Pleasant return

The ride home is anything but quiet, with Mazzy chatting the entire way. Her curiosity seems insatiable, and she asks questions about everything she doesn’t recognize. You answer the best you can, and she seems delighted in your answers.

You learn more about her, as well. In addition to food and drink, she also seems to have a love for all things related to entertainment. Music, theater, even modern technology such as movies and video games, which she discovered upon arriving in your world. You realize that you’ve been underestimating her simply because her world was less advanced than yours. The reality is that she’s probably adapting better than you would, had things been reversed.

You find out that she’s around your age, and has no real family left behind. Halflings apparently don’t maintain close relationships with their parents very often, due to their natural wanderlust. Until a halfling bonds with someone, they tend to bounce from place to place, never settling in until they meet their mate. Mazzy grins at you as she says that, and wiggles her eyebrows comically. Despite the joking, you can tell that she’s serious about your relationship.

The trip is short, which is good because you’re definitely driving distracted. You find yourself glancing over at her constantly, and most times you find those lovely purple eyes looking back at you. You also note that her hand stays on your leg unless she’s gesturing excitedly about something, and even then she puts it right back afterwards.

Soon, however, you’re pulling into the driveway of your small house, and Mazzy bounces in the seat and claps her hands. “Is this our house? It’s cute, I love it!”

You chuckle, nodding. “This is it. I got lucky, most people my age can’t find a house they can afford, but I happened to know someone who was willing to let it go for cheap.”

The two of you get out of the car, and you grab Mazzy’s bags from the back. The excited little halfling takes your hand and starts tugging you towards the front door. “C’mon! I want to see it!”

You laugh. “Ok, ok. It’s really nothing special, I didn’t expect to be bringing anyone here today. I hope it’s up to your standards.”

Mazzy giggles. “As long as there’s a kitchen and a bedroom, I think we’re in for a fine evening, Brian!”

You pause for a moment, and then laugh. “Very subtle, Mazzy.”

Mazzy shrugs, still smiling. “You want unsubtle? Ok, I’m going to cook you a nice dinner, and then we’ll go have sex!”

You laugh again. “Well, I can’t say no to that offer. Let’s go inside. It’s not fancy, but it’s home.”

Mazzy gives your hand a squeeze as you open the door.