A Bump in the Night

Chapter Four

Jack's second night at the hotel in Snowdonia was proving to be as devoid of sex as the first. He lay propped on one elbow looking down at Ianto who was unusually restless, shuffling about this way and that. Jack took this to mean that Ianto was as frustrated as he was. Their kissing and caressing shortly after going to bed was not going to be enough to get them through the night. Looking across Ianto to the beside table, Jack checked the alarm clock: 3.42. More than enough time had been wasted. Leaving the bed, he padded about getting dressed in T-shirt and shorts and was lacing his boots when Ianto's head rose from the pillow and looked across the moonlit room.

"That you, Jack?" Ianto murmured sleepily. He had been having an unhappy dream. Lost in a desert he had been able to smell water but never reach it, then even the smell had gone.

"Who else you expecting? Come on, get those on." He gestured to the clothes he'd left on the bed.

"Where are we going?" Ianto threw back the duvet and scrambled out, hands reaching for the clothes. "Something happen? The others need us?"

"Nothing's happened and that's the problem. If we don't get some sex we'll be tearing our hair out. Or worse." He had their jackets over one arm and, when Ianto had got his trainers on, held out a hand. "Come on."

Wordlessly Ianto went with Jack. Hand in hand they crept along the corridor and down the stairs, unlocked the front door and went outside into the cool morning air. It was dark but the moon was full and it silvered the grass and flower beds as the two men walked along the path. Everywhere was still around them, the quiet of isolation from the rest of the world. Ianto shivered with excitement as he recognised the path and realised where Jack was headed; they had come this way last evening. The gazebo was shadowed as they approached, a dark looming bulk set against the lighter grass with the silvery water of the river running below. Walking around the gazebo, Jack went up the four shallow steps into the building pleased that the open side faced the river and the view down the valley rather than the hotel.

"This is a great idea," murmured Ianto. He pulled Jack into an embrace and kissed him hard.

"Glad you approve." Jack responded to the kiss, hands underneath Ianto's jacket and shirt. "Now we just have to hope our friend doesn't come to find us."

"It wouldn't, would it?" Ianto looked aghast at the thought. It was almost twenty four hours since he had been shagged by Jack and he was missing it so much. Not that he intended to be a passive partner. He had plans.

"Let's find out."

Jack buried his face against Ianto's neck and began kissing and nibbling at the sensitive spot lurking there. His hands slipped inside the loose tracksuit bottoms. Delightful shivers ran through Ianto as he accepted Jack's advances then he turned the tables. Swivelling on his left foot he brought Jack round with his knees against the padded bench that ran round the gazebo's two walls and forced him backwards. Taking time only to shuck off his outer jacket, Ianto knelt by Jack's side and pushed up his T-shirt, kissing and licking the skin he uncovered and lingering on the hard nipples. Unable to keep still under the tantalising tongue, Jack used his legs to lever himself off the bench and into Ianto's arms, forcing the Welshman backwards onto the rush mat. His mouth latched onto Ianto's and they kissed deeply, tongues searching for and finding sensitive spots. The lovemaking continued with first Jack and then Ianto taking the lead until they were lost in the sensations rippling through their bodies and oblivious of everything around them.

Later they lay beside one another, sated and breathing heavily and virtually naked. Jack's T-shirt was rolled up in a tight, painful ring under his arms and his shorts were hanging off by one leg. Ianto's shirt was open and had lost several buttons and his tracksuit bottoms were gathered round his ankles. Rolling over, Jack lay his head on Ianto's chest with one arm across his waist listening to the fast-beating heart under his ear and looking out at the valley and the large sky full of stars. The pair of them had had sex in a wide variety of locations but never had the view been so magnificent. The mountains on either side framed the picture and were bathed in the faint grey of approaching dawn but where the moonlight lingered were odd splashes of colour.

"Look down there," urged Jack softly. The peace and quiet were too precious to disturb with loud voices.

Lazily, Ianto turned his head and smiled. "Fabulous. Wales is a beautiful country."

"Thanks for picking this place and making me come."

"Want me to make you come again?" Ianto grinned mischievously when Jack chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes."

Their second shag was faster and involved a lot of running round the gazebo, inside and out, before they came together pressed up against the wall. After this they pulled their clothes back on, all but their jackets, and sat watching the dawn light creep into the valley. At 6.30 they reluctantly left their hideaway and walked back up the sloping paths to the hotel, talking quietly.

-ooOoo-

Showered, dressed in jeans and sweatshirts over T-shirts and fortified by a cooked breakfast Jack and Ianto were ready to face the day and were at reception a little after nine o'clock waiting for Mary to finish her phone call. Caradoc rose from his place beside her and padded forward to be patted and admired.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting," Mary said with a smile, replacing the phone. She was stylish and in her late forties with a brisk manner; friendly but keeping a distance between host and guests. "How can I help?"

"I just wanted to tell you a package will be delivered for me today by UPS," said Jack, leaving the dog. "I hope that's okay."

"Of course. There's always someone here and I'll make sure Geraint and the rest of the staff know it's coming." She was scribbling a note as she spoke. "You couldn't get what you needed locally?"

Jack smiled, wondering if there just might be a supplier of alien technology in the area. "'Fraid not. This is from work. No rest for the wicked."

"Do you want us to call you when it arrives?"

He hesitated, looked at Ianto who shrugged, and then back at Mary. "Actually, that would be very helpful. I'd like to know it's here even though we won't be getting round to using it until tonight. Here's my mobile number." He rattled it off for her and watched to check she had written it down correctly.

"No problem. Where are you going today?"

"The railway," Jack replied with glee and a big grin. "The one with the funny name."

"It is not funny," protested Ianto. "Honestly, you have got to learn Welsh!"

"Why should I when I have you to translate for me?"

"We're going to try the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway," Ianto told Mary, ignoring Jack. "I went on it years ago when I was a kid and loved it. Always promised myself a return trip."

"I hope you enjoy it. Weather looks promising."

Mary smiled but clearly indicated that it was time for them to move on and for her to get back to work. The two men took the hint and walked out into the sunshine. With their jackets on the backseat of the car with one of the rucksacks containing essentials – and Jack's faithful Webley - they set off down the drive and onto the A498 heading south. They had decided to do a round trip, getting on the train at Porthmadog and travelling up to Blaenau Ffestiniog before returning the same way. If there was time, Ianto wanted to then go to Portmeirion which was quite close.

"Sounds busy down in Cardiff," said Ianto as he slowed down behind a lorry making heavy weather of an incline.

He had called the Hub before breakfast to check that Owen had been able to find all Jack had requested. The call was answered by Toshiko who was monitoring Gwen and Owen out in the field as they cleaned up after responding to a Rift alert. When he expressed concern, she immediately reassured him and insisted he not cut the holiday short, especially when there was an alien in the hotel. Reluctantly, Ianto had accepted that rushing back would not help and was not necessary. The team could manage without him and Jack, had proved it more than once, and anyway he didn't want to return before he had too. The break, even without as much sex as usual, was doing them both good. Toshiko did not know what Owen had organised about the requested equipment but arranged for the doctor to call which he did while they were eating breakfast. Jack took that call and disappeared onto the terrace for five minutes before reporting back to Ianto that all the items had been found and were on their way by courier with guaranteed delivery later that day.

"Nothing they can't handle."

Jack had initially hoped that Toshiko would drive up with the equipment he needed but had rejected that idea after speaking to Owen – who had laughed like a drain when he'd heard how they had discovered the alien. While Ianto had been offended by Owen's mirth, Jack had been reassured that the man was recovering his sense of humour after the events at the Pharm – and learning what they had been up to. Overall the team was coping fine but couldn't spare another person for this sideshow.

"I guess not." He tapped the steering wheel, growing impatient with the lorry that still blocked his progress.

"Strange," said Jack, changing the subject, "we've only been here a day and a bit and already I'm getting so I don't notice the fabulous scenery." He gestured ahead where they had hills on the right and a river plain on the left.

"Happens that way." Ianto saw his opportunity and accelerated round the lorry into clear road ahead. "You're going to love the railway," he enthused. "There's fantastic views."

"And no climbing. Could have been like that yesterday," Jack pointed out, sending a sharp look in Ianto's direction.

"But then you wouldn't have appreciated the summit."

"I would, believe me."

The conversation continued as they bickered back and forth, both men in a good humour. They had had some wonderful sex and seen the dawn break over the mountains as an added bonus. And tonight they were going ghost hunting which should be just as much fun as their Weevil hunts. Also, fingers crossed, it would leave them free to enjoy some more horizontal exercise, this time in a comfortable bed. Entering Porthmadog, Ianto was quiet as he concentrated on his driving and the sat-nav instructions as well as looking out for signs to the railway car park. Locating it, he found a space and backed in neatly. It was 9.56 and the first train, the one they wanted to catch, left at 10.15.

-ooOoo-

Ianto caught up with Jack by the barrier. The Welshman had visited the shop to buy bottles of water and some chocolate for the journey. They were planning to eat in Blaenau while they looked around but Jack would want something before then. "Grab this," he said to Jack, holding out the rucksack, "then I can put these in."

Jack obediently held the rucksack. "You didn't tell me I'd need to take out a mortgage to buy the tickets," he complained in a stage whisper, glancing at the people around them. "It was sixty quid!"

Ianto looked up from putting the provisions away. "How much?"

"You heard."

"I didn't know it would be that expensive." He took back the rucksack and put it on his shoulder. "Want me to go halves?"

"No, I want you to pay for the lot! It's about time you treated me."

"Soon as I get to a cash point I'll give you the money," said Ianto calmly, "cheapskate!"

"Pshaw!" Jack was not really cross but he considered the tickets expensive. It would have been cheaper if he'd not upgraded to the observation carriage but even so, he intended to get every last drop of enjoyment from the day to make it worth the outlay. "Come on."

The two men followed other passengers through the barrier and onto the platform. The railway was privately owned and run and the narrow gauge of the track was an obvious reminder of this. In keeping with the steam engines which were visible in the shunting yard, there was an air of nostalgia about the place which was probably why it attracted older people who made up the majority of the waiting passengers. After only a few minutes, a steam engine named Blanche chugged towards them pulling six carriages and stopped at the platform. Jack located the observation carriage and climbed on board, leading the way to two seats facing one another with a half table between them.

"This is good, we both get to sit by the window," he said. "Want to face the engine or not?"

"Not, thanks," replied Ianto, stowing the rucksack on the overhead rack and taking off his jacket. They had sat down before he remembered he'd need his camera and stood up again.

"Stick this up there," said Jack holding out his jacket.

Sitting down once more, Ianto watched out of the large windows as people arrived to catch the train. Most were holidaymakers or railway buffs but some looked like locals using this train to link up with mainline services to the rest of the UK. Five minutes later, the whistle blew and the train began to creep forward. The carriage was almost full and Jack did a quick calculation of how much they would have paid and decided he was going to invest in tourism when he got back to Cardiff.

"Keep an eye on the right," suggested Ianto who was looking at the route map which had come with the tickets. "We'll be going over the Cob soon. It's like travelling on the sea." When he saw Jack's bemused expression he explained that the track ran over a strip of land – the Cob – very close to the water.

Jack dutifully looked out, they happened to be sitting on the sea side of the train, and saw exactly what Ianto meant. The water appeared to be lapping at the carriage wheels as they travelled in a straight line for five minutes or more until the train turned left and climbed almost ninety feet through residential housing with lots of trees to the small station of Minffordd where the train halted. It happened that the carriage came to rest opposite a station sign and Jack sighed heavily.

"What's wrong?"

"Look at that." Jack gestured to the sign. "Why do you Welsh have to use two letters when one would do?"

Ianto smiled as he saw the double 'f' and double 'd' in the station name. He considered explaining about the differences in pronunciation but decided not to; Jack would never appreciate the subtleties of the Welsh language. "We could get off here on the way back and walk to Portmeirion. It's only twenty minutes or so."

"Would you be able to walk that far?" Jack sat back in his seat, his legs sticking out into the aisle, grinning at Ianto.

"My legs may have been a bit stiff this morning, but they're fine now."

"That wasn't all that was stiff."

"Jack," Ianto said, drawing out the name and fixing his companion with a stern gaze. "None of that." Jack's grin became wider but he said nothing more as the train started again.

The houses dropped away and they climbed an embankment which curved round behind the village into open countryside with surrounding hills. It was a softer landscape than they'd seen on Snowdon with farms and the sea in the distance. Both men were quiet as they enjoyed watching the scenery pass by until, ten minutes after leaving Minffordd, the train slowed for Penrhyn station. The line here was single track and on one side it was extremely close to the hillside. Once the train stopped, some of the passengers sitting on that side were able to touch the rock out of open windows without leaving their seats.

Leaving the station gave Jack a shock. The track crossed a minor road and the train passed so close to the houses that he was convinced it would hit them. "Jeez, we're close!" he said.

Ianto looked round and was also surprised when he could see into the windows of the houses bare inches away. "Wouldn't like to live here."

"Nor me." Jack was relieved when they continued past the houses without a collision.

The next twenty minutes of their journey was the most scenic so far. The train entered the Snowdonia National Park and climbed two hundred feet giving superb views down a valley with distant vistas of Harlech, huge empty beaches and the sea. Everywhere was bathed in sunshine and Ianto took a number of photographs which caught only a part of the beauty before him. He was proud of one, however, which showed the front of the train, and especially the engine, as the track curved around against a background of the woods. He showed this one to Jack who, after admiring it, took a quick snap of Ianto sitting opposite much to the Welshman's displeasure.

The track meandered around an outcrop of rock on its approach to Tan-y-Bwlch station. This station was larger that the others they'd travelled through as it was a passing point for the up and down trains. As they drew into the station, the down train was waiting to proceed and they got a good view of the carriages with the engine, which had been turned around, at the back. Ianto took a number of photographs. Quite a few people got off at the station to walk along the nature trails, see the wildlife in and around Llyn Mair – a large lake – or visit the café. It looked an ideal stopping point but the two men decided to stick with their original plan and ride the train all the way to the top; they could always stop on the way back.

"I fancy a drink," said Jack, standing up and getting the rucksack which he put on the table. "What about you?"

"Umm, please." Refreshments were on offer from stewards on the train but they were content with what they had brought with them; Jack was determined not to give the railway company any more money.

The train eventually continued on the final leg of its journey, the most dramatic for scenery and railway enthusiasts alike. It chugged along through rugged country and after one short tunnel it double backed on itself in a long loop called the Dduallt Spiral to make the climb up a particularly steep hillside before heading into a longer tunnel. It was all quite spectacular and many of the other passengers eagerly discussed the engineering involved. Ianto was more interested in the scenery, especially when the track ran alongside a long mountain lake that was clear and still and sparkling; it looked ideal for a swim. Turning east on the run into Blaenau Ffestiniog, the track ran alongside the full size tracks of the mainline rail service which suddenly made their train seem very small. The town was laid out in a horseshoe and was once the hub of the highly profitable Welsh slate industry. Slate was still mined in quarries round about but the main industry now was tourism.

"What did you think?" asked Ianto as they gathered their possessions and got off the train. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Yeah, much better than climbing."

"You are never going to let me forget that, are you?"

"Nope." Jack grinned, delighted to have something to tease Ianto about.

"What shall we do now?" Ianto was following others out of the station and into the town but stepped to the side to get out of the way and consult his leaflet about the area. It unfolded to an unwieldy A3 size. "We could explore the town."

Jack looked around and didn't think the town would keep them occupied for long. The countryside was attractive and so there were probably some walks they could do but that didn't particularly appeal either. And yet it didn't seem right to turn round and catch the next train back to Porthmadog.

"There's the Llechwedd Slate Caverns a few miles away with a Victorian village and pub and tours of underground workings."

"A pub? Sounds interesting."

"We need to look out for a bus if we're going to try that." Ianto looked around trying to spot where a bus might stop.

"Excuse me, son," said an elderly lady sitting on a bench near where they were standing, "I couldn't help overhearing. If it's the Caverns you're wanting, the shuttle bus is over there. The blue one. It'll be going in a minute so you'll have to run."

"Thanks." Jack gave her a beaming grin, grabbed Ianto's hand and sprinted across the car park to the bus stop. They got there just in time and climbed on board, buying tickets from the driver.

Ianto sat down next to Jack, still clutching the unfolded leaflet that had been flapping around on their impetuous run. "Next time, you could give me a minute before racing off."

"We'd have missed the bus," pointed out Jack as the driver eased out into the flow of traffic. "See?"

"Umm." Ianto did not sound convinced but was too busy folding up his over-large leaflet. He eventually got it straight and put it into the rucksack on his knee.

The Caverns were not far from the town and soon the shuttle bus had turned into the complex, drawing up at the entrance. Standing in the sunshine, Ianto looked round at the evidence of slate mining, great gouges in the surrounding hills some of which had been grassed over by time and others which were pure rock. In this bowl of hills, were a selection of buildings spread over a wide area and linked by paths. The entrance was relatively modern and contained the ticket office but the other buildings were old, either original to the quarry or transported from elsewhere – the Victorian village.

"Suppose we'd better go and pay," said Jack mournfully.

"Why are you so uptight about money?" said Ianto, strolling towards the ticket office. "You aren't normally."

"I don't like being fleeced, that's all. That train was bloody expensive."

"But worth it," soothed Ianto, looking at the board showing prices and the attractions on offer. "Which of these tours do you want to do?"

They decided to go on the miners' tramway rather than the deep mine tour; it was shorter and they didn't want to spend all afternoon at the Caverns. Ianto thought the £9.50 each was very reasonable and happily paid for them both. They could take the tour at any time so decided to explore the village first and especially the Miner's Arms pub; it was noon and almost time for a meal and a drink.

They strolled along the paths into the village, ready to explore.