"Course I can wait," Hickey says, with a nod. "Doubt I'll be going back there any time soon anyway. Trip's nice and easy, but it is long. I'll want to stay at home for the next few weeks."

Hickey doesn't realize he says that until he's out of his mouth: he wants to stay home. He hasn't really ever thought of anything as home—to say something like that without realizing it has taken him by surprise a bit. But after a brief flash of surprise on his face, his expression settles into acceptance.

Yeah. This is home. Weird enough to think it, but it is.