Jodie’s dinner was great. The food was great. New York was great- smelly and rude and fast-paced- but great. Even the subway wasn’t too bad.

Mikael was pretty sure that being with Joey is what made everything great. 

Seeing him light up like a kid as he took him around the city, showing him the best spots, pointing out his favorite hang out places when he was a kid, it was everything to Mikael. 

Definitely worth all the arguments and all the money that proceeded the trip.

“Saved a cat from that tree when I was in 7th grade.” Joey had said pointing to a rather tall tree.

“So, you’ve always been a hero then.”

“Pretty much.” Joey nodded with a grin.

Eventually, they found themselves on the train on their way to Joey’s childhood home.

“Alright, so you’ve met Ma, Pa, Matty, and Amy. Now get ready for the rest of the crazy.” Joey warned, holding on to the handrail with one hand, and enunciating with his other hand. “Now, they’ve heard a lot about you from… well, me, Ma, Pa, Matty, and Amy. So, they’re gonna treat you like family. Which means a lot of uncomfortable questions and advice.”

Mikael nodded, determined to make a good first impression on the rest of Joey’s family.

He had done a pretty damn good job of charming Joey’s folks when he’d met them two years ago. They’d been staying with Joey for two weeks on vacation and Mikael had made sure to show them a good time.

Then, when Joey’s parents and siblings visited him for Christmas last year, Mikael had no problem befriending Amy and Matty. 

They were over at Mikael’s house almost as much as they were at Joey’s. 

They had also decided to celebrate Christmas at Mikael’s house because it had a bigger, well… everything.

Now the Izzianis loved him like he was their own.

He was pretty sure they called him just as much as they called Joey. Which was nice for Mikael, who didn't have any family left and appreciated the random check-ins and life updates.

In all honesty, Mikael had had their whole Thursday planned out. 

There was a whole hotel waiting for them with prepaid activities and services. 

But he didn't mind skipping out on all his plans. Not when it meant he had a chance to meet Joey's extended family.

Plenty of time to enjoy the luxuries of the hotel before their mandated therapy sessions started the next day.