Peter Beale stepped out of the train station and out on to the street of Walford. He looked round his surroundings. It had been nearly two years since he had last step foot oin Walford, but he had missed his sister, even though they had a massive falling out. He sighed once again and headed in the direction of the chip shop, suddenly feeling hungry. He was about to push the door open, when someone called his name.

'Peter?'. He turned round and saw Lauren Branning running towards him. He dropped his back and welcomed her hug. Lauren drew back, a smile on her face.

'What are you doing here? Last I heard from Lucy was that you had a huge row with her'. Peter looked slightly guiltly.

'Yeah, well she doesn't know I'm here. It's a surprise so keep quiet, yeah?' he asked, remembering the mouth Lauren had on her.

'Well… Luce will find out soon enough anyway' said Lauren, seeing Lucy's shocked face expression from the chip shop window. Peter turned and sent a simple smile in her direction.

'I'll catch you both later' said Lauren, watching the scene play out in front of her. She clapped him on the shoulder and walked away…

Joey Branning walked out of the Queen Vic and saw Lauren speaking to a blonde guy he didn't know. Ever since he had arrived in Walford, the person he seemed must closest with was Lauren. But he knew that Lauren was bound to have friends of either gender… So why was he suddenly feeling like Lauren belonged to him? He shook himself to get rid of the voice in his head, as she walked past. He planted a smile on his face and rushed to catch her up, swinging an arm round her shoulder casually.

'So, what your plans for tonight?' he asked, uncertain of where he was actually heading with this

'Erm.. don't know yet? Why? Want some more lowdown on Branning family history?' joked Lauren. Joey smiled and chuckled.

'As fun as that sounds, I think not. How about a movie or something?' he asked. Lauren looked at him, a disbelieving look on her face.

'If you think I'm sitting in some dark, smelly theatre for two hours... You've got another thing coming' said Lauren. Joey rolled his eyes playfully and removed his arm from her shoulder.

'Lauren!... Lauren, you want to go out tonight?' said Whitney, as she rushed up to Lauren.

'Yeah, sure I haven't got anything planned'

'You can come too if you want' said Whitney to Joey, tossing her black hair over her shoulder. Joey chuckled.

'Nah I'm alright. I've got better things to do...' he said. Lauren looked at him and then looked at Whitney.

'There'd better be some hot blokes there tonight. Reckon I could leave with one of their numbers?' giggled Lauren. Joey had to literally bite his tongue to stop himself shouting at her. He needed to get away, clear his head. What was wrong with him? Lauren was his cousin. It didn't matter who she went out with or what she did. So why was he feeling like this?

'I've got to go. See you later' he stumbled away, ignoring Lauren shouting his name...

It was a few hours later, Joey was walking back from the park, when he heard a door distantly slam. He turned from where he had stopped in the gardens and saw Lauren checking she had everything in her purse before heading down the steps. Joey felt his mouth fall open at his own record and his eyes wondered.

'JOEY! Where have you been?' shouted Lauren, as she stopped him and rushed over to him as her heels would allow her.

'Out' Joey managed to say, whilst looking everywhere but Lauren. Lauren frowned and decided to drop the matter. She hooked her arm through his and Joey found himself walking.

'Where am I going?' he said

'To R&R. With me and Whit' answered Lauren, smirking to herself...

Three hours later, Joey had practically warned every guy off Lauren, making her furious at her cousins antics. She hadn't listened to him and was currently dancing with guy, very closely. Joey felt the sofa dip slightly next to him and turned his head to see Lucy and Peter sat next to him.

'Hey babe' said Lucy, kissing him lightly. Joey smiled as she pulled away. He caught Laurens eye. Was it his imagination... or did he detect a hint of the green eyed monster in Lauren's eyes just then. He was pulled out of his thoughts when Lucy hit him on the arm.

'Joey... this is Peter, my brother... Peter, this is my boyfriend, Joey'. Joey smiled and shook hands with him. Lucy looked round.

'Where's Whitney?'

'Who?' asked Joey, as he was focused on the guy currently dancing with his cousin. He missed the disbelieving look Lucy sent him.

'Whitney! You know... our friend?'

'Oh yeah... well-' Joey cut himself off, as Lauren was now struggling to get away from the guy. He shot out of his seat and headed straight for Lauren.

'I believe she said let her go!' shouted Joey, pulling Lauren closely to his side. The guy scoffed.

'And who are you?' the guy asked, getting in Joey face.

'I'm her cousin... Who are you?' Joey spat back, pushing Lauren behind him protectively.

'I'm Brad... and she's mine' he said, lunging for Lauren, however he got Joey's fist in his face before he could even get a foot forward.

'JOEY!' screamed Lauren, grabbing his arm. He turned to her and pulled her back to him.

'Let's get you home' he said to her. Lauren nodded and let Joey lead her outside. As she stepped outside, the amount of how much she had drunk hit her.

'Oh God... Imma have a hangover in the morning' singsonged Lauren, reaching out for Joey's arm. He quickly caught her, round her waist.

'Lauren, can you walk?' he asked. Lauren swayed from side to side.

'Not far' she said. She let out a shriek, as Joey scooped her up in his arms bridal style and began carrying her home...

He was lucky Max and Tanya were asleep, the last thing he wanted was a barrel of questions been thrown at him. He walked up the stairs and quietly opened the door to Lauren's room. He carefully avoided waking Abi up, as he pulled Lauren's heels off and tucked her into bed. He turned to leave, but Lauren grabbed his hand.

'Stay with me... please?... I'd rather not be alone after what happened'

'I don't...'

'Please, Joey' Lauren slurred slightly. Joey nodded and laid down on the bed.

'Okay... But only for tonight' he said. Lauren sighed happily and snuggled into his chest, falling asleep almost immediately. Joey looked down at her, savouring this moment, she looked beautiful in his eyes, the moonlight creeping through the curtains, illuminating her face. He pressed a kiss to her forehead gently, savouring the moment...

This is my first EastEnders Fic. And if you don't like the pairing... DON'T read X