Firstly I'd like to say thank to everyone who's read, reviewed and guessed the chapter titles throughout this story. I've really appreciated hearing your comments... some of them have really made me laugh (yes, I'm talking about you, Mandy!).

I had one correct guess for the chapter title today - so for the last time, well done chloem93. I wish I could say who got the most right - but I just don't know. Sorry!

Anyway here is the last chapter... and it's appropriately called Last Time - a nice counterbalance to the first chapter. Are you panicking about what is going to happen with a title like that? Enjoy!

Chapter 23: Last Time.

Joey walked up to the front door of number 5, his head down and his hands deep in his pockets. Today was going to be a difficult day and the last thing he wanted was to do this alone. He couldn't believe it had been ten days since his dad had died and today was the day they were going to bury him. It was bizarre really... it felt like ages since he'd died and yet at the same time, it had passed in a flash. One thing he knew... he missed him. He missed having someone he could turn to for support and know they would be there for him always. He knew he had Lauren... but sometimes... well, to put it bluntly, sometimes that wasn't what he needed. Sometimes he needed a man he could talk to. His dad had been that person for him and now he had no one.

There were currently three sheets of papers that were burning a hole in his jacket pocket and every time Joey thought about standing in front of everyone and reading those words he felt physically sick. It had taken him two days to work out what he wanted to say in the eulogy and he'd read it once, standing in the middle of Lauren's room while she watched. His speech... or as far as he'd got through it before breaking down in tears had moved Lauren to tears as well. Since then whenever he'd tried to read it, a huge lump had formed in his throat and he couldn't get a word out. He wasn't sure what was going to happen at the service and right now that was bothering him a lot. He didn't want to let his mum... and his dad... down.

The door opened and Max held it open for him, ushering him into the house. Lauren was walking down the stairs and she moved to him quickly and hugged him. "How are you feeling, Joe? Are your mum and Alice okay?" she asked him softly.

Her question about him was one he'd heard a lot over the last ten days. He wished he knew how to answer it. His heart clenched and he held her a little tighter. She seemed to understand what he was silently telling her.

"We need to leave in twenty minutes," Max said as he walked into the lounge.

Lauren pulled away from Joey and pulled him with her as she followed after her dad. She let go of Joey's hand and walked over to where her dad stood. He was trying, unsuccessfully to do his tie and Lauren stood in front of him and did it for him. "It's okay, dad..." she said softly.

"When did you become so grown up, eh?" he asked her, his voice hoarse with emotion, "What happened to my little girl?"

"I'm still here, daddy... I've just gotten a bit older and answer back a little bit more." She said with a smile.

Max hugged her and kissed the top of her head, "Thanks babe." He whispered, "Go and look after Joe... I think he needs another one of your hugs too."

Lauren walked back to Joey, seeing him standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. She straightened his tie and brushed her hands over his jacket, brushing away specks of dirt and creases that weren't even there. She slipped her arms beneath his jacket and around his waist, pressing her face against his chest. They stood in silence for several minutes, Joey drawing strength from his beautiful girlfriend as he mentally tried to prepare himself for the next couple of hours.

*JL*JL*

Joey sat in the back of the car, blankly staring out of the window. Lauren was tightly clutching his hand in both hers. Every now and again she would squeeze his hand softly and her thumb brushed the back of his hand. Her head was leaning on his shoulder and he knew she was watching him.

His uncle was driving and they were heading towards Plaistow and the cemetery there. Grandma Reenie had spent her last years in that part of London and it was after her death that Granddad Jim moved to Walford where Max and Derek already lived and he met Dot and ultimately married her. Joey's dad had wanted to be buried near his mum. He'd brought a plot there shortly after his mum's death, before Joey was born and now they were going there to lay him to rest.

A lot of the last few days were just a blur to Joseph Branning. For example, his understandings of the travel arrangements had been inaccurate, although he only found that out when they went out to get in the cars. His mum and Alice were travelling in the car behind the hearse. Uncle Jack was going with them as support in addition to his Grandparents. He had again been offered a seat in the car with them but he'd refused. He needed to be with Lauren. She was the only thing that was going to keep him sane today. He hoped she knew how much he needed her today... and always.

Uncle Max had spoken to him again the night before about their relationship. He'd pointed out that the rest of the family would find out about them being together today and he'd said that they were there for him and Lauren. They had their support.

At first he hadn't cared what anyone said but then he realised how their reactions would affect Lauren. He knew family was important to his girlfriend and she would be heartbroken if they made horrible remarks about the two of them. He was fairly sure Uncle Jack would be okay. Lauren was his favourite niece and he was therefore unlikely to do anything other than support her. The rest of them he wasn't too sure about.

He turned his head as he was vaguely aware of his name being said. Lauren was sitting forward and looking at him in concern. "Joe?" she said softly, "We're here..."

He looked out of the window and she was right, they were at the cemetery. He also realised it was just the two of them in the car, "I don't know if I can do this, Lo..." he whispered.

"You don't have to do this alone, JoJo... We're all here for you... I'm here for you. Let me support you through this." Her hand came up and caressed his cheek, turning his head so he was looking at her, "I'm here for you Joe..." she repeated, staring into his eyes and making sure she had his full attention. He took a deep breath and nodded his head. "Let's go then..." she whispered. She reached past him and opened the door. He climbed out, turning back to the car and helping Lauren out, all the time ignoring the rest of the family. Lauren slipped her hand into his, her other hand on his arm, squeezing it gently when she felt him tense. "Do you have your speech?" she asked him softly.

"Jacket pocket..." he said, his free hand patting it gently.

"You just have to ask if you need me for anything, okay."

"Stay with me..." Joey whispered, a haunted expression on his face.

"I don't have any plans to be anywhere else." She said. She glanced towards the family, "I think we should get over there..."

"Can we stay here a few more minutes?" he asked.

"I'd love to say yes... but dad keeps looking over here and trying to attract our attention..." she said. She squeezed his hand and, somewhat reluctantly on Joey's part, they made their way over to the family.

Joey glanced around at them all, seeing some parts of his family he was less familiar with. His dad's other sisters were both there, Auntie Suzy and Auntie April. They were here with their husbands and he was sure there were a couple of cousins that belonged to them too. Sonia and Martin were there and Robbie had come back from India. Joey couldn't help but notice that they were all staring at him and he felt self-conscious. He walked over to where his mum and Alice were stood, pulling Lauren along behind him. He hugged his mum, feeling her break down against his chest. Alice clung to their mum tightly and Joey again thought how unfair it was for someone as young as she was to lose her parent. He released his hold of his mum and reached for Alice, kissing her softly on the forehead. "It's going to be okay, Al..." he told her softly. She nodded but he could hear the lie in his voice and knew she didn't believe him any more than he did.

*JL*JL*

The family gathered around the grave. Joey was standing beside his sister, his mum standing the other side of her. On his other side, holding his hand tightly was Lauren. He was barely listening to the vicar. His eyes were riveted on the coffin before them. Before the service Joey had been surprised by the number of people in attendance but now it just felt like there was only him, Lauren, his mum and sister here.

*JL*JL*

Joey looked to his right when he felt his mum's hand on his shoulder. He glanced at the vicar and saw everyone was looking at him again. He swallowed down the bile that was trying to force its way out of his throat. He swallowed again, wishing he could have a drink... something to wet his now parched mouth. It was time for him to read his eulogy. He took the sheets of paper out of his pocket, his hands now sweating, moistening the paper and smudging the writing. He looked at Lauren, a look of panic on his face. She squeezed his hand and stared into his eyes. She gave him some strength he would need to get through the next few minutes.

He moved to stand at the top of the coffin, the vicar to his right. He glanced around at the people in attendance and quickly looked down at the now slightly crumpled paper in his hand. He cleared his throat and swallowed the huge lump in his throat.

"My dad was someone I always looked up to... throughout my life, even in the last few years when I towered above him in height. He was a man who was larger than life and tried to live it to the full. Family was important to my dad. He would do anything for family which is something I think he should be respected for." Joey looked down, his eyes starting to water. "My first memory of my dad was when I was about a year old. He had come home from work and during the day I had taken my first steps. As soon as he was through the door, I was off... heading for him. I remember the look on his face as he saw me walking towards him. His whole face lit up and when I reached him, he gave me a huge hug and spun me around in the air, making me giggle and scream out daddy." The lump was back in his throat and he inhaled deeply, trying to control his rapidly fraying emotions. He looked back at the sheet of paper but for the life of him he couldn't read the remaining words. He wanted to look at Lauren... he needed her help but he knew if he looked at her he was going to lose it completely and he was determined to finish this. He owed his dad that much. He kept his eyes on the ground, closing them as he fought his internal battle. A hand slipped into his and he knew it was her. She squeezed his hand tightly and some of his earlier strength returned. "Derek Branning was a son, a brother, a husband and uncle." He continued, his voice not as strong as he'd like it to be. "To me though he will always be my daddy..." He squeezed Lauren's hand as tight as he could. "He will be missed by everyone who knew him and I know that not a day will go by where I won't find something new that I'll miss about him." His voice broke and he couldn't help the sob that flew out of his mouth. The last few words were too much for him and he broke down, his shoulders shaking as he wept.

Lauren watched Joey fall apart and she reacted instinctively, not thinking about anyone else other than her boyfriend. She took the crumpled sheets of paper from his hand and then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulling him against her. His face buried in her neck and not for the first time since his dad died, he lost himself to his tears. Lauren felt her own tears forming as Joey clung to her. The family watched in silence, sobered by the sight of Joey breaking down. "It's okay, JoJo..." she breathed in his ear, kissing his cheek softly. "I'll read the rest for you..." she told him, squeezing his hand. He straightened back up, keeping his head lowered as he struggled with how he'd reacted in front of everyone. Lauren turned to face everyone, "I'm going to read the poem that Joe found which is very fitting for the reason we're here..." she said, her voice soft and filled with emotion.

Don't cry for me now I have died, for I'm still here I'm by your side,
My body's gone but my soul is here, please don't shed another tear,
I am still here I'm all around, only my body lies in the ground.
I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,
I am the frost, that nips your toes.
I am the sun, bringing you light,
I am the star, shining so bright.
I am the rain, refreshing the earth,
I am the laughter, I am the mirth.
I am the bird, up in the sky,
I am the cloud, that's drifting by.
I am the thoughts, inside your head,
While I'm still there, I can't be dead.

"So this is what I think we should do... we need to remember Uncle Derek because as long as we remember him and keep him in our thoughts, he's still with us; with his family, just where he would want to be." Lauren whispered.

The family stand in silence as the coffin is slowly lowered into the ground. Alice and Joey's mum are in floods of tears and Uncle Jack and Lauren's dad were hugging them both, helping them deal with their grief. Lauren's main focus was still Joey and she could see he was faring little better than the rest of his family. She knew he was crying again... although he hadn't really stopped in truth... but now it was harder and she could see how much this was affecting him. Joey's mum threw some dirt onto the coffin, an act repeated by Alice and all of Derek's siblings. Granddad Jim and Grandma Dot threw two white roses onto the coffin. The family fell silent again and the vicar finished the service.

*JL*JL*

Joey and Lauren stood side by side at the edge of the grave. Some of the family had moved away and it was only Lauren and Joey's immediate families that remained. "We'll wait for you at the car, sweetheart." Her dad said softly. She nodded at him once, although she was staring at Joey. Her dad kissed her on the cheek, his hand squeezing her shoulder before he ushered the rest of the family away.

Silence surrounded them, the air becoming damp as the weather started to take a turn for the worse. "Thanks Lo..." he croaked.

"You don't have to thank me, JoJo." She told him softly.

"I know... but I want to..." He risked a glance at her and found her staring at him. "I don't want to leave him here..." he admitted in a shaky voice.

"I know." She whispered, resting her head on his shoulder and giving him some time.

"Kiss me, Lo..." he said softly after several minutes silence. The look on his face was heartbreaking for her to see and she didn't even think about saying no to his request. She stepped closer to him, tilting her head back so she could meet his mouth in a soft kiss. Her hand settled on the back of his neck and her thumb brushed his hairline as the kiss naturally deepened. She hugged him tightly once the kiss had ended and she took his hand, squeezing it as he bent down and pick up a handful of mud, tossing it gently into the grave. "I love you, daddy..." he whispered.

*JL*JL*

Some people were still milling around in the car park and Lauren ushered Joey to her dad's car as the rain started to come down much harder. Neither of them notice the way their Auntie Suzy was staring at them as they left the graveside.

*JL*JL*

The immediate family walked into the Queen Vic for the wake after most of the other people had already gathered. All of the family was there and many of the residents of the square who hadn't been able to attend the service. The last to enter the pub was Lauren and Joey, Joey's hand still clutching Lauren's tightly. Max noticed his sisters at the far end of the bar and he could see the way they were talking and looking in the direction of his nephew and daughter. He sighed... could this family not have any peace? Not even today?

"So Lauren and Joey?"

It was a much friendlier voice... and there was a hint of laughter to his words. Max turned to his brother and his younger brother pushed a glass of whisky towards him. "Yeah..." he confirmed.

"How long?" Jack asked softly, glancing at his niece and seeing her sitting with Joey, talking to him softly and trying to calm him down.

"Almost a year... but in truth... forever," Max said, taking a gulp from his glass. "They told us just before Christmas and we were happy about it. We've always known something would happen between them... they were so close as they grew up. It was only ever a matter of time..."

"And Derek?" Jack said.

Max smirked, lifting his glass and taking another mouthful of his drink, "He was their biggest supporter... I'll admit we were a little shocked when they told us and they left us to think and talk it through. Del was the one who convinced us to let them be together." Max explained.

"I think our sisters may share a different opinion..." Jack said sagely, nodding in their direction as Suzy, Carol and April made their way over to them. Suzy was glaring at Lauren and Joey as she walked towards them.

"Max... Jack..." She said, folding her arms across her chest.

"Sue..." Jack said.

"Max, I hate to ask... but is there something going on between Joseph and Lauren?" she asked, never one to beat around the bush.

"Would it matter if there was?" he said vaguely.

"Yes, they're cousins!" April said indignantly.

"They're happy..." Max countered.

"You can't agree with this, Max?" Carol asked.

"Why not? They've always been close... Joey has always looked after Lauren. They care for each other deeply, in a way no one else ever could. I can't think of anyone better to keep my daughter safe and to love her."

"I think it's disgusting..." Suzy spat.

"Well, fortunately for them, your opinion doesn't matter..." Max said, his hand tightening on the glass he was holding as he started to get angry with his sisters.

"You can't tell me that Derek liked this...?" Suzy spluttered.

"It shows how much you didn't know your brother then." Max said. He looked at Carol, "I would've thought you'd be more understanding about this... you've seen them growing up together."

"Yes, it's always been as if they're brother and sister – which is illegal..." Carol argued.

"But they're not... they're cousins who fell in love with each other... who've loved each other their whole lives," He stepped closer to his sisters. "Lauren has been the only person who's been able to help Joey since Derek died. Did you know it was him that found him dead? He's had his heart broken by this but he'll talk to Lauren about it and she's there for him when everything becomes too much for him to handle."

"And Derek knew?" Carol asked and Max began to think she might be changing her opinion.

"He talked the rest of us into accepting them..." Max told them. "Both of them have loved each other a very long time and Derek recognised that before any of us did, I think."

"So you're not going to stop it?" Suzy asked.

"No... And I think this conversation is now over..." He said. "Now is neither the time nor place to be discussing this... and as far as I'm concerned, there is nothing for us to talk about." Suzy turned and glared at Lauren and Joey but Max stepped in before she could go over and speak to them, "Don't even think about it, Sue..." he hissed, "This is none of your business!" He told her, his voice quiet but firm.

"Its family business, Max... that makes it my business..." She said sharply, drawing attention from people standing nearby.

"I'm warning you, Sue... if you do anything to upset them...?" he growled, finally deciding he'd had enough.

"Max..." Jack said gently, a hand settling on his brother's shoulder. Several people in the pub were looking their way, seeing the beginning of some drama starting to unfold.

Today wasn't the day for drama. Max stepped back and looked at his sisters, "I mean it... don't ruin this for them... this is what Derek wanted." He said. He downed the rest of his drink and slammed his glass back on the bar, turning and stalking over to the table Joey and Lauren were sitting at. Jack followed behind him, a quick glance at his sisters before he left. "Probably a stupid question but how are you feeling now, Joey?" Max asked as he sat down.

Joey looked at him, "A bit better actually, thanks Uncle Max..." he replied.

Max looked at his nephew, seeing how he was still gripping Lauren's hand quite tightly. He moved closer to him, putting a hand on his shoulder, "I know I can never be a replacement for your dad, Joe... but if you ever need anything, please come and talk to me about it. Me and your Uncle Jack are both going to be here for you, your sister and mum. You're pretty much like a son to me anyway..." Max said gently, "just the same as Lauren was like a daughter to your dad..." he smiled at Joey, "And maybe one day you'll make it official..." he added softly.

"Thanks Uncle Max..." Joey murmured.

Max reached for his nephew and pulled him towards him, hugging him tightly. He stared at his eldest daughter, seeing her eyes shining with unshed tears, "You don't have to do this on your own, Joey..." he whispered, "We're all here for you..."

"I know..." Joey said, "But it's nice to be reminded."

"And look after my baby girl, okay?" Max said as they pulled apart again.

"I intend to, don't worry. She's doing a pretty good job of looking after me as well."

"Good... glad that's settled." Max glanced at his sisters and turned back to Joey and Lauren, "If they give you any hassle... let me know, okay?" he told them. They nodded, looking at their aunts. "Now, do you want a drink?" He stood up and went to the bar, buying a round of drinks for their table as well as Tanya and Lesley and their younger daughters.

Joey watched his aunts, seeing the disapproving looks on two of their faces. Max came back to the table with their drinks and sat back down with them, Uncle Jack still sitting at the table too. Joey felt Lauren squeeze his hand gently and he looked at her, finding her staring at him. He smiled at her and let go of her hand. He lifted his arm and draped it over her shoulder, pulling her closer to him. Her eyes widened slightly, "You okay?" he asked her softly. She nodded, smiling at him, love written all over her face. "Good..." he whispered, lowering his mouth to hers and kissing her softly. He'd only intended it to be a brief kiss but it deepened quickly into something more. Lauren's hand came up to caress his jaw, her thumb brushing his cheek softly. He rested his head against her forehead, staring into her eyes after they'd pulled apart. "I love you..." he whispered. Her smile grew; her whole face lighting up at his words.

"Good..." she said, "because I love you too..."

Max stared at his brother, who was smirking back at him. Well, that was certainly going to put the cat among the pigeons. So much for no drama.

*JL*JL*

Joey was waiting tensely in the lounge. He was standing at the window, trying not to think about what had happened in this room the week before. This wasn't somewhere he would usually be since it had happened but he was waiting for Uncle Max and he needed to see when he pulled up outside, seeing as how it was raining cats and dogs outside. He and his uncle were going to see his father's solicitor this morning. There was some paperwork that needed to be sorted apparently following his father's death so his uncle was taking him to the solicitors so they could get it sorted.

He almost ran out of the room as soon as he saw the car pull up outside, intently making sure he didn't focus on the middle of the room too much. He was jogging out of the house and climbing into the car less than a minute later. "Hi..." he said in greeting.

"Sorry, I'm late... we had a hard time convincing Lauren it was time she went back to school this morning," Max told him. "I had to drive her there to make sure she actually went."

Joey felt the ever-present guilt increase as he listened to his uncle speak. He knew the only reason she'd been missing school was because she was worried about him and she'd wanted to be there for him since his dad's death. "I'll talk to her later..."

"It's fine, Joe. I know why she hasn't wanted to go and I understand but she's doing her A-levels, she needs to do her schooling... her mum and I want her to do well."

"So do I..." Joey said, staring out of the side window. "Do you know what the solicitor wants to see me about?" Max was the executor of his dad's will but Joey couldn't understand why he needed to be there.

"No... He didn't say anything more than that he needed to talk through some paperwork with you."

"It's not going to be a problem, right?"

"I'm sure it isn't, Joey."

The rest of the journey was made in silence and it wasn't until Max parked the car that Joey said anything again, "Auntie Suzy spoke to me at the wake..." he said. Max stared at him. "She told me she thought the relationship I have with Lauren was wrong and if I was a decent human being I would end things with her." Joey glanced at his uncle, "It's not wrong, is it?"

Max stared at his nephew and he was reminded of him as a small boy. He had the same look of fear on his face that he'd had after Lauren had fallen off her bike. "Joe, ignore your aunt, she's a bitter twisted old lady who doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut. I told her to stay away from you both. I'm sorry she spoke to you. The only thing wrong is her opinion of your relationship. I've told you before but I'll tell you again, we are completely behind you and Lauren."

"We always thought you would hate the fact we were together..." Joey said.

"We only want you both to be happy... that's all that's ever been important to us." Max said. He glanced at the time, "We ought to go in..." he said softly. "Let's go for a drink once we're done... we can have a talk about this then, Joe." Joey nodded and they got out of the car, walking into the solicitor's office for their meeting.

*JL*JL*

Max urged Joey out of the building an hour later, his nephew once more upset by what had just happened. Max drove them back to Albert Square in silence and parked the car, "Let's go to the Vic..." he said softly. They walked into the pub and Max ordered two whiskies and a beer. A couple of minutes later they were sitting at a table in the corner of the pub. Max passed his nephew one of the whiskies and the bottle of beer.

"Did you know?" Joey asked after downing the whisky, wincing as the liquor burned his throat.

"No, Joe... I would've told you if I did..."

"Why me?" he whispered.

"Joe, your dad loved you very much. He told me once that the day you were born was the best day of his life."

"I always thought he preferred Alice..." Joey said. It was something that had been on his mind ever since his dad died. Despite how upset he had been since that day, it was the one thing he'd known the whole of his life. His sister was a daddy's girl and had had a close relationship with their dad. He'd always thought it was closer than his own but now he was starting to doubt that.

"He didn't... I know there have been times when you've had difficulties with your dad, especially when you dropped out of school but he loved you. Did you know it was him that convinced the rest of us that you and Lauren were right together? He was your biggest supporter and he talked us all around."

"He did?" Joey said, glancing at his uncle in surprise.

"I think you should read the letter, Joey... I'm sure it will answer all the questions you have." Max said.

"What do I do with the money?" Joey asked.

"There's no rush to make a decision. Your dad just wanted you to have choices. You're a smart kid, Joe... Maybe you should think about going to university once you've finished at college? Getting some qualifications and using that brain of yours."

"Maybe..." Joey said, fiddling with the label on the bottle of beer.

Max finished his drink, "Do you want anything to eat?" he asked. Joey nodded absently and Max went back to the bar to order some food and get himself another drink.

While he was alone Joey pulled the crisp white envelope from inside his coat. He recognised his dad's writing on the front. He stared down at it, deep in thought as he waited for his uncle to return. Max sat back down, waiting for his nephew to speak, "I'll open it later..." Joey said. He knew he wouldn't be able to read it until Lauren was there. Their food arrived about twenty minutes later. They had returned to their previous conversation of Joey's relationship with Lauren. "Can I talk to you about something, Uncle Max?" during a lull in their talk.

"Of course you can, Joe?" Max said.

"Lauren and I were planning on talking to you all on that day... before dad..." He couldn't finish the sentence for the lump in his throat, "Then that happened and we put it to one side... but I wanted to talk to you about it; to run it by you..." He said. Joey put down his cutlery and pushed away his plate, the thought of eating anything else made him feel sick.

"You can say anything, Joey, you know that..." Max said, wondering what it was that had made his nephew pale so significantly with a red faced chaser that was now making its appearance.

"When we went to see Lauren's consultant while you were away we discussed the possibility of the cysts happening again in the future and what that might mean for Lauren... whether she would be able to have children... and what we could do if she was to lose her other ovary."

"And?" Max asked softly when he saw Joey seem to struggle with what he was trying to say.

"He gave us a couple of options and we spent time since then talking it through and researching them both more. We even went to see a counsellor so we were prepared when we spoke to you all and knew what we wanted." Joey paused, his fingers nervously playing with the label on his beer bottle once again. "We want to freeze some embryos..." he said softly, "Using Lauren's eggs and my sperm," he added unnecessarily and Max smiled into his whisky glass. "It's not something we're planning to use now obviously... we're not ready for that yet, not till we've finished school and college anyway..." Joey said, although technically that was a bit of a lie as they'd 'risked' it a couple of times in the week or so. He glanced at his uncle, wishing he could read his thoughts and get an idea of what he was thinking. "This is our back-up plan in case something happens in the future..."

"It's a sensible idea..." Max said.

"You're okay with it?" he asked softly, relief ebbing through him.

"Of course I am, Joe." Max smiled at him, "We've always known the two of you was going to happen, Joey. I don't even know why I was surprised by it when you told us in December... we used to joke about it when you were both small... because wherever you went, Lauren was guaranteed to be found right behind you."

"My little LoLo shadow..." Joey said with a fond smile as he thought back to his childhood.

"Yeah..." Max chuckled, "You were both so close when you were growing up and it always seemed natural to put you two together in the future. I can't imagine anyone else being with my baby girl, if I'm being honest. I guess it's going to sound cheesy but I always thought you were soul mates."

"Do you think mum and Auntie Tanya will feel the same?" Joey asked.

"I know they will," Max said, "Your dad would've loved it too, Joe." His uncle's words brought a lump to Joey's throat and he took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "If there's something you need when you both go through this, Joey... you just have to ask and we'll be there for both of you, every step of the way."

"Thanks Uncle Max." Joey said softly. Max went back to eating his lunch in a companionable silence. By the time their food had gone and the plates taken away again Joey was exhausted. The day had been more tiring than he'd anticipated it being.

"I've got to get to the car lot, Joe... Are you staying here or going home?"

"I'll stay here. I've sent Lo a text, she's meeting me here when she gets back from school."

"Are you okay?" Max asked him gently.

Joey looked at his uncle, "I will be..." he said, a small smile on his face.

*JL*JL*

Lauren walked back to the square after school. She'd got held up speaking to her art teacher about an assessment she'd missed last week so she was late leaving. She walked through the market and then into the Vic, scanning the bar for Joey. She saw him and smiled; the smile faltering slightly as she saw Lucy sitting at the table next to him. A little too close if you were to ask Lauren's opinion. It didn't happen often but Lauren felt the surge of jealousy ebb through her. She strode around the bar, pausing briefly to get a diet coke from Kat and then walked over to the table. She slid around next to Joey, the other side of him from where Lucy was sitting. She tried to hide the smile that appeared on her face as Joey's attention was instantly on her.

"Lo..." he said softly.

"Hey Joe." She replied. "Sorry I'm late, I had to speak to my art teacher. I need to make up the assessment from last week." She glanced at Lucy, seeing her watching them intently. Mentally shrugging she decided she didn't care anymore. She moved closer to him. Lauren saw his eyes darken as she moved closer to him. Pausing only briefly she leant closer to him and kissed him softly, smirking against his mouth as she heard Lucy gasp. Lauren lifted her hand and cupped his cheek as the kiss deepened, feeling Joey slip his arm around her waist and settle his hand on the top of her bum.

Joey smiled at her as they pulled apart, "Hey baby..." he whispered. Lauren leant against him, her head on his shoulder.

Lauren looked at Lucy, who was still watching them and she could see the disgust on her face. It wasn't a surprise to her that she didn't approve but then she'd never really liked Joey ever since she'd moved to Walford when Joey was ten and Lauren was seven. She thought he was weird and her opinion of Joey's dad hadn't been much better. Two black marks against her name as far as Lauren was concerned, although she'd never said anything to her about it; it had been an issue since she'd been going out with Joey though. This was only the second time they'd openly flaunted their relationship since the family had found out. Lauren and Joey both knew this was the next big test of their relationship.

"You're together?" she asked.

"Mmm hmm," Joey said softly, kissing Lauren's forehead.

"Isn't that illegal?" she said, clearly looking down her nose at them.

"Nope..." Lauren said.

"Well, it's not right, is it?" Lucy said. "It's just as well your dad isn't here to see it because I'm sure he wouldn't approve..."

Joey tensed and Lauren scowled at the girl who was supposed to be her best friend. "LUCY!" she hissed. She pulled herself from Joey's arms and leant over the table. "Actually Uncle Derek thought it was brilliant that we were together." She told her with a smirk, "And how dare you say something like that to Joey... I told you how upset Joe is... and you say something like that to him?" Joey placed his hand on her back and was brushing it up and down to try and calm her down.

"I don't believe you..." Lucy said indignantly. "Your parents don't know... They would never allow this."

"You think we'd sit here in the Vic and kiss, knowing that everyone in here will see us, if our parents didn't know...?" Lauren said, tilting her head and staring at blonde before her.

"I just wondered if that was what caused Derek to die..." Lucy said, staring at her friend and not seeing Joey flinch at her callous words.

"You bitch!" Lauren breathed. She was out of her seat and standing beside the blonde in an instant. "Stand up...!" she said loudly.

"What are you doing?" Lucy asked.

"I SAID STAND UP!" Lauren hissed, her voice much louder. Lucy did as she said, although you could see it was reluctantly. Lauren glanced at Joey, taking a deep breath. He nodded at her and she turned back to Lucy. "Joey's dad had cancer... that is why he died. It had nothing to do with Joey and I being together."

"He was sick...?" Lucy whispered.

"I'm not making it up, Lucy. Not everyone around here lies about that sort of thing..." Lauren said sharply. Lucy looked at her blankly, "Miscarriage ring any bells?" she stated, seeing the blonde's face heat. "Have you told your dad the truth, Luce? Maybe I should inform him... seeing as you're so keen on revealing secrets to parents..."

"You promised you wouldn't say anything..." Lucy hissed, glancing at Joey, who was watching the pair silently.

"And I haven't... apart from Joey who would never tell anyone else," Lauren said, "You see, unlike you... I can be relied on to keep a secret..."

"So you being together is a secret then?" she said with a smirk.

"No, Lucy..." Lauren sighed. "The important people know and I'm sure some who aren't that important know too..." Lauren folded her arms across her chest and looking at the girl in front of her pointedly.

"There's no need to be nasty, Lauren," she spluttered.

"I think you'll find you started it with your snide remarks to my boyfriend... If you don't like it, you know what to do!" She stepped a little closer, "And if you ever speak to Joe like that again... you will live to regret it. Friend or not... you don't talk to him like that... ever! Understand?" Lucy nodded and then turned and walked out of the pub. Lauren sat back down, pressing herself against Joey's side.

Joey kissed her temple softly, "My opinion of her will never change, Lo." He murmured to her.

"Mine has..." She whispered, turning her head and pecking him softly on the lips. "I'm sorry, JoJo..." she whispered.

"You don't have anything to apologise for, babe... Do you know how hot it was watching you standing up for me?" he breathed in her ear, "It was so hot, I could take you right here, right now." He added and Lauren's face flushed.

"Don't tease me, Joe." She whimpered. Her eyes ran over his face and despite his more jovial appearance she could see the telltale signs of strain around his eyes. "What happened today?" she asked him softly. He closed his eyes and Lauren's heart sank. The last thing she wanted for him was more pain. Joey pulled her head back so it was resting on his chest again. He leant his head so it was lying on hers and she brushed her hand over his chest, silently comforting him, "Talk to me, Joe."

"The solicitor had some papers for me to sign..." he told her softly. "Most of the assets were in his and mum's name so they pass directly to her... like the house, the car and the bank account."

"Okay..." Lauren said softly.

"He had some things that were in his name only though."

"Like what?" she asked.

"Some shares and a couple of ISA's." He said softly, "He's left them to me..." he told her. "I had to sign the paperwork to transfer them to my name."

"I bet that was a surprise?" She said.

"It was..." He pushed his hand into his jacket pocket and pulled out the envelope again. He clutched it in his hand, "He left me this as well..."

"What does it say?"

"I don't know... I haven't read it." Joey leaned forward and kissed her cheek softly, "I spoke to your dad... about the baby thing..." he said softly. Lauren quirked an eyebrow at her boyfriend, "It seemed the right time to do it and I thought it would be easier if it was just me and him."

"And was it?" she whispered.

"He was great about it... he said they'd all support us with our decision. He said Dad would've loved it too."

"Why don't we go back to mine and you can read that letter? It might give you some answers you need, JoJo. If you want to be alone that's fine... but if you want me to be there when you read it, I can do that too." She said softly.

"I want you there." He whispered, "You never have to question that, baby..." He kissed her hair again.

"Let's go then, Joe." She said, getting to her feet and holding out her hand towards him. He stood and put his arm around her waist, his other hand clasping hers. They walked out of the pub and down the street to her house. Lauren let him lead her up to the front door and soon they were walking up to her bedroom. Lauren pulled her boyfriend over to her bed and pushed him down. She climbed onto the bed behind him and knelt behind him, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing his temple softly. She glanced down and saw his hands were shaking slightly. "Is there anything I can do, JoJo?" she asked him softly.

"Just stay with me..." he whispered.

"Always..." she breathed. She watched as his thumb brushed over his name on the envelope and she recognised it was her uncle's writing. After a couple of minutes he turned the envelope over and slid his thumb into the top, opening it carefully.

He drew out two sheets of paper and unfolded them slowly. Lauren ran a hand down his chest and kissed his cheek as he mentally prepared himself to read the letter. He held the letter so they could both read it and Lauren turned her attention to the handwritten note.

Joseph,

If you're reading this, then I have finally succumbed to this illness and you will now have found out that I was ill. I'm sorry I never told you about my illness, I hope you aren't too angry with me for not telling you. I wanted to tell you; to tell you all but I didn't want our last month's together to be ones where our time was filled with anger and pain. It was difficult enough for me to hear those painful words from the doctor; him telling me there was nothing they could do for me. I got told that eight weeks ago and since then I've been making arrangements for when I've gone.

By now you will have been told about the things I've left for you, Joey. I want you to put the money to good use; to do something with your life and become something amazing. I know you have it in you, son... I always have done. Much like I have always known you would end up with Lauren. I've known since you were nine years old and Lauren had the incident with the bully. I heard from the teachers how you looked after her and you were her little protector in the nurse's office too. Your mum told me about the teddy bear you brought her and my brother about how she fell asleep in your arms at the hospital.

I don't even know if you will be with her when you read this; you aren't yet as I'm writing this but if you aren't, I hope you take heed from my words and consider your feelings for her. Both of you have gravitated around each other, practically from the day Lauren was born and I hope you have found happiness with her because I want you to be happy, son. I want you to find the girl you love and allow her to be there for you. I did that with the girl I loved and she gave me two beautiful children and many years of happy marriage.

The best day of my life is the day you were born, son, because we thought we would never have you. We had tried so hard for a baby and your mum had several miscarriages before she fell pregnant with you. We were both beginning to lose hope of ever having children but then you came along and this time we were successful. I felt complete and utter joy when I held you in my arms. I fell in love with you the instant I set eyes on you and every day has made those feelings intensify in a way I didn't think was possible. You've made me so proud over the years, Joseph and I know that will never change. I will be watching you now I'm gone and I know you will always make me proud.

I've left letters for your mum and sister. They are locked in a small tin in my office and I'd be grateful if you could pass them on to them. Please support your mum and sister, Joey... I hope that my passing will highlight to you how short time can be. And that you should appreciate what you have while you have it.

I hope this letter will help you deal with the no doubt suddenness of my passing. I hope my death was relatively pain free and I didn't suffer too greatly. If I did then I apologise to you all for putting you through the pain of watching it happen. That was the one thing I didn't want.

There is little left for me to say now, son. I hope Lauren and you will be happy, hopefully together. I want you both to make me a grandfather and to grow disgustingly old together. You have a great propensity for love, Joseph, you've shown me that repeatedly in the years since you were born and I know you have a great deal of love to give to that beautiful niece of mine. Remember that, Joey. Never forget how easy it is to love someone... and how difficult it is to be alone.

For the last time, Joseph, listen to your father and follow my advice because I give it freely to you now. Live every day to the full, be happy and love hard and deeply.

Love for now and always

Dad xx

Joey placed the letter on the mattress beside where they sat and Lauren pulled him into her arms, feeling him slump against her after reading it through. "It's okay, Joe..." she said softly, moving around him and sitting astride his lap.

"Did you see when that letter was written, Lo?" he whispered to her, hugging her tightly against him. Lauren shook her head, waiting for him to tell her rather than looking at it and finding out. "He wrote it almost two years ago... that's before we even got together."

"He knew... even then, Joe. He knew how we felt about each other." She said softly. "He said in the letter he'd known forever..."

"He's right... I've loved you pretty much the whole of my life, I just didn't realise what those feelings were." He pressed his lips to hers softly, his hands cupping her face tenderly. "Dad's right though..."

"About what?" she asked softly.

"I plan on growing disgustingly old with you... marrying you and having many children with you..."

Lauren smiled at him, her eyes widening as she took in what he'd said. This was something they'd talked about obviously, especially with her health issues but it had always been more of a possibility. Lauren knew this was a promise he was making to her, "You do?"

"I plan to have you in my life forever, Lauren Branning..." he whispered. Lauren hugged him tightly, smiling into his neck as she thought of a future with the only boy she had ever loved. It sounded like a future she wanted very much.

THE END.

A/N: And there you have it... I can't swear I won't come back to this little world at some time in the future... I'm going to miss JoJo and LoLo more than I thought I would... but it's not going to be for a while because I have other stories that I'm itching to write.

Oh and I can't take credit for the beautiful poem that Lauren reads at the funeral. I found it online but unfortunately the author was unknown... so whoever it was - thank you because it made me cry every time I read it.

I'll reply to reviews for this and the last chapter later tonight or tomorrow. Thanks again and I'll see you soon. xx