The place was called B's Tailoring and Alterations. Customers who'd gone there for years called it the Bee Hive. It was an old place, and B—everyone called him that, because his full name was "too long and stuffy" as he put it—had been making suits and jackets for generations of Cornerian men. It was years ago that James McCloud first took his son there for his first suit, and since that time Fox McCloud trusted B with all serious sartorial undertakings. When he needed advice and garment work for that first date with Krystal, he went straight to the Bee Hive.
Now, he came to the store again, with Krystal on his arm and giddily wagging her tail.
"So this is the place!" she said. "It looks just as quaint and cute as I hoped."
"I'm glad it's living up to expectations," said Fox, chuckling. "I hope it continues to do so."
"Well, when you told me this was the place you go to for your nicer clothes, I couldn't help but be curious," said Krystal. "You do clean up nicely, Foxy. A girl can't help but be curious."
"Thank you," said Fox, wagging his own tail now. "Well, I know B will be charmed to meet you. I'm sure he's been eager to see you since I first started telling him about you." They walked inside; Fox held the door for Krystal.
The Bee Hive still had that look and layout of an old tailor's shop. Mannequins in the front displayed samples of B's work, while the shelves and hangers around the walls of the rectangular shop displayed individual dress shirts, ties, pants, and other pieces. A small case of fine wrist watches was in the corner, alongside a place for cufflinks. The décor was wood and warm colors, affecting an old-world grace and antique charm. It was not crowded; B generally worked by appointment, wanting to give each customer his undivided attention. If any other tailor in Corneria tried to work this way, he'd be out on his rear on the pavement, broke as could be, within weeks. But B's work was widely recognized as some of the best on the planet, and so he made his daily bread and then some.
Fox could see that Krystal was immediately delighted with the place. She looked around, taking in the atmosphere, and peering at items with keen interest. Krystal had an eye for aesthetics, and Fox could see said eye was satiated.
"Well," said an aged and dignified voice, "this must be the Krystal I've heard so much about."
Behind the front desk stood an old Sheppard dog, his copper fur tinged with grey, and dressed in an immaculate white linen suit for the warm weather. He eyed the two foxes with a hint of a smile.
"Yes, it is," said Fox, walking up to the counter with Krystal. "Krys, meet B. B, this is Krystal. The most beautiful vixen in Lylat."
"Oh, hush," said Krystal, using her tail to gently swat him. She did squeeze his paw gently, though.
B bowed slightly. "A pleasure to meet you, young lady. Fox speaks much of you. All favorable, with much blushing included."
"I can only imagine," said Krystal. "And you are already as delightful as Fox made you seem."
"I am glad that, despite my old age, I still have the faculties for good first impressions." He winked at the two of them. "Now, Fox, what can I do for you today?"
Fox took the sport coat he carried in a bag in his other paw and placed it on the counter. "Just a little mending on the sleeves," he said.
While Fox and B discussed the particulars of the job, Krystal began to stroll around the little shop. She stopped at the section for ties, and she tilted her head slightly at a certain one on the shelf.
"Hey, Fox?" she said. "Come over here, when you have a minute."
Fox had just finished giving instructions to B. He turned and walked over to Krystal, who had that specific tie in her paw. It was a red tie, red like Fox's scarf.
"What's up?" said Fox.
"Stand still for a moment," she said. She moved closer, and held the tie up to Fox's neck. She looked him over thoughtfully. With the vixen so intimately close, Fox caught scent of her perfume and natural musk. He relaxed and smiled softly. Krystal's mere presence always had this effect on him. When he was tired, it could be downright somnolent. Many was the time when Fox would lean against her in the evenings and close his eyes. Later he would often wake up with his head in her lap.
"Hmm…" she hummed. "Fox, you should get this."
"The tie?" said Fox. "I don't wear them that often, Krys."
"All the same, you should. You may not wear them that much, but you always look dashing when you do. And this would look immaculate on you. It will bring out the green in your eyes."
Fox took the tie in his paws, felt the soft material, and began to tie it. Thankfully he was wearing one of his oxford shirts, with a collar perfect for a tie. And for however infrequent it was that Fox wore a tie, he knew his knots; James and Peppy had seen to that.
When he finished and looked at one of the wall mirrors…well. He couldn't deny it; Krystal's instincts were correct. It did look lovely on him, and it did bring out the color of his eyes. In the reflection he saw B glance at him, and nod. His version of enthusiastic approval.
"Oh, I knew it," said Krystal, clasping her paws. "You look wonderful, Fox."
"Thank you, Krystal," he said. "Seems your taste is impeccable."
"Now, you need another. Two more, I'd say," she said. "These two, of similar reds, will do nicely. You really should wear a tie more often, Fox, you give off a very dignified air when you do."
"For you, I'll consider it," said Fox. "Seems they spark something in you." He winked at her and put a paw on her shoulder.
Krystal arched an eyebrow and gave him one of those smiles. "Well, of course. It gives me something to grab so I can yank you into a kiss, or pull you onto the bed."
Fox steamed with a blush. Yet another example of how, when it came to flirting and teasing, Krystal could get him in the palm of her paw. He liked that, actually.
They decided on the three ties. When they brought them up to the front counter to pay, Fox was surprised to see Krystal pull her card out first.
"A treat," she said. Fox had the feeling she was set on this, so he demurred. B winked at him.
As the transaction finished, Krystal gave the bag to Fox and walked out the door, looking very pleased with herself. In a moment of inspiration, Fox took that first tie out and tied it. B nodded approvingly. The work on his jacket would be done in a day or so, and B would call him when he was finished.
"One more thing, Fox," said B, as Fox turned to leave.
"Yes?" said Fox.
"You're a very lucky man," said the old hound.
"Don't I know it," said Fox fondly. "And I'm grateful every day-"
He felt a gentle tug. There was Krystal, back inside the store, her paw on his tie in a grip and giving him a smile.
"Come along now, Foxy~" she sing-songed. She started leading him out the door.
Don't I know it, he thought, smiling in contentment. Don't I know it.