Home

Visiting my mother tends to bring about conversations involving either of us referring to my "home" either as here, or my own flat. That has led me to idle thoughts about what "home" is.

For myself, what I want from my home is that I feel safe. And... my home is my place, where I don't have to welcome anyone I don't want there.

But home is different things to different people, so I'll go poke some of my fictional characters about it.

Brice: When I hear "home", I picture the house I grew up in. That is...not very useful.

Gabriel: Home is a place where I don't have to play a role, or project a certain image.

Daaren: People who trust me, and whom I trust. A community in which I have a place.

Sylvie: Home is where I know the rules.
Nico: Say what?
Sylvie: I mean... I don't have to be afraid all the time about doing something wrong because I know what kind of behaviour is normal, and which is, oh, "fighting words".
Nico: Sounds more like home country?
Sylvie: I guess? Otherwise... home is family.

Dehrai: Yes. Friends that become chosen family, and the place we carve out for ourselves.

Xan: Anywhere no-one tries to kill me is close enough at the moment.

...
Sylvie: Nico?
Nico: Yes?
Sylvie: You butted in. After that, no sneaking out without answering the question.
Nico: Fair enough. ... Um. Homeplace is wherever I can stash some possessions and myself and be reasonably sure neither gets harmed for a while. Homefeeling is... I'm... I guess it's peaceful. It's hard to grasp. :/

If you want to share, what does "home" mean to you?