FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Raise your arms please." A softly aged female voice spoke. A young female wolf obliged and held her arms out while an older female wolf knelt down by her side. The soft sound of measuring tape rubbing between two padded fingertips and brushing against fur for a moment. A pair of hands quickly measured both limbs from underneath. Two numbers were quickly jotted to a piece of paper before the seamstress measured the other wolf's side.

"You aren't much of a talker." The older wolf spoke as she worked.

"I'm not usually standing naked inside someone else's house." She simply spoke causing the seamstress to laugh. "Especially when the hostess is also naked." Her flat tone only made the older seamstress laugh more. Inside the modest two story home, the scene was very private and comfortable, but for good reason. Anita, the older middle aged wolf calmly measuring every part of the younger wolf's body was also completely naked. The small two story home at the edge of town served as her residence as well as her place of work. The top floor was her bedroom and personal living space while most of the downstairs, minus the kitchen, was her clothing shop.

"Hmm." She glanced at the younger wolf's oil stained clothes hanging on a chair. "So you work in the factory? How's that going?"

"Well, it's a job with plenty of work." She began.

"How so? What do you do?"

"I work in the basement level doing maintenance with my friend. We're the only two ladies there working as mechanics."

"I bet you two receive plenty of attention."

"Quite a bit." The mechanic wolf acknowledged. "The furnace units are down there so it becomes unbearably hot. We usually strip down completely, or at least to the point where our overalls are hanging around our hips."

"Naked at a factory? Glad to hear I'm not the only one walking around without any clothes." The seamstress chuckled. "What do the guys say?"

"I'm sure they say a lot. We get plenty of looks."

"I can imagine them saying that there is a beautiful wolf lady is in their midst."

"I don't think I've heard them say that."

"They should. You eat well enough." She lightly pinched the mechanic's belly fat.

"Are you a doctor?" The mechanic wolf questioned with an arched brow.

"Not a chance. I would be a terrible snake oil salesman." Anita smiled. "Having a good body image is healthy, and having a little fat never hurt anybody."

"A little fat? I think it's more than just a little in some places." She glanced at her sides skeptically. "I have never fit into what everyone else sees as beautiful."

"You're definitely busty." The seamstress measured underneath the mechanic's chest before measuring her breasts.

"I could've told you that." She breathed through her nose as she watched the seamstress measure her.

"Well, I believe a good body image is what makes someone beautiful. You won't do stupid things to pretend that you are someone you're not."

"Hmm. I haven't thought about it that way before." The mechanic looked down at her naked front while the seamstress walked away. Anita briefly studied a sketched outfit on her desk before retrieving the mechanic's old clothes.

"Alright. I should have everything that I need." She spoke confidently as she returned to the other wolf's side. "I can make a new set of overalls in less than a week."

"Thanks. I don't think these will hold up much longer." The mechanic wolf looked over her frayed work clothes. She promptly dressed while the seamstress tallied up a quick total.

"It shouldn't cost more than eighteen francs." She wrote down the number on a slip of paper before tearing it off.

"Thank you for your help." The mechanic wolf shook Anita's hand. "I'll come by and pick it up on Sunday then."

"Sounds good. Thank you for your business." She smiled in return. The door closed quietly as the mechanic departed. The naked seamstress gave a satisfied sigh.

'Oh. It's getting late.' She observed the waning evening light. The seamstress cleaned up the front of the house, her workspace, before making something to eat. Afterwords, paws carried the tired wolf upstairs. Opening a door, her living quarters were quaint and tidy. Extra yarn and cloth were neatly stacked with other materials. Extra needles and spools of thread were on a small wobbly wooden table. A tiny bookshelf with half a dozen untouched prints silently collected dust. Two pairs of unfinished pants were hanging on a thick string on one wall, a reminder that she didn't like to fall behind in her work. Her bed and an adjacent nightstand were tucked away into the corner of the wall by a window, casted in a golden hue from the fading sunshine. It was the quiet place she could sleep with relaxation. She sat down on the edge of the warm quilted cover, and felt the pressure on her paws and legs release.

'I've been busy all day with people.' She hummed to herself and rubbed the back of her neck. The wolf took a much needed rest on the edge of the bed. Resting her arms on her legs, her hands uselessly hung between her knees. Her eyes thoughtfully stared at an old black and white photograph. Many pleasant memories surfaced in her mind. They were joyful, filled with romance, young love, and a bright future that was cut incredibly short. Loss and grief followed with greying drab.

'I miss you.' She felt her eyes water, but the mature wolf gathered herself and peacefully sighed. She had spent many nights in tears over the unexpected loss many years ago.

The shrill chirping of a bird outside an open bedroom window could easily be heard, even through a dreamy sleep. Everything touched by the sun's glowing rays was alight in a bright glow. Laying half asleep in bed, Anita calmly exhaled before tapping her tail. She could feel the warm sunlight on her entire body, but particularly her eyes, also encouraging her to wake up.

'It's morning.' She thought to herself without opening an eye. The coziness of a good night's sleep was something the older canine never liked to hastily wake up from. Her legs briefly stretched only to settle back down. She had no intention of getting out of bed yet, but the calm wasn't going to last.

"Hello?" An echo from downstairs stirred her to fully wake up. Ears immediately perked up. There was only one person who would arrive unannounced so early in the morning.

"Hmm... My niece." The seamstress rolled onto her side and stretched. Her body seemed to slowly follow, finally emerging from a peaceful sleep. After a few bedside stretches, Anita stood up, brushed her hair, and smoothed out her ruffled fur.

"Aunt Anita, I know you are upstairs!" The voice spoke again, this time a little closer.

"I'm coming down, Beatrice!" She cleared her throat and walked out to the top of the stairs. Her paws lightly scuffed against the wooden floorboards as she messed with her hair. Waiting at the bottom was a younger female grey vixen dressed in an elegant set of clothes. The lavish threads matched the frown on her face.

"Good morning." Anita humbly spoke. "What's with the sour frown?"

"You make the most beautiful dresses, but you never wear any of them." She complained as Anita descended the stairs. "All you wear are those frumpy old tattered rags when you manage to go out... You've been shut in here for years."

"I'm not a shut in." The older wolf said. "I go to the river and bathe."

"It's one thing to bathe in the river where everyone else does, but it's another to stay inside and run a business completely naked all day." The fox pointed out.

"My shop is doing well, thank you, and most of the town has to bathe in the river. There aren't enough wells for everyone to gather their own water into a tub."

"You don't go when anyone of any age is already there. It is not proper." Her niece quipped. "You scare all of the men away by being naked... and even some of the ladies..." Her niece murmured.

"Pf. Who is afraid of a naked lady my age?" She held back a laugh, placing her hands on her hips. The grey fox merely glared at the older wolf. "Why are you upset over nothing?"

"You're naked!" Beatrice flatly pointed out with an open hand.

"Anything else you'd like to point out? This is my own home."

"It's just weird, and you know it. The town has a host of rumors about you."

"Rumors are rumors." The mature wolf brushed off the comment.

"You know how a bad reputation or a rumor can spread in such a small town."

"I know, I know." She dismissed the vixen's concerns with the wave of a hand. "I'm not worried about them though. Whatever people have to say about me, they can say it to my face."

"I shouldn't come visit just to argue about the same things." The grey vixen sighed. "I am happy that you are doing well, and your business is thriving."

"What is this?" She tilted her head curiously at the basket that her niece was carrying.

"Don't play possum with me. I'm bringing you some things to eat from the bakery." She kindly offered.

"I have plenty to eat. You know that." She rubbed her belly.

"Yes, I know. But I always want you to have a little something extra."

"Thank you. I appreciate it." She gladly accepted the food from her niece.

"I will always love you no matter what." The vixen hugged the older wolf. "Even if you are a strange aunt." She playfully added.

"Strange?" Anita huffed with a happy smile. "I'm the most normal person you know!"

"I'll think that one over." Her niece said with reservation and undid the embrace. "I have to go now. Please take care."

"Thank you for stopping by for a quick visit, although you don't need to visit so early." Anita ruffled an ear.

"If the sun doesn't make you rise, then someone has to." The vixen flashed a smile before departing.

"Take care!" Anita called out. "Motherly little fox needs children of her own." She smiled even as the front door closed. "I don't suppose she gets that from my sister, and our side of the family." The wolf mused. Her nose flared at the delightful aromas filling the air.

"Food goes in the kitchen..." She hummed pleasantly at the basket full of delicious smelling breads. Licking her lips, she walked into the back room, eager to start a fire and eat. A subsequent knock at the front door went completely unheard to her ears...

Stepping inside the humble house, a well dressed mackerel tabby cat peered around the front room. A sharp ear flicked from the lack of noise. The area was quiet except for the light popping sounds of a recently started fireplace. Surprisingly, no one was present.

"Is anyone here?" He looked around the empty space. "Hello?" He called out.

"I'm coming!" A female voice called out from somewhere in the back. Paw steps quickly followed. The feline smiled only to feel his jaw hang open at the sight before him. A heartily built, mature female grey wolf in her bare fur had rounded the corner to greet him.

"Hello. What can I do for you?" She approached him. The well dressed feline couldn't say anything at first. His wide eyes could only stare at the naked older wolf standing before him. She arched her brow and placed her hands on her hips. "Excuse me?" She stated.

"I'm sorry!" He blurted out only to cover his mouth. His cheeks burned a heated red under his fur. "But you're naked!"

"Yes, I know that." She bluntly said. "Anything else you would like to say?"

"You're very beautiful." He admitted much to her surprise.

"Flattery will not get you a discount." She wryly spoke, but her ears remained perked up attentively. "Now, what are you here for? This is my shop and home, not a brothel."

"Oh!" He suddenly remembered. "Well... I heard that you were the best seamstress in the area, so I came by for your services." He showed the wolf the suit piece. "Funny story... It was caught in a doorway and tore. I couldn't even hear the tearing sound until it was too late." Her face didn't budge or waver in the slightest at the story.

"Let me take a look." She offered with an outstretched hand. "It'll take just a minute." He handed over the torn suit. The wolf turned away and looked it over with a keen eye. The feline took a moment to breathe a quiet sigh.

'I never expected a naked lady to greet me here.' The tabby thought to himself. 'But she acts like she's dressed.' The feline briefly glimpsed her holding up his suit piece before folding it inside out. The seamstress had a curvy mature figure; a visible belly, a slight heaviness to her upper arms and legs, as well as breasts that had lost youthfulness. Only her bushy grey and white tail had evaded any signs of age, but she wasn't bashful at all about showing herself.

Looking away, by comparison the house wasn't odd at all. A pair of unfinished dresses were hanging by a wall. A dozen scarves of various colors were neatly stacked with scrap cloth. A basket of colorful yarn rested beside them, ready to be knitted. Little pins poked freely like tiny spikes. A series of shelves held similar items to use. Another basket holding wool was with a small machine to spin yarn rested along the edge of the back room. His curious gaze led him to a desk by the closest window. The typical items were scattered on its surface; a pair of scissors, a cushion of pins and needles; as well as plenty of scrap fabric; but a particular piece of paper interested him the most. The sketch was very simple containing a few lines; but it was only the beginning of a grand design. He picked it up and looked it over.

"Huh?" The tabby blinked. "Hibbary?" He looked at the signature. The paper was swiped from his hands.

"Don't go looking through my things like some sort of thief!" The seamstress firmly spoke.

"I'm sorry-!"

"What would you do if someone rifled through your personal belongings? I'm sure your wife wouldn't do such a thing." Her words stung and the feline male looked away dejectedly with flattened ears.

"Well, I'm not married." His voice hinted at sadness. "Not anymore anyway."

"I'm sorry to hear that." She didn't want to press any further and returned her attention to the suit piece in hand. "It won't take any time at all to mend this together." She told him. "Maybe tomorrow, no later than two days from now."

"That would be perfect."

"I'll offer to mend it for eight pence. Is that a deal?" The seamstress held out her hand, but the feline blankly stared at the offered palm. Her ears wiggled impatiently.

"You can shake my hand. It's no different whether I'm dressed or undressed." She told him.

"Sorry!" He quickly grasped her hand and shook. "I uh..."

"You were staring, I know." She calmly answered.

"I just wasn't expecting a naked seamstress." He honestly shrugged. "My name is Albert."

"I'm Anita, and don't feel too bashful about it." She told him. "This is how I usually 'dress' inside my home. If you have a problem with it then you can find someone else to fix your clothes."

"No! I'm okay with that." He quickly spoke. "You can do... whatever you like."

"Alrighty then." Her hands returned to her hips. "If you don't have anything else for me, then I hope you have a nice day sir." She kindly but firmly spoke.

"Thanks. Goodbye!" The feline hastily left the shop. He glanced back over his shoulder only to find the naked wolf intently staring at him. Albert nervously gulped before closing the door and leaving the home. Inside, the female wolf sighed and lowered her hands.

"Hard headed man." She mumbled before shaking her head and returning to the kitchen before her day of work started.

The phrase 'Dolchester Manor' was etched along a large stone wall. A large home built within the extensive walls rested within view behind the sign. Across the stream, past the outskirts of town was the residence of the manor, owner of many acres of land. The entire property around the house was designed and cared for rigorously and tediously.

"I know you'll enjoy being here Anita." Beatrice insisted. "Well, I managed to drag you out of the house for this." The vixen grumbled to herself. "So you better enjoy yourself."

"Hmm." The canine hoped that her niece was right. It was a popular place to visit during the warm seasons, and other townspeople were also there. Walking through the open gates, they were greeted by many special varieties of plants. There were voluminous rose bushes, hedges, rock walls, colorful flowers, and much more to take in. Garden structures constructed of rock, stone, brick, and even thatch were added to the garden's landscape mimicking a little Eden for any visitors.

"The grass feels soft under my paws. I bet a Persian rug feels the same way." The vixen stared at the deep green ground, grinning at the thought. A three tiered birdbath was surrounded by a square design of gravel created a centerpiece for the front area. Everything else branched out like little roads to travel along.

"Look at the grapes!" She pulled Anita over to one section where numerous grapevines were growing along a carefully constructed low fence. "Aren't the little green grapes so cute when they're tiny?" The grey vixen touched the delicate fruits that resembled little balls. "They haven't even changed colors yet!" Her enthusiasm reminded the grey wolf of an excited child.

"Isn't it nice that the landlord allows anyone to go through his personal gardens?"

"Yes, I suppose." Anita quietly spoke.

"It's so beautiful here. I wish I could smell some lavender myself, but it's further out by a field."

"Well to on over." She suggested. "I don't mind."

"A splendid idea! Let me quickly look at the field, I will be right back." The vixen promised.

"Fine. I will wait right here." Anita stood by the short fence of grapevines. Beatrice maneuvered around a few other townspeople enjoying the private garden's scenery. Staying on a pathway closest to her aunt, the grey fox stumbled upon a large section of lavender that the owner cultivated. A faint breeze carried hints of the aroma to her as she leaned over the fence.

"Mm. That smells nice." The vixen hummed.

"It does." A male voice beside her spoke. Looking over, a mackerel tabby was standing beside her. Well dressed in a business suit, he appeared professional to a tee.

"I saw you walking with Anita, the wolf seamstress." He pointed out.

"That would be my aunt you're talking about." She informed him.

"Oh. She's your aunt?"

"Yes, but my name is Beatrice." She kindly introduced herself.

"I'm Albert. Could I ask you about Anita?"

"Sure." Beatrice hesitantly agreed.

"She appears to live alone, or does someone live with her?"

"She loves alone, but I must tell you that my aunt is a widow." The grey vixen informed the feline.

"I did not know that." He shook his head.

"This isn't an easy world to live if you're a single lady."

"Yes, I understand that very well." He nodded firmly.

"She married young and loved her husband dearly. I'm not sure that she has entirely moved on despite all of the time that had passed. Several suitors wanted to marry her, but she wasn't having any of it. Since she refused to re-marry, rumors circulated about her through the town. She's gradually become a recluse of sorts since then, although she doesn't believe me when I tell her that."

"What about the fact that she tends to work naked? Why does she do that?"

"I'm not sure why either, but she'll beat you with anything in reach if you try something funny with her." The grey vixen told the surprised feline.

"Wow." He couldn't help but hold back a laugh. "I don't want to try anything like that."

"That is good to hear from a guy. From what I remember she stopped wearing all of the beautiful dresses that she made years ago. It usually comes as a shock to anyone, but plenty of townspeople continue going to her. Despite all of the rumors and being unmarried, she still has the energy to run a great clothing shop."

"That's good. I'm happy to hear that she's doing well in spite of everything that has happened to her." His words made the grey vixen smile.

"Despite her demeanor, she's a sweet grey wolf. My aunt Anita isn't receptive towards strangers."

"I definitely believe you."

"Now I want to ask... Why are you so interested about my aunt?" The grey vixen posed him with a question. "Are you seeking her hand in marriage or something?"

"No! I don't think I'm planning on that." The feline nervously laughed. "I came to her shop needing my suit mended, and I wasn't expecting to meet someone like her. I guess I'm just curious about her, that's all." Albert couldn't help but smile as he talked about Anita.

"Right..." The grey vixen didn't appear entirely persuaded. "Well, she works very hard and I'm sure your suit will be fresh and new."

"That's good to hear." He smiled. "It was nice meeting you Beatrice, and thank you for talking with me."

"You're quite welcome. Have a nice day." They parted ways. Beatrice returned to her aunt's side. The older grey wolf was mulling about the grass beside the orchard.

"You were gone for a while." Anita noted. "Were you talking with someone?"

"Some stranger." She brushed off the encounter with the tabby feline. "Now, where were we..."

"Hmm... I think you are almost flat chested." Anita stared at the measuring tape around the border collie's upper torso. The skinny herding dog stood still while the seamstress measured her.

"Almost?" The border collie tilted her head.

"Well there's a difference of an inch or two just below." The seamstress measured right below the lithe canine's subtle breasts. "See?" The measuring tape smoothly trailed against fur before a thumb lightly pressed on the different number.

"Oh, wow, I never noticed that." The collie was intrigued.

"Sometimes the things you notice the least are right under your nose." Anita pointed out.

"I'm sure you noticed everything under yours." The young herder playfully retorted.

"Oh, I'm not so sure sometimes." Her voice hinted. "At my age things can hide themselves very easily. Someone once told me that breasts are shy, and that they like to hide under your arms when you lay down." The seamstress grinned in amusement.

"Even I have heard of that." The collie couldn't help but laugh. "If I had breasts like yours then they'd jump everywhere and maybe hit my face when I run around, herding sheep." She explained with a smile.

"I see..." The wolf held back a laugh at the thought. "I doubt I could run fast like you at my age. Does that mean you run around the fields topless?"

"Nope. Just my fur!" She smiled. "Running around in any clothes makes me feel overheated. The three landowners I work for are fine with it since it's the countryside. No one else will see me, except for a farmhand."

"Really? I think that makes four ladies who occasionally do their work in the nude."

"Who else does?" The canine curiously asked.

"The other two are workers in the factory. One was here the other day and she told me that the heat in the basement floor is intense, so they strip down like a guy would."

"I would do the same thing." She affirmed with a nod. "But they don't mess with her at the factory, do they?" The border collie asked. "Guys can be rough."

"Not from what she has told me. She's a sturdy gal with a wrench. You don't want to mess with her." Anita finished by measuring the border collie's tail. "I think I have all of the measurements that I need. I can get something made in a week or two, depending I what else comes up." She jotted down a few numbers and notes before handing back the lithe canine's clothes.

"Thank you! I appreciate your help." She giddily spoke. "Please don't tell anyone that I herd a few pastures in the nude. I don't want any ruffians coming after me. The farmhand can only protect me from so many." She spoke as she dressed into her plain clothes.

"Don't worry. This is between us." Anita reassured her with a smile. "You're lucky that the farmhand is kind to you."

"I like him a lot." The collie grinned sheepishly as she played with an ear.

"You should tell him that." Anita suggested.

"Oh goodness! I don't know..." She nervously rubbed her neck despite having a broad smile.

"There's no harm in trying, and in sure he feels the same way about you." The wolf's words only made the collie's cheeks redden more.

"Thanks again for your help!" The border collie said before quickly leaving.

'Youthful and full of energy.' Anita grinned at the fact.

The door opened again as soon as it was closed, causing her ears to dial around.

'This is turning into a busy day.' The grey wolf turned around as a familiar well dressed feline entered her home.

"Good afternoon, Anita." Albert smiled.

"Ah, hello." She greeted the mackerel tabby cat. "I finished your suit piece this morning." The wolf quickly retrieved it.

"Thank you." He quickly accepted it and paid her. "I can't even tell where I tore it." The feline smiled at her handiwork. "You really are an incredible seamstress."

"Thank you. I am glad that you appreciate it." Anita grinned.

"And here. I brought this for you." He revealed a flower in his hand. Her eyes widened and her ears perked up in surprise.

"Is that a rose?" She looked at the vibrant red petals.

"Yes, it is." Albert extended his hand.

"Thank you." She accepted the flower and smelled the pleasant aroma. "I'll need to put this in a vase." Anita briefly disappeared into the back room before returning with a little glass holder for the freshly cut flower. "There. That's nice." She grinned and placed it on the little table. Turning back around, Albert was still standing in the middle of the room.

"I'm glad you like it." There was a hint of giddy nervousness in his voice. "I should leave some clothing here every day so I can come back to see you." He shyly smiled.

"I am not running a peep show here." Anita frowned.

"No! No." He waved a hand in dismissal. "I mean to talk to you, not gawk."

"Sure..." Her eyes rolled as she spoke.

"Why are you... naked inside your house?" He asked.

"I'm not ashamed of my body." She answered.

"Okay... but you don't have to be naked. There has to be some reason behind it. Right?" He held up a hand in question. The wolf paused and looked over at him.

"At least you have some sense upstairs." She spoke tersely. "But it's personal for me." The wolf didn't provide him a direct answer, and walked across the room.

"What are you doing?"

"I don't idle around to chit chat when I have other things to do." She told him. "If you're only here to pick up your suit piece and nothing else, then I can wash some old clothes in the stream." Anita opened up a small closet door. She quickly picked out and donned an old pair of work clothes much to his surprise.

"Do you want any help?" He asked.

"I do not need any help." She told him before retrieving a full basket of laundry and heading to the door.

"Are you sure?" Albert followed her outside.

"Yes. I am sure." She firmly spoke without slowing her stride.

"I could carry that for you." He offered.

"I can carry it myself." She insisted and marched onwards. Regardless of Anita's answer, the feline followed her around the house. Marching through the grass behind the view of the houses, they entered a little dirt path through some scattered brush that obscured the houses behind them. They soon emerged on the other side where a wide stream lazily flowed behind the town, bordering the expansive moorland. A sliver of grass extended towards a wide stream, where it quickly sloped down to its watery shore. Anita walked down the grassy embankment.

A few others were at the stream as well, and it was a perfect day to enjoy the water. Some kids were playing while a few parents were bathing or gathering water. Close by, the soft rushing of water attracted the feline's attention.

"I did not know that there was a waterfall upstream." He remarked and walked down to where Anita was. The canine set the basket down and began fiddling with her dress.

"What are you doing?" His eyes widened as she pulled the top over her head. 'Oh my.' The feline felt his mouth dry as her breasts came into view. But she didn't stop or pause to reconsider. The seamstress promptly untied her dress and let it fall around her paws into the grass.

'She's out in the open!' Albert's jaw dropped at the sight of the naked wolf in broad daylight. Anita retrieved a little bottle and bar of soap from the basket of clothes before wading into the shallow water. Even at the deepest section, it only came up to her thighs. Wading up the narrowing stream, she positioned herself under the short grey faced cliff wall of the waterfall and rinsed off. Albert wanted to say something to her, maybe even call her back, but the others nearby had already taken notice. Their disturbed looks were evident enough as they began moving away. Anita didn't take any notice to the fellow townspeople and applied the bottled soap to her greying blonde hair.

'I bet he's gawking at me...' She didn't even peep an eye open to see if Albert was watching her bathe. The middle aged wolf didn't doubt that his eyes were on her naked body every second. 'Why else would he follow me here?' It seemed obvious enough, not that really cared. She briefly rinsed her hair. When she opened her eyes, his gaze wasn't directed at her, but worriedly looking around. The canine wiggled her nose indifferently before lathering up the small bar of soap. From Albert's seat in the grass, the short minutes passed by like an agonizing eternity of embarrassment. He was more than eager to grab the wolf's towel when she finished and came back to land.

"I got your towel." He eagerly held it open and wrapped it around the wolf as soon as she waded within his reach. The feline blew a sigh of relief, but once he looked around, most of the others in the small river had waded further downstream from them.

"Thank you for the towel." Anita stepped out of the water. The wolf dried herself off openly, not at all minding if parts of her body became uncovered during the process.

'Does she have no shame?' Albert wondered in confusion

"It was either very brave or very stupid to just bathe in the river like that." He mentioned. "Everyone nearby could see you."

"So? I wasn't hiding." She bluntly pointed out. Her nonchalant attitude mystified him.

"You can barely get away with that at a river, but you didn't cover yourself or anything."

"I'm a middle aged wolf, there's nothing magnificent to see." A second sharp reply left the well dressed cat speechless. He couldn't help but smile at her remarks.

'I am not dealing with an ordinary lady here.' Albert thought to himself. Anita sat down beside the basket of clothes. Fur still damp, she didn't waste any time and plucked one of the garments from the basket. With the towel only barely around her shoulders covering her backside, the seamstress began washing the basket of clothes one article at a time. Her breasts were visibly hanging above the water's edge, subtly shaking and jostling with every motion. Albert could only watch what had become the strangest experience he witnessed for quite some time. There was no rush to the seamstress's method. Each garment was washed one at a time before a pile of wet clothes emerged. When the last item was done, she rested her hands for a minute.

"Not sure if I need to ask, but everything alright?"

"Just sore hands from washing." She didn't make any qualms about it. And then as if she had just gone swimming by herself, the wolf stood up and dried off her arms and paws once more.

"I think I'm dry enough." Anita mumbled and stood up. The grey wolf put on the plain dress once again. The feline felt some relief as the wolf wore clothes once again outside.

"Since you're still here, can you grab the basket and follow me back?"

"Of course." The feline was quick to his paws. Albert had to put in some effort to lift the item on the sloping terrain. The basket was weighed down with the wet fabrics.

'Heavy!' He remarked to himself. Albert followed her up the embankment and back through the underbrush.

"You can out the basket right here." She approached a clothesline attached to her house. Albert gladly deposited the wet clothes at her paws. Anita promptly hung up everything to dry, towel included.

"I'm glad that you didn't decide to hang up the clothes you're wearing right now." He mentioned with a grin.

"Funny... Even though I didn't ask for it, I appreciate your company and your help." She briefly smiled.

"You're very welcome."

"Now, if you don't mind, I need to go inside and brush my fur." She retrieved the empty basket. "Or are you going to help me with that too?" The wolf eyed him suspiciously. The feline felt his ears blush hotly.

"How about I come by again in two days." He thought aloud.

"For me to mend something?" She assumed.

"No, to take you out for the day." This time he surprised her. "We'd go to a spot in the field just outside of town, and eat lunch or something."

"What?" She looked at him as if he had sprouted a second head. "Take me out?"

"Yes." The feline grinned a little nervously. "Would you like that?" For once the seamstress was taken aback, unsure of what to say.

"Hmm..." She stalled for a moment and looked at her house. "Well, if you come by on a good day, then I might say yes." Anita cryptically told him.

"Ok." Albert remained hopeful. "Thanks again for mending my suit."

"You're welcome. Have a nice day." The wolf returned inside. The feline watched the door close with a grin before strolling down the street.

The precise needlework of a skilled pair of hands was diligently at work. A sheet draped over the grey wolf's lap and legs was gradually becoming completed. The thread appeared to glide under Anita's control, but it was the culmination from decades of practice. A sudden knock on the door made her ears stand up.

"I coming!" Standing up from her chair, the seamstress walked into the main room. Upon opening the door, she found a mackerel tabby standing outside. "Albert?" She blankly looked at the well dressed tabby in front of her. "What are you doing here?"

"I came by to ask you out for the afternoon." He offered a grin.

"You want to do that?"

"Yes, I wanted to take you out of town for the afternoon."

"So you weren't joking about that?" She looked at him questioningly.

"Of course not!" He looked a little embarrassed at her nonchalance about it all. The grey wolf breathed out indifferently.

"You can come inside. I'll find something to wear." She waved him in.

"Thank you. I was going to ask if you'd dress for the occasion." He half joked.

"Haha. Well, I haven't become foolish in age." Anita told him. The grey wolf walked over to a small closet where several dresses were hanging, ready to be worn. She looked over each one keenly.

'Maybe this?' The wolf wondered at one dress in particular. She chose a nice elegant piece with a frill pattern at the bottom.

"You weren't too busy today?" Albert asked from behind while she dressed.

"I don't have a long list of things to do right now, so I can find the time for them later." She reassured him. As soon as everything was on snugly, the grey wolf turned around and presented herself. "Everything look ok?" She asked, but Albert was silent. His eyes adored her like never before. The feline's gaze was completely fixated with the middle aged grey wolf.

"What is it?" She finally asked.

"You look very beautiful." His smile made her cheeks warm.

"Oh... Thank you." Her ears dialed back bashfully.

"Are you ready?"

"I believe so." Anita hesitantly spoke. Albert opened the door for her.

"The weather is very nice today." He remarked with an upbeat tone. "No clouds in sight, and the sky is blue."

"Where do you plan on taking me exactly?" Anita asked as soon as she stepped out of her house behind him.

"Just outside of town. There's a hill that overlooks the area." He pointed.

"Ok. You may lead the way." With that said, the walked along the homes and small buildings by the edge of town where typical scenes unfolded. Little children, too young for school, were noisily playing and causing mischief; smoke streamed into the air from a blacksmith's shop where soft pings of metal were heard; a raccoon farmer was hauling feed from a storage house to a nearby field with the aid of a pony.

Anita kept to herself and didn't mention anything at first while they walked. She glanced over at the feline walking sedge her in confident strides. It was odd having someone new alongside her, but it felt nice for a change.

"If you don't mind me asking, where do you live?" Anita asked.

"In town beside the bank." He pointed despite the numerous building obstructing their view. "It's a series of small apartments lumped together. There really isn't much room inside."

"What exactly do you do for work?" She wondered.

"I work at the bank in town."

"Ah, so that's why you're so close to it. Why don't you move to a more comfortable place? You work at a bank and make good money."

"I haven't lived here very long, not even a year yet." He admitted. "I want to get used to everything first before I make that decision. Also, the bank is made of money, not me."

"Smart thing to say." She grinned. After a brief walk, they left the town behind and ascended a little green hill. With the trees behind them, they had a perfect view of the town and moorland spread out before them.

"This is the perfect spot." Albert sat down in the grass.

"It's a nice view." Anita agreed and sat down close by with her legs tucked to the side.

"Do you spend a lot of time out here?" He asked.

"Here? No." Anita admitted.

"Where do you like to go when you're not busy at home?"

"Well..." The wolf thought for a while. "Sometimes my niece will take me to different places in town, but I usually stay at home for the most part."

"That's nice of her to do." He mentioned as a gentle breeze softly combed over the grass. Overlooking the surrounding countryside with the town in view alongside Anita filled the feline with inspiration.

"The fish at the dock, a lad in gaily mock'd-" He started to recite.

"Are you singing poetry?" She gave him a bizarre look.

"Um... Not anymore." Albert felt embarrassed. "Eh. Have you always lived here?" The mackerel tabby tried asking.

"No. I grew up in a town a few miles away before moving here when I was much younger."

"Oh. If I may ask, how old are you?"

"It's not polite to ask for a lady's age." She told him with some reservation.

"You are right... I'm forty four." Albert told her. "I'm not too old, I hope." He grinned.

"I don't think you are." She half grinned. "Although I am a little older than you."

"That's good to hear."

"Since you are not from around here, where did you grow up?" She inquired.

"A small city named Lincoln. It's several days travel from this area."

"What brought you here?"

"I was tired of the constant bustling city life and urban landscape. I liked the countryside and its beauty, ever since I was a child. Although, when I was young I wanted to become a pirate." He laughed.

"A pirate?" She looked at him skeptically. "I do not see you as a pirate." A grin ran along her lips.

"My parents would've disagreed with you. I got into so much trouble as a youth that my father reprimanded me more times than I can count. At the very least they gave me a good education before I moved on. I became a sailor in the navy when I was seventeen." He remembered with a salty grin on his face. "That's where I got my discipline, swabbing a deck and getting cursed at by someone who didn't care if I fell overboard. It was an interesting time. All of my friends would joke and yearn for going to war, but I didn't want any of that. My life was outside the battlefield, although I didn't know what exactly to do. I eventually helped out on busy docks and quays in coastal spots outside of London before finding the world of finance."

"You weren't a smuggler, were you?" She eyed him suspiciously.

"No. But several of my friends in the navy took up the job." He smiled. "It happens everywhere, whether you know it or not."

"It sounds like you had an eventful young life. How did you ever stay an unmarried man?"

"I didn't, for long anyway." His smile lessened somewhat. "After I received a job from a small bank, I married a pretty young lady from the coast. Everything felt perfect for a few months. I made a decent living to support ourselves, but then she became ill one day." He stopped to think. His gaze appeared clouded over for a moment. "It was consumption. With all the coughing and the fever, I felt powerless when the end was near..." His voice drifted away into silence. "We had to say goodbye."

Anita was looking away dejectedly when he finished. Her ears were folded back with a pained look in her eyes.

"Are you alright?"

"My husband died from that disease too."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"No. It's fine." She plainly spoke, but the half lidded somber gaze in her eyes was evident. He had unknowingly stuck a bad chord with her. "I'd like to go back home now."

"Oh, um. Okay." He quickly rose to his paws, but the wolf was already starting to descend the grassy hill. "Anita? Wait!" He called out to her and hurried downhill after the grey wolf. Albert began pleasing with her to stop, but she only hastened her way back. Her ears were flatly folded back. Everything around her became a blur, only an obstacle between her and home. By the time her house came into view, she was nearly running to get inside. Albert had to keep up with her or be left behind. She nearly shut the door in his face.

"Anita! Please say something to me." He stumbled inside. The grey wolf was distraught. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing! Now stop asking!" She fretted and looked around the main room, wondering what to do.

"Please, I can help you with something." He nearly begged the wolf.

"I do not need your help!" She firmly stated. "Now, if you don't have anything for me to mend or sew, then you can leave." At a loss for words, his mouth hung open. He desperately wanted to say something, but his mind froze up. Clearly angered, Anita stormed upstairs with heavy thumping steps, like a marching soldier. Albert winced when the bedroom door slammed shut. Shoulders slumped, the feline felt terrible. The afternoon had ended horribly, leaving an awful feeling of dejection looming over him. There was nithing left that he could do. He turned to leave only to pause. His ears perked up at a soft sound. His brow furrowed as he looked over his shoulder to the top of the stairs. Barely audible, there was a sound of soft sobbing. There was no mistaking it.

'She's crying.' Albert realized. He immediately wanted to comfort her, but after ruining her day he couldn't bare to upset her anymore. The feline pursed his lips and sighed with a heavy heart. He went to the door and left as she had requested.

The legs of a wooden chair lightly scuffed the floor as Anita shifted in her seat. The wolf was wearing clothes, an unusual circumstance given her personal preferences. Her eyes were intently focused, unwavering from a piece of paper. Subtle scratches of a pencil tapped and traced over the table's surface. Claws mindlessly clicked against the wooden floor as she wrote with purpose. Then, suddenly, her brow relaxed.

"There." She quietly sighed and stretched her legs out. The pencil was set aside with a subtle clack as the wolf slouched back a little.

"Dear Albert," Anita read aloud, "I am sorry for yelling at you that evening. It was improper and rude of me to do. At the very least, you were inside my home and I should've treated you like a proper guest. I had fun until I ruined the evening for both of us. If you would like to have anything mended, or just want to talk and visit, then please come by... Anita."

She retrieved the pencil and signed the bottom. Her paws scuffed at the wooden floor, mindlessly kicking a ball of paper. Several previous attempts, some balled up from frustration, were littered on the small tabletop and floor.

"There. I think that sounds good." She breathed in a deep breath and looked at an old rose in a little vase on the table. The flower's aroma had long vanished and all of its petals had wilted or fallen off, but she couldn't throw it away. Standing up, she folded up the piece of paper. Anita looked herself over before departing, quickly smoothing out any unwanted ruffled or visible wrinkles in the dress.

'I might as well look a little presentable if I run into him.' She thought to herself. 'If he even wants to see me again.' The last thought was disheartening, but it wouldn't deter the grey wolf from trying. Walking from the edge of town into the middle of town wasn't a far venture. Passing by houses and shops, the town's residents were alive with activity. The sounds of a busy butcher's shop echoed throughout the surrounding street. A lynx mother swaddled an infant while a toddler tugged at her dress for attention. A pair of rowdy kids skipping school for the day were playing to their hearts' content. Horses trotted down sections of cobblestone roads, hauling carts or simply serving as transportation. For a little town, it was full of activity.

The seamstress could also feel the eyes of the townspeople giving her second glances. Everyone knew who she was and what she did. It felt familiar and cold, but for a brief moment it also felt very alien. Her customers never glared at her or ignored her. Her niece never did. Albert never treated her poorly either.

'Albert.' She frowned painfully as she thought about him again. Ignoring the obvious glances and stares, Anita steadfastly approached her destination.

'I never go to the bank.' She paused and looked up at the sturdily built structure. The imposing world of finance and larger cities were something completely unknown to the small town wolf. 'Don't get your tail in a knot over this Anita.' She told herself and sallied forth to the imposing tall doors. Both suddenly burst out as a figure emerged.

"Oh my!" Anita froze as her nose narrowly missed being struck.

"Goodness, miss! I am sorry for that." An expertly dressed badger of portly stature huffed an apology.

"You scared me." She felt her heart beating quickly. Upon looking at the man, the wolf had a sudden realization. "Excuse me sir, do you work here?"

"Yes ma'am, I do. If you need to withdraw or make a deposit then the tellers-"

"I need someone to give this to Albert." Anita held out the folded letter to him.

"Albert?" He looked at the outstretched letter with surprise.

"Does a tabby feline named Albert, work here?"

"Yes, he does work for the bank." The badger confirmed.

"Can you please give this to Albert?

"I can't give it to him right now."

"Why not?" She demanded to know.

"He isn't here at the moment. He left on some important errand. That's all he told me." The badger insisted.

"Can you give it to him when he returns?"

"I suppose so." He obliged and took it.

"Thank you, sir." Anita said before leaving, much to the badger's confusion. The grey wolf's gaze lowered to the street without much hope. She wondered if her efforts would be for naught. Folding her arms, she walked steadfastly back home. She felt a little cold for causing him trouble. Hopefully a fire would stave off the burdening chill. Upon reaching her home, she was surprised to find a letter on her door.

"What?" The wolf snatched it and quickly opened it up. Her eyes widened at the handwriting.

'Dear Anita, I am sorry for causing you grief the other evening. My highest hopes were to make you happy, but instead, I unearthed painful memories of yours. I wanted to apologize to you in person, but I understand if you do not wish to see me anymore. I wrote this to convey my forgiveness to you. Best regards, Albert."

His signature at the bottom confirmed the author. Anita quickly stepped inside and slammed the door shut. Clutching the letter to her bosom, she felt a glimmer of hope rise within her chest.

"He came by for me..." The quietness of her unchanged home was broken by her voice.

Bundles of cloth and spun wool were moved across a shelf with a grey furred hand. Anita's stern gaze examined the space before placing a newly finished fabric in its place. The middle aged wolf was rearranging some scarves that she had finished knitting over the past few days. A little cup of piping hot tea idly waited for her return on the small table.

"Maybe I should put these in the back for now..." Anita paused and ruffled the fur on her side as she thought. The wolf looked over her shoulder hearing a knock at the door.

'Hmm. I don't have anything to be picked up.' Anita glanced at her incomplete projects. Her paws graced over the floor as a fresh round of knocks persisted. "I'm coming." Upon opening the door, her eyes widened at the figure standing before her.

"Albert?" Anita was surprised to see him. The mackerel tabby was indeed standing right there before her.

"I received your letter." He held up the folded piece of paper, and offered a small grin. "It seems like we had the same idea in mind."

"My letter!" Anita vividly remembered writing it, no the emotional guilt poured forth. "I'm sorry for yelling at you, Albert." The wolf quickly apologized. "I'm stupid and hard headed." She said with her typical strong tone. "You didn't have to put up with that." She added before he could interrupt. "I know you're too polite. You'll say how it isn't my fault, but I need to apologize to you for all of this." She finished with a huff.

"You didn't have to say all of that, but thank you." He managed to say.

"Yes, I think I did." Anita gave a firm nod. "Please come in. Do you mind sitting down for some tea?" She offered and motioned to the small table by the wall. "I just poured some, so it isn't cold."

"Sure. That'd be nice." Albert accepted. "I hope I wasn't interrupting anything." He could see a sheet draped over a chair in the other room.

"No, not at all. It was something I took a break from anyway." She quickly went into the kitchen and returned with a matching cup. Albert sat down and sipped his tea as soon as she poured it. Anita sat down across from him at the little table with her own cup. For once, her nudity wasn't a distraction for him. It was quiet as neither said a word. The air could've been cut with a dull knife. Eye contact was avoided. Both mulled over their thoughts, struggling what to say. The grey wolf finally pursed her lips.

"Okay. I'll start talking." Anita broke the silence. "The other day when you mentioned consumption... I just felt this rush of anger and sadness from hearing about it. I hadn't felt that in a long time, and I didn't handle it well." She easily recalled the other evening and telling at Albert.

"When my husband died, I could never tell anyone how I felt except for my immediate family. I held in those feelings and cried them out all alone at night until I had no tears left. I felt alone and afraid. The only time I felt secure was with my niece or at home. I haven't told anyone about this in many years." She sighed and rubbed over her ear apologetically.

"I haven't been able to talk much about my wife passing away either." Albert admitted.

"I'm sorry to hear that you lost your wife." She said with a heartfelt voice. "I know how devastating that can be."

"It was very painful, and horrible to experience." He nodded. "I felt that I could talk to you about it since I knew that you were a widow." Anita felt sympathy from his words. "But I managed to cope with my loss with time. My wife came from a good family, but not a lot of money. So when she had passed away, I helped take care of her parents for two years before being able to move on with my life."

"That's very nice of you to care for her parents."

"I'm sure as a woman, it must've been more difficult when you're expected to re-marry."

"It wasn't easy. I've had many suitors before." She explained. "After my husband passed away there were many, young and old, trying to woo me. But I was heartbroken. The didn't seem to consider that I was a new widow. It was senseless how they just wanted me without any regard about how I felt! That fake romantic dance lasted for several years before they finally gave up. Of course, as I grew older no man considered me worth marrying."

"Why?"

"My fertility dried up. I'm past my child bearing years." She explained the obvious fact. "I'm sorry for explaining all of that... but thank you for listening to me."

"Of course. It's the least I can do since you invited me inside. I'm not used to being inside a large cozy home."

"You call this a large home?" She cocked her head with intrigue.

"Living in a small apartment makes everything feel grand by comparison, and it never truly feels like a home."

"I'm sure it's warm enough to at least live in, but I understand what you mean. A place doesn't feel cozy to live in just because there's a roof over your head." She shifted her legs only to accidentally bump into him. "Oh. Sorry about that." Anita tucked back.

"It's alright. Your paw is warm." He grinned. The wolf found herself grinning, unable to say anything in response. For a moment neither said anything, but it was clear the tension from before had dissipated.

"I have to admit," he said with a grin, "I thought you were a little crazy when you went to the creek to bathe and wash your clothes."

"Yes, that was a little brash of me to do." A wistful smile appeared on her muzzle. "But you see, I do it all the time and no one bothers me about it."

"It's not exactly appropriate to do."

"It's a creek, not a brothel." She simply stated.

"Imagining you at a brothel..." He mumbled, trying to hold back a silly grin.

"What?!" The surprised canine gave him a peculiar look. "That's all that men think about!"

"You're the one who mentioned it!" He laughed. "And I didn't mean it like that."

"What did you mean then?"

"Well, I don't know... I guess you'd have my attention."

"You're just saying that."

"No, I mean it." Albert spoke earnestly.

"Then you're too kind to me." She softly spoke.

"I always found it odd that the best seamstress never wore her own clothes." He mentioned. The female wolf grinned.

"I always love making clothes." She placed a hand over her heart and briefly closed her eyes. "I stopped wearing the nicer ones inside entirely after my husband died, but I still wear the plain clothes when I go out. I still enjoy making them for others, but I no longer enjoy wearing them. I guess I've gotten a little too comfortable in my bare fur these past years." Anita looked down at her body. She lifted a breast and let it flop back down to its resting state. "But I'm happy being who I am, even though I look like an old she wolf."

"You are a she wolf." Albert added. "I'm happy that you are."

"Apparently I am." She softly grinned. "Sometimes I believe that the people who come by here wanting elaborate clothes are ashamed of what they look like. They only see clothing as ways to show off their wealth and hide their bodies. I want people to be comfortable in their clothes as well as their own skin and fur. I feel so proud when they're happy to have what I make. This doesn't happen anymore, but years ago when a customer walked inside and found me naked, they'd scream and run off."

"I cannot imagine that." Albert sarcastically spoke with a smile.

"You nearly did the same thing when you first saw me." She playfully eyed him. "But there were some women who outright refused to at least halfway undress for me so I could measure them."

"Do they have to undress? Some people might get the wrong idea about it."

"I have to see the body to make the dress. Does that make sense?" The wolf asked.

"It sounds right for a seamstress." The feline nodded.

"Thoughts like those just depend on my mood of the day I guess." She concluded with a shrug. "The past few weeks there was a mechanic lady and herder who both tended to work in the nude like I do."

"Oh? There's others like you?" Albert rubbed his chin. "I thought you were one of a kind."

"I don't think I'm one of anything." She half grinned. "But they're comfortable whether dressed or undressed like me. I think that's a good thing." After a quick check of his pocket watch, the feline appeared surprised.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I stayed here a little longer than I was expecting." Albert admitted with a smile. "I need to leave, if that's alright." He stood up.

"Of course." The grey wolf was quick to rise. "I'm glad that you came by to talk, and have tea with me." Anita followed him to the door.

"Thanks for inviting me in, and the tea was lovely."

"My apologies if I talked your head off." She scratched her ear in embarrassment.

"Don't worry about that. I enjoy spending time with you, and I'm glad that we could talk again." Albert surprised her with a hug. His hands rested on her back faithfully as he held her tight.

"Mmhm." She hummed and reciprocated, feeling a radiant sensation blooming from within. Her bosom pressed against him, she could sense it. It was exactly like the warmth of a burning hearth during a cold night. Her arms held him tight. She didn't want him to let her go, but he had to depart.

"I'm expecting you to come back and visit me again." She told him as soon as they separated.

"Of course." He smiled and nodded. "Have a good day."

"You too!" The wolf slowly closed the door as he walked away. She looked at her hand on the door for. Moment before placing it over her chest. The quick beating resembled a wave of resurgence. It was lovely and powerful. She hadn't felt it in a long time. Her tail was wagging happily behind her.

Inside the seamstress's home the fireplace was quiet. The grey wolf herself was seated in a chair by the empty fire in the kitchen, sewing a sheet. The house was calm and silent without any guests or customers. Holding up the sheet with the extra thread in her teeth, her eyes inspected a seam.

'Hmm. Just right.' She noted. A loud knocking at the front door caused a pair of ears to perk up with excitement. Plucking the thread from her mouth, the naked wolf sighed with a little grin and set her sewing needle aside. Rising from the chair, her paws carried her to the front door.

"I'm coming!" She called out. Albert had visited her weekly, and twice a week on occasion, but she was ready for any day of the week.

"Hello Alb-oh! Beatrice!" The exciting rush dissipated. She was surprised to find her niece standing in the doorway.

"Hello. Who did you think I was?" The grey fox's ears perked up curiously as she entered the home.

"Oh. No one in particular." Anita shrugged it off.

"Come on now, you can tell me." Beatrice prodded her canine aunt for an answer.

"A man is trying to woo me." She told her niece. The fox was taken aback.

"And you haven't bitten his head off yet? That's a good sign." The vixen held back a laugh.

"That's not funny..."

"It's true!" She remarked. "Is he a tabby feline? Looks a little younger than you? I think his name was Albert."

"Yes, that's definitely him." Anita nodded without a doubt. Do you know him?"

"Not exactly." She admitted. "I met him at the orchard when I took you there. If I remember correctly, he asked a lot about you."

"What did you tell him?"

"Nothing in too much detail. He didn't know that you were a widow, and I explained that you had many suitors before and that it wasn't the best of times for you. I asked him if he wanted your hand in marriage, but he said no. I wasn't sure if he meant well, but he appeared genuine and honest with me." She told Anita. The grey wolf nodded.

"We had a rough moment recently, but we made it up to each other."

"Oh?" The grey vixen curiously tilted her head. "Tell me about that."

"It started when Albert took me out to a hill overlooking the town by a patch of woods."

"You went out with him?" Beatrice was surprised.

"Yes. We sat in the grass and talked. Everything was nice, we laughed, and I learned about his past, but when he brought up how his wife had died... I just felt so saddened and wanted to go home. He came back with me wanting to help, but I yelled at him and stormed upstairs before crying myself into a puddle." She ran a hand through her grey-blonde hair guiltily. "I felt so awful about it. We wrote each other letters about how sorry we were over the whole thing."

"Aw. That's so sweet." Beatrice grinned. Anita almost felt herself blush.

"Then a few days later he came by and we talked over tea. I told him everything about what I've dealt with these past decades, and he opened up about his own experiences." There was elation spreading across her face as she spoke. "And then we talked about other things, but before Albert had to leave, he hugged me."

"I haven't seen you smile like that before since I was a little girl." Beatrice noted her aunt's pleasant smile. Anita forced a brief frown and thought about something else.

"If I remember correctly, the first thing he told me was that I was naked, and beautiful."

"Charming." Beatrice giggled as her aunt rolled her eyes. "Would any other man tell you different?"

"At my age, no."

"I say give him a chance." The fox surprised the seamstress. There was a brief moment of concern that went through the wolf's bones.

"Ohh. I don't know..." Anita felt unsure, and fidgeted with her tuft of chest fur.

"Wow, you sound worried." Her niece wasn't expecting that.

"What? Worried?" The older wolf appeared flustered at the comment. "That's ridiculous."

"You sounded very hesitant. That's not like you at all."

"That's just a lot for me to think about, nothing more." The older grey wolf folded her arms.

"Well, don't think too hard about it." Beatrice told her. "I'm happy for you." She said before glancing back at the door.

"Leaving so soon?" The wolf questioned.

"I have other chores to tend to, but I wanted to stop by and see how you were doing." Beatrice smiled.

"I guess I can let you leave then." Anita gave a silly grin.

"Take care." She hugged her aunt goodbye.

After a brief meal, Anita retired upstairs to her bedroom to think. The bedroom was silent as usual when she sat on the edge of the bed.

"Give him a chance?" She thought aloud about what her niece had told her. "Give him a chance at what?" Anita placed her chin in her hands. Thoughts swirled in her mind as she grappled with the feelings inside her.

"What if I like someone else?" She tearfully stared at the image of her late husband before covering her eyes.

Anita's eyes remained unmoved like the drizzling rain outside. It could stop at any moment, but the clouds seemed to linger for an eternity over the area. Darkness was already settling over the humble town, and daylight was already fading fast. Anita already had two oil lamps lit, softly aglow, to light the front room. The sounds of a crackling fire back in the kitchen hearth were distant to her ears. Staring out the window, her nose fogged the small pane of glass. Her gaze was focused on the walkway from the lonely street to her house, but there was no one outside.

'Will I have to go out?' She wondered. The wolf was fully dressed, just in case she would had to leave the house. The wolf thought for a moment and frowned.

"Look at me standing at the window like some sort of child waiting for their friend to come over and play." Anita scolded herself and walked away. Her paws lightly scuffed over the wooden floor. Anita meandered around the front room, but she found herself fogging the small window pane once more. Her eyes lifted seeing a figure approaching the house.

'That must be him!' She hurried to the door and quickly opened it. Standing before her was the tabby cat, happy to get out of the rain and happy to see her.

"I was worried that you were caught up in the rain." She took his coat off for him.

"Thanks. It's been raining all day." He remarked. "I'm glad that it is finally letting up."

"You never visit so late. What held you up? I know it couldn't have been solely the rain shower even for someone as clumsy as you."

"Me clumsy?" He held back a laugh. "What about you?"

"Nonsense. Someone must keep an eye out for you." She hung up the cat's coat before fully turning to face him. The feline's gaze finally rested squarely on the wolf.

"I'm surprised to see you dressed." Albert smiled at the pleasant sight.

"Well, it is raining, and I thought that I might have to go outside."

"Out there in the rain?" He looked surprised.

"I mean, if you weren't going to stop by, then I thought about checking on you at the bank... to make sure that you were okay. That's all."

"Thank you. I appreciate your concern." He smiled. The female wolf smiled back while her tail noticeably wagged behind her. "You're very beautiful." He said, taking the seamstress aback.

"There you go with the compliments again..." She felt her cheeks warm, and her heart skip a beat.

"I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true, and you do look nice, dressed or undressed."

"Most people wouldn't say that, not even the men." She laughed. "I'm old. My breasts sag, my hips aren't thin anymore... I'm old!" She gestured.

"Well, I think you look nice!" He insisted. The wolf smiled at the indulging compliments.

"Why do you like me so much?" She blankly asked him. The question seemed to take him off guard.

"Hmm. Um." He pursed his lips in thought before ultimately shrugging. "I don't know." Albert offered with a nervous shrug. Anita knitted her brow at him, dissatisfied.

"You go through seeing me each week, almost daily, and dealing with my stubbornness just to say you don't know?" Her hands rested on her hips.

"That does sound a little crazy, doesn't it?" He bashfully smiled.

"Yes it does."

"It's the way you walk and talk." He tried to begin explaining his feelings. "You're blunt not because you don't care, but because you don't need to waste words on something frivolous. You're strong and independent, never afraid of anything. You work hard too... There's just so much, and you've heard this before, but I think you're very beautiful." He summated his warm feelings towards her.

"That's very thoughtful of you to say." Anita softly spoke.

"I meant all of it."

"I guess we're both a little crazy." She offered a toothy smile. A quiet moment ensued between the two. The feline's ears realized it was silent outside.

"I think it stopped raining." He mentioned. "Although I can't see anything outside. It's already dark."

"Really? I barely noticed." Anita looked at the window

"Do you have a lantern that I can use to walk home with?"

"Oh nonsense!" She waved her hands. "You don't need to leave. It's dark and you just arrived."

"Are you sure about me staying with you for the night?"

"Of course I am! My home is cozier than a little apartment by the bank." She added for good measure.

"Where will I sleep?"

"Well, you don't have to crawl into bed with me, but I can set um something up down here. There's plenty of room and a fire in the kitchen." She quickly thought of an idea.

"That's very nice of you."

"I can be hospitable."

"Okay... Now what do you want to do?" He inquired. Anita blinked and looked around the room. It was just the two of them in her two story home. The night was theirs. A sudden surge of excitement and joyful happiness overcame her. An opportunity was at hand. She clenched a fist and smiled eagerly.

"Come on." She swiftly took ahold of him by the hand. "There's something I've always wanted to do."

"What is it?" The feline was led outside.

"Just follow me." Anita hurried into the yard. The full moon peeked around a heavenly cloud, glowing brightly in the night sky above them, lighting the silvery path before them. Albert could barely keep up with the lady wolf as she took him down the dirt path through the underbrush. The crickets were softly chirping in the wet grass around them

"Why are we here?" He looked around the dark stream. The soft roar of the little waterfall could be heard above the nighttime insects. Anita quickly shucked her clothes, disrobing completely. Albert was taken aback as garments were tossed aside into the damp grass without care until she was completely naked.

"What on earth are you doing?" He was utterly confused. The wolf didn't answer immediately and instead bounded into the water in a loud crescendo. A few leaps out, she paused and turned around. Her fur was glowing from the moonlight above, and a radiant smile was visible along her face.

"Come in and join me!" She splashed the water enthusiastically. "We'll swim together under the full moon!" His jaw dropped at the proposal.

"Are you crazy?" He laughed.

"You will join me... or else I will splash you." She waded close to shore and cupped her hands underwater. With the imminent threat at hand, Albert avoided any risk.

"Don't splash me!" He quickly scurried backwards, and up the grassy hillside. To his surprise, she sprung out of the water with the energy of an adolescent and charged up to him. The mature female wolf running uphill towards him was a sight to see. He laughed so hard that he couldn't get up and flee from the charging seamstress. She didn't hesitate to pounce on the vulnerable feline.

"Gotcha!" She pinned his arms and loomed overtop him. When his laughter finally died down, he could fully see the beauty atop him bathing in the bright glow of silver moonlight. Her fur was outlined with the radiance of the stars, and her eyes resembled twin full moons. Her breasts were hanging freely above him, like ripened fruits freshly washed. Droplets of water fell from her wet fur and dripped onto him like a gentle rain. She was breathing heavily, but the wide smile across her lips was larger than he had ever seen before.

"You're quite a sight to see." Albert softly remarked, and craned his neck forward. The wolf's eyes widened as he kissed her. The sudden move caught her completely off guard. She remained petrified until they parted, snapping her from the brief stupor.

"Oh my God..." Her voice was breathless. She craved for his lips to return to hers, but this time she didn't wait. Anita lowered her head and kissed him squarely on his lips. Her jaw quivered and her body trembled as their mouths entangled. She almost did know what to do. So much time had passed since she last felt this way, but everything felt right. Anita softly moaned feeling his hands tenderly rub up and down her rear before trailing up to her sides. When their lengthy kiss finally broke, both were heavily breathing. Even though their lips had parted again, their eyes never left each other's gaze. Albert's hands made a gentle pass at the side of her breasts before cradling her head. He caressed the fur on her cheeks with lovely smoothness. The little pinches and prods to her chest made her body tingle delightfully.

"Your fur is so soft." He whispered. "Just like your pretty eyes." The feline blinked as her hands clenched his shirt tightly.

"Now." She told him with a yearning breath.

"Your room?" He guessed, but she shook her head.

"I can't wait." She tugged at his clothes again with unfettered desire. Buttons threatened to pop as her hands quickly worked to disrobe him.

"Careful! Easy." His voice was cut off as she kissed him again. No more words were spoken between the two as the moon became the sole witness of their loving night.

Bright morning sunshine filled the entire town and landscape with its golden beauty. Grass was dappled with fresh dew and crickets nestled beneath the green blades constantly sang their peaceful chimes in the cool morning air. Yesterday's dreary rain was but a distant memory. It was a deceptively peaceful scene from a lovely night for two. A clothesline that had hastily been erected during the night was visible outside the seamstress's home. Male clothes were haphazardly mixed with female clothes, and also a pair of towels. Outside the upper story bedroom window, a pair of chirping birds landed on a nearby branch together. The tweeting and noises that ensued awoke the home's occupant.

Laying on her back, Anita's eyes blinked awake from a pleasant sleep. Unabashedly naked as usual, the wolf wasn't alone. Pressed up to her side, Albert was happily holding onto her in a loose embrace. Entwined together, they were snuggled close with the bedsheets barely covering their paws. Everything felt warm and cozy. Peeking an eye down, she could see his head was resting on one of her breasts. A bright smile emerged along her muzzle. She wanted the moment to last the entire morning, but she noticed the tabby's ear flicker. He was already awake.

"Good morning... Are my breasts useful to you as pillows?" She mused.

"Mmm. Very useful and soft." His voice cleared. His head started to rise but a gentle hand rested over him, letting him stay put.

"Then rest your head a while longer." She offered. Albert did so without complaint. It felt nice to sleep in a little, or simply lay together in bed, snuggled so close together. His hand lightly traced over her front, ruffling her fur between his fingers. Anita watched his hand wander aimlessly over her belly and legs with a bright smile. The tender touch made her heart beat with a giddy rhythm.

"Last night was... wonderful." She softly whispered. Her heart soared at the fresh memories she held.

"Mmhm." He hummed in agreement. "Who says love is only for the youth?" His words made her smile broaden with strained muscles.

"I think my face is sore from smiling so much." She held back a chuckle and covered her mouth in embarrassment.

"You look even more beautiful when you smile." He leaned up and kissed her muzzle.

"I am sore in other places too." She quietly huffed and carefully moved a leg. "Ow." The wolf winced and rested her leg back down.

"I'm not kissing you there." He plainly spoke. She covered her snout with the back of a hand as she lightly snorted a laugh.

"I wasn't thinking about that, I promise." Her arms returned to Albert, holding him in a light embrace. "Sleeping in like this is so nice." She softly hummed and nuzzled up to him.

"I thought you slept in most mornings?" Albert wondered.

"I usually do, but not with someone else." It was a wonderful feeling that she didn't know where to begin to describe. Looking over his shoulder, the feline paused before rolling onto his back.

"Hello? Anita?!" Their ears picked up the sound of a voice calling out downstairs.

"My niece..." She realized who it was. Rolling over, she pressed her front to Albert's side.

"Anita!" The voice echoed again from downstairs. "Are you here?! There are clothes outside!"

"Cover your ears. I need to yell at her." She rose onto an elbow. The feline quickly complied, knowing that her voice would carry. "Beatrice! I'm in bed! Don't come up here!" The wolf yelled. "Alright. I think she heard." Anita hoped. They couldn't make out what the voice downstairs said next, but a distinct noise caught his attention. The tabby's ears dialed.

"Is she coming up here?" Albert whispered. Soft thumping of footsteps gradually approached.

"She is hardheaded." Anita huffed. "Grab the covers, quick." With a quick reach Albert pulled the sheets over them just as the door knob jostled.

"Anita, I-" The vixen stepped inside only for her jaw to drop as her eyes popped open. The odd silence between the three lasted several seconds, where no one wished to speak. "I'll be downstairs!" She finally blurted out and turned tail to leave. The door slammed shut and footsteps quickly retreated back downstairs. Anita and Albert breathed a collective sigh.

"Sorry about that." She laid back down and snuggled up to him. "I should've known that she would stop by this morning." Her eyes closed briefly.

"It's fine. At least I'm fully awake now." He grinned as her hand trailed over his chest.

"I was hoping to fall back asleep." The wolf admitted. "But I'm awake now." She admitted to his amusement, and rose onto all fours. Albert enjoyed the view above as she crawled over him. He patted her rear, causing her tail to flick at him. Anita sat on the edge of the bed without a word. With the sudden silence, the mood had dampened. He noticed her gaze resting on a particular item on the desk. Albert rose up and scooted onto the edge of the bed beside her. He followed her gaze to a certain picture.

"Who is that?" He looked at the old photograph.

"That's my late husband, right after we were married." She remembered the spring days that were so long ago. The feline paused and thought for a moment.

"If you want me to go, then I'll understand."

"No! No." Anita turned her head to look directly at him. "Please don't." She took ahold of his hand.

"I'm happy when I am with you, but can't replace what he gave you. No one else can."

"I know, but I feel the same way when I am with you." Her words brought a smile to his face. "I love you." The words escaped her mouth. She briefly covered her lips in surprise, but dropped her hand to her lap as Albert kissed her. His breath was endearing with love, just like the previous night. She breathed when their lips parted.

"I love you too." He warmly spoke, just above a whisper. The wolf's heart soared at his declaration of affection. She looked around the brightly lit room, full of the morning's golden sunshine.

"It's a new day." Anita stood up with a smile rivaling the sun's radiance. She approached the open window and basked in the morning sunshine for a moment, giving her fur and hair a golden touch. Albert watched from afar with admiration, grinning all the same.

"But next time, you're swimming with me." The wolf looked over her shoulder at him, wearing an excited grin of her own.

"It's a promise." He agreed with a nod.

"I will go down and loosen up my niece. I'm certain that she is shocked." The naked wolf approached the bedroom door.

"Please get my clothes too." He sheepishly pointed out. Looking back, Anita remembered that his clothes were hanging on the clothesline outside.

"Oh! I forgot!" The wolf laughed. "Just wait right there!" She cheerfully exclaimed before descending the steps.

Beatrice the grey vixen walked steadfastly along the street. It wasn't quite noon yet, but she preferred visiting her aunt early in the morning. The merry sunshine and calm weather made for a nice walk.

"Is that a line at my aunt's house?" She stared at the trio of ladies standing outside the two story house. A tall German shepherd, a slim red vixen, and a pudgy grey mouse were standing together just before her aunt's little sidewalk. They weren't going inside just yet though. Walking past them, the grey vixen's ears could hear some of what they were saying.

"Oh yes. She's an incredible seamstress." The pudgy mouse lady praised her work. "I had sent at least half a dozen older garments that were torn or frayed and she patched them right up like new."

"Mmhm. But I have heard that she is usually naked inside her home!" The other whispered all of the gossiping details.

"She was when I came by!" Another added.

'Usually? That's modest to say.' The grey vixen thought to herself and reached for the doorknob. Upon entering the home, she found herself in a busy shop.

"You look gorgeous." Anita spoke with a lively smile to another lady.

"Aunt Anita?" The grey vixen was shocked at the joyful wolf wearing a gorgeous dress alongside a badger, twirling in a dress that the seamstress had made years ago. Albert, the mackerel color tabby feline was standing close by, attending to a young tabby feline lady who was frail as a rail.

"Which one do you prefer?" He showed her both drawings.

"Hmm..." The white furred feline studied both intently. "I think this one, but they're both beautiful." She picked one.

"Good choice, although it's tough to pick from this artist's incredible works." He admitted and walked over to Anita. "She picked this one." He held up a piece of paper.

"Excellent!"

"Anita, what's going on?" The fox quickly approached her aunt.

"Beatrice!" The grey called out. "I wasn't expecting to see you today. We've been very busy today."

"I had some other chore to tend to, but is he helping you out?" The grey fox didn't understand. "I have never seen you this happy before, and you're wearing a nice dress!"

"Albert has done a lot of helping out." She smiled at the feline.

"It's nice to meet you again, Beatrice." Albert kindly greeted her. "And it took me forever to get her to wear it."

"If you break her heart she'll smash you into a hundred pieces before I can." Beatrice warned him.

"If Anita does that, then I can only hope that she will assemble me into a beautiful mosaic." Albert wittily replied. Anita laughed at their little banter. Beatrice relaxed after a little sigh.

"You know I'm happy for for you two, but it's a little hard for me to believe." She offered a promising grin.

"Thank you again for this dress!" The female badger exclaimed, interrupting them. "I had no idea my body measured out the same as yours. This fits beautifully."

"You're very welcome, and I'm glad that you're comfortable in it."

"Hey, since you two live close to the stream running back here, I wanted to ask something." The badger inquired.

"Of course." Anita obliged.

"I have heard from several people who live near the river that they have heard splashing at night. It only happens when the moon is shining bright." The badger told them. "Have you heard this at night?" She asked. The feline and grey wolf looked at each other while Beatrice folded her arms in suspicion.

"Must be two young people madly in love." He smiled and winked at Anita.

"Must be." The wolf grinned back at him.