Inferno Hall was aptly named, as it was never below ninety degrees, no matter the season. Because of this, Lynn had her own heating and cooling system for her room. London, or Suffolk as the case was, never got terribly warm in summer, but this particular year temperatures were reaching record highs. To top it off, Lynn's air conditioner broke. Not only did the heat outside come in, but the heat from the rest of the mansion seeped in as well.

She couldn't sleep, at least not without Cruella. The older woman's icy skin pressed against her own cooled her enough to at lest allow her to drift off, even if was only lightly. But for the past few nights there had been no nightmares, meaning Cruella hadn't come in to sleep with her. Tonight looked like it would turn out the same way. The young woman was exhausted, not to mention hot and sweaty.

Rolling over for what seemed the millionth time, she flipped onto her back and lay spread eagle. She had long ago shed the sheets and everything that wasn't her underclothes. Nothing helped. Her eyes went to her clock, and when she realized it was past the time her friend usually came in, she figured it was safe to take a shower. She got up and headed to the bathroom, turning the water to cold.

Slipping out of her underwear, she eagerly stepped under the cool stream. As the water met her overheated skin, she couldn't help but sigh.

Though she didn't know it, down the hall Cruella was waking up from a particularly horrible nightmare. The older woman sat up gripping her sheets. Panting, she quickly got up and all but ran down the hall. She expected to see Lynn awake and waiting. When she didn't see her she grew increasingly panicked.

She saw the sheets and the tank top and shorts Lynn usually slept in tossed onto the floor. Flipping the light on and curling further into her robe, she took a few hesitant steps into the room.

"Lynn? Darling?" she called.

Receiving no answer, she ventured further inside. She sat on the bed and immediately calmed. The scent of Lynn's perfume and lotion met her and soothed her. In the silence the sound of running water met her ears. Curious, she rose and went over to the bathroom door.

Sure enough she could hear the shower running. She wondered why the young woman was showering at four in the morning. She hadn't mentioned any reason she would have to be up so early.

"Lynn? Are you all right?"

When the water didn't turn off she tried the door and found that it was unlocked. She went inside and saw the cutest thing ever. Lynn was asleep with her forearms propped against the wall under the shower head. The water was streaming down her back, but she appeared to be content. The older woman couldn't help but coo at the sight.

Hearing the noise, the younger woman began to stir. It wasn't until she stretched that it actually registered with Cruella that Lynn was naked. Before she could leave, the younger woman turned her head to face her. Her eyes were hazy with sleep, but that didn't last long when she registered the older woman mere feet away. Her eyes widened and she frantically began trying to cover herself.

"Cruella! Shit! What are you doing in here?!"

Settling for covering her lower half, she turned sideways to hide as much of herself as she could.

"I had a nightmare and came in like usual but you weren't there."

Lynn sighed and held out a hand. "Hand me that towel." Wrapping it around herself she stepped out of the shower. "I couldn't sleep because it was too hot so I came in here to cool down. I looked at the clock and it was passed the time you usually come in. Besides, you haven't come in the past few nights so I figured..."

She shrugged her shoulders and secured the towel more tightly before heading back into the bedroom. Cruella followed behind meekly, still embarrassed after seeing the young woman naked. Without having to be asked, she turned her back and went to the bed as Lynn got dressed.

"Okay, now, do you want to talk...about..."

Words left her when she turned to find Cruella had taken off her robe and was sitting on the bed. She thought she had seen all the woman's night gowns, but apparently there were a few that had yet to make an appearance. The one she was wearing could barely be classified as clothes. It was short and hugged her waist, and most of her chest was uncovered. In other words, it suggested that a look underneath could be had if asked.

"Good God, what are you wearing?"

"Just a nightgown."

How she could sound so innocent when she was wearing something so sexy was beyond Lynn. Looking at her friend, she actually had to remind herself that she was straight.

"I don't know if that's the right name for it," she said as she joined her friend on the bed. "Now, about that nightmare..."

She opened her arms as Cruella curled into her side. By the time she finished telling her story, it was all Lynn could do to stay awake. The half-hour nap in the shower had been nice, but it just wasn't enough sleep.

"Hey Cruella," she mumbled, "why did you wear such a revealing nightgown?"

"Didn't you say that the coolness of my skin helps you sleep?"

"Yeah."

"Well then, doesn't it make sense that the more skin exposed, the cooler you are?"

"I guess," Lynn responded with a yawn.

She curled into Cruella, relishing the instant coolness that befell her. The older woman was enjoying the extra body heat, warming and relaxing. They contrasted perfectly, something the older woman noticed and began to contemplate. Lynn was young, Cruella was...older. Lynn tried to keep a tan year round, whereas Cruella was as white as porcelain. Lynn was the calm approachable one, Cruella had a legendary temper.

Smiling at the revelation and all that it meant, she dropped a kiss atop Lynn's head. The younger woman pressed more tightly against her and tightened the grip on her waist.

"Sleep, love, just sleep."

"Love you, Cruella," she mumbled.

"I love you, too, darling."