the network. She's not here for love," he scoffs. "She just wants back in the limelight. She's been irrelevant since her breakup with Oliver Queen years ago. She couldn't remember a single name last night. Not one."
"She remembered yours," Cisco smirks. "The whole crew heard her yelling at you when she got the wrong drink."
"No one can remember the names this early," Mick says, fairly. "Give her a chance, boss."
"Having a wannabe actress as the Bachelorette will drive our show into the ground," Leonard snaps. "We've gotten more produced and less real every year, but this is an all-time low."
"You're the host," Mick says. "It's your job to sell the story, so you'd better get on board."
"I don't know if I can keep selling the lie." Leonard tosses his unfinished coffee in the trash.
"It doesn't have to be a lie, boss," Mick says, his gruff voice somehow appeasing. "Couples have gotten married from this show."
"And dozens have broken up," Cisco adds. "Even more have gone on to launch fabulous influencer careers."
"You helped create this show," Mick argues, ignoring him. "You brought me in over twenty years ago. We were nobodies back then. You're executive producer now. You can't just give that up."
"Oh, he threatens to quit every year."
They all turn as Harrison Wells strolls into the control room.
"Hope you got your beauty sleep, Harry," Leonard says, eyeing the other man and the well-rested spring in his step.
"Being the Vice President of Alternative Programming does have its perks," Harry agrees. "You're not fooling any of us, Len," he adds. "I know you're surer than ever that love doesn't exist, but you do love this show. You're the heart of this show."
"Ha," Cisco smiles. "Better watch out, Harry's hot on the love puns today."
"Sara Lance isn't even giving love a chance," Leonard mutters. "Maybe the execs brought her in to finally kick me out."
Harry laughs, clapping Leonard on the back. "Don't worry, friend. They will never let you go."
"Hey guys," Cisco interrupts, turning the volume up on the audio. "I think something interesting is about to happen."
They turn their attention to the screens, watching Sara and Adrian sitting on one of the mansion's many couches.
"Now, Miss Lance," Adrian says, smiling slowly. "I want to be clear that I'm not going to kiss you yet."
Sara's eyebrows quirk as her mouth curves, clearly amused. "And why is that? You saying you don't like me?"
"It's too predictable," he says, as one of his hands slides to her knee. "I've been watching this show for a while, and I think people jump in too fast. We just need to get to know each other better."
Sara flips her hair over a shoulder, leaning in. "And what if I send you home today because you didn't kiss me?"
Leonard clicks his tongue, rolling his eyes at the screen.
"Then it's better that we didn't kiss," Adrian says, leaning closer. "I'd rather leave some anticipation for all the good times we're going to have. Wouldn't you?"
"Wait," Cisco cuts in. "There's something going down with the other guys." He flips a few buttons, shifting their view to Sara's other contestants. They're goofing off and talking while they wait for her. "Mona," he asks, speaking into the walkie. "Can you please encourage Sara to go check on the other guys? Politely," he adds. "We know how prickly she gets."
Cisco turns up the audio again.
"How many of us do you think she's gonna fuck?" One of the older men is speaking, a rough-looking southerner. "Because I'm taking bets. At least five of us, right?" He guffaws, as some of the other men chuckle. "Maybe six?"
"Woah!" Harry laughs. "I like this guy, who is he?"
"Jonah Hex," Leonard says, raising an eyebrow. "I was out of vetoes before we got to him in casting."
"Are you kidding?" Harry rests a hand on the table, bending closer to the screens. "He's reality TV gold."
"He's got a real cowboy vibe," Cisco muses. "I hear that's in."
"He's offensive, sexist and crass," Leonard says. "But sure. Good TV, because that's what matters."
"Yes, Leonard," Harry grins, "now you've got it."
"She's definitely gonna fuck you, pretty," Jonah says. He points at a young man with thick, dark hair, a goatee and a button down shirt open so low, his chest hair hangs out.
"You better believe it, bro," the guy agrees, laughing and pointing right back.
Cisco groans, switching camera angles. "Did this guy get lost on his way to a frat party?"
"Which one is he?" Harry asks.
"Behrad Tarazi. Self-described dolphin trainer. Quote unquote." Leonard sighs.
"You better believe she'll send your sexist asses home," Sara says, storming onto the scene.
The men stop laughing abruptly, staring at Sara with wide eyes.
"You heard me," she warns. "Women are not just things to fuck. And I am the wrong woman to fuck with," she adds, her hands on her hips. "So get the fuck out of my face."
"Sara," Behrad tries, but she's not having it.
"Would you like me to call security, or would you rather get your asses kicked by a girl?" She asks. "Say one more word. I'd love the excuse."
Behrad and Jonah, sufficiently cowed, stand and escort themselves out of the frame.
"Follow them," Leonard orders.
"Get the limos ready," Cisco says into the walkie. "And make sure Iris is the producer who gets in with Jonah. She'll tear him to shreds."
"Wow, this girl is fire," Harry cheers. "Ratings are going to be sky high. Leonard!" He yells. "Smile, would you? I know even you can't fault her for that performance. Spectacular!"
"Yes, it was a performance," Leonard grouses. "I'm just glad you're happy. At least one of us should be."
"I'm going for lunch," Harry grins. "Anyone coming?"
Leonard shakes his head, not even looking up as Harry leaves. "Some of us have to work," he mutters.
"Leonard!"
"Speaking of…" He shudders at the high-pitched sound of Sara screeching into the room.
"What the fuck was that?" She huffs, weaving through the various tables and controls. "How did those guys get on my show?"
"Your show?" Leonard frowns.
"Uh, Miss Lance?" Mona asks, trailing behind. "We need you to talk to the other guys. And do an interview."
"Fuck your interview. I want an answer, now."
Leonard shrugs. "Believe it or not, Killer, I don't make all the casting decisions."
"Excuse me?" Sara growls. "What did you just call me?"
"Oh, you haven't heard?" Leonard smirks. "That's your nickname on social media now. After night one, they're saying you practically murdered the men you sent home. But don't worry," he smiles. "I'm sure your dismissal of Jonah and Behrad will help change their minds."
Sara marches toward him, drawing herself up to her full height. "You're going to tell me everything I need to know about each and every one of those assholes," she warns. "Unless you're trying to make me look like a fool."
"You wouldn't be the first," Cisco shrugs.
"Fine," Leonard agrees, "but first, you're going to go talk to that room of men you deserted. I'm sure they're wondering what you have to say after decimating their friends. Did you even know their names?"
"Those dicks deserved it," Sara hisses. "And I'll tell the rest of them to see themselves out if they want to talk about women that way."
"Good plan, Killer. You sound so sympathetic."
Sara huffs, turning on her heel and storming off without a backward glance.
A few moments pass until suddenly, she appears on the monitors with the men.
"I'm sorry," she says, addressing the group. "I know that was uncomfortable."
Leonard's surprised to see how quickly her demeanor changed. Her anger is gone. In front of the men, she just seems tired. Remorseful, even. And shockingly well-spoken.
She's a better actress than he thought.
"I take sexism very seriously," she continues. "It's offensive when men talk about women the way they did. It hurt me. It hurts women everywhere. And, it hurts all of you. Because none of you wants to be on that level, right?" She watches them all, then clasps her hands. "If any of you would rather leave now, I understand. If you don't agree with what I said or what I stand for, please. There's no hard feelings. But I don't compromise on my values, and I hope none of you do, either."
Of course, none of them leaves. One of the men, Raymond Palmer, actually begins to clap, and the others join in.
Leonard rolls his eyes yet again. This is going to be a long, long season.
Sara has to practically fight her producer to get back to the control room.
"I gave you five minutes, Minnie!" She calls, storming away from the cameras. "Isn't that enough for you?"
"I have a list of twenty more questions I'm supposed to ask you," the girl says, jogging to keep up with Sara's long strides. "And, it's Mona."
"What is?" Sara catches sight of Leonard and waves her off. "Forget it, I'll talk to you later!"
Leonard turns when he hears her, not bothering to hide the flash of annoyance that crosses his face.
"Can I help you, Ms. Lance?"
She narrows her eyes, closing the distance between them. "We had a deal, Snart. I want to watch all of the one-on-one interviews they're doing," she demands. "Everything they say about me, I want to know."
Leonard ignores her. He signs a clipboard an assistant holds up for him and takes a long sip of water before speaking again.
"Look," he starts, pinning her with a stare. "I know you think you can boss everyone around. But just because Daddy knows a few people doesn't mean anything to me."
"I need to know who they are," Sara insists, her voice rising. "I'll keep the assholes around as long as you like, but for fuck's sake don't let me get attached to them." She pauses, taking a breath. "I actually kind of liked Jonah. What if he'd stuck around?"
Leonard's jaw jumps. His eyes finally unlock from hers.
"I can't show you their interviews," he says, sighing. "That's not how love works. You have to get to know them for yourself, or—"
"I can't trust any of them!" Sara's hands clench as she yells. "I can't even trust any of you. How do you expect me to fall in love like that?"
Leonard's face is impassive. "That's how it works here."
"Then I quit."
Sara's proud of the low, dangerous growl to her voice. They know she means it.
"If you quit, you'll be sued." Leonard's tone is cool and condescending. He tilts his head to the side, considering her. Possibly passing judgment on her intelligence.
It just fuels her resolve.
"Sure," she laughs. "But before the lawyers can get to me, you'll be off the air. And I'll be on a media tour telling the world how rigged and fake this show is."
He hardly blinks. "You'll be sued for that, too."
"We'll see who's laughing when your stupid show is canceled."
She spins on her heel, ready to storm the fuck out, but she's caught by a large wall of a body blocking her way.
"C'mere, Blondie," says a gruff voice. "I'll show you the goddamn interviews. It's not a big deal."
"Mick," Leonard warns, glaring daggers at the other man.
"There's no rules about it," he shrugs. "You might like any excuse to get canceled, but I'd like to keep my job, thanks." He ushers Sara over to a set of screens, pulling out a chair for her to sit next to another man with long, dark hair.
"Cisco," he says, holding out a hand.
She stares at him for a moment, taken aback. Guys like him are usually a little more star struck by her. His hand falters.
"Whatever," he mutters, turning back to the control panel. "Who should we start with?"
"How 'bout Haircut?" Mick asks, dropping to the seat on Cisco's other side.
Sara frowns. "Who?"
The corner of Cisco's mouth lifts. "Mick likes to come up with nicknames for the contestants. It's easier to remember them that way. You should try it." He presses a few buttons on his keyboard, pulling up a file set. "Here's his interview from this afternoon."
Sara squints at the man, trying to place him. He's clean cut, with dark hair and darker eyes, and a jaw she could sharpen a knife on.
"Sara is a total badass," he says, when Cisco hits play. "The way she told those guys off was amazing. Did you see her? She's so confident and sure of herself. I've never met anyone like her."
Sara hums, considering him. "Which one is he again?"
"Raymond Palmer," Leonard drawls, sidling up behind them. "You'll find his picture next to the definition of 'nice guy' in the dictionary. He's likable, handsome, and a scientist. Big fan-favorite out of night one. Future Bachelor material," he adds, "if he's not too boring. A lot of folks were disappointed you didn't give him the first impression rose."
Sara can't remember him even being in the running. "What did he do for his limo introduction?"
Cisco snorts. "He made quite the impression, alright."
"He brought you a bouquet of red roses," Leonard reminds her. "Very simple. Sweet, but forgettable. Obviously."
"I didn't forget," Sara says, the memory flashing before her eyes. "The roses are still in my room. You're right, he's sweet—almost too sweet. I thought it could be an act."
"He's the real deal," Cisco says, closing the file on the screen. "Real earnest in his interviews so far. He's taking it seriously."
"You'll eat him alive," Leonard quips. "He's too nice for you."
"Rude," Sara mutters, although privately she agrees. "What about the British guy, what was his name?"
"You actually have two Brits on your season," Leonard says, as Cisco pulls up the files. "Rip Hunter is on the left. He's a divorcee with a young son at home. Single dads are always well-liked by fans."
"I'm looking for an adventure, you know?" Rip says on-screen. "Someone I can enjoy life with. Someone who will challenge me and excite me. Yes, I think Sara could be that someone." He coughs then, looking down. "It's hard, though, after my wife…my ex-wife. It's a little hard not to be jaded."
"Yeah, he sounds really ready for a relationship," Cisco laughs, closing the file.
"Then there's John Constantine," Leonard goes on, ignoring him, and Sara turns to the man on the right. This was the one she was thinking of. "He might be more your type," Leonard says. "Sexy, funny…"
"Romance is for little girls crying into their pillows, not for a devious tosser like me who knows the score," John says, pulling out a cigarette.
"Then why did you come on the show?" A producer asks, "if you don't think you can find love?"
"Well, excuse me for having enormous flaws I'm not working on. Was that the fucking criteria for signing up?"
"A little sarcastic," Leonard adds. "Very direct. Seems like you'd get along."
Sara glares at him, because she really can't argue.
They flip through a few more men, each sadly more forgettable than the last.
"What about Adrian?" Sara asks, eventually.
They're all quiet as Cisco pulls up the video.
"Sara is smoking hot," Adrian says, letting out a soft whistle. "I can't believe she'd even consider a guy like me." He shakes his head. "Are you kidding me? I mean sure, yeah, she scares me a little. But she's smart as all hell and sexy and—" he pauses, his mouth cracking into a smile. "I think I just won the freaking lottery."
"What do you guys think about him?" Sara asks. She can't help the warm glow of pleasure that pools in her stomach at Adrian's words. She's into him, more than anyone else here. More than anyone else in a long, long time.
Mick ruffles through some files. "Uh, he's an attorney from Star City," he says, scanning the page and reading off. "He's real smart, seems like a good guy but also kinda like a bad boy, test audiences love him. You gave him your first impression rose, so he's obviously the front runner."
Sara frowns, eyeing the papers. "What is that?"
"Daily summary from the writers. They put these together so top execs like us can keep track of what's going on."
Cisco chokes on his drink. "Like us, sure."
"But what do you think of him?" Sara presses.
Mick shrugs. "Doesn't matter what I think. If you like him, that's what matters."
"He seems kinda shady to me—ow, don't kick me." Cisco pouts at Mick. "I'm just saying, no one is that perfect."
"He's only here because your dad likes him," Leonard mutters.
"What?" Sara snaps. Her head whips around so fast her neck cracks. "He knows my father?"
Leonard sighs. "Your father recommended him for the show. It was over my head—I'd never cast an asshole like that."
"He's not an asshole just 'cause you don't like him, Boss."
"What?" Leonard folds his arms over his chest. "She wanted to know who she can trust. Can she really trust someone who hasn't told her he knows her father?"
Sara's heart sinks. "Well if Adrian's not right for me, and none of these other guys are right for me, then what am I supposed to do, Leonard?" She twists in her seat to face him. "What am I even doing here? These guys are making me look like an idiot and my public image is even worse than it was."
Leonard's eyes are wide in the harsh light from the screens, his irises almost translucent blue.
"Your public image is fine," he says, his voice a little softer than it was before. "Fans are going to love the way you stood up to those jerks today." He blinks, his eyebrows twitching as he looks away. "And Mick's right. It doesn't matter what we think. Sure, there are some real losers in your group—"
"There always are," Cisco agrees.
"But there are some good ones, too. Give your next one-on-one date to Raymond. Everyone loves him. Long as you don't dump him, he'll make you seem less…"
"Heartless?" Cisco suggests.
"…Severe." Leonard frowns. "But first, we're going to finish your group date interview."
"I finished it already," Sara balks. "Besides, it's my interview. What do you have to do with it?"
"Since you won't talk to Mona, you're talking to me." He stands, straightening his tie. "We'll do a sit-down. Talk about what happened with Jonah and Behrad."
"Mona?" She asks, frowning. "You mean Minnie?"
Leonard's sigh is so withering, she's almost insulted. Instead, she's a little proud. She's getting better and better at getting a rise out of him.
"I need a raise," he mutters.
"Boss," Mick grunts. "You sure you wanna be on camera today? You're tired."
"I want to make this the best show on television," he says. "If that means improvising to suit our Bachelorette, then that's what I'll do."
Sara can't help but laugh. They look at her, and their faces fall. She doesn't even have to say it—they all know she's not going to make it easy.
It feels like years before Sara is finally left on her own in the sweet, blissful quiet of her room. She considers the bath, but even that feels like too much work after the ordeal that was her day. Instead, she collapses on the chaise lounge outside on her balcony. She breathes out a long sigh. The stars are so bright out here, away from the city. For the first time in a while, she feels a little at peace.
"Nice evening, isn't it?"
"What the fuck—"
Sara starts at the sound of Leonard's snarky voice, gasping as she looks around. He's leaning on the railing of the balcony next to hers, looking as unruffled as ever and relaxed with his shirt sleeves rolled up. It's the first time she's seen him without a tie.
"What are you doing over there?" She demands. "No one is staying in that room."
He hums, looking up at the stars. "I am, now," he says. "Seems someone needs to keep an eye on you after you left the premises today."
Sara tries and fails to stifle a grin at the thought of it.
"Seems like that someone could've been from a lower pay grade."
"There's a reason I get paid the big bucks," he says. "I never let the show fail."
"Well," she retorts. "Sorry if my failed journey for love costs you those big bucks."
Leonard clucks. "More like your complete unwillingness to participate in a show you signed up for."
Sara laughs, a hollow sound in the empty night.
"I didn't even want to come on this stupid show."
It's Leonard's turn to start. He turns toward her, but the moonlight casts shadows on his face.
"Then why'd your father pull every string he could to get you here?"
Sara lets her head fall back on the cushion. "Because he thought it would be good for me and he wouldn't take no for an answer," she says. "And he's sick. And I'm not sure he'll get better." She pauses. No matter how many times she says it, the defeat feels fresh as ever.
"He said he'd feel better if he knew…there was someone here to take care of me."
The words taste sour in her mouth. "So, don't worry," she adds, when the moment of silence becomes too loud. "You're not the only one I'm disappointing."
"I'm sorry," he says.
Sara can't see his face, but she can tell he means it. They always do. No one wants to lose her father. As an actor, he's a little washed up these days. But he was on a popular TV show once, beloved for years. Far more than she'll ever be.
"And you're not a disappointment," Leonard adds. This, he doesn't mean. "The show just…" he trails off. "It doesn't work for everyone. But it could work for you, if you give it a chance."
He doesn't believe that, and neither does she.
"Goodnight, Leonard."
She watches him standing in the darkness long after she goes inside.
The next morning, Sara and the crew meet at a local art museum for her first one-on-one.
"There's something about Ray Palmer that makes me forget everything I'm worried about," she gushes to her producer, smiling into the camera. "I'm so glad I picked him for this date."
It's at least partially true. Ray's cheerfulness is infectious. His face lights up when he sees her, and Sara tells herself to give him a chance. When he smiles at her like that, she can't help but feel better.
"I can't believe we have this whole place to ourselves," he says, taking her by the hand. She lets him.
They wander through the galleries, Ray providing a steady stream of commentary on the paintings, photography and sculptures they see. His excitement makes her laugh, as he drags her from piece to piece.
"I feel safe with Ray," she admits later, during her interview. This is true. He has a nice way of putting her at ease.
"I think I'm catching feelings," she adds. This is an exaggeration, but she knows it's the kind of thing she should be saying.
That night, they're escorted to a private table in one of the galleries. They both change into dressier outfits for the evening, and Ray's suit does something to Sara. It's a relief, since she wasn't sure she could find him sexy.
She drinks a glass of wine, and then another. They're not allowed to touch the food on their plates, so they just talk. He tells her about his work. And then he opens up about his ex-fiancée.
"After Anna died, I wasn't sure I could love again," he says. "But love never dies, right? I know she'd want it for me. I'm really dreaming of the day I can share that kind of love with someone again."
It's easy to offer him the date rose. He's sweet, smart and sensitive. She tries not to let her lack of other options factor into the decision, but that's a consideration too. Of all her men, at least Ray is fun to be around.
"I can't wait to see what the future holds for us," she smiles, pinning the rose to his jacket. She tries to believe she means it.
They're led to another gallery, where a string quartet plays a romantic refrain. Ray sweeps her into a waltz, holding her close against his chest. It's easy. She tells herself to give it a chance.
After a few minutes of dancing, they hear literal fireworks bursting in the distance. They head outside to watch, and Sara sighs at the fantasy of it all. It's hard to forget she's on a television show when every moment is crafted to perfection. But then Ray puts an arm around her, and she leans in. She deserves a man like him, right?
Sara can tell Ray means to kiss her when his hand tightens on her arm. She has a split second to decide she'll go with it before it's happening, and then she's cupping his face as his lips move against hers. She doesn't hate it, she thinks, breathing in the faint scent of his cologne. No, she doesn't hate it at all.
But later, laying alone in her bed, she knows she wasn't excited, either. She hates the feeling that she led him on.
A shadow moves outside her window, and Sara realizes Leonard is on his balcony.
She's padding to the door before she can think better of it.
"Can't sleep?" She asks, sliding her door closed behind her.
He's still wearing a dress shirt and pants, but again his sleeves are rolled up and his collar is unbuttoned. She can see the muscles of his neck in the moonlight.
He glances back at her, checking his watch.
"It's late, Killer," he says, softly. "You should be dreaming of Raymond by now."
Sara snorts. "You were right," she says. "He's too pure. He deserves better than me."
It's Leonard's turn to snort. "Self-pity does not become you, Lance."
Sara's mouth opens and closes, indignant. "I'm not self-pitying," she argues. "It's just…a fact."
Leonard grabs the bar of the railing, pushing himself up. "He's just not your type," he says. "That doesn't make him too good for you."
Her nostrils flare. "What's my type then, if you're the expert now?"
"I've been watching you for days now, so yes, I am," he agrees. "You're drawn to sarcasm, for one." He turns his head, regarding her. "Intelligence. Confidence. Conventional good looks."
"Hey," Sara protests, but he stops her.
"Look at yourself," he says, gesturing at her. "You're gorgeous."
Suddenly, she feels a little self-conscious in her skimpy pajama shorts and tank top.
"I don't think looks matter that much to you," he adds, "but you're always going to attract other gorgeous people. You can't help it."
"I care about the person," Sara says, but he waves her off.
"I've seen your exes. Oliver, Nyssa. You get my point."
Sara huffs. "Alright, if you've got me so figured out," she says, "please, pray tell. What's your type, Mr. Snart?"
"I like beautiful people too," he admits. "There's nothing wrong with it. And I'm attracted to dry humor. Sharp minds. Assertiveness."
Sara rolls her eyes. "Those are all just different words for the qualities you said were my type."
He lifts a shoulder, unperturbed. "I guess we're not so different after all."
"Now there's a terrifying thought."
He hums, a small laugh escaping his lips.
"Get some rest, Sara." He steps away from the balcony then, turning for his door.
But Sara lays awake for a long time after that.
Leonard is waiting at her door in the morning with a cup of coffee. Sara's opinion of him improves dramatically.
"How'd you sleep?" He asks, looking her up and down. For a second she wonders if he's checking her out. Then she realizes he's just assessing whether she's ready for TV.
"Fine," she lies, taking a sip of the hot, bitter drink. She wonders who told him she likes her coffee black.
He sighs, gesturing for her to follow him down the hall. "You'll want to take a nap later. You've got a long night ahead with the rose ceremony."
This is good news. "How many do I get to cut tonight?"
Leonard smirks. "Not so fast, Killer. You only get to send home three after Jonah and Behrad."
Sara groans. "But—"
"No buts," he says. "Now, Dr. Snow is expecting you."
He stops outside a door Sara doesn't recognize.
"Dr. Snow…?"
The critical air to Leonard's gaze leads her to believe she should already know who Dr. Snow is. Sadly, she does not.
"Look, I'm terrible with names!" Sara admits. "Can you just remind me, please?"
"Dr. Snow is the show's therapist," he says. "You're supposed to be meeting with her daily."
Sara hums, taking a sip of coffee to hide her face. "I may have missed a session or two."
"You've never met with her at all, have you?"
"What!" She protests. "You've been keeping me very busy, you know."
Leonard sucks a breath through his teeth, his eyes closing in palpable frustration. "You've barely recorded two hours of one-on-one interview time."
Sara frowns. "That seems like a lot."
He drops his head, then looks up at her through his eyelashes. She'd be distracted by them if the look wasn't quite so exasperated.
"By now, we've normally logged ten hours with the lead."
He shakes his head and steps back, opening the office door. "Just get in there, will you?"
Sara sticks her tongue out at him, sullen as she walks in. She can't believe he's already lost all his coffee brownie points.
Now they're back to square one.
"Ms. Lance, please come in."
A surprisingly young and beautiful woman greets her, standing from behind a glass desk. Sara hears the door close behind her and sighs, falling into an open chair.
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Snow."
"Likewise."
The woman has long, brown hair that shines red in the light, a soft, sweet face and a kind smile. But Sara's not fooled. She can already tell this woman won't take any crap.
"Just so you know, I invited Mona to join us today," she says.
Sara bristles. "Who's Mona?"
"Your producer." Dr. Snow gestures to the short woman waiting in the corner of the room.
"I know you like to call me Minnie, but my name is Mona," she chuckles, nervously. Her beret is askance, and her bright red lipstick is a little off. Sara wonders if she's been sleeping as little as she has.
"I'm sorry…Mona," she says. "You should've corrected me sooner."
"Oh, I tried," Mona says. "Many times. You just didn't hear me." She smiles, genuinely, as if it were endearing, rather than rude.
"I'm sorry," Sara says again. She tries to sound like she means it this time.
"Sara," Dr. Snow says, "I asked Mona to join us because she says there's been some issues with your working relationship."
Sara's brow furrows. "Our relationship is great."
Mona deadpans. "You avoid me at all costs."
"I know this is a sensitive topic," Dr. Snow cuts in. "But Mona is the only producer who will work with you. After your argument with Iris, the others refuse. You can't keep avoiding her."
"Iris was impossible to work with," Sara argues.
Dr. Snow shrugs. "She said the same thing about you."
"Look," Mona says. "When you won't work with me, then Mr. Snart has to get involved. He'll never say it, but he's exhausted. We can all tell." Her hands ball into fists. "He's burning the candles at both ends!" Her voice rises, her control slipping. "He already has two jobs as it is, being host and EP. He doesn't need to be a babysitter, too!"
"Leonard can manage, I'm sure," Sara says, coolly. "He's the one choosing to do it."
"Is it possible that you prefer to work with Mr. Snart?" Dr. Snow asks.
Sara stares. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Dr. Snow takes a sip of her coffee, considering. "It just seems like you might enjoy spending time with him."
Sara's laugh is patronizing. "And how did you get that impression? We're awful to each other."
"You know how little boys pull girls' pigtails when they like them?" Dr. Snow smiles. "That's how it seems with you and Mr. Snart."
The image is not only laughable, it's insulting. Sara's glad she skipped her other sessions, and makes a mental note not to come back.
She stands. "This has been fun, ladies, but I've got places to be."
Dr. Snow's eyebrows rise. "You're booked with me for an hour."
"And thank you for all the insight." Sara whips open the door, letting herself out before they can say another word.
"Sara, wait!" Mona follows her into the hall.
Sara pauses against her better judgement. But she does feel a little bad for getting the girl's name wrong.
"Yes, Mona?"
"Please," Mona says, panting. "I'm begging you. I know you don't like me, but I need this job. I've been waiting years for this kind of break." She shakes her head. "They've never let me produce more than a few of the obvious castoffs. Now I'm producing the Bachelorette. Are you kidding me? I can get any job I want after this. Not just in reality either, I could produce a real romantic drama," she pauses, her voice dropping. "That's my dream, you know. But you can't keep avoiding me, or I'll be fired."
Sara frowns. She feels for Mona, she truly does. But she can only give so much.
"Alright, how's this?" She thinks. "If I dodge you, I'll make sure it doesn't look like it was your fault."
Mona groans. "That's not enough!"
But Sara's already halfway down the hall.
Leonard walks into the production meeting half an hour late.
Normally he'd be at least half an hour early, preparing notes for the conversation. Unfortunately, he was stuck in an interview with Sara. As usual. It's impossible to pull sound bites out of her when she still can't remember who most of her men are.
"She's a badass," Harry is saying. "And just so…authentically herself. Audiences are loving her."
"It's because she won't be produced," Mick says.
They're watching the footage from Sara's rose ceremony. She laughs as she gets one of the men's names wrong.
"It's Wally, not Walter," the kid says. "But thank you, I'd love to accept this rose."
"Yes, that does make it somewhat of a challenge to create a TV show," Harry says. "Do we have any front runners yet?" He adds. "We need to start thinking about how we're going to build the love story."
"Uh, that's the thing," Cisco says, tapping a pen on the table. "I don't think she really likes anyone."
"It's gotta be Chase," Mick says.
"No." Leonard cuts in, taking a seat at the head of the table. "She's not going to end up with Adrian."
"He's the only one she actually likes, boss."
Leonard stifles a groan. "He's a producer plant and an asshole. He's not right for her."
"Well, then who do you think she'll wind up with?" Harry asks.
"None of them," Leonard admits. "We're not getting an engagement out of this one."
"But there wasn't an engagement last season," Harry argues. "And the couple before that broke up before After the Final Rose. We need a happy couple out of this. Fans are starting to think the show doesn't work anymore."
Leonard rolls his eyes. "It never worked."
"That's nonsense," Harry says. "And I won't hear it. I just want to hear solutions. What do you think, Dr. Snow?"
"She has a lot of trust issues," Caitlin says. She stirs her coffee absently, watching the screen. "If she's going to end up with anyone, it has to be someone she can really confide in. Someone who will accept her exactly as she is." She clears her throat. "From what I can tell, people have been trying to make Sara into someone she's not her entire life. The tabloids, social media, even her own father. This is her first real chance to call the shots. But she needs someone who won't let her ruin it for herself."
"Excellent analysis, thank you, Snow," Harry says. "How about that Palmer guy? Their date was super."
Leonard chuckles. "She's not into him."
Harry scoffs. "Their kiss was exploding with passion."
"Sorry. That was just the fireworks, pal."
"Fine," Harry huffs. "You pick who you think is right, but we need to talk her into someone."
Leonard takes a deep breath, studying the table. "No," he says, after a moment. "If she winds up with someone, great. But I won't take any part in convincing her."
Harry throws his pen in the air, slapping his notebook on the table. "Are you kidding me?"
Mick grunts. "You're the only one she'll talk to, boss."
"She'll talk to Mona, just give her a chance," Leonard says. "That girl is insidious, I'm telling you. Now, if you'll excuse me."
He doesn't really have anywhere to be, for once. He just knows he can't stay here and listen to them plot how to twist Sara to their will. It's hard enough when they do it to anyone else. For some reason, with Sara, it's impossible. He lets himself out, quietly closing the door behind him.
The others wait a minute after he leaves, sitting in silence while the rose ceremony plays on. Once the sounds of Leonard's footsteps have finally faded, Harry speaks.
"Well, we've found ourselves in a very interesting position, folks."
Cisco raises his eyebrows, shuffling through a stack of papers. "Test audiences agree, Sara has the most chemistry with the show's host, Leonard Snart," he reads. "They find their bickering charming and the pull between them electric. Their interviews are the most anticipated moments of the show so far."
"You can't seriously think Snart will buy into this?" Mick frowns. "He'd never date a contestant."
"He hasn't dated anyone in years, period," Harry agrees. "But Leonard's a little lost himself. This could be just what he needs."
"What are you proposing, Harry?" Caitlin asks.
"What I propose," he says, "is that we all start talking about how we're going to produce a TV show where the host falls in love with the lead. Without said host finding out."
Mick takes a long swig of beer, smacking his lips as he sets the bottle down.
"This won't end well," he warns.
"Or," Harry smirks, "it'll be the most dramatic season yet."