This story is based on an actual place here in Australia where I have been going for years called 'Poley's Place'. My Dad is friends with the owner and the setting and names that may pop up in this story are all real, except for the fact that I'm not bringing Torchwood to Australia. I visited there these holidays and couldn't shake this idea, so please read and enjoy!
"Gwen, Ianto, how do you feel about going camping?" asked Jack randomly one day. They had all been through a lot recently. Apart from the earth almost been destroyed by daleks, the team had gone through some personal changes. Ianto and Jack had decided to call it quits, and Ianto had met someone outside of work and never been happier. Gwen on the other hand, had broken it off with Rhys and although she refused to talk about it, Jack had a pretty good idea why.
"What is it then, rift activity?" asked Gwen absently.
"No nothing like that. I just thought that we could all do with a break" said Jack.
"And you thought of camping" finished Ianto. "Do you remember what happened the last time we tried camping? Aliens in the countryside? O no, sorry. Humans that tried to eat us" he said sarcastically.
Jack ignored him. "Look, I know this place" he continued. "It's run by a friend of mine. It's been a while since I've seen her, and the property is just beautiful so-"
"Her?" questioned Ianto.
"Look I don't know" said Gwen unsure.
"Trust me Gwen, you'll love it. Picture a valley, surrounded by hills, overlooking a river that flows down from the mountains. I've been going there for years. It's the one place I'll always go back to" he said passionately.
Gwen watched him fondly and then turned to Ianto. "What do you think?" she whispered.
"I think we're going camping" he whispered back.
"Well?" asked Jack impatiently.
"Of course we'll come" answered Gwen.
"When do we leave?" asked Ianto.
"As soon as we're ready. Why, is that a problem?"
"No no. I've just got to make a call" he said.
"Good. Ok I want you two to go home and pack. Meet back here in an hour" said Jack excitedly.
"But what about food, tents, sleeping bags…" Gwen asked.
"Leave all that to me" said Jack.
"I don't like the sound of that" whispered Ianto to Gwen.
"And you promise you won't try anything on us?" asked Gwen.
"Not if you don't want me to" he replied cheekily.
An hour and a half later, after Gwen had to go home twice and Ianto's long goodbye, the three of them set off for 'Poley's Place'.