#oc catfish | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

pimosworld · 9 months

Text

The ties that bind

Pairing-Dave York x f!reader x Frankie Morales

Series Summary-Dave is a private investigator who tracks down soulmates. He’s tasked to find Frankie’s, but what happens when he finds you and wants you all to himself?

CW-18+, MDNI,NSFW, Angst, Fluff, Hurt,Comfort, Eventual smut, MMF dynamics, a lot of music references, best friends loving each other.

WK-5.2K

A/N- Santi puts his investigation skills to use and maybe a little of his personal agenda.

I really appreciate all the love and feedback I’ve been getting on this story so please keep it coming. 🤍

[Series Masterlist][Main Masterlist]

Not beta read

Chapter III

Santiago set out for the long haul, despite Frankie telling him Dave’s lead was just a few hours away. He had a bag packed for several days and the gas tank was full. Much to his surprise a short amount of time later he parks down the street from Dave on the streets of downtown Naples.

Ninety minutes

He watches Dave enter a sandwich shop briefly and exit with a large white bag. Santi’s car is inconspicuous enough but he stays a safe distance just in case. Men in Dave’s line of work aren’t going to be easily followed, unless they are distracted of course.

In Santi’s case it seems he’s distracted enough to not have noticed him tailing him for the better part of two hours.

He hasn’t done anything out of the ordinary but there’s this uneasy feeling building in his gut telling Santiago this isn’t just a coincidence.

Each move he made was thought out and deliberate…not more than five minutes from the sandwich spot he’s parked in front of some storefront shops. He passes a clothing boutique, plant shop and a tourist spot before he enters what looks like a music store.

There’s a painting in the window and a plant wall obstructing his view. Even with binoculars Santi can only make out Dave’s profile as he stands at the front counter. His body language and movements are telling of a man flirting. Any man would know without military training what it looks like when you’re nervous and trying to impress someone.

****

You really did love Mrs. Carlson…she kept you company on boring days, talking about music from her younger days. You would sit and listen to all her favorites in the back while she reminisced and told you stories about her wilder times.

She always had to preface the story by telling you it was before she met Mr. Carlson. They moved here several years ago to escape the cold and live out their golden years. They were the kind of soulmates that gave you hope.

You really did love her….

Right now you would love it if she wrapped up her fifth telling of the first time she heard the righteous brothers at the drive in movie theater…Dave should be here soon and you want to close up the shop for lunch.

The front door chimes just as she gets to the part about her date getting too handsy.

“Be right there.” You call out towards the door as she reaches out for you to help her from the chair.

“Thanks for listening to my rambling dear, you make this old lady very happy.” She places her record in the sleeve and slides it into her large purse.

“You’re not that old Mrs. Carlson.” You smile at her and she laughs.

She reminded you so much of your grandmother. The sweetest person in the world but won’t take any of your shit. Your dad always said you were so much like her.

“Don’t lie to me dear, that’s my husband's job.” You wrap your arm in hers as you both make your way towards the front of the store.

He’s standing there in a polo and jeans, a white paper bag in his hands that he’s clutching for dear life. It’s adorable to see him so nervous and you feel a light squeeze to your arm as you approach him.

“He brought food, that’s a good sign.” She whispers to you as you let her arm go.

Dave notices her and rushes to open the door.

“A gentleman too.” She winks at you and exits as he turns to you with a curious look on his face.

“She’s here almost as much as you.” You reach for the bag as he holds it behind his back.

“Oh…jokes at my expense.” You shake your head as you step into his space.

He doesn’t back away from you as you reach around tracing your fingers down his arm, you’re becoming addicted to the way he smells, the way he can’t look anywhere but at you. He’s thoroughly distracted as you extricate the package from his hands and peak inside.

“No jokes…just sandwiches from my favorite place.”

He smiles wide at that, the way you dip your nose into the bag and make the most intoxicating noise.

“Lucky guess.”

You crinkle the bag and hand it back to him, stepping out of the dangerous bubble that is Dave’s presence.

“If you got turkey with everything then you might just be the luckiest man alive.”

He thinks at this moment he may very well be.

****

It was a short walk to lowdermilk park, your suggestion to enjoy your lunch on this beautiful sunny day. Thankfully it wasn’t too humid so you didn’t have to explain your excessive sweating to Dave. Although you may have been sweating for entirely different reasons when you’re in his presence.

He listens intently as you point out some of your favorite shops on your walk, he enjoys hearing you tell him little bits and pieces about your daily life.

The way your eyes crinkle when you smile or how you wave your arms when you get particularly excited about something.

You seem too distracted to notice how he looks over his shoulder every so often. He’s unable to kick that nagging feeling like he’s being watched.

It’s a picture perfect setting as you approach the park. Couples stroll along the water's edge hand in hand, while the children build sandcastles and chase the foamy remnants of the retreating waves.

“Oh perfect.” You skip over to a bench facing the water and kick off your sandals. “I love this spot because it’s half way in the park, but I can still put my feet in the sand.”

He smiles as he sits across from you and lays out the contents of the bag. You quickly reach for the jalapeño chips and he smirks knowing he’s checking all the silent boxes.

“These are my favorite.”

“Well then I’m two for two.” You offer him the bag to share and it’s something he’s gathered about you. You’re a giver and Dave is a taker. Right now he’s taking moments with you meant for someone else.

Something brushes his foot under the table and he peaks under to see the small mound of sand you’ve dug in.

“Those aren’t really beach friendly shoes Dave.” You grin at him playfully as you dive into your sandwich.

“I wasn’t planning on going to the beach today.”

Your laugh seeps deep into his chest. As bright as the sun shining on you both.

“Last time I checked, you came to Florida.” You wipe the corner of his mouth with a napkin. “The state of endless beaches.”

“Last time I checked it’s called the sunshine state.” You note the teasing tone in his voice.

You try not to let your mind rob you of this perfect moment. It’s been so long since you’ve allowed yourself the chance to be happy.

“Sorry, I was just joking.” He grimaces a little as he sees your face drop momentarily.

“No,no it’s not you.” You wave him off as you finish your sandwich. “Can’t let the intrusive thoughts win.”

He huffs at that, most of his life consisted of letting those intrusive thoughts in. Except he’s noticed when he’s with you. The thoughts aren’t as frequent.

Your phone buzzes on the table and you briefly glance at the screen to see a message from Alicia, but more importantly the time. He sees that look on your face again as your eyes meet his.

“I should be getting back soon.” You can’t believe how quickly an hour goes by when you’re with him. You hate to end your date so soon but you don’t feel like explaining to your boss why you took a long lunch.He couldn’t be bothered to stop by but still calls regularly to keep tabs on you.

“Let’s get you back before we have a riot outside the store.” Your laugh is disarming in a way he never expected as he bags up the trash for the both of you.

He studies you carefully as you gently brush the sand of your feet and place your shoes on. The powder blue blouse falls open slightly and he doesn’t look away as fast as he should.

When you look up at him momentarily catching the way he’s looking at you, you’re grateful Alicia let you borrow her top.

He should be embarrassed for acting like a horny teenager but the way you smile at him when he’s clearly been caught checking you out says maybe he could get away with a little more.

When you happily accept his extended hand it’s all but confirmed that this is something he could get used to. It’s nearly perfect the way your soft hand fits perfectly into the grasp of his and you lean in a little when you begin your walk back to the store.

You can tell he deliberately matches your strides, a subtle way of saying I don’t want to rush you…take your time. It’s a comfortable silence as you walk hand in hand. Only the sound of crunching sand on the gravel and the light breeze rustling the palm trees. If you hadn’t started this playful banter with him from the beginning you’d diminish under his intense gaze.

There’s a fondness growing between you that you won’t soon be able to detach from. Yet you still know next to nothing about him. You file that away for tomorrow's problems. Right now you want to enjoy the rest of one of the best hours you’ve had in months without Alicia.

You’re relieved as you approach the store that no one is waiting outside to burst your bubble.

You’re waiting for him to say something as you unlock the front door and turn on the neon open sign. He follows behind you quietly like a lost puppy unsure of his next move.

You rock back and forth on the balls of your feet, a nervous habit you couldn’t kick for the life of you. “Well…I had a nice time on our lunch date.” The odd look on his face as soon as the word leaves your mouth has you instantly regretting putting a label on it. He brought you a sandwich for god sake.

“Date huh.” It’s meant to come off much more lighthearted than he says and by the bewildered look on your face he definitely said the wrong thing. “I would love to take you on a proper date. If that’s alright with you?”

Relief washes over you and before you have a moment to process he’s leaning in, crowding your space but you don’t mind. His hand cups your jaw with just the right amount of pressure as he tilts your face up and kisses you on the cheek. Tease. Your first thought but then again, what a gentleman.

“Since it’s our first date.” He winks at you as he stands to his full height. “I’m not usually so modest but I thought I’d spare you the onions from my lunch.”

Perhaps you were a little desperate but you would take the onions and whatever else he wanted to offer at this point but you don’t want to push. Second date.

“So I’ll text you or call, so we can plan our proper date.”

“Whatever you want, hummingbird.”

You miss the warmth of his hand on your chin, like he’s branded you. You’re momentarily stuck as he exits…the buzzing in your pocket brings you back to life and you remember you need to text your best friend.

****

Santiago was starting to feel a little crazy.

About as crazy as he felt dragging all of his friends to the jungle and stealing from a drug lord.

He had dated plenty of women on the job, so he’s not sure what he’s looking for as he watches Dave from afar on a seemingly harmless lunch.

It’s obvious by your body language that you’re attracted to him. Dave’s a lucky man. You’re strikingly beautiful. He can't really blame the guy for taking a break to spend some time with you.

But there it is again, that persistent beast that lives dormant in his chest. Something is off. Frankie or rather himself isn’t paying Dave to go on dates. Frankie had said it was bad news about any leads on his soulmate and by the looks of it, Dave’s not in any hurry to sniff out anymore.

Once this is all said and done Santiago thinks he’ll need to find a healthy hobby. He’s spent years treating every aspect of his life like a recon mission and it’s becoming exhausting. It’s probably for the best that he wasn't going to have the opportunity or subject his soulmate to his obsessive compulsive behavior.

He has to see this through for his friend and then maybe he’ll start to work on his own love life

He watches briefly as Dave exits the quaint record store where you presumably worked before he decides he’s going to go in. He has no idea what he’s looking for or what compels him to do so but he’s locking the car door and moving down the street before his brain has a chance to catch up to his feet.

It’s risky

Dave could come back at any moment and see him.

He doesn’t have an explanation as to why he would be here. Right now it doesn’t matter.

****

The door chimes before you have a chance to text Alicia. You quickly shove your phone in your back pocket and when you meet eyes with the man who enters the store, you’re certain you stop breathing.

Your mouth hangs agape and he chuckles lowly at you as he scrubs his hand behind his neck nervously.

You manage something close enough to a greeting as you take in his appearance. He’s chiseled to say the least, tan skin and well kept salt and pepper curls. The way he smiles at you is practiced, he’s used to people looking at him this way and he doesn’t seem to mind one bit.

“Hi, I’m Santiago.” He confidently steps into your space and holds his hand out to you.

Most customers who weren’t regulars came and went without so much as a polite nod your way, definitely not on a first name basis. You weren’t about to pass up an opportunity for an introduction with this handsome stranger as you sheepishly extended your hand and gave him your name.

His eyes drop briefly from your face and you think he may go for a look in your revealing blouse, but they travel further to where your hands are joined. His grip is strong but not forceful as it tightens slightly. The look he gives you when your hands drop is more one of amazement than flirtation.

“So…what brings you into the store? Looking for anything in particular?” He notices the shift in your voice. The way it perks up at the prospect of getting a peek into his brain.

Music can say a lot about a person.

“Metallica.” He says assuredly and you chuckle as you wave him over to the section for heavy metal.

“Something funny, cariño?” The playfulness in his tone, nearly mirroring your first interaction with Dave.

“Oh it’s nothing, I’m just oddly not surprised by your choice.” You say it so matter of fact. Like you’ve already got him figured out.

“Should I be offended?” He scoffs as he tries to keep his eyes on the back of your head and not your body. He absolutely can not be checking out his friend's soulmate. He noticed the tattoo almost immediately when he shook your hand.

“That’s entirely up to you sweetheart.” You wink at him over your shoulder as you stop in front of a large row of records. The middle of the stack is not marked as you lean forward confidently and thumb through a few before sliding one out of the row.

He smiles as you mutter something to yourself and stare at the front like a precious work of art you’re admiring.

“I have a feeling you’re going to love this one.” You hand it to him gently. “That is if you really like them for —.”

“Holy shit.” You watch his eyes light up as he starts laughing in disbelief. He has to take a step back as if that’s going to bring it into focus. You love this reaction. It’s why you do this and spend countless hours listening and researching.

“How do you have a special edition master of puppets for…thirty dollars?!” His voice is nearly a shout at the end and you can’t help but burst into laughter at his utter shock.

“It’s my specialty. I spend a lot of time finding affordable vinyls so that everyone can enjoy them. A lot of people don’t realize what they have and they end up just giving things easy for free.” You wave your hands as you explain your passion and he can clearly see why Dave has tripped and bumped his head. “So anyway…that’s where I come in. So people like you and I can experience the finer things.”

The most ironic part of your statement is you have no idea what Santiago can afford. Now he can afford a lot more and if he really wanted this he could’ve bought it at the real price. You don’t need to know that. Old habits die hard and Santiago has a hard time spoiling himself knowing what it cost to get that money. So to him…this is a prize. A glimpse into his old life and the old version of him would’ve bought this in a heartbeat.

“I’ll take it.” You let out an excited squeak and he can’t help the smile that breaks out across his face.

“Do you want to listen to it? We have a player in the back of the store and a place to relax.” He should say no. He glances nervously behind him and meets your cheerful expression again.

“Lead the way cariño.”

You bounce toward the back and then remember yourself and the flimsy top and opt to walk briskly. He’s keeping pace with you as you approach the little nook.

He sets the record on the small gold holder next to the zenith. You both reach for the dust cover and he levels you with a look of ‘let me’. You step back with your arms crossed signaling you’ll let him for now.

He slides the shiny gold record out of its sleeve. Holding it delicately at the edges. He places it calmly on the turntable as he lets out a small puff of air.

He flips the switch on the top and the light signals as his hands admire the framework. The light humm in the speakers starts as he lifts the tone arm to the vinyl and carefully places the stylus on the end.

The menacing sound of the electric guitar plays slowly through the small speakers. Followed promptly by the sound of the front door chiming.

He doesn’t see you turn as you both curse under your breath.

This is it. He would have to confront Dave about why he lied and this is not at all how he wants you to find out about Frankie. He rolls his shoulders back as the music escalates into the frenzied uptempo crusher that he knows it to be.

When he turns around he curses for an entirely different reason as he’s met with the enraged look of a tall, dark haired brunette stomping towards you both down the aisle.

You’ve already succumbed to defeat as you raise your hands in apology. Things just kept happening and you forgot to text your best friend to let her know you were still alive.

“I’m so sorry Alicia—.” She cuts you off with her hand in the air.

“Save it.” She slaps her hands down to her jeans as she bends over attempting to catch her breath.

Alicia, Alicia, Alicia.

Santiago repeats the name until it’s etched into his skull. He can hardly hear the bass of the music over the sound of his own heartbeat in his ears.

Alicia looks up when the burning in her chest subsides from running more in the least twenty minutes then she has in all her life. She had come in with such a blind rage and concern that she hardly noticed the Adonis standing next to you looking at her like a deer in headlights.

She stands to her full height once again, smirking at him as he swallows thick.

“Hey handsome, can I borrow my friend for a moment?” Her voice drops to a sultry tone and Santiago just nods as she wraps her arms around you and guides you away.

His hands find the silver knob on the player just as the song ends to turn it down slightly before it picks up again.

“What’s our rule?” She can’t hide the quiver in her voice, now that she’s not on display. Her cheeks are red and her eyes are filled with worry. You hated that you worried her so much while your head was in the clouds.

“Always check in—.”

“Always. check. in.” She shakes your shoulders with each punctuation as her lips turn up into a smile. You’re laughing with her now as she pulls you into a hug. “Dibs on the hot piece of ass.” She whispers into your ear before letting you go.

“He’s all yours.”

She excitedly grabs your hand and leads you back to the record player.

He’s standing facing it, with his arms crossed. The black shirt pulling taught along his muscular back as he seems lost in the lyrics.

Master of puppets I’m pulling your strings

Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams

“You break it, you buy it.” She leans in close to him but he doesn’t flinch. Letting her words drip down his spine like honey on tree bark.

“He already promised me he’d buy it.” You say as you plop down on the small tufted chair to watch the mating game.

“Smart man.” She picks up the cover and inspects it as she whistles. “You’re getting a great deal.”

“Oh I’m aware sweetheart.” He winks at you as he places his hands confidently on his hips.

You wish you had some popcorn right now for the front row seat to this show. She flips her hair over her shoulder and his jaw ticks trying to keep his eyes on her face. He has to look up at her with him being nearly eye level with her chest. You have to give it to him. He's doing pretty well.

“I should buy this for you.” She bumps his hip out of the way as she lifts the arm to stop the record. It’s not often Santiago ceded control and right now he’s willing to let this play out. “I didn’t mean to be so dramatic. I just had to make sure my friend wasn’t Murdered on her lunch break by her date.” She looks over at you and sticks out her tongue as you mirror her actions.

Santiago’s throat goes dry at the word. Date.

He doesn’t have time to unpack that so he recovers quickly before she notices the color draining from his face.

“I take it you’re not one to argue with.”

“Wow, he learns quickly.” She slides the record into the sleeve and places it lightly against his chest.

He stops her before she can pull her hands away. “I’ll let you buy this for me if you let me buy you dinner.”

Wow she’s good, that must be some kind of record.

“Consider it done, mystery man.”

“Santiago.” You chime in from the chair as you lean back and smile at them. They both turn to you seemingly haven forgotten your existence for the few brief moments they shamelessly flirted.

“Well Santiago I’m—.”

“Alicia.” He huffs in satisfaction as she pulls out her phone and hands it to him.

The door chimes and you see two younger women enter. You slink out of the chair and head to the front to give them some space. You throw a thumbs up over her shoulder at him and you see the way the corner of his mouth turns up as he enters his digits into her phone.

****

Santiago thumps his head against the steering wheel hoping the mindless drumming will bring him some clarity.

He needs to tell Frankie about you. He needs to talk to Dave. He needs to plan a date for the girl of his dreams. He really needs to get his priorities in check with this whole situation. One step at a time.

He decides first to text Alicia to plan something before she loses interest. He’s never felt such an instant connection with someone and he doesn’t want this opportunity to pass him by. It’s pretty selfish of him considering the circumstances of which he met her but Frankie doesn’t need to know that. Yet.

****

You helped a few more customers after Santiago left with the widest grin on his face you’re ever seen.

Alicia hadn’t emerged from the back of the store until the last person left. She strolled down the aisle with a giddy look on her face as she typed away feverishly at her phone.

“You were worried about me being murdered and you agreed to go on a date before you even knew his name.” She finally looks up at you from her phone as you raise your eyebrows at her.

She points her finger at you before hopping up onto the counter. “Do as I say, not as I do.”

You rest your chin on her shoulder as you both stare out the window. “I don’t think I can take that advice right now.” You sigh dramatically into her ear. “I really like him.”

“You’re saying that like it’s a bad thing.” She pauses to let you continue even though she knows what’s going through your head. “Listen babe…not every guy who isn't your soulmate is gonna be like Nate.”

Nathan. The man you fell in love with. The reason you decided to move across the country after he decided he’d had enough. As much as you tried to convince him that it didn’t matter, the seed had already planted itself deep in his thoughts. Each time a new tattoo emerged on your body it was like salt in the wound.

He would ignore you for days, treat you like a stranger in your own home. For reasons you had no control over. No amount of love bombing or gifts, endless reassurance that you were devoted to him could convince him that you were his.

When he broke it off with you and told you to leave you were gutted. Your step mom refused to let you move in with her and your father. It drove an even bigger wedge between you and your already fractured relationship.

It took many late nights with Alicia after you moved in and a multitude of therapy sessions for you to realize that he was not the one. Someone who treated your body and your mind like a careless possession was not someone to behold.

A small tear rolls down your cheek and lands quietly on her shoulder. She turns to you and sighs as she cups your face in her hands. “You know what’s different about this time?” She asked as her thumb wiped away another stray tear. You shook your head instead of speaking unsure if your voice would betray you. “You have me, and I won’t let anything like that happen to you again.”

She held out her pinky as you chuckled. Wiping the rest of your red face before anyone else came in. No matter the outcome you are ready to put your heart out there again. Any person to cross you should think twice, Alicia was never one to break a promise.

****

“Cálmate hermano.” Santi bristles at the look Frankie gives him as he watches the man pace in his living room.

“You can’t seriously be telling me to calm down.” His face is beet red and the muscles strain in his neck as he tries to keep his voice level. Tensions have been high to say the least. Santiago hasn’t looked this nervous since he asked the boys to help him go back for the money.

Frankie already knew that look in his eyes when he pulled up to his house unannounced. He was however not prepared for the emotional roller coaster of a conversation that Pope had prepared for him.

They’re relationship over the last decade or so has been complicated to put it bluntly. Despite their ups and downs they always managed to make it back to each other. Frankie always said Pope might as well have been his soulmate because he could never get rid of him. At his core Santi always had his friends best interests at heart, even though his way of going about things usually resulted in some form of chaos. Maybe it was the universe or just his pure dumb luck but the handsome bastard always stepped in shit and came out smelling like roses.

Right now as Frankie leans against his kitchen island with his hands bound in fists he’s starting to think Santi’s luck may have run out.

His fingers are itching in his palms and the sweat trickles down his back. He can almost taste the metallic remnants of what he used to do in situations like this.

Santi is reticent at the moment and as mad as Frankie is at him he’s reluctant to leave. He knows Frankie’s addiction was of his own doing but he can’t help but feel guilty about running away whenever things got complicated. Will and Ben had each other, and Santiago selfishly let Frankie go through all the fallout alone while he absconded off to some beach on the other side of the world.

His friend was a shell of himself when he returned and he vowed to never let him go through that alone again.

So now he waits for either Frankie to speak or strangle him. Whichever way he’ll deal with the outcome because it’s what he deserves.

“You’re gonna take me there.” Santi opens his mouth to speak but Frankie holds his hand up. “I need you to watch my back, in case that asshole shows up. I’m going to tell her everything and even if she doesn’t want me, she needs to know the truth.”

Frankie may have had his issues but he was virtuous and despite it all, Santiago respects him for it. It’s why he quickly agrees to whatever he wants.

Once Frankie has calmed down a bit he starts asking questions about you. They chat over beers and Santiago answers as much as he can about your short interaction. He can hear the optimism in his voice, hanging onto every word.

Santi tries not to give him too many descriptors. He wants Frankie to have something from all this. He won’t take away the thing he’s been wanting for years. That moment when he finally gets to meet you. To know that you’re real in the flesh.

“Ugh…I forgot to mention one thing Fish.” Frankie grumbles as he sets his empty bottle on the coffee table. “I might have a date with her best friend.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me Pope.”

Prev/Next

Comments and reblogs are much appreciated

Taglist- @missladym1981 @legendary-pink-dot @brittmb115 @christinamadsen @heavennumber2 @anoverwhelmingdin @guelyury @hannahkatharine @heareball @vabeachazn@frogjumps-world @jessthebaker @littlenosoul @adriennemichelle98 @syrupsstuff

91 notes · View notes