I know this is kinda late for a valentines theme but maybe some spicy dempsey hcs for what he does for his partner :3 and his reactions to a fem partner wearing lingere for him >:3
Call of Duty Zombies
2.0, "Tank" Dempsey; S/O Wearing Lingerie
author's note: i know i'm writing this well after Valentine's Day so I'm just going to keep the occasion vague
Warnings: *Suggestive* | Pronouns: She/Her
The exact second Dempsey sees her, he completely stops mid-step. Whatever he's holding lowers slowly or even drops to the floor without him noticing as his eyes widen slightly. His jaw tightens, in control. He doesn't whistle, nor crack a joke. He just...looks. Longer than he meant to.
What hits him first is the confidence in her posture, especially if she came to him with the surprise. Not only that, but also the deliberate choice of it, and the fact that she's standing there, not shy or apologizing. Just there. That undoes him more than the lingerie itself.
Tank's tells are physical. She can see it in the way his shoulders roll back instinctivly and his breath slows, keeping it controlled. One hand might even go to his hip or the back of his neck, more of a nervous habit he doesn't realise he has.
He'll mutter under his breath, "You gotta warn a guy." But there's no irritation in it, only heat.
But then, after a beat, when he's composed himself slightly, Dempsey will say in a voice lower than usual, "You good?" or maybe "This for me, or you just feelin' yourself?" Because he needs to know it's her choice, and the moment you confirm it is, something shifts in him.
Dempsey approaches with slow steps, he doesn't ever crowd his S/O. Instead, he stops just inside her space rather than close it completely, and his eyes drag over her once more, openly appreciative now. However, he won't touch immediately. He waits... But soon his hands settle at her waist, not gripping, just firm and warm. Anchoring...
What can break his composure is if she smiles at him, looks at him through her lashes, or even shifts her weight shyly but doesn't retreat. That's when his restraint thins. And absentmindedly Dempsey brushes his thumb along her side. Then in a rough voice he might say, "You have any idea what you're doin' to me right now?"
But the part that really gets to him is not just how she looks, it's that she felt confident enough to wear something like, let him see it, above all, and didn't shrink when he reacted. That trust hits deeper than attraction, and that's why he doesn't rush.
Dempsey keeps it controlled in the way his forhead rests lightly against hers before anything escalates, his breath steady against her skin. His hands remain where she can see them, despite how he's holding her waist, but they won't venture just yet.
In that moment, he'll murmur, "You don't gotta do nothin' you don't wanna." Even though he clearly wants her. But for Tank, restraint is the proof of care.
If she kisses him first, she'll hear the way he exhales sharply through his nose, and feel the way his hands tighten just a fraction. The kiss deepens, but it's still measured as Tank still holds some restrain. He'll pull back first, breathing heavier as he murmurs, "You're playin' dirty." But he's smiling all the while.
After the initial shock of the surprise, Dempsey softens, but his eyes are still roaming. "You look incredible." He says quietly, and for him that's huge. The moment is permanently burned into his mind, and not just the sight of his S/O in lingerie, but the moment of confidence and trust, above all.
