Author's Notes: I've been away from the whole "fan fiction" game for quite awhile. I'm not sure if I'm really passionate about some of the fandoms I used to write for so, don't hold your breath for continuations on some of my other stories. Right now, I'm focusing on school and other activities closely related to it so updating stories on a nice basis may prove harder than usual. Sorry if this disappoints you or makes me seem like a INSERT EXPLETIVE HERE.

Plunging into Darkness

By CJSpooks

Chapter One: Parallel

While letting himself into the apartment, Goren let a heaving sigh escape his lips. Today marked the conclusion of a monumental case, which again involved the elusive Nicole Wallace in a new ploy to get his attention. Eames and he had went to the ME's office to see the body of Ella, Nicole's new lover and recent victim. The sight wasn't pretty and the conclusion was quite the "open-ended response" to the question: Is Nicole Wallace still at large? All thoughts of Nicole and her escape perplexed and greatly disturbed him to the core.

After the visit to the ME, Eames had driven him home, telling him it would be best if he got some sleep before tackling the never ending pile of paperwork the next day. Mostly out of show to please Eames, he agreed. He was mentally and emotionally exhausted but he would never reveal that to anyone. Goren told himself that all his work amounted to something. He would one day go on a well-earned sabbatical to someplace far away and relax. It was his secret motivation.

Shaking his head, hoping to clear his mind of any negativity, he tried to put it all behind him. He decided to think it through later. Right now, he would sleep. Slipping off his tie, he walked to his bedroom about to collapse into the warmth of the bed into a nice dream world. Looking up unconsciously, he caught a glimpse of someone and stopped.

"Hello, Bobby."

Goren crossed his arms. "Nicole Wallace…"

She took up a relaxed pose and smiles slyly. "Did you really think I was gone for good?"

He didn't move. "I didn't expect to see you so soon."

Nicole Wallace laid back on Goren's bed with a slight laugh. She was clad in a little black dress and nothing else. Her expression was one of seduction and quiet satisfaction. Goren could tell her confidence had slowly come back. "Well, Bobby, didn't you learn to expect the unexpected? I came here not to start a row but to discuss our special relationship."

Goren shook his head. "What relationship could we possibly have?"

Nicole sat up quickly. "A bond of equality, naturally. We are intellectual and motivational equals."

"How do you figure?"

"We both would like to learn about life and what makes us so different from the rest. Our lives have not been spotless, Bobby. We are also fueled by…a certain evil, if you will."

"Where are you deriving this from? There's nothing parallel between us!"

Nicole smiled eagerly. "Come now, Bobby. I knew there was a chemistry between us from when we first met. It was like magic whenever we met! We fed off each other's energy and pushed all the right buttons. You're high on being with me!"

Goren frowned. "You're just full of yourself."

She crossed her arms. "Am I? Don't deny your feelings! I know you have dirty thoughts that swirl in your head."

"You're just imagining it. There are no feelings."

Nicole slipped off the bed and sauntered up to Goren. She placed her hand on his chest. There are feelings…that resonate deep within one's soul. One has to embrace them…to fully live life."

Goren took a small step back. It seems that Nicole was calling all the shots and both knew it full well. He was too confused and exhausted to fight her. But, he did not want to give up exactly, either. While Goren harbored many doubts, Nicole continued to stroke his chest and plant baby kisses there. No matter how much he wanted to pull away, he let himself go. His body now seemed to be a different vessel from his wandering mind. "Nicole…I…"

"Trust me, Bobby. This will be so liberating that you'll thank me. Haven't you ever wanted to cross the line and tangle with evil?" Goren nodded unconsciously while he slipped off his suit jacket. Nicole quickly unbuttoned his shirt. Cupping her face in his hands, the two shared a passionate kiss. Then Goren whispered, "Let me feel something beautiful if that sparkling little girl…" Nicole giggled at this and led Goren to bed.

Goren's last thought before plunging into darkness was of someone other than Nicole. It was of the woman he most loved and would deeply hurt by this encounter, Eames. As he made love to Nicole Wallace, he couldn't help but picture Eames's smiling face. Goren kissed Nicole deeply again to rid his mind of Eames. And the dark pleasure he found consumed him.

To Be Continued…