The shuttle back to Earth took an indescribably long time after leaving the space dock. Two months in space and this was the part that felt unending. The trip had been a diplomatic success, Jim had maybe, accidentally, caused it, and commendations were great, but he really just wanted to be home. He ducking loved being in space, out amongst stars and rock and life unaccountable but as the trip had wound down, he was finding himself missing people who genuinely liked him, and didn't just hang around him because he was there.

That he could admit to himself.

It wasn't something he'd ever say out loud.

That he hadn't been able to get more than one or two messages to and from Bones was only a side note to an otherwise amazing summer.

He disembarked the shuttle with a smile and a slight bounce to his step as he waved goodbye to the crew he'd only slowly started to know. He stopped, dropping his bag on the ground and sucked in a lung full of fresh air.

It really was good to be home.