From: Silk1023@aol.com Date sent: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 23:17:25 EST Title: "Jake's Soulmate" Author: Sara Magee Rating: PG (few swear words) Keywords: MSR Summary: Red Shoe Diaries/X-Files Crossover. Jake finally finds his soulmate in this one...thanks to Scully. Disclaimer: All things X-Files related in this work belong to Chris Carter and 1013 and Co...though I wish I owned them, I don't. I'm just borrowing them for some much needed fanfic. Jake and Stella belong to Zalamon King and his wonderful people. I don't own anyone, I just wish I did..but these things are so much fun to write!!! Anyhow, I had to do this, it's a sequel to one I wrote earlier called "Stranger Things Have Happened." This story combines X-Files and Red Shoe Diaries. I got Mulder and Scully together in the last one, thanks to Jake. And I figure this poor guy deserves a break as well. I spent the whole movie wishing I could hug him, this creation comes from that desire!!! Enjoy!!! ************************************************** "Jake's Soulmate" The knock on the door was unexpected. Scully looked over at the door as she struggled up from her partners lap. He was having none of it, his arms banding around her waist, pulling her back down to his chest. "Don't go...stay...they'll go way..." he mumbled, sleep still clinging to his voice. "Mulder," she reached up to quickly plant a kiss on his mouth, "Mulder, I have to get that, it could be anyone. My mother, Skinner, Cancerman..." "Cancerman Scully," he was waking up now, "why in the world would that scumbag be knocking on your door, knowing full well I'd kill him if he came near you again?" There was no joking in his voice now. "Mulder, I was kidding, now let me up, I have to answer...." Her words were cut off by his mouth, and she surrendered for the moment to his kiss, forgetting about whoever was at the door. Until a voice added itself to the knock. "Dana? Dana are you in there? Please open up...it's Calista...and I really need to talk to you..." The voice carried through the door, desperation evident. "Calista?" With added strength born of concern as the words penetrated her desire fogged brain, she pulled out of her partner's arms and managed to get to her feet. "Scully who is that?" Mulder asked, a question in his voice. She was already at the door, turning back to answer him, "my best friend from college, Calista, don't you remember, I told you about her, she's an interior designer." Before he could answer she'd flung open the door, and he watched her stagger as she felt a body hurl itself into her arms. "Dana, thank god you're here.." the small figure finally pulled away from Scully, and leaned back to look up at her. "Calista, are you okay? What are you doing here?" Scully pulled her into the room, closing the door behind her. "No, my life's a mess Dana, an absolute mess. I'm going crazy, I need a break, hell I need a life..." The words trailed off as she entered the living room and saw Mulder sprawled across the couch, watching her with interest. "Oh, Oh God Dana, I'm sorry, I didn't know you had company, I'll come back another time.." She turned back towards the door, looking embarrassed. "No, you're upset, you sit down and tell me what's wrong. Mulder, this is Calista. Calista, this is my partner, Fox Mulder." She was unaware of how naturally she had sunk back onto the sofa, or how Mulder's arm had immediately curled her closer to the warmth of his body. Calista noticed. Despite her upset, she noticed, and had to smile. So it was true, they were involved. She'd always known her friend felt more for her partner than just friendship. At least one person was happy. "Hi Calista, nice to finally meet you," Mulder smiled at her and she couldn't help but notice how handsome he was. If only Dana hadn't gotten to him first.... She sighed, figuring that men were the last thing she needed to be thinking about now. "I'm still sorry, I didn't realize you two were involved," she looked sheepish again, "usually Dana's always home alone to listen to my fits, so naturally I assumed..." Mulder laughed. "Thanks Calista," he smiled at Scully, "you've just let me know that I'm the first man in a long time Dana's had over..." He trailed off as Scully hit him with a pillow, a smile in her eyes. "Watch it Mulder" she laughed and settled back into his arms. "So, have you two been...seeing each other for long?" Calista was fascinated by the looks they exchanged, her own problems fading as she watched the two on the couch look at each other with laughter and love in their eyes. "Yes," Mulder spoke before Scully could get a word in, "Yes we are, and we're very happy about it." "Mulder" she smiled at him, "if you'll just relax, you'll notice I was going to tell her, not like she couldn't figure it out from the way you're holding me..." He smiled sheepishly and pulled her closer, planting a kiss on the top of her head. "Sorry, I just like saying that..." he smiled the puppy dog smile she loved so much. "I know, I like hearing it," she said back, smiling up at him. "Well, congratulations," Calista figured she'd better interrupt them before they totally forgot her presence in the room, "it's about time you two figured this out. I wish you all the happiness and luck in the world. And with what you two do...you're certainly going to need it!" She smiled at the two, feeling a tinge of sadness at the easy way they seemed to have of communicating with each other. If only... "Calista," Scully pulled herself away from Mulder and looked back at her friend, then turned serious. "What's wrong? Normally I'd be thrilled with a visit from you, but something is wrong." She looked straight at Calista, giving her the famous "Scully stare." Mulder noticed, with interest, that it didn't seem to intimidate the small woman sitting across from him. He smiled to himself. "Got it in one Dana," Calista sighed, "work, life, I'm so depressed, and even a year after Chris, I still can't get over it." Scully bristled. "I told you he's a fool, you shouldn't have listened to a word he said, that was two years ago, you've gone on and become more successful than he ever will. I don't want to hear you talk like that!" Mulder looked surprised as he felt the anger flow through the woman in his arms. He thought, if it could get his partner that riled up. "But Dana, every time I see another man, the words run through my head," Calista sounded desperate now. " I was too good for him, that I knew him too well, that he felt he didn't have any more secrets, that I knew all of him, and he didn't want that. He wanted mystery, and secrets, all things I apparently couldn't give to him." She looked ready to cry, Scully thought, her heart going out to her friend. She could feel the empathy emanating from Mulder as well. Trust him to have a soft heart she thought, secretly glad he did. "I know, I know it hurt, but we've gone through this before. You weren't the jerk, you didn't cheat on him, you gave him the best that was in you, he used you. He isn't worth your thoughts, or your time." Dana was getting worried about her friend. Normally they went through this every few months, but lately, it seemed like it was only weeks between upset visits from Calista. "But why didn't he want me, what did I do?" Her voice was barely there. As she spoke the words, Dana thought they sounded familiar. Where had she heard them before? Come to think of it, Calista's whole speech sounded familiar, as if she'd heard it before...where... Suddenly, it hit her like a bolt of lightening. Jake, she'd heard it in Jake's voice the night they'd talked about what Alex had done to him. A light went on in her mind. "I know, I know, I'm just so disillusioned, I know there are others who've gone through this, but none I can talk to, it's so embarrassing, and I don't understand what I didn't have..." Calista was rambling on, getting the emotion out, not seeming to care that Mulder was sitting there, looking a bit uncomfortable, but not moving. "Calista," Mulder spoke gently, not sure how she'd take advice from someone she'd just met, "listen, I might not know quite what's going on, but from what it sounds like, this guy was a jerk. I mean anyone who can get Scully this upset, well, with the exception of me, can't be very good." Calista sniffed, then smiled slightly at him. "Yeah, he was a real jerk....if it hadn't been for Dana, I'd probably not have survived. We've gotten each other through a lot..." she trailed off, looking at her friend. Scully smiled at Calista, then gave Mulder a warm look. "Yeah, we have, if she hadn't been there, I think I probably would have done some crazy things in my earlier days..." She laughed at Mulder's incredulous expression. "Dana Katherine Scully, you a wild child?" He looked like he wanted to laugh again, "Will wonders never cease??" He received another swat with the pillow for that one. "Shut up Mulder, I'm thinking..." Scully said, looking deep in thought. Mulder looked over at her for a moment, reading the thought's going through her mind. It was like that with them. That whole unspoken communications' thing. He knew her mind was working, and he had a feeling he knew what she was thinking about. He sighed quietly to himself. "Scully, you've got that look, what are you thinking..." he asked, almost afraid to hear the answer. "Dana?" Calista looked at her friend in puzzlement. "Calista, you're not alone, I've told you that so many times, but maybe you need to hear it from someone other than me, or even Mulder here. As a matter of fact, I know someone who went through the exact same thing and feels the same way you do...." Calista cut her off before she could finish. "No, absolutely not Dana," she was flustered, "I'm not going to bear my feelings to some shrink who'll tell me how normal I am, how..." "Calista, be quiet for a moment and listen to me, Jake isn't a shrink, he's an architect, and I'm going to tell you about him and you're going to listen." Even Mulder knew when she used that voice, no one argued with Scully. And at the mention of the name Jake, a certain look came into his eyes. Not quite jealousy, but not quite friendly. He sighed. He had read her mind. With a slight ironic smile, he tugged her back against him, letting her tell her tale. Scully took a deep breath, noticing the other two in the room had gone quiet, and she began to speak. "About a month or two ago, I was having "problems" with my life, and with Mulder. I thought some things I'd done had made Mulder upset with me, made him jealous, that he no longer wanted me around." She paused as she felt Mulder slip his other arm around her. She knew it still hurt him to realize what they'd put each other through. She snuggled closer to him, feeling him relax. "It drove me nuts, so nuts that I answered an ad in the personals column of a Los Angeles paper. The add took me to meet a wonderful man named Jake. His fiancee, who he dearly loved, had recently killed herself after not being able to deal with an affair she was having. Now, don't get me wrong, Jake loved Alex, more than anything in this world, and he did everything for her, gave her everything. But she thought she had no "secrets" she wanted mystery back, so she slept with a man she picked up on the street. In the end, when Jake had asked her to marry him, and she realized this other guy wouldn't let her go, she killed herself rather than deal with it. It left Jake devastated and betrayed...so he put an ad in the paper asking any woman who had been betrayed or betrayed another' to send him her stories, so hopefully he could understand some day, why Alex had done what she'd done...." Calista interrupted her at this point. "You mean the "Red Shoes" ad don't you Dana?" Scully paused for a moment, stunned. "You know the ad?" "Of course, it's caught my eye last week, and every day this week so far. I finally ordered the Los Angeles paper and have been reading it to catch up on California fashions and events. But I always get stuck on the personals.." she sighed. "I figured "Red Shoes" was some nutcase who wanted to get his jollies from poor unsuspecting women...wait a second here," she paused again, sending her friend a strange look, "you've met him? You answered that ad? You risked your life by going out to meet him...." "It wasn't a risk, just talking to him, you could tell. He was alone and in pain, and ready to listen to me pour out mine, and then help me see that I needed to talk to Mulder to tell him how I felt, he saved this relationship, and I only wish I could have done something for him. He's one of the most wonderful men I've ever met..." She paused, feeling Mulder frown. "But not as wonderful as you Mulder" she added with a smile. He relaxed a bit and settled her more firmly in his embrace. Calista, watching all this interplay felt depressed again. She pushed the thought away. Scully looked at her, then went on. "Calista, why don't you write him, send him a letter, or better yet, go talk to him, something tells me he could make you feel a lot better than I could...and you might learn something..." Calista looked at her as if she were crazy. "You want me to go visit some guy I've never seen, to talk about my love life, with a man who wants to hear women's fantasies? Are you crazy Dana???" Calista looked ready to explode. "Funny, that's usually addressed to me" Mulder said, feeling the pillow fly towards his face a second after. "Sorry," he shrugged, smiled, and pushed the pillow away going quiet again. "Just talk to him, please?" Scully was pleading now, "let me call him, you can talk to him, and then decide. I know it sounds nuts, but please, I did it, and he changed my life. I think he could do that for you, and you might be able to help him as well. Please, for both of us..." Calista looked at her friend, seeing the contented way she was cuddled up with Mulder, the two obviously in love. They'd had a rough time, that she knew, but it looked like they were going to be fine. This Jake, had he really done that for Dana? Maybe he could talk to her... Suddenly, she knew she was going to do it. She didn't know why, she didn't think she wanted to, but something sparked in her. She had noticed the ad, well, to be honest, it had fascinated her. Something about the wording...and now finding out her friend actually knew the guy, and he wasn't a pervert...She was going to do it. She'd decided. "Okay, but if this doesn't work, I don't want to hear another word..." "Yes!" Dana jumped up from the couch, heading for the phone. Mulder watched, with a wry smile as she picked up the phone and dialed a number. One she was familiar with he noted with only a small pang. Then he sighed, and smiled again as he leaned back. *************************************************** Jake and Stella were playing catch with the rubber ball when the phone rang. Jake had taken a break from the pile of mail he was going through, trying not to feel cynical at the latest batch of cheating women he was reading about. He gave Stella a quick pat and grabbed the receiver on the third ring. "Jake here," he said gruffly. "Jake, Jake it's Dana Scully..." "Dana!" His face, and voice brightened considerably as his mind brought up a picture of the pretty red-head, the one female he truly could call a friend. "What are you doing? It's great to hear from you. Things are okay aren't they??" "Yes, Mulder and I are wonderful, but my good friend, well, she's going through a rough time, and I thought, maybe, you could talk to her for a few moments, just as a favor to me. I don't want to impose, but you gave me such good advice, and I think you could help her, and she might help you as well...her story is an awful lot like yours..." "Dana, what are you up to?" The pang that went through him when she mentioned his past was swift. It didn't come as often, or as sharp anymore, but it was still there. He sighed. He realized Dana was trying to ask him something, but wasn't quite sure what. "Listen Jake, she needs to talk, and I don't know anyone better for listening, and maybe in this case, you could find something in her..." Jake sighed, feeling like a tired old man. "Okay, I'll bite..what's her name?" "It's Calista," he heard her hand the phone over, and before he could say another word, he heard a soft voice come through the receiver. "Jake?" The voice sent a shiver straight down his spine. It was so soft, so sexy... He gathered himself together quickly, surprised a voice had such an effect on him. No one had for a long time. "You must be Dana's friend," he said, trying to get his wits back together, "she says you're aware of my "Red Shoe Letters" and have something you want to talk about?" "Well," the voice was still hesitant, but it was doing odd things to his nervous system. "Dana said you helped her through a rough period like I'm going through, but she also said you'd gone through somewhat of the same thing." Alarm bells went off in Jake's head, as he wondered where this was leading. "See, I, gosh this is hard," the voice was slowly relaxing, gaining confidence, "I just was dumped by the love of my life, who said I was too good for him, I didn't' leave him any secrets, any mysteries..." Jake felt the world haze a bit as the familiar words hit home. Alex had written those same words in her Diary...how she felt about him...suddenly, he knew why Dana had had Calista call him up. He hoped he could deal with this. "Jake? Jake, are you still there?" The voice was worried, maybe a bit embarrassed now, "I'm sorry, I know this probably has no interest for you but...." "No, no, Calista, I'm very interested, more than you know..." he trailed off as memories collided. "Oh, well, then, I'm not quite sure what to say..." her voice trailed off at the other end of the line. "Calista," he decided to do it, what the hell, all it could do was open up a bigger hole in his heart, but the voice and the story intrigued him. "Calista, I know this is a rather awkward idea, but do you think we could meet somewhere, and just talk. I think there's some things we need to talk about...I think it could help us both. Will you meet me?" He held his breath, sure she would tell him to take a flying leap. Any sane female would have. After a pause, the voice came back. "Yes, yes, I think I will..." he could hear a bit of fear, but also the curiosity in the voice, and it called to him. "You ever get to Los Angeles?" He said quietly, wondering what he was doing, opening himself to this. "Actually, I have business trip out there in a few days, I'll be in town for a week....we could meet then?" He thought he could detect some hope in her voice. Amazing. "Yeah, Dana has my number, why don't you call me when you get in and we'll go from there. Listen, I don't want to pressure you, but I really am looking forward to talking with you..." He wondered if he'd said too much. "Strange as it sounds," she replied, "I'm looking forward to it as well. I'll talk to you then?" "Sure, talk to you then." "Okay, Jake, bye then. Oh, hang on, Dana wants to add something.." He heard the phone change hands, and Dana's voice come over the line again. "Jake? Thank you...you're okay with this? I know it won't be easy, but I just thought..." "I know what you thought Dana," he smiled wryly, "I know it, because I did the same thing to you...don't use my own tricks on me...I know these things!! I'll be okay, you know how this intrigues me, and I know you only want to see me happy..." "Yes, I do Jake. You need to get on with your life, so does Calista....it's up to you what you make of it, but let me remind you, you don't have that long a time to do it." "I know, I know, listen, it's good to talk to you, and you know I'm here if you need anything, anything at all..." "I know, and I appreciate it. Thank you, and I want to hear how it goes after you meet her, okay?" "Okay, talk to you later...bye Dana." "Bye Jake, give Stella an extra hug for me, take care." They both hung up the phone and Jake leaned down to pat Stella. "Jake old boy, what have you gotten yourself into this time?" ************************************************************* The thought ran through her head as she picked up the phone in her hotel room. Warnings aside, she felt herself dialing the numbers. If only to hear his voice again. Something about that deep voice had gotten to her, she didn't know what, but it had sent a shock through her system. It sounded familiar in some ways. She couldn't believe the feelings that voice had evoked. She, well, she was embarrassed to admit it, but his voice turned her on. This sounded sick, she knew. She sighed again. Dana hadn't been to forthcoming about Jake, and that worried her. But she figured her friend knew what she was doing, and obviously respected the guy. Why not, what did she have to lose? He picked up the phone on the second ring. "Jake here." She recovered her wits quickly, she hoped. "Jake, Jake it's Calista, Dana's friend.." he cut her off. "Calista, you're in town then?" His voice suddenly sounded brighter. She wondered why she suddenly felt lighter as well. "Yeah, just got in and am at my hotel...figured I'd call and see what you had going for dinner tonight." she thought with a sigh. "Actually, I'm free all evening, would you like to meet somewhere, and talk, have dinner maybe?" He was stroking Stella's fur gently as he tried to get himself under control. It wasn't fair that just her voice could do this to him, tie him up in knots, then soothe them out without a hesitation. No one had been able to do that since Alex. It scared him. "That sounds good, where should we meet?" "How about I meet you at Antonios', it's a great Italian restaurant with the best spaghetti you've ever tasted." "Sounds good to me, about 7 pm then?" "7 pm, I'll be there....Calista, I'm glad you called." A pause, then a soft reply. "Me too Jake, me too." They both hung up smiling. **************************************************** Jake nervously looked at himself in the mirror in the lobby of the restaurant. Should he have dressed more formal? Or was he too casual? What would she think of the sweater...Alex had always liked it... he admonished himself. Suddenly, he felt eyes staring at him, and he knew she must have arrived. He slowly turned to face an absolutely breathtaking woman. Long black hair fell to her shoulders, curling in waves around her face, framing a pair of eyes so deep green, they reminded him of an emerald he'd seen once in a jewelry store when he was kid. God, he'd wanted that jewel, but never had the money to buy it. Funny that memory should return now, he hadn't thought of it in years. She was wearing a simple green dress, flattering yet casual. He thought he'd never seen anyone so beautiful. And from the look on her face, he knew she'd met Mulder. He sighed. Was he doomed to eliciting that look of shock from women on first impression? Or just women who'd met Dana's Mulder. "Calista..." he held out his hand, seeing her hesitant smile for the first time, as her eyes met his. His hear took a flying leap into his throat. "You must be Jake," she smiled at him again, trying not to notice how her heart beat jumped at the touch of his hand, "Dana could have warned me, I'm sorry for staring, but it's an amazing resemblance..." "I know, I know," he smiled wryly, "she had the same expression when she first saw me too!" "I can imagine, she probably had a heart attack! Have you ever met him?" Calista asked with a smile. "No, but someday I probably will...in the distant future when he's had time to be sure of having Dana to himself for eternity." He smiled at her expression. "Well, I don't think you need to worry about that." "Shall we eat? Our table awaits..." he held out his arm. "Lead the way..." she said, smiling and linking her arm with his. They jolted at the spark that went through them both at that small touch. This could be more interesting, and dangerous than either had thought. *************************************************** "Wow, I can see why Mulder would have been jealous, it's amazing, the resemblance." Calista, after the shock of seeing a clone of her friends lover had worn off, had decided in his own way, he was the most attractive man she'd met in a long time. His dark hair fell over his forehead, just itching for someone to push it off to the side, out of his eyes. His hazel eyes, a darker shade than Mulder's, seemed to look straight into her soul. Not a bad body either, she thought to herself, admiring the muscled figure next to her. And the shock she'd felt when their arms had touched... But that though held less and less appeal. From the moment she'd laid eyes on him, she'd felt like she'd known him forever. She finally understood what Dana meant about this man. She felt a brief spurt of jealousy, only for a moment, that Dana had been the one to find Jake too. She pushed the thought down again, deciding to concentrate on the man in front of her. After being seated at their table, and placing their orders, Jake looked at her and smiled. "So Calista, friend of Dana's, what's your first impression of me, other than I look like a clone of a certain FBI agent?" She blushed, at being that obvious, then smiled. "Well, I feel comfortable with you, that's odd for me, I haven't felt like that with anyone, not since Chris..." she trailed off. "Tell you what," he said with a smile, "why don't we have a nice, relaxing dinner, get to know each other a little, and save the soul searching for a long walk on the beach after dinner?" He looked hopefully at her. She looked at him for a moment then smiled. "I can't think of anything I'd like more..." Dinner was wonderful. Calista felt like she'd finally met a man she could talk to, about her business, her ideas, her life, her dreams. And he actually listened, and asked questions. He seemed to like her, and the looks he kept giving her, well, they were hot enough to burn through her clothing. She knew it, but found she really was enjoying it. She wondered where this was leading, but for the first time in a long time, decided she was looking forward to finding out. Jake was amazed he was so comfortable with this woman. She was different than any one he'd ever met. Even Dana. Dana was a kindred soul, a friend. He knew Calista would be one too, but on a deeper level. Something about her called to him, in ways he hadn't felt in a long time, if ever. He knew he kept looking at her like he wanted to devour her, and in truth, he did. He wanted it more than anything. And from the looks she was sending back, it wasn't all one sided. That scared him. He knew it scared her. He could see the arousal, mixed with fear in her deep green eyes. He felt he could almost read her mind. Not even Alex had had that effect on him. That scared him more than anything. But, he'd faced his demons, maybe this one would be his savior. After finishing the meal, the two decided to take that walk on the beach. He helped her out of her chair, and they headed out towards his car. "The beach is only a few blocks away, you're sure you don't mind walking? We could go somewhere else..." his voice trailed off as he felt her hand on his arm. "A walk on the beach with you is exactly what I need Jake, we need to talk about some things, before we get in over our heads." She softened the words with a smile, placing her hand on his arm. "Yes, we do Calista, yes we do." ************************************** They pulled up to a deserted stretch of the beach, and headed out onto the sand. Calista took off the heels she was wearing, the feeling of sand between her toes too wonderful to resist. "This is wonderful, so relaxing, and free..." she sighed as she threw her head back, feeling the salty air and the warm sand ease the stress of the past months. She felt Jake come up next to her and take her hand, heading off down the beach at a slow pace. They walked hand in hand for a while, neither saying anything, until they hit a spot right where the reflection of the moon cast a golden glow over the sand. Jake pulled her down next to him and smiled as he felt her lean back into his chest. He thought, not realizing how much he'd missed having a warm body to cuddle with...it felt really good. Calista was thinking the same thing. She sighed and leaned back, feeling that now was the time to begin. She spoke softly, almost so low he couldn't hear, but the words became clear an instant later. "I dated Chris for about two years. He and I met during college and were friends throughout the four years we spent there, and we had only began dating near the end of our Junior year. I loved him, he was my ideal man. He was nice, sweet, and seemed to love me. Sure, he didn't do all the things girls dream of their boyfriends doing...he never gave me flowers, never voluntarily took me to see something I wanted to see...but he was nice in other ways. Anyhow, to put it mildly, I gave him everything, my heart, my life... my virginity... everything. I thought we were going to marry, he'd talked about it, I wanted it. I had this great job at an interior design firm, he was working and going to law school, it would have been perfect. But then, I found out the whole time we'd been dating, he'd been seeing his ex girlfriend, sleeping with her too, telling her there was nothing going on with me. I found out in a bar one night when she was drunk and wanted to make sure I wasn't mad they were "back together." Needless to say, I was devastated. Especially, when after dropping everything on his doorstep, he didn't say a word to me. After a year, he didn't care. All that time, effort, plans, and he didn't do anything. Just went back to her. And sent me a note saying he deserved a better ending than that, and that I'd never satisfied him. He said I gave him no mystery, no surprise. I was too nice, too kind, to encompassing, I made him unable to have a life...he, he said I wasn't worth having a relationship with if I had no mystery in me." She paused here, not realizing that Jake had tightened his hold on her during the long tale, and was gently stroking her hair. As she became aware of this, she was surprised she didn't pull away. It felt too good to do anything else. She looked up at him, seeing understanding in his eyes, and his own pain. She looked deep into his eyes, wondering who had caused him that much pain. Probably this woman. For some reason, Calista decided she hated her, hated her on the spot. Didn't do any good since she was dead, but the violence of the thought startled her. "Oh Calista, don't you know by now that you don't need anything from anyone? You're an independent, bright, and beautiful woman, who will make any man with a brain happy. I've known you all of three hours, and I can tell you that with a certainty I've never felt about anyone else. Chris was an idiot, an immature one at that who didn't realize what a gem he had...it's his loss not yours. Please believe me...please..." The pleading in his voice made her look at him again. He was in pain, and not only for her. It moved her more than she'd thought it would. She suddenly had the need to hold him, to offer him some of the comfort she realized she was feeling after getting Chris off her chest. She felt better, freer, she wasn't the wreck she usually was after the telling of Chris. She realized Jake needed to do that as well. Ignoring all sense and reason, she turned in his arms, wrapping herself around him, holding onto him tight. She felt him stiffen for a moment, then his arms close around her, like a vise. She felt him bury his face in her hair, felt the desperation, and the desire in his hold. She managed to pull far enough away from his chest to look up into his eyes. "Jake, what's your story? Why do I see such pain in your eyes? I know it can't all be for me, but please, what did she do to you? Can you tell me?" He looked at her for a long moment, drawing his hand away to wipe across his face, she reached around him in a hug again, resting her face against his beating heart. "Tell me, please?" she asked softly, this time, stroking his back. He looked into her eyes and was lost. So, his story poured out, the pain and anguish of reading Alex's diary, finding out about "Tom" and what she did with him, how she liked the violence, how she still loved him, but not enough. He told her about his pain at finding her in the tub, at the pain of watching them lower her coffin into the grave. He told her about the basketball game that nearly ended in violence with Tom. He told her about Red Shoes and the letters he received. He told her everything, more even than he'd told Dana. Somehow, it just all came out. She would understand, in her own way, she'd been there too. It felt good, it felt right to tell her. When he finished, he saw the tears in her eyes now, felt her empathy reach out to him. Her arms tightened even more around him as she lifted her tear stained face to his. "Oh Jake, at the risk of sounding like I'm repeating, there's nothing wrong with you. You're the kind of man most women dream about, and Alex wasn't the one for you. It might be hard to see, but please, please believe me, it's her loss...and I know it hurts, it hurts like hell...but you are meant to move on. There's someone out there who'll appreciate you, who'll fill your needs, as you filled some of hers. You'll find her, I'll find him...maybe, maybe we'll find each other. But you can't give up hope. You have to believe. That's something I learned from Dana and Fox, and I think we both could use a good dose of it right now." By this time, they were holding onto each other as if neither would ever let go, looking deep into each others eyes. Calista felt a bit frightened at the intensity she could feel in his gaze, but what worried her more, was that she could tell she was returning the look, measure for measure. There was attraction here. On many different levels. Understanding, desire and sympathy all mixed up into one. But over it all, a sense of rightness, of completeness. Of finding one's other half. Scared the hell out of her. Scared the hell out of him. He couldn't believe he was feeling these emotions again and all from a girl he'd known less than three hours. Usually after telling his story, he was depressed and upset. Not this time, this time he felt clean, he felt whole, like he'd gotten rid of a heavy burden. And God, he wanted her. They continued to stare at each other, neither noticing the world around them. Somehow, they were communicating with their eyes. The messages went back and forth, and for two people who weren't that open to believing in things you couldn't see...it was a feeling like no other. "Calista," his voice was soft, "I know this is crazy, I know we've only known each other for a few hours, but somehow, I know you, I feel like, well, like I've found something I've not even been aware of missing." "I know Jake," her voice was just as soft, "call me crazy, but I feel like I've known you forever, like you're part of me. This is crazy! Isn't it?" He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle at first, gently brushing her mouth, until she opened for him and he deepened the kiss. Neither could believe the wonder and the emotion crashing through them. Neither thought they'd ever find this again. Neither wanted to stop. After several long, wonderful minutes, Jake drew away for a breath, looking deep into Calista's eyes. The wonder, and desire in them made his heart skip a beat, but also touched a part of him, deep inside, that he'd hidden from everyone, even Alex. "It's only crazy if you don't believe..." he smiled at her. "You know, when I first met Dana, she was confused about where her relationship with Fox was going. She knew him for five years, they'd become each others best friends, soulmates in the truest sense of the word. But they'd done nothing about it, they were too scared. It took a lot of soul searching, and the fear of losing him that brought her, and I suspect him, to their senses. And look at them now...they took five years...But look at where they ended up. Look at where we ended up. Here we are, two people with the weight of the world on our shoulders, and yet, at this moment, sitting here with you, I feel more alive than I have in a long time. And I like that feeling. I never thought I'd hear myself saying that, but I like it, I like it a lot." She smiled over at him. "I know, it is crazy, but I feel the same way. It's taken me years to even deal with all the grief Chris had left me with...with you, I feel it's a distant memory. It scares me, but excites me too. What's happening to us?" He grasped her hand and brought it to his lips. Her heart skipped a beat at the touch. He smiled, a sexy, charming smile. She couldn't wait. "I think, we're starting the beginning of a beautiful relationship." She smiled back. "I certainly hope so, I certainly hope so." They continued to gaze at each other, knowing lots more needed to be said, more understood, and more talked about. But for now, they were content to just sit and look at each other, and kiss. Right then and there Calista made a vow to herself. She was going to make sure she did something wonderful for Dana as soon as she got back. She knew if it hadn't been for her friend, she'd never have met this wonderful man. As she sank into his embrace her last thought was "maybe I'm the winner this time...." Jake was feeling the same way. He thanked his lucky stars, and Fox Mulder for bringing Dana into his life. If he'd never have met her, he'd never have found the one woman he suspected could replace Alex in his heart. He'd forgotten how good it felt to hold a woman, to breath in her scent, her hair. And with Calista, it was so much more. He was amazed, and awed, and a little terrified. But those thoughts passed quickly as he felt the heat of her mouth on his lips. He'd think later he decided, then lost himself in her arms. They'd found each other, it had been a long, hard road, and no doubt there were many obstacles facing them, but they'd found each other. No more letters, no more bouts of tears. Chris and Alex were memories or soon would be. Like attracts like, love finds love. Both realized they had found something precious. Neither was willing to let it go. And at that moment in time, both thought there certainly couldn't be two happier people than themselves. *************************************** Well, maybe two back in Washington. Mulder and Scully were curled up against each other on the sofa again, dozing lightly with a movie playing in the background. The phone rang. Scully blearily looked at the clock as she reached for the machine, noticing it was 11:21 PM. Mulder was here, so it couldn't be him. Who else would call her this late? She felt Mulder stir as she moved. "Hello..." her voice was sleepy. "Dana? That you?" "Calista? How are you, did you meet Jake?" Dana was awake now. She'd been worrying about her two friends all day. What if they didn't like each other? What if they couldn't handle each other's pain? What if... It had taken all Mulder's persuasive powers of distraction (oh yes, he did have them in spades) to get her mind off two people in LA. Mulder was awake by now as well, and sat up, listening with one ear, one hand stroking her back. "Well Dana, yes I did, and you know, I think this was the best idea you've had in a long time. You were right, we needed each other, and we found each other." "You found each other...Calista, are you sure? What are you..." "Dana, it's me..." she heard Jake's voice cut in..."she's right, you did us both a favor, one I'll never stop thanking you for. We needed this, I needed this, I needed her...thank you." Scully smiled into the phone. Obviously things had worked out just like she's hoped they would. Her two friends were going to be happy. Now, she just wondered what had actually happened. She tried to figure out how to ask nicely. "So, what did you two guys decide...I mean..." they cut her off before she could ask. "Dana, we'll tell you later, don't worry though. You got us to this point, we can take it from here." Scully paused for a moment, considering her options. Mulder was watching her, still stroking her back. She smiled into the phone. "Okay, okay. I'm not going to say a word, not one word, just be careful and let us know what happens, okay?" "Sure thing...talk to you later...tell Mulder hello....bye." They hung up laughing. She hung up, noting Mulder's raised eyebrow. "What?" she asked, snuggling back down next to him, deciding Jake and Calista were old enough to take care of themselves. Right now, she just felt a wonderful sense of relief. Jake was happy, Calista was happy, and if it worked well...she might have helped two more soulmates find each other. She figured after the hell she and Mulder had put themselves through, anything to make it easier for someone else was worth doing. "Did that conversation mean what I think it meant?" Mulder asked into her hair. "Yes, I think my plan worked well, with a little bit of luck, no more "Red Shoe" letters should appear, and frantic pounding on my door should cease." "Well, I don't know about that." He smiled. "Sometimes, I frantically pound on your door...or break it down..." She hit him with a pillow before pulling him in for kiss. "Mulder, I think they found each other, and I can be happy knowing Jake and Calista are happy." "Well, at least I don't have to worry about you leaving me for him.." he trailed off at her smile. "Mulder, if you think you're ever getting rid of me...think again. You're stuck with me, till the end." "Dana Katherine Scully, there's no place I'd rather be...no place in this world." She kissed him again and they snuggled under the covers. Yes, I think it was safe to say there were four extremely happy people in the world this night. After all...love has a way of making things right. For everyone. If you only believe. **************************************************** The End!!