It was a chilly morning local time when the trio landed their crafts in a small shopping center. While Fox ate at a fast food restaurant, Fara took Krystal into a fairly large clothing store.
"Boots?" Krystal asked, eager to get a pair or two of her own.
"Boots come later." Fara told her, "First, we get you pants and shirts."
Krystal frowned as Fara had her try on various pairs of jeans. Krystal didn't like how constrictive they felt compared to her traditional garb, but decided to wear them out of a desire to experience local dress. She didn't mind the shirts as much, finding more appeal in the various logos and designs than the largely homogenous designs of the pants. Krystal liked the skirts Fara got her even more, being reminded of the loin cloth she usually wore. Fara then got Krystal a hoodie and a coat.
Fara then took Krystal to the formal section of the store. Krystal tried on a number of dresses. Fara bought her a few in various colors.
"Now we get you those boots." Fara told Krystal, who was now wearing jeans and a shirt. Krystal smiled when she saw the variety of boots. Fara measured Krystal's feet and then began picking a few pairs for Krystal to try on.
The first was a comfortable pair of hiking boots. Krystal enjoyed them. The second was a black knee-high pair with a very noticeable heel.
"Fara?"
"They add a little height." Fara explained, "A lot of girls like them and a lot of guys like to see girls in them."
Krystal reluctantly slid the second pair of boots on and zipped them up. Krystal tried taking a few unsteady steps before Fara gave her a thumbs up.
"Lastly, we need to get you some formal shoes."
Krystal sighed as Fara grabbed her some pumps. Krystal put on the red pair and took a unsteady few steps. After Fara gave her a thumbs up, Krystal took off the heels and put her sandals back on.
"Those were my least favorite." Krystal told Fara.
"But you needed a formal pair." Fara explained, "And that's what ladies wear in more formal situations."
Krystal sighed. Did people actually like the added height? Would Fox like to see her in heels? After Fara paid for the clothes, she took Krystal to the ladies' restroom.
"Let's say we surprise Fox with one of your outfits." Fara suggested as she handed Krystal jeans, a shirt, hoodie, and the hiking boots. Krystal thought for a moment before putting the hiking boots back and grabbing the black boots.
Meanwhile, Fox had just finished her meal and was bored. With Fara and Krystal still shopping, Fox thought about where she would take Krystal. Fichina was supposed to be beautiful this time of year. Fox wondered if Krystal had ever seen snow. It could be a great experience for her, assuming she doesn't mind the cold.
Eventually, she saw Fara and Krystal walk out of the store. Fox was surprised to see Krystal wearing a shirt and tight jeans. What shocked her most was seeing her in high-heeled boots. Krystal held back a giggle when she sensed Fox's arousal.
"It seems he likes your new outfit." Fara told Krystal.
"I never thought I'd ever see you in Cornerian clothing." Fox told Krystal.
"They do seem to take some time to get used to." Krystal observed, "Though they do seem better suited for the cooler weather here."
Fox noticed Krystal had some difficulty as she walked closer.
"Are you alright?" Fox asked, "Are you sure you don't need different shoes?"
"It's just a matter of adaptation" Krystal told her, "I'm a Cerinian warrior. I'm not going to be beaten by mere footwear."
Fox could sense Krystal growing increasingly annoyed by her boots, but also a stronger sense of stubbornness.
"Besides..." Krystal added, "I came here to learn about your people and that includes their dress and the reasons behind them. I can definitely sense from you a reason for these boots. I just need to get used to them. Now, shall we walk so I can get a better glimpse of this portion of this planet's terrain?"
"A walk sounds nice." Fara told her, having returned from putting the shopping bags of clothes in her ship, "Just the three of us taking in the local sights and sounds."
"Alright." Fox told her. The three of them began walking down the street. Krystal noted the local style of structures as well as the seemingly desolate roads. Either everyone was away or there wasn't much to do outside at the moment. Perhaps everyone was used to waking up later.
Fox silently offered to help Krystal, but she refused. If she needed help, she'd ask.
Krystal quickly noted how limited her mobility had become. In an ambush, she'd be at a fairly big disadvantage. Pulling back to a better position and chasing after the attackers were both out of the question at the moment. She'd have to stand her ground with inferior balance, though the thin heels did potentially offer a small advantage in close combat. Nowhere near enough to offset the limited mobility, but they could do some damage with a well placed stomp or kick.
Krystal wondered why the boots had the effect they had on Fox. Was it the height? The altered stance? She'd ask, but she didn't expect Fox to know the exact reasons why either.
Krystal couldn't help but wonder. Fox was technically female now, at least in appearance when she didn't wear the bandages. How would Fox look dressed more feminine? She doubted Fox would agree to change her manner of dress any time soon. Krystal tried to visualize Fox in the boots, but gave up. Perhaps if she asked nicely. After all, their feet seemed to be similar in size.
Fara noticed how fixated Krystal seemed to be on Fox and smiled. Fara tended to enjoy a little romance among friends. It was definitely better than the forced romances she'd find in movies, especially action or horror movies said forced romances often ruined. Fara couldn't help but wonder if this romance would eventually fizzle out, self-destruct spectacularly, or continue to grow into a successful marriage.
Fox, meanwhile, could sense Krystal thinking about her. The sense was too vague to find out what, exactly, was on Krystal's mind. Wait. Was Krystal checking out her out? Fox didn't want to ask.
After about an hour, the trio returned to their ships. On their way back to the Great Fox, Krystal decided to ask.
"Fox?"
"Yeah?"
"I was thinking..." she began, trying to think of the best phrasing to maximize her chance of success, "Would you mind helping me with a bit of my research?"
"What do you need?"
"A better glimpse at the local female style of dress. I'd ask Fara, but I didn't want to impose, so..."
"What do you need?"
"Would you mind donning female dress for me?"
Fox weighed her options. She had no interest, but Krystal was subborn.
"I'll think about it."