Chapter Text
Day 1
Iris removed the bag from her shoulder and opened her laptop on the kitchen table. She was going to get a head start on her articles, two, both 1500 words, about the National S.T.E.M conference being held in Ivy Town University’s Central Auditorium. To quote her editor, every single theory and invention coming out of there was going to change the world and he'll be damned if he didn't send their best reporter. It was flattering, Iris would admit, but some difficulty might arise by her complete and utter lack of scientific background. However, she does have perseverance and a knack for research. Armed with only her laptop, a pamphlet with every presentation at the conference, and a triple shot expresso she picked up on her way from the train station, she was going to learn everything she needed to know.
As soon as she connected to the internet. What is Caitlin's router name? And password?
Iris looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings, oh boy.
The apartment swap seemed too good to be true. The odds that someone needed a place to stay in Central City the same time she needed to be in Ivy Town and over the holiday were astronomical. Sure, would cover a hotel for the days she needed to be in town for the conference but not the week and a half of vacation time she had to up by the end of the year. She had thought house swap. But Iris was no double guessing herself.
She looked around for a note or anything until she spotted a legal pad on top of the microwave covered in neat blocky handwriting. Instructions for Iris.
Pretty basic stuff. When to water the plants, the food that needed to be used up before it expired, an emphasis to call or text if she needs anything, it was very well organized. Towards the bottom of the list, Iris found the password: crystalization72.
Caitlin definitely liked Iris’ decorating, the whole apartment was modern yet homey. Yeah, she could definitely make herself comfortable here for the next two weeks. She sunk into the couch with her sudoko, fully prepared to relax, when there was a quick, insistent knock. “Iris.” Came a muffled voice from the hallway. Groaning, Caitlin rolled off the couch and opened the door. It was a shorter, latino guy with shoulder length hair and a confused expression on his face. He pointed at her. “You’re not Iris.”
“Nope. I’m, uh, housesitting while she’s on vacation.”
“Okay, uh, I left my cell phone here last night. It’s probably in the kitchen, can I just get in there real quick?”
She paused. “I don’t know you. I- I’ll find it. Just a second.” She closed the door behind her, redoing the chain lock before she he stepped into the kitchen. Okay, phone, phone, oh. It was on top of the microwave. She returned to the door, handing the phone to the guy.
He smiled. “You know, I’m not a serial killer, I live down the hall. Pretty sure Iris will vouch for me.”
Caitlin shrugged. “Can’t blame a woman for being careful. Especially in a strange city.”
“You’re not from around here?”
“Ivy Town. It’s a house swap, Iris is at my place.”
He nodded. “Well, you are welcome to take her place at movie night.”
Caitlin shook her head. “Let’s get something straight, I’m not looking for a fling or a grand sweeping romance. So you can stop, ri-”
“I have a girlfriend.”
Caitlin blanches. Way to embarrass yourself, she chided. “Sorry. I-”
“Nah.” The guy said dismissively. “I can see how that came across. No, Iris, her brother and I have a movie night at my place, tomorrow and Fridays, but with her out of town and I don’t imagine you have plans, you can join us if you want."
She shrugs. “I’ll consider it.”
“Oh, I’m just down the hall. 3A. Cisco Ramon.” He offered his hand.
She shook it. “Caitlin Snow."