Veritas Incommoda.

One that no one could have prepared for.

Following the ladies up the stairs to their lounge and sleeping area, I spied that their lamps were burning brightly, for their curtains had been drawn. A firm yet comfortable looking chair sat across an elegantly embroidered divan. "That is a beautiful Divan, Ladies," I remarked, relief in my breath. "Unfortunately, I don't think I'm quite strong enough to bring it with me to my home all by myself."

"That is not what we need you to see, Mr. McKay. Sit there please," Ms. Loome said, gesturing to the chair. Furrowing my brow, I cleared my throat and nervously sat. Ms. Loome stood in front of the Divan, with Ms. Fraye at her side, looking even more discomforted. "Mr. McKay," she continued with a deep frown, "yesterday you had accused my Lover of being a Liar. I wish to remove that thought from you and restore Louisa's Honor." Turning her head, she merely said, "Lulu." and they began undressing.

"I hardly think it necessary to go this far!" I protested, getting to my feet and trying to stop her.

I managed to take hold of her wrists, but the spiteful and hate-filled glare in her eyes, as they looked from my hands to my eyes, gave me pause. "Unhand me, and sit down, Mr. McKay," she snarled like ice. And right next to her, I saw Ms. Fraye's hands curl into a fist, around a large pin that I had not seen before. Reluctantly, I obeyed. "Thank you. Now, if you would be so kind as to remain seated, and keep your hands to yourself, we would like to continue."

Wordless and motionless, I sat, eyes fixed firmly upon the floor, until Ms. Loome spoke again, somewhat softer this time. "I am sorry for my sharpness, Mr. McKay," she said, her voice heavy. "It is just that... you would be the first Man to see us unclothed, and the only other person to see Lulu for what she is. It is... difficult for us to, expose ourselves to you as it were."

"As I said," I replied, keeping my head locked in place, "this is hardly necessary Ms. Loome. Your invitation and company have been enough to convince me of yours and Ms. Fraye's character."

"N-no, Mr. McKay. W-We want to do this," Ms. Fraye finally piped up, her voice wavering.

Another few moments passed, and all I heard was hushed but urgent murmuring, until there was another low exhale and the fall of fabric upon the floor. A throat was cleared. "Lift your head, Mr. Mckay."