Title: Burning Bright
Characters: Summer & James Dylan, Cameron Crowe, Robert Plant
Word Count: 3,148
Rating: NC-17 [sex]
Warnings/Spoilers/Summary: Summer and Cameron are out Christmas shopping when Robert appears.


The night was black and velvet, the stars were all around
A stranger landed lightly on the frosty ground
His eyes were wide with wonder, filled with stars and space
He'd searched the heavens over till he'd found this place
A sweet and snowy carol echoed in his ears
A song so feint and distant, so strong it drew him here

Here is Christmas, come inside
Here is Christmas, far and wide
A thousand candles burning bright
Here is Christmas shining in our eyes

He wandered through the city, lost in the shopping crowds
People rushing, people pushing, he watched without a sound
Cash machines were singing about the biggest year
But above this strange confusion, the carol still rang clear
Then he saw a raggedy man with an ancient mandolin
And he knew he'd found the answer when the song began again

Here is Christmas, come inside
Here is Christmas, far and wide
A thousand candles burning bright
Here is Christmas shining in our eyes

Here is Christmas, come inside
Here is Christmas, far and wide
A million candles burning bright
Here is Christmas shining in our eyes




Christmas 1985

With sunglasses and hats on, the two meandered through the shopping crowds. With a brief respite as her son was in school and his wife-to-be was working, it was there one chance to escape and Christmas shop for their other halves. Best friends for over a decade since an opportune meeting in Central Park, they rarely had the chance to spend any one-on-one time. Despite her label wanting her to re-record a few of her new album’s songs, Summer stayed out of the studio that week. It was nearly Christmas. It was not time to work.

Sitting down on a bench, packages beside them, the two looked around the shopping mall. Even with the sounds of the busy cash registers and hurried shoppers, they could just barely hear the sounds of carols drifting through the air. Without saying a word, Cameron shifted over on the bench and looped his arm around Summer’s shoulder. He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“I’m so glad we’re doing this,” he stated.

“Sitting on the bench? Did I tire you out already?” she teased.

“I meant the shopping. I like spending time with just you.”

Summer grinned and kissed him quickly, “I like spending time with just you too.”

“Careful now. Don’t make my girlfriend jealous,” he declared.

She rolled her eyes, “Nancy knows I’m no threat. We’re just friends.”

“I know. I’m just teasing,” his eyes glancing over the crowd. “Did we find everything on your list?”

“Ehhh…” she reached into her purse, pulling out James’s wish list. “Possibly. I’ve managed to find all of the He-Man figurines and the Skeletor castle he wanted. I think Jimmy is getting him… toys he won’t play with, heh. I’d like to go to that board game shop, since we play games a couple times a week. He could use some more shirts and I think there’s a couple of books that might interest him…”

“You spoil that boy.”

Her blue eyes went to Cameron, “He’s my son, Cameron. Anything that I can give him, is his. It’s not like I don’t make him do things. He has chores and responsibilities.”

“I know, Summer,” he smirked. “He’s a good kid.”

“Yeahhh,” she smiled crookedly. “I lucked out.”

“No, sweetie, it’s all you. He knows how much you love him.”

“I really do. He’s my world.”

“Are your parents visiting for the holidays?”

Biting her bottom lip, she nodded, “I think so. Dad was about as specific as he normally is. James doesn’t want to go over there, so I think they’re coming over to my house Christmas Eve.”

“Ah. Have you found anything for Nessa yet?”

She frowned, “No, not really. James is easy. But shopping for a six-year-old girl? Not so much.”

While he wanted to tell her to just get whatever she wanted at that age, Cameron knew better than to bring up Summer’s childhood. Instead, he remained silent and looked around the shopping mall, trying to figure out what she could get her younger sister. He really had no suggestions for her either.

“Well, let’s go try that game store. Maybe you’ll find a game for Nessa there?”

“Maybe,” she nodded. “Let’s go drop all this off at the car first?”

Glancing at their packages, Cameron nodded, “Good idea.”

Stopping at pay phone near the entrance, Summer quickly dialed the house phone. Though she knew James was not out of school yet, she wanted to just double-check, make certain he had not come home early without her knowing. When the answering machine picked up, she smiled in relief and hung up the phone. Turning to look for Cameron, her breath caught. Summer lifted her sunglasses off her nose to double check, but her vision did not change. Ignoring the approach of her best friend from the parking lot, she headed into the crowd, her eyes focused on a very familiar head of hair. Ten feet away, his eyes turned her direction, connecting with hers.

Smiling, she hurried towards him and squealed, “Robert!”

Turning fully, he opened his arms as she rushed towards him. He stumbled back slightly as she jumped into his arms. Before he could say anything, her mouth crushed his with a kiss. His arms circled around her protectively, the kiss softening before it ended.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be in London for the holidays?” she breathed against his mouth.

“Well… Maureen and I had a row, the kids wanted to spend Christmas with her, and Shirley showed up so… I hopped on the first flight here. I know its a few days early, but I hope you don’t mind…” he explained softly.

She grinned, “I don’t mind at all.”

He kissed her again, “Goooood.”

“Summer?” a voice spoke up.

Robert glanced over her shoulder, “Oh, Cameron, hello.”

“Robert, I thought you were going to be in London until New Years.”

“Plans change,” his eyes went back to Summer, smiling as he noticed the light in hers.

“Well… good,” Cameron said warily. “What are you doing here at the mall?”

“Shopping, in fact.”

He reached for Summer, “Well then we better leave you to it so you can find Summer something… generically mall-like.”

Robert chuckled as Summer stepped out of his arms, “I already have a wonderful gift for Summer. I’m actually here looking for something for her sister.”

“Perfect!” Summer grinned. “That’s exactly what we’re about to go look for. Well and some of the other things on Jamie’s list.”

“Let me see it,” he held out his hand and glanced at it. “Well, let’s see if we can cross the rest of these off.”

“No, Robert,” she shook her head, “Jamie has enough gifts.”

Cameron snorted, “Didn’t you just say that–”

“Shush,” her eyes darted to him.

“You teased her about spoiling her son, didn’t you?” Robert remarked.

“Yes,” Cameron replied. “But if you’re going to shower him with presents to impress her, I think–”

“Cameron,” Summer warned.

He sighed, “I’m sorry. I’d leave you two to your shopping, but… I rode with Summer.”

Robert held out his hand, “Let’s call a truce, Cameron. I know that you’re upset because I’ve spent a lot of time away from Summer this past year. But I’m here now. Give me a chance?”

Glancing at his best friend, Cameron hesitantly accepted Robert’s hand and shook it. Summer released Robert and looped her arm with Cameron’s, pulling him towards the mall, leaving the singer to trail behind. The sound of an old mandolin caught his attention briefly and he stopped, his blue eyes landing on an old, raggedy man playing a Christmas song. Somehow, he felt like he was in the right place and trotted to catch up with the two adults.



Sitting on the floor surrounded by wrapped packages in the living room, Summer looked up as Cameron entered the room. He set down a glass of water next to her before returning to his place near her. She handed him another box to wrap with paper. He measured out the paper and carefully wrapped it around the boxed gift.

“Are you sure it was a good idea for Robert to take Jamie out?” he spoke up.

Her blue eyes went to her best friend, “Of course I do. Besides, he asked him to, so he could get me presents.”

“I would have taken him, you know,” Cameron responded.

“I know. You’ve been such a good role model for him and he does love you. But it’s good for him to spend time with Robert. You know that Robert is going to be a part of my life for a very long time. My son should get along with him.”

He sighed, handing the package over for her to wrap ribbons around, “He’s left you before, Summer. If James gets attached and Robert leaves again, it will be twice as bad.”

“He’s not going to leave me,” Summer declared, pulling scissors along the ribbon to make it curl.

“Summer, how can you really believe that? You weren’t even that together since Valentine’s Day.”

She rolled her eyes, “We were both working. He was here as much as he could be. In fact, he was here more than he was gone.”

“I just… I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

Summer sighed, “While I appreciate it, do remember that you encouraged me to get back together with Robert.”

“Because I want you to be happy!”

“But now you’re saying that I shouldn’t be with him.”

“Ugh,” he threw up his hands. “You’re my best friend. I love you and I love your son. I don’t want either of you to be hurt. At all. I’m just looking out for you.”

“Cameron, I can take care of myself.”

“Summer, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

She reached over and grabbed his hand, squeezing it slightly, “I appreciate it, Cameron. I’m going to be okay. Besides, we thought he wasn’t going to be here for the holidays. Doesn’t it say something that he is here?”

He paused, “Yes, it does.”

“And doesn’t it say something that he is engaging my son?”

“Yes, it does.”

“So relax, Cameron. Give Robert a chance.”

He stared at her silently.

“Please.”

He remained silent.

“For Christmas.”

Cameron sighed, “Okay. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. For Christmas.”

An hour later, the front door opened while Cameron and Summer placed the wrapped gifts under the tree. Jamie stepped into the house with Robert and froze. Eyes wide he turned around, attempting to hide the bags in his hands behind the older man. Chuckling, Summer turned her back to the door, allowing the two to hurry into Jamie’s room to hide the gifts.

“When you’re ready, we’ve got cookies to decorate,” she called after the two.



Sitting on the sofa with Robert’s arm around her, Summer snuggled closer to him. He smiled and kissed the top of her head. Cameron left with a plate of cookies an hour before and James went to bed not much later, leaving the two alone. They had not spoken at all, just sat together, absorbing each other’s presence. While she was curious as to what brought him there, she did not ask. He was with her for the holidays and that was enough.

“I have a confession,” Robert stated softly, drawing her blue eyes to his.

“What?”

He kissed her softly, “I wasn’t asked to leave. I chose to leave. I see Christmas in your eyes. It is not the holidays without you.”

She smiled, “Really?”

“I’ve searched the heavens and no angel exists half as sweet and perfect as you.”

“Robert,” she breathed.

“Yes?”

Summer kissed him, “My Christmas is perfect with you here.”

“I’m going to make this the most perfect Christmas ever, to make up for all those ones I missed.”

“Robert…”

“Just you wait and see.”

“I trust you,” she replied softly. “Just being here is… amazing.”

“I know I should have called before I came… I wanted it to be a surprise. I did not think you would find me at the mall,” he smirked.

“Christmas spirit thought otherwise,” Summer stated.

“Must be,” he nodded, pausing for a moment. “Not that it’s any of my business but… Jimmy isn’t going to be here, is he?”

She frowned, “I don’t even know where he is right now.”

“Oh. Has he called Jamie?”

She shook her head, “Jamie still won’t speak to him anyways.”

“Hopefully he grows out of it…”

“I hope so too.”

They fell silent for a few minutes, just absorbing the fact they were together. Robert kept stealing glances at her before finally giving in and leaning in for a kiss. Summer met his mouth eagerly, her lips parting to deepen the kiss. His hand tentatively cupped her breast, his thumb gently her nipple. She moaned softly and lay back on the couch. With a smile, Robert followed her, kissing her mouth and caressing her breasts.

They fooled around on the couch for a while before Summer whispered they should take it to the bedroom. As they had yet to actually make love since his birthday, Robert was eager for the opportunity. He hurried and checked the locks on the doors while she turned out the lights. She paused at her son’s door, listening to make certain he was asleep. Pleased, she opened the door to her bedroom across the hall and motioned Robert into the room. His arm circled her waist as he stepped in, pulling her into the room as well.

Turning the lock on the doorknob as he closed the door, Robert moved towards the bed. He stopped near the bed, kissing Summer deeply. She purred against his mouth, her fingers tearing at his clothes. Pausing long enough for him to strip her, Summer knelt in front of Robert. He gasped as her soft fingers circled his cock, rubbing it gently as her lips moved in closer. Her lips parted and sucked on his head. His fingers wove into her blond hair, resting gently as she slowly moved on his cock.

“Oh god, Summer,” he moaned, his eyes looking down at her.

She smiled up at him before focusing once more on the act at hand. Slowly she sucked him deeper and deeper, her soft hands stroking his shaft and fondling his balls. Robert moaned as his cock slipped into her throat. Dragging her nails gently across his sensitive skin, Summer moaned slightly. The slight vibrations nearly made Robert shoot down her throat. He struggled to maintain composure, to restrain himself. Summer did it again, her blue eyes looking up his body to his. He knew she was giving him permission to orgasm and instantly released. With a few loud grunts, he shot down her throat, his body twitching slightly.

Ever mindful of his post-orgasm sensitivity, Summer slowly disengaged from his cock, licking it clean before releasing it. His hands grasped hers, pulling her back to her feet. He kissed her nose and stepped back to admire her. It had been nearly ten years since he gazed at her nude beauty. Her breasts had grown, yet remained perfect teardrop globes, topped with strawberry nipples. Having born a child, her belly was slightly rounded and her hips wider, but he truly believed the twenty-six year old woman was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He muttered as much as he reached for her.

Stretched out on the bed, Summer sighed happily, as Robert slipped between her legs. He showered her inner thighs with kisses, kissing down her right leg to her toes and then back up her left leg. She moaned as her spread her legs further, his long fingers slipping between her petals to spread her wide. As his had before, her fingers dug into his blond hair as his mouth fastened upon her sex. He licked her up and down before fastening his lips around her clit and sucking gently. Both of his pointer fingers slipped into her wet sex and wiggled as he continued to suck. Her soft moans became more breathy, her legs became tense. Robert relinquished his sucking of her clit to thrust his tongue in and out of her molten sex.

“Oh, Robert,” she moaned. “I’m so close.”

“Mmmmm,” he moaned, moving up to kiss her mouth, changing to fingering her with two fingers from one hand.

Summer moaned as he quickly thrust two fingers into her. Her body began to tense as his teeth nibbled on her nipples. Her legs went straight, her breath caught in her throat. She barely noticed his once-again erect cock pressed against her right thigh. Robert could feel her body tightening around his fingers and pressed his thumb against her clit.

“Cum for me, Summer,” he uttered.

“Oh goooooooooooooood, Rooooooobert,” she moaned, biting on her bottom lip to keep from being too loud.

Quickly pulling his fingers out caused Summer to squirt slightly. He noticed and smirked, but did not pay more than a moment’s thought on it. Instead, he thrust deeply into her, feeling the lasting ripples of her orgasm clench his cock tightly. His mouth covered hers, swallowing her euphoric screams as he quickly began to thrust in and out of her. Keeping the pace as intense as he could, Robert fucked her to and through a second orgasm before nearing his own. Her nails scratched his skin; her legs pressed her hips up towards his.

“Summer, I’m… gonna… cum…”

“Oh yes please,” she breathed, feeling her body tense a third time.

Grunting ferally, he pushed deeply into her body. Her walls clamped down on his sputtering erection, milking him. Her fingers slowly left his shoulders, red crescent marks left behind. Robert kissed her deeply, showing his feelings in the kiss as their bodies still pulsed together.

“I love you, Summer.”

She kissed him gently, “I love you too, Robert.”



Seated across the table from Summer, Jamie grinned as he chewed a bite of pancake. Setting a plate of pancakes at the empty seat, Robert noticed the young boy’s smile. Saying nothing, he sat down and glanced at Summer. She gave no indication as to whether or not she noticed her son’s smiling. When the boy looked to Robert, still grinning, he could not contain his curiosity any more.

“I cannot help but notice you seem rather happy this morning, Jamie,” he stated diplomatically.

The boy giggled.

Summer’s eyes filled with amusement as she glanced between the two. More confusion filled his eyes as Robert met her gaze. She merely smiled and returned to her breakfast.

“Is there something you’d like to tell me, Jamie?” he asked the young boy.

“Well…”

“It’s okay, Jamie. You can tell Robert,” Summer encouraged.

“I asked Santa for a family,” he declared. “A real family.”

“And what’s a real family?”

“Real families have pancakes for breakfast,” he stated matter-of-factly.

Robert glanced down at his plate, “Well, I guess that’s official.”

“What?” Summer spoke up.

His eyes met hers, “We must be a real family.”

“I knew it!” James exclaimed. “And a whole week early!”

Summer chuckled, “Well then I’ll just tell Santa to not bring you anything next week.”

“NO!” his eyes went wide.

“Well then you better be a good boy and do all your chores this week,” she noted, winking at Robert.

“I will! I promise!”

“We’ll see,” she replied cautiously.

Jamie looked to Robert, “After I do the dishes, will you come play soccer with me?”

He chuckled, “Of course I will.”

Looking down at her plate, Summer bit her bottom lip to conceal her grin. She had hoped that her son would get along with Robert, but had not expected this. It would certainly make blending their families together easy. And that was a great Christmas gift in her mind too.