Chrome (Punishing Gray Raven)
Anything, If It’s For You
[ Christmas makes it easier to justify what I already want to give you. ]
[ Note: omg omg!!! I hope y'all like reading the festive fluff! I love writing Chrome bc he's such a hopeless romantic deep down fr! ]
The city is dusted in snow, colored flashing Christmas lights are strung between buildings like sparkling ribbons. Chrome is walking beside her in his thick winter coat—hands in his pockets, expression calm, eyes occasionally shifting toward her every few seconds because making sure she’s warm is his primary protocol for tonight.
She spots a frosted display window filled with glittery ornaments, her eyes lighting up instantly—and Chrome definitely notices, of course he does. How cute…
“If you want, we can go in.” He says softly.
“Really?” She asks him, her eyes still glittering like stars.
Hesitating for a moment—only long enough to confirm the decision he’s already made. He simply offers his hand—her fingers lacing with his, his thumb brushing her knuckles as if he’s trying to memorize the shape of her hand.
Inside the store, she’s immediately tugged toward the shelves of holiday mugs, plushies, and other festively themed merchandise. She lingers over each item, and warmth settles quietly in his chest—enough to make the snow outside feel distant. She picks up a cute snowman shaped mug.
“You smiled at that one a bit longer than the others. Do you want it?”
“Chrome, you don’t have to buy me everything I look at—”
Gently, he takes the mug from her grasp and places it in the basket.
“I know. But, I want to.”
Every time she stops to inspect something, whether it be a knit scarf, a cute bag, or a pair of earrings shaped like shimmering stars—Chrome quietly adds it to the basket. Only for her.
When he notices her shivering in between shops, Chrome pauses mid-step, turns towards the nearest clothing shop, and gently guides her inside with a hand on her lower back.
“Please, pick out a coat. Something warm.”
Wrapping herself in a big fluffy winter coat, she dramatically hugs it around her body. Catching a glimpse of the price tag, her eyes grow wide.
“Chrome, this coat is literally worth my life savings.”
“Well, good thing you’re not paying for it.” His fingers brush the soft fabric neckline—his eyes meeting hers.
She tries to protest, but Chrome simply smiles, and she knows she’s already lost.
Chrome walks close beside her as they leave, the weight of all the bags balancing easily in his grip—her hand still warm in his.
Her attention lingers on another display window. Stopping with her to look, he is face to face with a gorgeous silver dress. It shimmers in the strung lights overhead like fallen snow.
“I think that would look beautiful on you.” He smiles softly, already picturing her in the dress.
A light blush dusts her cheeks in the cold winter air.
“Want to try it on? Just to see?” His eyes linger on her fondly, unwavering.
She gives an eager nod and he leads her into the dress shop. Sewn-on jewels and sequins shine on the dresses in the overly bright display lights. The store smells faintly of sweet floral perfume as Chrome waits outside the dressing room, hands fidgeting despite his best efforts to remain still. The curtains flick open, and Chrome can barely contain himself in his seat. The dress sits on her body in the right places, framing her figure as it flares down to the wood floor. Happily, she gives him a little twirl. She's absolutely glowing.
“You’re so beautiful.” The bags are left on the seat as he stands up.
“You think so?” Her fingers tracing the patterns of beaded embroidery on the dress.
“Always.” His hands cup her face, his soft breath ghosting her lips—close enough to promise, not yet to take.
Chrome lowers his hands slowly, as if he’s reluctant to let the warmth go, and clears his throat like he’s trying to ground himself again.
“We should get something warm,” he says, voice steady despite the way his gaze is lingering. “I wouldn’t want you getting cold.”
She nods once more, her smile unbroken, and he pays for the dress without fuss—no pause, no glance at the total—before taking the bags from her hands once more.
Outside, the cold greets them gently. Snow drifts down slowly, the street grows quieter as the evening settles in. Again, Chrome walks close beside her, his arm settling around her waist without thinking, guiding her through the last remaining crowds. A vendor on the corner already has steam rising from a row of cups, the scent of chocolate briefly filling the winter air.
“One hot cocoa, please.” Chrome says, then, after a brief glance at her, “With extra marshmallows.”
He hands it over to her carefully, adjusting the lid before her fingers wrap around the festive paper cup.
“Careful,” he murmurs. “It’s hot.”
And when she takes the first sip, another soft smile spreads across her cheeks. He watches her like it matters—as everything she does. Snowflakes gather in her hair, sparkling in the dim street lights. Chrome brushes them away, careful not to ruffle her hair.
Winter doesn’t feel so cold when he’s beside her—and he thinks quietly, Christmas has never made more sense when spending it with her.
[ Note: I hope ya'll liked it hehe! Please don't take credit for my work bc that's not nice! 🩷 ]