It was just after 5 o'clock. Manny had logged off of his computer, his last client was long gone and he was getting ready to lock up, when suddenly, something came up his message tube.

Manny hesitated. Whatever it was, he reasoned, it could probably wait until tomorrow morning. But for some reason or other, Manny went over to grab the message anyway. Inside was an unmarked envelope. It hadn't been properly sealed, the top flap was simply tucked loosely inside. When he opened it, there was a message scrawled inside the flap.

"Meet me in my office

-Dom"

There was also, what looked to be, a photograph inside as well. Manny plucked it out and turned it around to the front.

He froze. The envelope fluttered from his hand.

It was a picture of him, in what appeared to be a bathroom stall. His pants were missing. He was covered in an unknown fluid. It coated his face and button up shirt. It accumulated between his legs.

¡Qué chingados! Was this some sort of sick joke? No way could this be real. It had to be fake. But it looked surprisingly real. If someone faked this image, they must have been a professional. It really looked like him.

Suddenly he noticed something. The disarrayed clothes he wore, the same he had worn at the Christmas party just a week earlier. He had blacked out, the next morning waking up, aching all over. A particular ache, one he couldn't explain. A flash of familiarity, like a memory or a dream. A brief terrifying explanation, before a quick burying denial. But now, a photo, proof. He had been right.

He had been raped.

Manny immediately ran to his trash bin and retched. His shoulders quaking in effort and emotion, his hands and face going numb in horror. He retched again, bile and whatever remained undigested of his lunch, splashing into it.

He let out a small burp of air, all that remained in his empty stomach, before he collapsed against his desk.

He gasped for air, his body prickling in a cold sweat. Shock and terror began to pass, anger and vengeance quickly replacing it.

What kind of sick, disgusting bastard could do this to him? Domino was definitely a sleaze ball… but this? He wanted to absolutely murder him, tear the bastard into shreds. But he couldn't do anything. That photo was just one of the many that Domino most likely had. What else could he do? What could he do besides go to Domino's office and find out his demands? ¡Ya valí madre!

Manny cursed under his breath, tucking the incriminating evidence into his jacket. He got up on unsteady legs and shambled to his door. He grabbed his keys to lock up. His fingers shook heavily, missing the hole several times. He swore again and finally dared a glance at the office next to his. The door was open. The light was on. Domino was waiting for him.

He cursed once more.

In the darkened after-hours hallway, the single beam of light was like the menacing glare of a spotlight, threatening to leave nothing hidden. Perhaps he could take the elevator at the other end of the hallway? No, he couldn't run from this. Domino had clearly sent that photo to try and intimidate him. He knew he was in his office. He couldn't try to run with his tail between his legs.

Manny gave himself the once over, he didn't want anything betraying just how rattled he truly felt. He straightened out his jacket, smoothed his tie and took a deep breath. He moved towards the door.

"Ah, Manny, there you are! Did you get my memo?" Domino asked. His feet were crossed and propped up on the desk. He smiled at him, totally at ease. He spoke as if he were inquiring about nothing more than a trivial business memo.

"I did." Manny said as flatly as he could manage.

"Good! Come in, have a seat." Domino said jovially, removing his feet from the desk and grabbing his cigar from his ashtray.

Manny remained in the doorway.

"Come on Cally, I'll be quick, I promise." Domino said, waving him over, before standing up and moving towards his alcohol bar.

Manny stayed a moment longer, before in the end, moving towards the desk and sitting down stiffly. As he did, a glass of scotch was placed in front of him. Domino was quickly back at his desk, cigar in one hand and glass in the other. He took a sip.

"Have a drink, Cal." Hurley said. Manny ignored the request, instead crossing his arms and staring silently at Domino.

He took a few more sips, before glancing at Manny over the edge of the glass.

"What's wrong, kiddo, not thirsty? That's some good stuff, expensive too." Domino said, replacing the drink with his cigar in his mouth. Manny remained stoic, as Domino took a puff. He swirled his glass absently and stared off into space. Manny's hand tightened at the arm of his jacket.

"Oh," Domino said suddenly, lowering his glass.

"You don't think I did something to your drink do you?"

Manny gave no answer.

Domino set his glass down.

"Oh, Manny! Now, what would ever make you think I would go and do something like that?" Domino said, an appalled hand at his chest, but a tiny grin danced along his face.

Manny's hands clenched hard, his teeth ground together slightly, but other than that, he remained just as still. Domino was also quiet for a beat, before sighing. He shook his head then chuckled. He fixed Manny with a small smirk.

"Well, I guess we better just get right to business then."

Domino puffed at his cigar and reached into his desk. He quickly produced a manilla envelope and tossed it onto the desk.

"All the originals and negatives, twenty-four in total from various different angles. You can take a peek if you'd like."

Manny didn't move, he just stared hard at the envelope, before glancing back up at Domino, who continued casually.

"I don't have any other copies. I give you these and you have everything."

Manny was silent, thinking things over, his face changing ever so slightly with the shifting of his thoughts. After a moment he finally spoke.

"And what do you want in return?"

Domino smiled wide, and came around. He stood so close, towering over him now, the embarkation of the desk no longer separating them. Domino leaned in, closing the gap even further.

"What I want," He whispered low, "Is just one more. This time though, I want you conscious. I want you fully aware when I'm inside of you."

Manny's jaw twitched hard, his fingers digging harshly into the arms of his suit jacket. He sat quietly in thought again, his face even with Domino's, but not quite looking directly at him. His fingers played along the fabric of his arm, tapping out a quick rhythm. He opened his mouth, but the thought was aborted before it had a chance to leave his mouth. He closed it, readjusted, and tried again.

"If I do this, you'll leave me alone, and never bring it up again." Manny said.

It wasn't a question. It was a demand, a clear stipulation.

Domino smiled wide.

"Sounds like we have ourselves a deal, Mr. Calavera!"

Domino got up then, and moved towards the door. The click of the handle echoed loudly throughout the room. Manny reached for his previously untouched glass, and downed the whole thing in a few long gulps. He slammed the now empty cup back on the desk as Domino returned. He quickly straddled Manny, laying his arms around his neck. He gazed deeply into his eyes, like a lover getting lost in his features. Manny drew himself inward, keeping his arms at his side, clearly uncomfortable and non-reciprocating. Domino reached for his tie and loosened the knot in one hand. He thumbed open the buttons, humming happily at the deja vu. His hand dipped inside his shirt, tracing his collarbone and ribs beneath. This time however, Manny gave little reaction. Domino didn't seem to mind though, in fact he looked quite content. He let his finger's play lazily across his ribs as he continued to study Calavera's face. Manny kept his jaw set, his face unreadable, and stared right through Domino. Domino smiled softly with half lidded eyes, before bringing himself in close. He tipped Manny's chin up and kissed him then, gently, testing the waters, before moving in to deepen it. Domino held him tenderly in his arms. Manny stayed unmoved, neither a willing, nor unwilling participant. He simply opened up and allowed himself to be used. After a bit of this, Domino pulled back.

"Awfully quiet, Cal. What's wrong, not feeling it? You know, I want you to feel good too, right?"

Manny scowled, the first emotion he let slip past his mask of indifference.

"The sooner we finish this the better."

"Come on Manny, it's half the reason I did this. I want you to remember how good I made you feel." Hurley murmured. His hand danced along his chest, before sliding down to his crotch. He fondled him gently through his trousers. Manny clenched his jaw.

"I promise, I'll make you feel good, Manny. You can trust your old pal, Domino." Hurley whispered in his ear.

His hand massaged the ghostly memories of flesh, causing Manny's pants to grow more and more restrictive by the minute. Manny's hands were curled into tight fists at his side, his breathing had picked up and he could feel the heat building up inside his body. Domino kissed his neck as he went to undo his pants. Manny gazed over his shoulder, staring hard at the window blinds, the plastic strips reminding him more of bars on a jail cell. When his member was sprung free, Domino brought his lips lower and lower, kissing as he went. Once level with Manny's cock, he gave a small smirk, before taking the length into his mouth.

A sudden gasp spilled from Manny, and he put his hand to his mouth to muffle any further noises. The noise had surprised him, springing forth against his own volition. It was becoming harder and harder for Manny to remain impartial, especially as his nerves seemed to be coming alight in an almost painful electric pulse. He tried so hard to detach himself from the situation, but every fiber of his being was screaming at him to run, to get as far away as possible. He tried to will off the panic that surged within him and remind himself what was at stake. Was this all even worth it? Giving himself over to Domino so completely, just for some photos. Who's to say Domino isn't lying. Maybe those aren't the only copies, maybe he has more. Maybe this would be more than just a one time thing and Domino would make him do this every night for the rest of his days in the underworld. Maybe he'd just release the photos anyway, hand them out to everyone at work, everyone in town. Sell them to some skeezy underground pornographer, and inform them where they can get more.

But Manny had no idea of knowing, all he had was Domino's word, and as shitty of a word it was, it was all he had. He was trapped. What else could he do?

Domino looked up from below.

"Feeling good, Manny?" He inquired.

Manny averted his gaze, moving his arms, so they stayed ridged at his sides.

"Just hurry this up." Manny hissed, a little harsher than he planned.

Domino suddenly frowned, the mirth he had been expounding slipping away.

He brought his face back up to Manny's. He looked him in the eye. There was a darkness visible in them now. Manny's stomach flipped.

"Fine, Manny," Domino tisked, "Have it your way."

Suddenly Domino was back at his lips, The memories of flesh mingling together like a pair of ballroom dancers, except one seemed more keen on eating their partner alive than dancing. Manny gripped Domino's shoulders, his fists twisting into the fabric desperately, as the other soul devoured him with such ferocity. Manny's eyes were wide. Domino was in him, on him, giving Manny little space to move, to even breathe. Domino quickly started grinding against him, the clear stiffness in his pants slamming hard against his own groin. The whole chair rocked with his thrusts, threatening to tip the two of them over if he wasn't careful. Manny was sweating now, unbearably hot and sweating, panting into Domino's open mouth to try and regain some form of air. He felt like Domino was choking the very life out of him.

Suddenly, he departed and the two were left panting. But instead of giving Manny the time to breathe, Domino suddenly grabbed his crotch harshly. Manny couldn't help the sudden yelp that leapt from him.

"This more your speed, Manny?" Domino barked.

Manny held Domino's shoulder in an iron grip, as he manhandled his junk. He grunted and groaned trying to hold back any louder noises between clenched teeth.

"St-stop!" The word tumbled out of him and he was surprised when Domino did, in fact, stop. Domino smirked at him and Manny couldn't help squirming uncomfortably in his seat.

"You know, that night you told me the same thing. I don't think you entirely knew what you were asking me to stop, though. Your voice had been so quiet and subdued. It was very cute."

He cupped Manny's face, licking the sweat from his cheek. Manny shuddered involuntarily.

"You know what else was cute? Your little moans. I know you're trying to hide them from me, Manny. There's no need to stifle yourself, after all, it's not like I haven't heard it before."

Manny stiffened. He tried glaring at Domino, but his will was faltering. He felt so hot and uncomfortable, and the look in Domino's eyes. It terrified him, haunted him, nauseated him. More than looking at the photo of his own assault, more than the prospect of that photo being seen by everyone in the office, in the underworld. It chilled him to his very core, and he came to a sudden realization.

"Stop!" Manny cried, louder now, pushing at Domino forcefully.

"Aw come on, Manny. Calm down." Domino tried to say pleasantly, but his growing annoyance bled through. He nipped at his collar bone.

"No! Stop! I'm done!" Manny cried. He pushed at his skull, kicked at his legs. He became a mass of limbs, just desperately trying to get Hurley away.

"Manny, would you-" Domino started, but Manny had managed to clock him upside the face. Domino recoiled. Manny attempted to flee from his chair, pushing past the form that lay curled up before him. A sudden, brutal fist around his throat stopped him.

Domino snarled at him.

"You won't get those photos." He hissed from between clenched teeth.

"I don't care! Get off me!" Manny screamed, clawing at his hand.

"Do you understand what that means? Everyone will see them, and I mean everyone."

"I don't care! I don't care!" Manny continued rebuking, nigh hysterical.

Domino snarled and heaved Manny from his chair. He quickly slammed him face down onto his desk. The glasses on the desk rattled, before diving overboard with a loud crash. Domino held Manny punishingly tight, leaning over top.

"We had a deal, Calavera," Domino growled in his ear, "And I always close out my deals."

Domino grabbed Manny's pants and yanked them the rest of the way down. Manny continued to fight back, kicking and growling and spitting, but Domino jabbed him with an elbow between the shoulder blades and yanked his arm at a sharp angle behind his back. Domino attempted to undo his pants one handed. Even with Manny still cussing and squirming under his grip, after a short while he managed to get them down. Domino then hunkered down and began to enter him. Manny bit back a scream, digging his nails into what used to be his desk.

"Fuuuck, Manny... that's it. 'You feeling it now?" Domino grunted, bottoming out. He slowly began to thrust, Manny's hands scrambled at the edge of the desk, attempting to drag himself away. Domino easily pulled him back, punishing him with a hard and shallow thrust for his efforts. Manny suppressed a yelp.

"You should be," Domino grunted, "Since I might have actually put a little something in your drink."

Manny stilled, his eyes widening, a sickness falling heavy in his stomach like a bowling ball. Domino noticed him tense up and laughed, cupping his chin.

"Don't worry! It was just a light aphrodisiac. I told you I wanted you conscious for this. More importantly," Domino continued, dropping his voice "I want you to remember how good I fucked you."

"¡Va chinga tu madre!" Manny hissed.

"Mm, that's it Cal, talk dirty to me."

Domino planted a kiss on his cheek, before he continued slowly and deliberately. Manny buried his face into the crook of his arm. He was so hot, so uncomfortably hot. Well, now he knew why he felt that way. He could feel the drug's effect, replacing any sort of discomfort with only pleasure. Drugs were strange like that in the afterlife. Since the flesh was no longer real, pain and pleasure only really existed in memories of the mind, and with the right tools, that mind could be easily manipulated. Each slide of Domino's cock was sending unwanted electric pulses up Manny's spine. He tried to bite back his moans, but every nerve was firing off in his bones. It was too much. He was unconsciously rubbing his thighs together, his body begging for release. Domino was picking up the pace now, and when a hand went around his cock, Manny couldn't hold back anymore. The touch alone, enough to send him over the edge. He instantly felt sick with disgust and shame, and when Domino removed his hand chuckling, he wanted to die all over again.

"There you go, Manny! I knew you were having fun," Domino laughed, wiping his soiled hand against the end of his shirt.

"Let's see if you can go again."

Domino quickly picked up where he left off, rutting into him harshly and moving his hand back to his cock. His hand glided over it easily. Manny tried to bite back noises, the oversensitive member was nearly too much for him to bear. The constant stimulation of pleasure was very quickly morphing into discomfort. When Domino gave an especially harsh swirl against the very tip, a tortured moan exploded loudly from him.

"St-Stop! Stop it!" Manny cried.

"Just hold on, Manny. I'm almost there."

But Manny couldn't hold on for even one more second. His shoulders quaked, as his fingers raked the desk harshly. He couldn't quell the noises that spilled from him now: loud moans and cries interwoven with the occasional sob. His head felt like it was spinning, the constant deluge of pleasure making him sick. If he hadn't already thrown up earlier, he knew he would be spilling his guts along the desk currently.

"Fuck! That's it you stupid slut, take it!" Domino suddenly roared, before Manny quickly felt something warm coat his insides. That sent Manny over the edge again, and a strangled, frustrated moan tumbled from him. Domino finally released him and he collapsed against the floor, his legs long since given up on supporting him.

The pleasure subsided, but didn't quite go away, his dick still twitching overzealously between his legs. Manny hiccupped on an agonized sob. He glanced up at Domino. Words could not describe the amount of vitriolic hate and contempt he could ever feel for another person. Domino stood over him, clearly proud of the unspeakable act of violence he had just carried out. He reached for the Manila envelope, which like the glasses, had fallen off the desk in all of the commotion. He tossed it into Manuel's lap.

"See, Manny? I told you. I even stayed true to my word. Now, was it really worth all the fuss you put up before?" Domino laughed, buttoning up his pants. Manny ignored him, grabbing his own pants in shaking hands, and worked on pulling them back on.

"I got what I wanted and you got what you wanted, maybe even a little more, huh?"

Domino continued, grabbing his smoldering cigar from his ashtray. Putting it between his teeth, he took a deep drag of it.

"Admit it Manny, the photos weren't the only reason you agreed to do this," He smiled at a downcast Manny. He couldn't see his face, but he could see the way his fingers awkwardly fumbled for his zipper, or the way his shoulders were hiked up toward his ears.

Turning from Manny, he moved back toward his alcohol bar. He picked up an unbroken glass, perched sideways on the floor.

"I've seen the way you've looked at me around the office. You remember some of that night in the hotel bathroom, don't you? You were hoping it wasn't a dream, that we could do this again. You wanted this more than I ever did. Didn't you, Manny?"

Domino smiled to himself, filling up a fresh glass of scotch, as cigar smoke wafted from between his teeth. He suddenly felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Domino smirked like a devil, turning to face the man behind him. A fist to the face quickly knocked that smirk right off. The glass in Domino's hand smashed against the floor, seeping amber liquid into the carpet, while his cigar flew from his mouth, landing amid the shards of glass. Domino fell along with these items, letting out a grunt.

Manny was immediately on top of him. He began hammering mercilessly at Domino's face, landing blow after blow, cathartically releasing his own pent up emotions in an act of wanton violence. He only stopped once his knuckles ached too much for him to continue. Manny sat over him for a moment, panting in exertion, watching Domino cower under him, holding his hands up to try and deflect any more potential blows. He whimpered slightly as he did. Manny ground his teeth and grasped Domino by the front of his shirt. Domino let out a sudden yelp, as Manny brought him inches from his face.

"If you ever try something like that on me again," Manny thundered, grip so tight in the shirt fabric, he nearly ripped it, "If you ever try to blackmail me, touch me, or even look at me funny, I will not hesitate to sprout you! You got that, cabrón?!"

"...Got it." A tiny squeak of voice came from Domino. Manny raised a fist, growling. Domino let out another whimper, attempting to hide his face again. Manny just scoffed, before tossing him back to the floor. Clutching the envelope in hand, Manny tromped across the floor. The crash of the door slamming shut, signaled his departure.

Manny entered the elevator, but didn't go to the ground floor. Instead, he went two floors below and immediately headed for the bathroom. He figured Domino wouldn't try to follow him, but he didn't want to take any chances. The floor was just as dark and unpopulated as his own. It was particularly late now. Hopefully even the most avid of workaholics had already packed up and left, or at least didn't need to use the bathroom.

Manny located the toilets quickly, the layout was relatively similar on every story. Tossing the envelope on the counter, he turned on the sink and checked himself in the mirror. Starting from his shoes, he slowly moved his gaze upwards. Small stains on his shoes and pant legs were quickly sopped up with a wet paper towel.

Soon, however, came the part he was most dreading. This whole time, he had been keenly aware of the residual mess, still sticking to the seat of his pants. Undoing them, he cleaned up as much as he could, trying not to dampen the fabric too much. Damper fabric meant more time drying, which meant more time here within Domino's vicinity. He also tackled the massive stain that clung to the end of his shirt. If he kept his suit jacket on tight and didn't raise his arms, he could hopefully keep the worst of it underneath and out of view. The rest of his suit seemed to be relatively unharmed. As long as it was good enough to get him home, that was all that mattered.

Finally, adjusting his tie, he caught a glimpse of his face.

He was suddenly hit with a fragmented flashback of a familiar hotel bathroom.

He quickly ripped his gaze away and down to the sink. Frenziedly splashing water up into it, he tried to wash away the panic that was welling up. Each hit of cold water stuttered his thoughts before they had a chance to assemble coherently. Once the feeling had passed and he was thoroughly soaked, Manny turned off the tap and grabbed yet another wad of paper towel. He scrubbed furiously, trying to remove every bit of grime that lay there. He vowed to run a long, hot shower once he had made the trek home. Manny tossed the spent towel into the bin before sighing, his gaze drifting to the envelope that waited for him on the counter. It seemed to be staring right back at him, boring a hole through his skull. It was his lone reward for sacrificing his dignity. He knew what needed to be done now.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a package of cigarettes. Plucking one out, he brought it to his mouth and grabbed his lighter. Flicking it open and on, he cupped his hand around it protectively. Once the cigarette was lit, he took a deep, long drag of it. Pulling it away, he let a breath out slowly, letting his head drift upwards as he did. He took a moment, his eyes unfocusing, watching the ceiling tiles blur and blend together. He put the cigarette back between his teeth and walked into the bathroom stall. Climbing up onto the toilet, he sat himself on the partition wall. He reached for the smoke alarm tucked up in the corner. The front of it came off easily. Guess he wasn't the first one to give the thing some "unscheduled maintenance". Finding the battery connected by two wires, he disconnected one of them, and let it dangle uselessly in an incomplete circuit. Blowing more cigarette smoke out of the corner of his mouth, Manny momentarily admired his work, before hopping back down. Going back over to the sink, he grabbed the envelope waiting there silently for him. He held it by the top, and gave it a small shake, feeling the contents tumble around inside. Manny pulled his lighter out again, flicked it on and held it to the envelope's bottom corner. He then watched quietly as the flames swiftly snaked up the off-white paper, quickly changing it from light brown, to dark brown, to charcoal black. The fire shimmered and danced, quickly consuming more and more of the envelope. He then dropped it in the trash. The paper towel inside ignited, instantly causing the whole bin to erupt into an inferno. Manny continued puffing at his cigarette, letting his thoughts be cleansed by the fire. He reached into his coat pocket once more. He produced the first photo he was given, the last that remained unburned. He didn't bother giving it another look, the contents of it were already permanently seared into the inside of his skull. He tossed it in with the rest, hoping his memory of it could be at least somewhat destroyed as well. He observed as it fueled the fire, the corners of the little square curling inwards, before being promptly reduced to nothing more than dust. The fire raged for a few moments longer, before swiftly running out of papery things to keep it going. All that remained now was a smoke stained trash bin and a pile of smoldering ash. Manny took one last hit off of his spent cigarette, before flicking the butt, adding to the mess. He then turned around and pushed open the bathroom door, this time, leaving with a clear head.