Joey's P.O.V

"What would I do without you?" Lauren asked rhetorically, looking me in the eyes as my hand crept around her face, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear like I had only hours ago.

"We won't have to find out, will we" I said as she leant into my hand which now rested on the side of her face somewhat cupping it.

"I'm sorry for being such a cow earlier, Joey." She added after minutes of silence carelessly staring into each other's eyes.

"Don't be, Lauren." I said as I lowered my face down and captured her lips on my own. Unlike my usual behaviour, behaviour like I would use on Lucy, I moved my lips slowly as she began to move her own in sync. I wanted this moment to last forever but knowing it couldn't made me want to cherish it and enjoy it even more. After about a minute Lauren pulled away from our enduring passion.

"What have we just done, Joey. We're cousins. Oh my God." Lauren looked at me in disbelief as I let out a small laugh. "It isn't funny Joey, that was wrong, it shouldn't have happened."

"Babe, if it was so wrong, why did it feel so right?" I asked as she licked her lips and pulled my head towards her own capturing my lips once more. This time, the kiss from both of us, was a lot more rough and passionate then before as I ran my tongue along her bottom lip asking for access. As she granted it our kiss grew all the more pleasurable, whilst our tongues fought for dominance, before she broke the kiss.

"I had to be sure, but yeah, it felt right." She admitted, looking down as her cheeks blushed the most beautiful shade of red.

"You're special, Lauren. You're so beautiful and special." I admitted, lifting her chin. "When you blush it's the most stunning colour." I added, flashing a cheeky grin, as she slapped my arm and I faked pain.

"Do you mean that?" She asked

"Yes, stop doubting yourself, you're amazing." I added, kissing the back of her hand. I've never been so passionate towards a girl before. Normally, a bit of skirt, would just be a bit of fun for a while. When they got clingy and committed it would just go downhill. But Lauren was truly different.

"Before this goes any further, is it just a fling, will this just end when times get tough?" She asked, now looking me in the eye, while she blushed. I shook my head.

"I've never felt this way before, babe..." Before I could finish she placed her finger over my mouth implying that she wanted me to stop. I raised my eyebrow.

"Don't say it, Joey. If we are going to do this you need to promise me that until I'm better you don't fall in love with me. It wouldn't be fair on you, babe." She said to me, smiling as I nodded, and I tucked her hair behind her ear again. A nurse then entered the room. "Joe, go get me some chocolate? There's some money in my jeans pocket over there" She added, smiling at me, whilst she pointed towards her jeans. I agreed."

Lauren's P.O.V

After I had discussed my injuries and illnesses I lay staring at the ceiling. The reality of what was happening finally hitting me, I realised that life's too short, I have to enjoy my life while I've still got one. With current circumstances God knows how long that will be for. Joey returned to the room shortly with my chocolate and some water for us both.

"Thank you, Joey! You're a godsend!" I said, pulling him into a small hug, as he handed me my chocolate. He returned the hug and as I pulled away I unwrapped the top of my chocolate bar.

"No problem, baby" He said. He was so sweet.

"I know I'm probably freaking you out here but could we please discuss the help I need?" I asked, looking down slightly but then looking back up and into his eyes.

"Yeah, sure. I was thinking I use the money I've been saving to move out of Lucy's to get you treatment in a rehabilitation centre? I know a good one." He proclaimed, reassurance in his voice, smiling widely.

"Joe, you've been saving that money near enough since you came, you couldn't possibly use that." I sighed.

"Don't be so silly, Lauren. I have over one thousand pound, to be honest, I was just waiting for a better offer that was free." He smirked and winked, sincerity in the front half of his statement.

"Dad won't sleep in his and my mums room any more, he's been in with Oscar, you could move into there if you'd like? I don't possibly know how else I could repay you for this, Joe." I smiled, taking his hand in my own as I finished my chocolate. My hand looked so small in his large one and the butterflies it made me feel were overwhelming.

"I'll have a think about it, yeah, gotta' tell Luce first." He rolled his eyes. I could tell he didn't care about Lucy. It made me wonder if he cared at all about me.

"Offer's there, babe." I added. After a lot of banter and joking around, the nurse told Joey he had to go, I needed sleep before the hospital released me. It also gave Joey an opportunity to sort the rehabilitation centre out and inform close family.

Joey's P.O.V

I left Lauren after a few hours of playful banter and cheeky kisses. I said my goodbyes and kissed her passionately. As soon as I was out I decided to call Leasowes Rehabilitation Centre. I got her a twelve step pack, which lasted for six weeks, which would cover recovery from alcohol abuse and private counselling sessions to cope with the loss of a loved one. The counselling sessions came from the hospice which her mum was in. The people there understood her and could connect with her better then most. I knew that a private rehab would be better for Lauren, so it wiped out most of my money, I need to help her with her recovery though. I went around to Uncle Max's house swiftly afterwards.

"Uncle Max, hey, I've paid to get Lauren some private help. It was her own idea and she was adamant that she didn't want me to waste my money on her but its for family ain't it." I proclaimed as he opened the door. "I don't mean to be rude but she said I can move in if I wanted?"

"Oh my God, Joey, thank you so much. You can move in but no funny business. Take my room, I rarely go in there anyway, you'll find a bed in there." He said, pulling me in for a manly hug, his voice more relaxed than it had been for weeks. I smiled my thanks and said that I would get my things, after informing him of how Lauren was coping, as tomorrow would be a long day I needed a good nights sleep.

A/N

I am seriously considering to stop posting this as I don't want to offend anyone by the upcoming story line. On the chapter where it is introduced I will really appreciate your opinions. I won't be offended in any way if you be honest with me. X