Title: Love in the Milkway
Authors: Dani and Anne
Category: Jack/Jo
Disclaimer: We don’t own Blue Heelers, or the Corrs song “Love In The 
Milkyway”
Summary: Jack and Jo find love in the milkyway (or the bush as it so 
happens)
AUTHOR'S NOTE: ANNE: Thanks to Dani for writing this story with me. 
And thanks to my fav Heelers authors, Rachael and Jaki
DANI: Thanks to everyone who has given me ideas

Jo was sitting at her desk trying to concentrate on the pile of paperwork 
Tess had gotten her to do. ‘Stretch?’
‘He isn’t here Parrish.’
‘Oh, okay Boss.’
Tom glanced at his young constable and sighed. He had a feeling that 
the Maggie/PJ problem was happening again. He wished he had known 
earlier that it was catching.
****************************
Jack sat in the car, on patrol with Ben, thinking. And, yet again, he was 
thinking about Jo. Damn it! That's all his mind seemed to be able to focus 
on lately. He was getting in trouble constantly by Ben, Tess and the 
Boss for not having his mind on the job. But how could he when such a 
sexy woman was sent out on patrol with him. Damn! There went his mind 
again.
*********************************
Jo was thinking over in her head what she should say to Jack when he 
came back. The station door opened to reveal Jack and Ben come 
storming in.
< Here goes Parrish. This is it. Just don’t let Ben see. >
“Lawson...Lawson.”
“Yes, Boss?” Jack answered quickly.
“You haven’t been concentrating on your work lately, and neither has 
Parrish. It is getting near to the holiday break but I am going to need you 
both at that stage so I’m giving you the next week off, starting now. So 
go home, get packed and I don’t expect to see you until next week. 
Understand?”
“Yes, Boss,” both Jack and Jo answered in unison.
******************
Back at the Imperial, Jack and Jo got out of the car and headed towards 
the pub. 
“Hey Stretch! A whole week off! This will be FUN!!” Jo was excited 
about the whole thing.
“Mmmm. Where should we go?” Jack asked.
“We?” Jo knew Jack would become uncomfortable with that comment.
“I mean...’ Jack tried to explain.
“Don’t worry Stretch. I know what you mean. Where do you want to 
go?”
< To my bedroom with you > Jack thought to himself and instantly 
blushed.
Jo raised an eyebrow and wondered why on earth Jack was blushing. 
"Stretch..Stretch?"
Jack mentally shook his head and looked down at her. "Remember when I 
talked to you on our first night patrol about us sleeping under the stars?"
Jo nodded. "Sure." < How could I forget? >
"How about we go camping together?"
“That’d be really good, Jack. I’d enjoy that.”
“Then it’s settled. We are going camping. We still have enough light to 
get out to a secluded spot.”
“A secluded spot sounds nice. Very nice indeed.”
“Ok. Well go and pack some warm clothes. < Not that I want her to keep 
them on > and don’t forget a sleeping bag.”
“One problem, Jack.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t have a sleeping bag.”
“You can borrow mine.”
Not realising what he had just said, Jack started blushing.
“Thanks Jack. That’s kind of you to offer to keep me warm.”
“That’s quite alright.”
“Well, I’d better go pack.”
“Yep, ok. Oh and by the way we’ll be taking Matilda and not the ute.”
“Excellent, you can teach me to ride.” 
< God..her arms around my waist > “Sure thing.”
***************************
“Jo, I’m going to be in my room.” < I’d much rather be in yours > Jack 
walked over to his door.
Jo nodded and watched him walk in. < Oh God, how am I going to survive 
a week with him...alone? >
Jack turned and saw Jo staring at him. ‘Everything okay?’
Jo blushed. ‘Sure!’ she squeaked. She turned and hurriedly unlocked the 
door to her room, her hands shaking the whole time.
Jack watched her and grinned.
***********
Jo finally got into her room after fumbling with her keys. < How am I 
going to control myself with an amazingly gorgeous man around me all 
week and also sharing a sleeping bag? I’m not going to be able to keep 
my hands off of him! >
*****************
Jack is packing his camping gear while thinking continuously about Jo. 
< She is soooo gorgeous and sexy. How am I going to handle myself? I’m 
sharing a sleeping bag with her for God’s sake! Well, I’ll have to cross 
that path when I come to it. Now all I have to do is get ready >.
*********************************
Jack decided to put Jo on the front of Matilda. He told her it was for her 
experience, but he really just wanted to have his arms enclosed around 
her small waist. Jo couldn't stop the rush of sensations coursing through 
her body at his arms being tightly around her and him breathing on her 
neck. 
< How the hell am I supposed to concentrate on riding this horse with 
him doing that to me!!? >
“Now Jo, all you have to do is steer her as we walk on okay?”
“Mhmmm.”
“Okay. See it isn’t that hard. You’re a natural.”
“Yeah right, Stretch. You’re just saying that!”
“I’m not, honestly!”
< He keeps using that soft voice, it’s sooo sexy. >
< God I love this woman > Jack thought to himself, as they went along the 
dirt track. He mentally shook his head! He did? He smiled to himself. He 
did. They arrived at a nice spot.
'Okay, Jo, how about here?"
"Wherever you say, boss. Um, how do I stop her?"
"Matilda, this is it," Jack told his horse.
Matilda stopped so suddenly that Jo nearly fell off, and would have, if it 
hadn't been for the strong arms that held onto her. Jack swung off and 
held out his arms for Jo to fall into after she clambered off Matilda. He 
held her in his arms for a moment and they both realise the closeness of 
their proximity.
“This is beautiful, Jack.”
< As beautiful as you, Jo > Jack thought staring at the wonderful woman 
standing in front of him.
“Well, we should tie up Matilda and set up camp.”
“Sounds fun. What should I do, Stretch?”
< Kiss me > Jack mentally slapped himself.
“Ahhh, you can collect some wood for the fire.”
“Okay,” Jo said as she walked off, collecting wood.
Jack watched Jo for a while, as she collected the wood. God he wanted 
her. And they had been SO close to kissing before...but maybe, tonight, 
in front of a wood fire, some true feelings would come out.

Jo took some deep breaths as she collected wood for the fire. A little 
closer and she would have been throwing him on the bed...uh, sleeping 
bag. She picked up another piece of wood and headed back to their 
camp, where she was pleased to find, Jack had set up the sleeping bag 
and got the place ready to start the fire and make dinner.
"You are a regular little bushman aren't you, Stretch?" Jo smiled, kneeling 
down beside him and placing the wood there.
< A little bit closer > Jack thought. “Yeah, I’m out here a fair bit. Why do 
you ask?”
“Just asking. Is that sleeping bag going to be big enough?”
“Yes, it’s a double one.”
“Oh, okay. I hope it’s warm because they said it’s going to be cold 
overnight.”
“It’s for -25 conditions. Is that warm enough?” < If I had my way, we’d be 
warm enough without the sleeping bag >.
“That’s very much warm enough.”
Jo turned to look at Jack. He was staring into her eyes.
Jo knew, by the way he looked at her, that they'd be able to start their 
own fire soon. She moved a bit closer to him. He looked down at her. She 
moved her lips up towards his and he accepted them, kissing her deeply. 
Jo moaned and snaked her arms around his neck, as the passion in the 
kiss exploded.
Jack moved Jo beneath him and she groaned as her head and body 
moved against the ground.
Jack started and sat up. "What? Are you okay?"
Jo's dark brown eyes stared up at him, hazy with love. "Yeah, but I think 
we should get the sleeping bag if we want to be comfortable."
Jack grinned and nodded, moving to retrieve it. Jack slowly laid Jo down 
on the sleeping bag, careful not to hit her head on the ground. Slowly, he 
started to let his hands wander Jo’s small body. Jo smiled and pulled his 
head down to meet hers, as their lips fused together in another 
passionate kiss. As the kiss deepened, Jo started on Jack’s shirt. Slowly 
unbuttoning it, she took her time, she also wanted to get it off him. Jack 
smiled and started on Jo’s clothing. Instead of starting on her shirt, he 
started on her jeans. Running his hands up her leg and stopping at her 
belt buckle. He looked up at Jo and she nodded her head, as she got rid 
of his shirt. Slowly he undid the buckle, wanting this night to last.
Jo looked up at Jack. “Is this forever?”
Jack grinned. “It better be.”
Jo smiled and ran her hands up Jack’s chest, pulling his head back down 
to hers again. She loved the feeling of his kiss, it made her feel amazing.
“Jack.”
“Mmmm?”
“I’m cold.”
“Oh I’m sorry,” Jack said, slowly pulling the sleeping bag up around 
them and continuing he was doing before. Slowly running his hands up 
Jo’s back and taking her shirt off of her body. < What a body! > Jack 
thought.
Jack was even more excited now and it urged him on even more.
Jo was soo glad she was lying down. She’d never ever trembled when 
she’d had sex with Andrew or any of her other boyfriends. But this, this 
was different. Every move that Jack made, made her shiver and want to 
be closer and closer to him. She smiled as she realised this was what true 
love must be like. And she loved it.
Jack had gotten Jo down to her underwear and Jo had gotten Jack down 
to his boxers. Just the thought of having sex in the bush sounded kinky 
to Jo, but hey, people have done stranger things. 
Jack leant down to kiss Jo for the hundredth time that night. Jack was 
being careful. Did she want him to go further? Did she just want to stay 
like she was? How would he find out? 
Jo watched Jack still his movements and she knew what he was thinking. 
“Jack,” she said softly.
Jack started out of his reverie and looked down at her. “Yeah.”
She caressed his face, cupping his cheek with her hand. He smiled at her, 
her beautiful face was flushed.
“Jack, make love to me,” she said.
Slowly, Jack slid his hands around Jo’s back. Fumbling with her bra 
hooks, he finally got it undone. Flinging them somewhere next to him, 
Jack just stared down at the flesh that lay beneath him. He slowly worked 
his way down to Jo’s waist, slowly pushing her underwear off her body.
< How can this woman be soo gorgeous? > Jack thought.
Jo started to work on Jack’s boxers. They were off within 10 seconds. < I 
know now how fitting the nickname Stretch is and I’m not complaining. > 
Jo thought while chuckling to herself.
Jack looked down at her strangely, hearing her chuckle. Jo sobered 
immediately, seeing his look.
Jack caressed Jo’s back and looked to her face for permission to go 
further. Jo smiled and nodded to give Jack the confidence he needed. 
Slowly and gently, he brought up the courage. Jack moved over her and 
stared at Jo intently as held her. Jo gasped and wrapped her arms around 
his neck. Jack stilled. 
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Jo nodded. “You just take a bit of getting used to, Stretch.” She moved 
her head a little and kissed his chest. “Please don’t stop.”
The next morning, having alternately been kissing, making love and 
chatting all night,
Jo slowly opened her eyes to the bright glare of the sun. She was feeling 
a bit cold and wondered why. She looked next to her to see Jack but 
there was no Jack.
"Jack?.....Jack?.....Jack where are you?" Jo yelled
Silence
"Jack" Jo yelled again
Jo could here Matilda's footsteps and turned to the direction they were 
coming from.
Walking towards her was Jack leading Matilda.
"Where have you been Stretch?" Jo asked questioningly
"Matilda needed some water and there is a lake nearby. I'm sorry to leave 
you" Jack said as he left Matilda to roam and walked over to where Jo 
was in the sleeping bag.
"I was worried about you"
"Well no need to worry now. How did you sleep?"
"Very nice. Especially after some activities to keep me warm. Do you 
always play those games when you some out here?" Jo asked trying not 
to laugh.
"Well...That game we played last night was just for you!" Jack said 
trying to keep his face straight.
"Mhm, well I’m glad about that"
Jo leaned in and kissed Jack softly but with passion. Jack slowly pulled 
back and said
"It isn't cold now Jo"
"I don't care"
"Ooooo.....our mood has changed since yesterday when you were so 
quiet and not able to look at me."
"Stretch my mood hasn't changed. I was so quiet because I was thinking 
about 
you!"
"Ohhhhhhhhhh," Jack replied, as it started to dawn on him.
"Yes!!!" Jo said, glad he understood.
"I think it's time to move camp. What do you think?"
"Yes, but let me get dressed first!!"
"Oh..I thought you were going to treat me to a day of me being able to 
see your beautiful body"
"Nice try Stretch. Can you please find my clothes for me"
"On one condition" Jack said tapping his lips
"Ok" Jo leaned in and kissed him but with passion. “Now will you please 
get my clothes for me?"
"Ok. Anything for you!"
Jack had a very special place he wanted to take Jo to camp that night and 
he knew the way off by heart...Lovers Leap.
Jo leant back into Jack’s arms, that were holding her as they walked 
along on Matilda.
‘You didn’t do that yesterday,’ Jack commented.
Jo grinned. ‘Well, Stretch, we didn’t make love on Thursday night either.’
‘Because we’re both to pigheaded to admit our feelings,’ Jack said 
honestly.
Jo attempted to turn around. ‘What are you trying to say?’ she asked.
‘Wait and see,’ Jack told her.
As they rode on, Jo got more curious as to where they were going. As 
they neared the Leap, Jack made Jo close her eyes.
“Stretch, where are we going? And why do I have to do this..blindfold 
on my face?”
“You’re impatient, Jo. We’ll be there in a minute. Just keep ya knickers 
on.”
“That’s a bit hard when I’m around you,’ Jo answered back, laughing.
He laughed. “Jo you come out with the wierdest things, but this is what I 
enjoy about you.”
“I’ll never change, Stretch.”
"You better not," Jack smiled. 
They arrived at their destination and Jack helped Jo down from Matilda 
and he embraced her. He turned her so that they were both looking at the 
view and he removed her blindfold.
"Wow," Jo said, looking at the view.
"Yeah," Jack replied, looking at Jo.
Jo blushed a little and Jack kissed her gently. 
"You're cute when you blush," Jack told her.
"So, why did you bring me here to camp?" Jack asked.
"Because I wanted to tell you something and I thought here would be 
the best place to do it."
Jo looked at him intently. "Okay."
Jack smiled. "I love you."
Jo's eyes widened. 'Huh?"
'I love you so much, Jo. I have for ages. Ever since you blasted into Mt 
Thomas and kept getting yourself in trouble. I love the way you 
backanswer Tess and quibble with PJ. I love the way you complain about 
the locals and the way your heart is always in the right place. I love the 
way your foot is nearly always in your mouth. And most of all, I love the 
way you smile and joke with me."
Jo was, for the first time in her life, speechless. She stared back at Jack 
and then broke out into a huge smile. 
"Jack, that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
Jack grinned and kissed her.
"And Jack?"
'Mhm?"
"I love you too. Very much."
Jack stood holding Jo in his arms while watching the sunset. By the time 
it was dark, Jack couldn’t see anything, but could hear Matilda, only a 
few feet away. Slowly and carefully, Jack walked with Jo holding his 
hand back to where Matilda was. Jack brought out a flashlight and 
started collecting wood for the fire.
“Jack?”
“Mmm?”
“What are we going to eat? I’m starving.”
“Well, I thought I could.”
“Yes, you thought you could what, Jack?”
“No, it’s too dirty.”
“Plllleeaase,” Jo begged.
“Jo, you can probably guess...It was like last night...remember we didn’t 
eat then?”
“Yeah, but we were busy...doing...ohhhh...I get it now...you just want to 
skip to the other part of the evening, don’t you?”
Jack started blushing uncontrollably. < Thank goodness it’s dark > Jack 
thought.
Jo smiled to herself. She could just imagine Jack blushing now.
"Well, Jack. Here's the thing. I can't function without food. However, we 
can have a quick meal and then progress. Do you think you can last?"
Jack continued blushing. "Sure. No problem. Forget what I said."
Jo moved a little closer and kissed him. "I won't forget, but I do want my 
dinner first."
While Jack was lighting the fire, Jo was preparing a quick meal of 
sausages in bread.
“So, what are we having for tea my little chef?” Jack asked hungrily.
“Sausages in bread. Is that okay?”
“Is it quick? That’s all I’m worried about.”
“You’re a worry, Stretch, but I love you.”
“Yep. I know. That’s just me.” Jack looked down at Jo. Even though she 
was wearing jeans and a t-shirt with her hair pulled up from her face she 
looked so sexy.
"Jack.."Jo warned. "Eat your sausage."
Jack pouted at her and she laughed.
Jo knew that one of the best things about this relationship was that they 
were friends first and lovers second. She could laugh with him and cry 
with him. She munched on her sausage, keeping an eye on him, making 
sure he wasn't getting too carried away.
"Now you're doing it," Jack told her.
Jo looked up at him. "What?"
"What you said I was doing."
Jo muttered something and chewed her sausage.
“What was that Jo?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you sure? You muttered something under your breath.”
“I just said you’re funny.”
“Oh, okay then.”
Jo smiled and looked at Jack warmly.
Slowly, Jack walked over to Jo and draped his arms around her neck. 
“Jack.”
“Mhmm.”
“I love you,” Jo said, pulling Jack down to her level and kissing him 
passionately.
“I love you too,” Jack said, deep in thought about Jo. “How about we 
take this over there?” Jack continued to ask Jo, while pointing towards 
the sleeping bag.
“I would enjoy that very much.”

TBC

Tess yawned and Ben grinned. 
'Didn't sleep last night?' he asked. 
'Not much,' she admitted. 
Chris came over. 'So, how are you guys coping without the two young 
constables?' 
'Admirably, thankyou, Chris,' Tom sighed. 
'Where did they go?' PJ asked. 
Chris pretended she didn't hear them. 
'Come on Chrissy,' PJ prodded. 
'Camping,' Chris said, running over to the bar. 
'Camping?' Ben said, glancing at his friends. 
“I can’t believe our two Constables have gone camping together,” Tess 
said, shocked. 
“Yes, well there will be a lot of questions I want to ask when they get 
back,” Ben said, whilst laughing. 
“Ben, Tess, I’d be careful if I were you... they might be planning 
something to have a prank on you now.” 
“Don’t be silly, PJ,” Ben said. 
“Yeah, PJ, don’t be...” 
“Don’t be what, Tess?” 
“Ummm..don’t worry.” < I have never noticed how cute Ben is > Tess 
thought 

Back at the Leap, Jack and Jo were definetly NOT planning pranks. They 
were more employed in..uh..different activities. Jack and Jo were doing 
more physical activities than planning a prank on Ben and Tess. They 
really didn’t care about Ben and Tess, they were focussed on their love 
life. 

Ben was walking Tess home from the Imperial. 
'You know, you really didn't have to walk me home,' Tess told him, as 
they walked along in the misty evening. 
'It's no trouble. It's not like I stay at the Imperial or anything.' Ben noticed 
Tess looked cold. He took off his jacket and draped it around her 
shoulders. 
'Thanks,' Tess smiled. 
Ben noticed what a beautiful smile and pretty face she had. 
Tess noticed him looking at her. 'What?' 
Ben felt caught out. 'You should smile more. It lights up your face.' 
Tess couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. 'Thanks,' she 
stammered. They reached her house. 'Here we are.' 
Ben walked her to the door, and they stood at the porch for a few 
moments. Then, he couldn't resist it. He kissed her gently. Tess felt 
herself warm to his kiss and moved closer to him, wrapping her arms 
around his neck and responding fully to his kiss. 
When they finally broke apart, Ben smiled and caressed her face. 'I better 
go.' 
Tess nodded. 'Yeah.' 
He kissed her softly again and was gone. 

5 DAYS LATER


Jack and Jo knew it was time for them to head back to town, back to 
civilisation and back to work. 
“Jack?” 
“Yeah?”
“What is going to happen?” 
“Between us?” 
Jo nodded. Jack walked over to Jo and wrapped his arms around her. 
“Jo, we are going to continue what we have been doing and not let 
anyone find out. Okay?” 
“Yes. That’s perfect, Jack,” Jo leaned up and softly kissed him. “We’re 
going to be have careful though. We don’t want to get caught.” 
“I know. I’m glad you’re living back to the Imperial again.” 

MEANWHILE BACK IN TOWN


Ben and Tess were grumbling about doing all the paperwork and 
piddly cases that they usually let Jo and Jack do. They were 
definetly looking forward to the duo coming back to work.

'Things sure are quiet around here,' Tom said, entering the station.

'That's because Jack and Jo aren't here,' Ben answered.

'They're not back yet?' Tom asked.

'You did give them the week, Boss,' Tess reminded him

'I must have had too much to drink with Falcon Price,' Tom groaned, 
heading for his office.



IN THE MT THOMAS FOREST SOMEWHERE


‘Jack.’ 
‘Yeah, Jo?’ 
‘How much longer?’ 
‘About ten minutes, Jo. How come?’ 
‘My butt is killing me.’ 
‘Want me to give you a massage when we get back to the Imperial?’ 
‘That sounds fantastic Jack. You’ve given me something to look forward 
to.’ 

THAT NIGHT


Jo was dead tired and leaned heavily on Jack as they entered the 
pub that night.

'Well, well, well, the bushies are back,' PJ smiled.

'How was the trip?' Tess asked, her and Ben nearly falling off their 
chairs with curiousity

'Great,' Jack smiled.

'I'm soo tired though,' Jo sighed.

'Why?' Ben asked, he and Tess waiting with anticipation.

'Because we did a lot of walking and riding,' Jack said hurriedly.

'I'm glad you answered like that,' Tom said gruffly.

'Are you going to join us for a drink?' Tess asked.

Jack looked at Jo who looked back at him.

'Not tonight thanks guys,' Jack said. 'We're really tired.'

'Damn,' Ben whispered to Tess who nodded.

‘What did you say Ben?’ Jo asked. 
‘I said I wanted to buy you and Jack a drink.’ 
‘Okay Ben,’ Jo said quietly. 
Jack and Jo walked slowly upstairs and stumbled into Jo’s room. 
‘Jack?’ 
‘Mhm?’ 
‘I’m really tired.’ 
‘Same. Let’s hit the sack.’ 
Before Jack had finished what he was saying, Jo was asleep. 

Later that night, Jo woke up and looked down at Jack. He smiled up at 
her and brushed some hair out of her face. 
‘Hey,’ he said softly. 
‘Hey,’ she replied, snuggling next to him, feeling his arms wrap around 
her. 
*She’s a girl with many quirky ways 
She can take you to another place 
Where she’ll explore you and adore you in her way* 
Jo leant down and kissed him gently. ‘Thankyou,’ she said. 
He looked up at her, confused. ‘What for?’ 
Jo was glowing and Jack smiled. 
‘For everything. This past week has been great! I mean, any boyfriend 
I’ve had, has always focussed on the physical side of things and well..I 
know we do a little..but...’ 
‘We’re friends first,’ Jack told her. 
‘Yeah,’ Jo answered. 
*She won’t give you time to hesitate 
What she looks for is to fascinate 
To unveil you and derail you 
Come what may, come what may* 
‘I love you,’ Jack said slowly, pulling her down to meet his lips in a deep 
kiss. 
‘Love you back,’ Jo replied, increasing the intensity of the kiss. 
*She’ll give you love in a milkyway (love in a milkyway) 
She’ll give you love in a milkway 
What you want she’ll give you 
What you want, yeah, what they say you need 
Love in a milkyway (love in the milkyway*) 

FINIS