The final chapter is here! Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing ^^

Thanks MyLadyDay and Vergina-spva for beta'ing

The song is Under Jolly Roger by Santiano

Chapter 18

"Have you been here before?" Ace asked Izo as he held the door of the restaurant open for Marco.

"I have, actually, but not since it reopened." Izo looked around the room they were currently standing in. It was in the same style as it had been before it burned down, only bigger. It was obvious they went with an ocean theme, which was fitting, considering the logo was a giant fish. Inside, there were some aquaria and many models of old sailing ships, but in all, it was quite tasteful.

"Sanji's cooking is the best," Ace continued cheerfully, sighing happily. "To be honest, I can't decide which I like more, his or Thatch's."

"The poor thing has to make do with my cooking most of the week," Marco said amusedly.

"I thought he'd eat anything," Sanji's voice suddenly sounded next to them. He was wearing a suit, a dishtowel over his arm and balancing a tray on his fingertips.

"I thought so too, but he likes my muffins, so he must have exquisite taste," Izo said.

Sanji raised a curly eyebrow.

"Believe me, you don't want to try them," Marco warned him. "They are inedible. No offence."

Izo huffed. "Excuse you, but Thatch said they had gotten better, so."

Ace's eyes started to shine. "Even better? You have to make me some more then!"

Marco shook his head, smiling.

"Let me take you to your table," Sanji said. "I've reserved one near the kitchen in case Thatch has a free moment. That's not the case right now, as it is rush hour."

Izo could see that. At first sight, it didn't seem like there was any free table, and this was only a weekday. The last time he was here, he had been dining with a client, and the food had been absolutely amazing, so it didn't come as a surprise that it was still popular. Thatch had to have his hands full. "How is he doing?" he asked Sanji.

"Well, he is unfazed by the bustle, that's for sure. He remains cheerful and he actually coaxed the other chefs into singing sailor songs," Sanji replied.

Izo, Marco and Ace started to laugh. "I'm not surprised about that," the latter said. "The first time I came over to them," he gestured in Marco's and Izo's general direction, "all brothers suddenly started to sing sailor songs. It's fun."

"At least it seems to keep them at bay," Sanji said with a sigh. "I'll get you the menus." He walked away.

"It sounds like he's having fun," Ace said excitedly.

Izo leaned with his head on his hand and smiled. Tonight was Thatch's trial night at the Baratie, and Izo, Marco, and Ace had come to support him. It would probably only be emotional support, seeing how busy he was, but Thatch appreciated it nonetheless. Besides, Izo thought it was just nice to eat fancy food with his brothers.

A waitress came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray, and fragments of a sailor song reached them. Izo chuckled, only barely keeping himself from singing along. It would probably not be appreciated.

Sanji returned with their menus and after taking their orders, he pushed the door of the kitchen open. Another part of the chorus could be heard, until the door fell close behind Sanji.

"So, how's it going between you two?" Ace asked as he opened his menu.

Izo smiled, thinking about the past few days. It had been some of the best of his life, even if his routine hadn't changed that much, aside from the fact that he was now allowed to kiss Thatch. Still, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders, and Izo couldn't remember when he had been this happy before. "It's going very well," he finally said.

Ace grinned at him. "I figured as much, seeing that you haven't stopped smiling since I saw you. But I'm really happy for you. Marco, you're taking a starter, right?"

Izo smiled at how easily Ace switched the subject, and was even more amused when Marco asked sighing what Ace would like that he ordered. The starter would eventually be consumed by Ace anyway.

"By the way," Izo said, causing Marco and Ace to look up from the menu, "tonight is on me, so don't hesitate to order what you like." He held up his hand when Marco was about to protest. "I insist. You both have been worrying about me and Thatch, so this is my way of saying thank you."

"So, is it okay if I take two starters?" Ace asked excitedly.

Marco laughed. "The way to man's heart is through his stomach after all."

Ace pouted and elbowed him in the ribs. "The food's just really good here."

Despite the rush, their food came relatively fast. Izo immediately saw that Thatch had made up his plate, as there was a small heart made out of sauce. It was a bit sappy, but Izo had to smile nonetheless.

When dessert came, Thatch finally had a moment to see them, bringing their food himself. He looked adorable in his chef's outfit, in Izo's opinion, even if it was covered in stains.

"How is it going?" Marco asked, smiling despite the fact that his dessert was snatched from under his nose. He probably hadn't expected anything else.

"It's going well," Thatch replied, his hand sneaking on Izo's back.

"Sounds like you're having fun in there," Ace said with his mouth full of chocolate cake.

"I have, yeah. The chefs are a bit rough on the outside, but they're all sailors at heart." He patted on his chest dramatically. "Apparently, the owner has taken most of them in off the street and taught them how to cook himself."

"How's Lu doing?" Ace pulled a painful face when Izo slapped his hand away from his dessert. Thatch had made it, after all.

Thatch let out a laugh. "He's being fed constantly, in addition to clearing off the plates, so he's not complaining. And Sanji has a way to get him to work."

Ace snickered. "That sounds about right."

"Alright, I have to get back." Thatch leaned down to give Izo a kiss. Izo's cheeks coloured a little as they had never kissed in public before, much less in front of his family. Still, he wasn't complaining.

"It might get late tonight, so don't wait up, okay?" Thatch continued.

Izo snorted. "Yeah, right. I'm perfectly fine here until the kitchen closes."

Thatch grinned, obviously happy that Izo decided to stay. "Alright, I'll see if I can sneak you some more dessert." Under loud cheering of Ace, he left for the kitchen again.

The party to celebrate Thatch moving in with Izo was as much of a chaos as it always was, but Izo was happy all their brothers had made it. As had Shanks, because he had caught wind there would be a party, Luffy, and several people who had grown up in the orphanages owned by Pops. Izo had warned his neighbours in advance, because even though he had a detached house, parties with his family could get loud.

The kitchen door opened and Thatch came inside, bringing with him loud laughter and music from the living room. "Hey, you're not hiding in here, are you?" he asked amusedly.

"I'm not, " Izo replied. "I'm restocking the muffins. They're actually eating them." He turned around, beaming.

Thatch laughed. "I told you they're getting better. Though, I think it was mostly Ace who ate them, and Luffy, of course."

"I don't care," Izo said with a huff. "They like my muffins!"

Thatch smiled again and kissed him, wrapping his arms around him. With a sigh, he placed his chin on Izo's shoulder.

"What's wrong?" Izo placed the plate of muffins back on the counter to caress Thatch's back. "Are you nervous?"

"Maybe a little," Thatch admitted. "I mean, I'm not backing out and I know they'll be happy for us, just…"

Izo took his face between his hands. "They're our family, of course they'll be happy for us. If Pops's okay with this, then they will be too. And if they are not," he continued a bit heated, "then I'll kick all of their asses personally."

Thatch laughed and kissed his lips. "They will be happy, I know they will be."

"Only one way to find out." Izo took Thatch's hand and picked up the plate of muffins.

It was snatched from his hand the moment he exited the kitchen, but Izo was just pleased when he saw Luffy and Ace stuff themselves, especially when Ace gave him the thumbs up. The stock of booze was dwindling rapidly, but there was more where that came from. It was tradition for everyone to bring some booze, as it would cost a fortune if only one person had to buy it all. In the hallway there were several more cases of beer and other alcoholic beverages.

The party was as much fun as it usually was, but Izo could still feel the nerves radiating from Thatch. Fortunately, Izo knew just what would put him at ease. He walked to the stereo providing the music and turned it off for a moment, ignoring the protests, before putting up a familiar tune. When the first notes played, he could see Thatch perk up from the corner of his eye, and it didn't take long before he started singing the first verse.

The kingdom of the sea, it is ours to reign
We broke our chains, we broke our chains

The repetition was echoed by the rest of the people present, including Izo. Luffy didn't seem to know the words, as he hadn't been to many of their parties yet, but he sang along all the same.

No man shall ever take our liberty again
We ride along the waves, our hearts are strong
We're rolling on, we're rolling on
May freedom guide the way, somewhere out where we belong

By the time the chorus started, Thatch seemed to have forgotten all about his nerves, dancing around with Rakuyo. They weren't the only ones, though, everyone who wasn't too drunk yet – or perhaps not drunk enough – enthusiastically joined in.

Under Jolly Roger
We sail the seven seas
Under Jolly Roger
Our hearts are wild and free
Go raise the colours
We paint the sky in burning red

Under Jolly Roger
It's treasure that we seek
Under Jolly Roger
We roll in our fleet
Salute our brothers
Go paint the sky in burning red
Come and raise the flag

Raise the flag
Raise the flag
Raise the flag

As the last notes died away, everyone continued with the things they had been doing before the song started. Thatch, however, looked much happier and he flashed Izo a grin, no doubt knowing he had done it on purpose.

"Guys, can I have your attention?" Thatch suddenly called. The music was turned down and all eyes were on him. He looked over his shoulder at Izo, who nodded encouragingly. "So," he started, "aside from me moving in with Izo, there's another reason to celebrate."

"Then throw another party tomorrow!" Hatura called and he was supported by many cheers.

"Like we need another reason!" Rakuyo said, and there was cheering at that as well.

"How about I tell you the reason and we can continue partying?" Thatch asked. He was met with even more cheers and applause. However, now that it came to the crunch, Thatch seemed to be at a loss for words.

"Well, spit it out then!" Fossa called.

Thatch looked at Izo for support and took his hand. However, suddenly, Izo found himself being dipped with Thatch's lips pressed against his.

When Thatch put him upright again, they were surrounded by an eerie silence. Everyone was looking at Izo in anticipation, as if they were expecting him to beat the crap out of Thatch for pulling a stunt like that. Instead, though, Izo smirked and wrapped his arms around Thatch's neck to kiss him again. This time, the silence was broken by loud cheering and whooping. Izo smiled against Thatch's lips, because he had expected that exact reaction.

What he hadn't expected, however, was for Jiro to say, "So who had today in the pool?"

"That would be me." Ace jumped up, laughing excitedly.

"Excuse me?" The whole room froze when Izo spoke those words, and the colour drained from Ace's face.

"I-I just figured when you announced the party, you might tell everyone," he stammered under Izo's deadly gaze.

"Wait, did you know this?" Rakuyo exclaimed.

"Cheater!" Haruta agreed with him.

"I just wanted to make some money!" Still, Ace started to run for his life, followed by Haruta, Rakuyo and several others who no doubt had lost some money as well. Soon, a loud splashing could be heard when Ace was thrown into the pool.

"That sounds like fun," Luffy said and ran after them, moments before another splash sounded, before Ace started yelling how Luffy was an idiot because he couldn't swim.

Izo turned to his brothers, his arms crossed before his chest. "You've been betting on us?"

Several of his brothers took a step backwards, fearing his wrath, but Curiel, a seasoned soldier, stood his ground. "Well, once you two moved in together during Thatch's recovery, we figured it was only a matter of time before something would happen."

"Everyone ships you two," Kingdew added.

"What does that even mean?" Thatch asked, but Izo patted him on the shoulder.

"I explain later. And you," he looked at Kingdew, "read too much fanfiction."

Namur grinned. "We're just happy for you. Congrats, bro."

After everyone had hugged or kissed Izo and Thatch, the party continued like it hadn't been interrupted. The fact that everyone just accepted their love was something that Izo loved about his family. They only cared about each other's happiness and not about the way they obtained it.

Izo danced with several people before he went looking for Thatch. He found him sitting next to Shanks.

"You're one lucky bastard, you know that?" Shanks said to Thatch as he sipped from the bottle in his hand. "Izo's one fine piece of ass."

"One fine piece of ass you'll never have," Izo said amusedly to let them know that he was within earshot.

"Not for lack of trying," Shanks said with a dramatic sigh. "What does he have that I don't? We're both handsome, funny and have amazing hair."

"Wait, you hit on Izo?" Thatch asked surprised. "Why didn't I know that?"

"Because I turned him down. I'm not going to date my brother's ex."

"You only date your brother," Shanks said, grinning around his bottle.

"Just this one." Izo sat himself down on Thatch's lap and wrapped his arms around his neck. Shanks held up his bottle in silent cheers and grinned at them.

Placing his head against Thatch's, Izo watched his family sing and dance with a smile. Ace and Luffy came back inside dripping wet and were soon provided with dry clothes, before they rejoined the party. Pops was sitting on the couch drinking from a bottle of rum, soon joined by Shanks, and they appeared to make a contest out of who could finish the fastest. Izo couldn't see who won, but it didn't matter anyway. The only thing that mattered to Izo right now was that he had his family around him and his love close by.

He was finally happy, and he was going to let no one ever take that away from him.

END