Chapter Four: Love and Betrayal
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the Spartacus series. I only own my story and any characters I may create.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: As promised here's chapter four! Chapter eleven for my Harry/Spartacus crossover will be uploaded sometime tomorrow or Thursday as I have a. I do have one more final to prepare for but I wanted to get at least one more update for one of my stories up. As for ending the last chapter where I did. Since there's only six episodes for me to work with I'm trying to only focus on Harry and Gannicus as much as I can. Because of this many scenes and conversations will be taken out. If I feel they're important for my story I'll put them in. Other than that I will only focus on anything that is or could relate to the main couple. I hope you all enjoy!
"Talk"
'Thoughts'
Chapter four: Love and Betrayal
LATE AFTERNOON
Gannicus' POV:
I sat within the shade lost in thought of stolen battle and white skin. Upon such thoughts I looked to the balcony to see it remained empty as before.
Sighing I went back to being lost within thoughts as I listened to brothers training in the background.
"We return anointed in the blood of our enemies!" Asher's voice called out as Oenomaus lead Asher and his brother back into the training grounds. "Hasdrubal and Kleitos met their end! The first of many to fall beneath our swords in the arena!" my brothers merely hit their shields lightly as they went back to training.
"See yourselves to the baths." Oenomaus said before he moved towards me. "Gannicus, pair with Rhaskos."
"To what end?" I asked looking to the man. "If I am not to fight in the arena, I will remain here in the shade."
Oenomause appeared to want to speak yet Titus beat him to it. "Doctore," the man called making both of us look to him, "send the man up. I would have words." I felt confusion enter me before memories of Harius' fear returned to mind and I cautiously headed for the man. (Once again to avoid confusion as Gannicus speaks and looks to both men he'll use their names and address as Dominus to both since technically they both are now)
When I found the man within his studies he was gazing upon a statue. "Magnetius. One of the finest champions this house has ever forged." Titus spoke.
"He stood a titan." Quintus admired.
"As all my champions." Titus said finally turning to Quintus and I. "The culmination of years of training. Dedication. Sacrifice." Titus moved to stand at my side. "You would hold yourself their equal?"
"In the arena, I am every man's equal." I answered yet Titus just nodded as he walked off.
"A champion is more than his victories upon the sands." Quintus and I shared a look before moving to join the elder Batiatus on the balcony. "He is the sum of his actions. Every decision, no matter how small, speaks to the man. And the balance of his heart."
"And in his breast beats the heart of a lion." Quintus said from beside me. Titus turned and set his gaze upon me.
"And what does it beat for?" he questioned and instantly Harius came to mind.
"The House of Batiatus." I outwardly answered yet I could tell the man did not believe in my words.
"Are you sure your heart does not take another form? Perhaps that of a smaller figure?" I tensed at the question and looked to Quintus to see anger within his eyes.
"What meaning do your words hold Dominus?" I questioned in attempt to remain collected.
Titus laughed. "Save us all the formalities of ignorance. I have already spoken with Harius." I tensed more and prepared to flee if needed. "Calm yourself I mean no harm to either of you. Especially to Harius."
"For once it is my father who wishes for your protection. I wish to see you whipped and circumcised!" Quintus growled causing me to look to the man in shock and move slightly towards the elder man who continued speaking.
"Hush now Quintus this is your champion you boast so highly on and threatened this house's reputation for." Titus moved closer to me and stared into my eyes. "Tell me of your relation with the boy."
I blinked at the man before answering truthfully. "I cannot put it into words. All I know is he has become the one thing I cannot lose. The one thing I would gladly win every victory for. I perused Harius despite warnings because I was not able to forget him. If I am to die then I die with no regrets." I admitted with no hesitation.
Titus seemed to be gauging my words for any lies as he continued to hold my gaze. When he found none he offered a smile.
"Then I have my answer. It certainly changes my original plans and it will take a bit longer, but I believe I can make this work."
I looked to Quintus to see his face matched my confusion as I turned back to Titus who merely smiled.
"I was going to give you to Tullius. Yet Harius must have a spouse of my choosing before the end of the primus. If I cannot then he is doomed to be with Varus and forever out of reach. There is a man I have already sent a letter with my request and I am sure will respond in kind."
"None of these makes since father," Quintus spoke walking closer to us, "Gannicus broke the ultimate rule in this situation. Even if I wished to save him it should not be possible." I once more looked to Quintus in shock yet remained silent. "As of now it appears only smiles were exchanged yet Gannicus should still be feeling some sort of punishment the moment smile was accepted from the boy."
"Quintus you know of my feelings for those retched people. Which is why they are being moved to a house within the town so that they do not stink up the place."
"Moved?! Father Varinius has become a good friend to me. And has aided in many accomplishments within these walls."
"The precise reason they are to leave!" Titus growled to his son. "And Varus has been asked to remain away from this house until true marriage plans are in place. To which he agreed to and is to stay with Harius' relatives."
"Does that mean Harius is to remain?" I could not stop the question from escaping.
Titus looked to me. "I convinced his relatives and 'his intended' that he would be safest within these walls so that known feel the urge to take him. They did not like it yet they accepted my words and Harius is to remain." Happiness filled my being upon hearing his words.
Then confusion set in as I looked to the man once more. "To what purpose does your actions lead to?" Titus smiled.
"The man I have already sent word to is a dear friend of mine. Atticus Cato. He is unmarried and his wealth revivals that of Varus'. Harius would be well taken care of and provided for should he agree with the request. He also has a lover of his own and would be willing to turn blind eye when not in public." It was then I understood the man.
"You work to aid in our relations?" I asked astounded.
"I work to aid in Harius' happiness. The boy is confused of his own feelings yet it is apparent you mean as much to him as he does to you. That boy has suffered enough because I could not save him in the beginning. I will make amends to both Harius and his parents by aiding this relation." I looked to Quintus in awe before turning back to Titus.
"G-gratitude is not the proper word for what I am feeling." I told the man who waved me off.
"See to it Harius' smile never falters and consider us even." I nodded at his words then looked to Quintus as he spoke.
"What of Tullius gaining Gannicus?" Titus looked to his son and sighed.
"A man who is able to be honest about what is heart beats for is one who could be champion. He is your champion, not mine. He must prove himself to me. Therefore I will work to keep Gannicus within these walls so that Harius has a place to visit his chosen partner." Quintus suddenly brightened and pulled me into a tight embrace.
I just stood within his hold unsure of how to respond after see such anger from the man towards me yet offered smile when he pulled from me to show his.
"Harius why don't you come on out. Since we all know where you both stand." I turned in shock and watched Harius come from around the corner and moved to stand before me.
I turned to Titus then back to Harius before pulling him in close and kissed him without caring about the men within the room with us.
"Okay we get it. Do be careful when showing affections. I doubt Vairinus will be willing to fully leave Harius alone while they are so far from each other. He will make random appearances." Quintus warned as I pulled from Harius and turned to the men once more keeping ahold of the beautiful creature at my side.
"Why keep him hidden? Why not let him stand with us?"
"I needed to be sure your feelings matched Harius' and the best way to guage such feelings is to remove the source of them. I now know what you have is real and is becoming something powerful." I looked to Harius who offered a smile to me.
"QUINTUS!" we all turned gaze to where the loud voice came from and Harius moved closer to me in fear.
"Neavia," I looked to the woman as she stepped forward, "take Harius the long way back to his chambers. We will distract his uncle long enough to aid you getting him there. It must never be known Harius was within this room with us." Titus told the girl.
"Yes Dominus." She said and moved to be closer to Harius.
"Come to me tonight?" I begged Harius before he could leave.
Harius smiled. "Tonight." He said before he was out of the room just as his uncle and cousin entered.
Titus went back into character of not liking me upon seeing the man. "Return him to the ludus." I looked between young and old Batiatus before falling a slave girl back to my brothers.
All the while wondering just what I did to deserve such luck.
Quintus' POV:
"You see? The man fights for the honor of this house. As all your champions have in the past." I spoke as if I did not hear Vairinus.
"Gannicus speaks but words he knows I seek to hear. He is no champion of my house." Father said also playing ignorant as he moved to exit the room only to pause upon seeing the angry fat shit.
"Quintus!" I turned and acted shocked upon seeing the man.
"Good Varinius whatever is the matter?"
"Can I have word with you alone?" he asked looking to father.
"I shall take my leave then." The man said before being followed by his body slave.
"What is the matter my good friend?" I questioned once more.
"Your father is to kick me out of this house?! And worse part is Varus cannot be within the villar and Harius is to remain!" I was confused then.
"Father just told me of the plan and spoke of your acceptance of it."
"I spoke the words the old man wished to hear! If Harius is left unprotected and touch finds its way to his flesh then the wealth that would come of his marriage is forever from my grasp!" he growled.
I thought of Gannicus for a brief moment before speaking to the man. "This is all but temporary dear friend. Soon father's decrease in health will make itself known once more causing for return to Sicilia. On that day all will be returned to normal." Varinius seemed to calm upon hearing my words.
"And what of this man Titus plans on marrying my nephew off to? Should his plan fail and Varus has been angered-."
"Father has offered coin to replace Harius moment man has been chosen. No anger should appear from the man." I vowed.
Varinius remained silent as I walked to him and placed hand upon shoulder. "I will not let a dear friend fall while under my care. I give you my word." Varinus finally relaxed and smiled.
"Perhaps I was quick to react. Perhaps a change in scenery will help clear mind. I shall tell wife and son to prepare for our move. We will give the old man his wish. However, I request freedom to come and go as pleased, despite old man's words, and that the law surrounding Harius is not broken." I smirked and the man and nodded.
"I shall discuss the matter with father. I find no reason to cease dear friends from visiting whenever they desire. Leave knowing Harius will remain as pure as the day you placed mark upon arm." I said despite thoughts of Gannicus with Harius entering mind.
"Gratitude dear friend." Varinius said pulling me into a sweaty embrace before turning to prepare his family for their departure.
I said when finally alone and turned to find my wife.
I found her sitting within the lounge with Gaia clinging to her mentioning my father.
"What joys does my father prevent now?" I asked making presence known. Gaia moved from my wife to sit upon the couch across from her.
"None of note." Lucretia spoke.
I looked between the two women before Gaia spoke up. "We came across Petronius in the market. You are familiar with the name?" the woman asked as I sat beside my wife.
"As any man with a mind towards business and the procuring of it."
"He is familiar with yours as well. And spoke with great interest of sampling of your more exotic offerings, with acquaintances of equal position."
"And how did good Petronius come to know of such things?" I asked.
"Varus and Cossutius. Their tongues looser than their cocks." Lucretia said.
"Petronius departs for Rome the day after next. Decision must be given quick birth, or see opportunity aborted." Gaia warned.
I thought for a moment. "With the support of Petronius we may yet find position in the opening games of the arena."
"Quintus, your father-."
"Make the arrangements. I'll attend to my father." I spoke interrupting my wife's words.
The two women shared a look as I stood and make preparations to get father away from the villar.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Harius' POV:
I cautiously walked the halls of the ludus looking to make sure none saw me.
It was far too early for me to be so close to the gladiators. Yet with uncle now gone I felt I did not need to wait so late to see a certain member of the gladiators.
I hid close to the wall upon hearing voices within the baths and slightly peeked in fighting the blush that wished to appear upon seeing so many naked men.
One man drew my attention more than others. When he finally felt my gaze he looked up and his eyes widened as he looked to make sure none had seen me.
When it appeared none had Gannicus motioned for me to quickly leave and I listened to his instruction; racing quickly and quietly towards his chambers where I shut the door and sat safely upon the man's bed.
Moments later Gannicus appeared and shut the door behind him.
The moment he turned back around I quickly stood and rushed the man pulling him into a kiss.
"That was very foolish of you Harius. What if one of the others had noticed your presence?" he said as he pulled from me.
I smirked at the man. "It appears I have followed in your footsteps." Gannicus then smirked before kissing me as he pushed me against the wall and lifting me up so my legs could lock around his waist.
"We found luck in the hands of both Batiatus men. I do not understand their acceptance of us nor in their aid of hiding it, yet we cannot risk more discovery. Words you often spoke of." Gannicus warned.
I just kissed the man. "Titus has agreed to cease the marriage arrangement with Varus for another. He has already paid my uncle for his acceptance of the matter and has removed him from the villar. Uncle spoke of both just before leaving with warnings of what would happen if another touched my flesh." I said laughing as I ran my hands down Gannicus' face and kissed his head.
Gannicus laughed as well. "A terrible fate for the fool who dares attempt such a thing."
"Only if the fool is discovered." Gannicus looked up to me.
"And should he be discovered?" I smiled down at the man and ran my hand through his hair.
"Then we will know this was not but a dream we both wished desperately to become real." I said gently as he sat me down to hold my face within his hands.
"Your uncle and I agree on one matter." His words shocked and confused me as I just stared at him. "Any who touch you will see a painful end." He vowed and I smiled at him.
"Except in this situation my uncle's threat is towards you. Your life became in danger the moment you sent the note to me."
"I would send it again should time reverse itself." He vowed pulling me in for another kiss.
Gannicus lifted me once more before laying me on the bed before crawling over me.
His hands attempting to undo my robes broke my trance as I gently pushed the man causing him to look to me.
I offered a sad look before speaking. "We cannot." I said as Gannicus sighed as he sat up letting me have room to as well.
It stayed quiet for a few moments before Gannicus spoke. "Apologizes. I do not know what came over me." He said and I nodded.
"That is a risk we cannot take. What we are doing now is risk enough." I told him fearing for this man's life more than I do now with the mere thought of it.
"Only if we get caught." He jested and I glared at him.
"You jest yet you seem to have forgotten none but you a Varus have ever touched me in recent memory. Should we go further than we have now it will cause pain that would not be hidden well. What do you think would happen next?" I asked making him grow serious once more.
"I would be gentle, Harius, I would never hurt you." he vowed and I smiled before taking his hand within mine.
"Of that I have no doubt. Yet one cannot escape the pain that comes with the act of deflowering a person. No matter how gentle the partner." Gannicus sighed yet nodded at my words.
"Then we shall wait until threat has passed from these walls. I will never force you Harius. I will only ever move at your pace." I smiled my thanks at the man.
"But perhaps it would be okay to risk you falling asleep within my arms? Just for one night." He added upon seeing my glare.
I thought for a moment. 'My family is gone and so is Varus. Titus and Quintus know of us now and will not expose us. Both men also knew of my plans of coming to see Gannicus this night. If I am gone before the others rise no risks should follow.' With that thought I smiled at the man and nodded.
"I suppose one night within your arms would not be terrible." Gannicus smiled brightly as he laughed.
"Apologize if my arms are uncomfortable." He said as he claimed behind me and laid us both down wrapping an arm tightly around me.
The feel of his strong arms holding me safely to him cause me to sigh at feeling so relaxed. More so than I have in recent memory.
"On the contrary I find them to be warm. The strength of them makes me feel safe." I admitted causing him to tighten his hold.
"They shall always protect you." he vowed as I let sleep take hold.
NEXT MORNING
Harius' POV:
I followed behind both Batiatus men along with Lucretia and Gaia to the balcony to view the training.
The moment I was upon the balcony Gannicus looked up to me and offered a smile.
I offered one back as the man called out Barca and they began to spare. Gannicus immediately won the first round and called for another to being as he gazed once more to me.
"Your man shows fire today." Titus said to Quintus yet shared a small smile with me from Quintus' side causing a blush to appear upon face.
"Ignited by your words, I am sure." Quintus said referring to the previous day which caused me to smile once more.
Titus laughed at his son's words before suddenly coughing and moving to sit. I looked to the man concerned and moved to his side as Lucretia called for honey wine.
"I'm fine." Titus exclaimed as I sat beside him.
I had to remain in character regardless of how much I desired to comfort the older man at my side. A part from the four people upon this balcony (figured this would be obvious but Quintus tells Lucretia and Gaia know about Gannicus and Harry as well. Quintus told his wife for obvious reasons and everyone knows Gaia was like an extension of Lucretia the whole time) no one else knew that I was in a secret relation with one of the gladiators training which meant none but the people before me knew another being as touched my flesh.
"Sound and Pallor threaten disagreement." Quintus said and I looked to the man. "You are too long from salt air of the coast."
"And shall remain from Sicilia longer still. Do not waste breath on the matter." Titus warned.
"I would not see you so far removed. But a day or more by the waters of Neapolis…." Quintus spoke leaving his words unfinished for his father to figure out.
"Yes to revive color." Lucretia spoke suddenly making Titus and I look to her."
"My concern lies only with this ludus, and seeing it to former glories." Titus said also looking to me as he spoke.
"Well then let our journey serve dual cause. We can review the latest shipment of slaves, with mind towards procuring a champion favored by us both." Quintus said yet I did not trust his words as they did not match his eyes. "Someone to rival Vettius' new man?" Quintus finished.
Titus went into another coughing fit as Lucretia rushed to his side and offered the wine as she gently rubbed his back.
Titus looked between them after he had taken his drink. "You conspire against an old man." Everyone looked to Titus feeling a little confusion setting in before he spoke once more. "To your advantage. Make preparation. We leave for Neapolis." Titus spoke as he stood.
Lucretia and Quintus smiled at each other and I suddenly felt the situation was not innocent of hidden motives and I looked to Gannicus once more, offered a small smile, then rushed to Titus' side once more.
"Titus perhaps you should remain and set thoughts towards a new champion for a later date. Perhaps a rest in your bed will do you good." I offered ignoring the glares from the married couple.
Titus smiled at me. "I shall be alright dear boy. My son is right. Perhaps the salt air will do me good. We won't be gone long. Have no fear child." Titus said with a hidden message.
I looked to Quintus and Lucretia before sighing and nodding to Titus. "Safe travels old friend." I told him as I moved to head for my chambers with Neavia close behind.
"Stay close to my side tonight." I warned her softly making her look to me in confusion.
"Young lord?"
"I have a strong suspension something is amiss. Stay at my side and see yourself spared of whatever is to come." I warned her as she nodded and kept my pace.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Harius' POV:
I gazed upon all the people within the villar in disgust and vowed to warn Titus of such betrayal upon his return.
"Young lord there are many gazing upon you." Neavia whispered and I turned gaze to see horrid men eyeing in our direction.
I shuddered at the thought before smiling at the girl. "Their gaze falls upon you and your beauty. I am glad I required you to never leave my side tonight. Your friend could not be spared. I would not have you follow same fate." I said motioning to the poor girl being forced to fuck as entertainment.
Neavia looked to her friend with sadness in her eyes. "Ever since that horrid day we have not spoken or laughed as we used to." She admitted looking to me. "It is your company that I no longer feel the loneness I felt with her absence." She admitted and I smiled at her.
The hours spent with the brave girl who did not fear serving me allowed me to know her better and can consider her a dear friend now.
"I am honored to aid in ridding in your loneness. I must admit you aid in ridding me of mine." Neavia smirked then.
"I believe another slave has aided in that better than I." I turned a glare at her before walking through the crowd ignoring her soft giggles.
I made it to Lucretia and turned my glare to her. "You dishonor this ludus." I growled at her.
Lucretia glared. "I aid my husband in elevating it. I mere pet such as yourself would not understand such loyalty. This shall guarantee our place in the primus." She spoke and I thought of Gannicus then.
"This is all so you may be in mere games? Titus has worked hard to gain reputation for this house. You and your husband shit upon that hard work."
"We but right the wrongs an old man stuck in his time has created." She said then moved closer to me so that only she, Neavia, and I could hear. "It would do you well to keep that pretty mouth or yours shut. I would hate for certain secrets brought into the light." I looked to her shocked before glaring and storming off with Neavia close behind.
I turned to her after taking a jar from a slave girl and placing it within her hands. "Go to the cellar with this and remain there until I send for you." I told her knowing I could not protect us both at once.
Neavia nodded in understanding before rushing to hide.
Happy in the knowledge she was away from the chaos I went back to watching the activities in disgust while sending glares to Lucretia, Gaia, and Solonius as they turned gazes to me.
I turned to the gladiators and slowly walked by them before quickly reaching out to Gannicus as I passed the man without turning gaze to him.
Gannicus returned my touch just as quickly allowing the both of us to ensure the other that both were alright.
I continued my walk glancing to make sure none noticed the exchange. Luck was once more with us as it appeared not even the gladiators beside Gannicus noticed our exchange.
With a small smirk I continued moving through the crowd to find a place to merge into the background.
I watched Melitta move to speak with her husband, who appeared to agree with me on the situation before us, and her words seemed to calm him slightly as she moved from his side and back to Lucretia's.
I looked to Gannicus who used to guise of gazing among the crowd to be able to look in my direction and I followed his example until the man fucking the poor girl finished causing the crowd to cheer.
"Gratitude for gracing the House of Batiatus with esteemed presence." Lucretia spoke gaining the attention of the crowd as she moved to the center. "One which my husband regrets he cannot share, due to pressing business."
"Oh, I had not noticed his absence." A man spoke and I smirked at his words before looking back to Gannicus only to blush and smile upon seeing the look within his eyes as he looked to me.
"What you have seen it but a taste of the pleasures afforded you beneath humble roof. Our gladiators, our slaves, everything within these walls, I place at the whims of your desire. For a single night, you are the masters of this house." Lucretia spoke and I looked to Gannicus in worry who merely sent a reassuring look to me.
"An enticing offer." I tensed at the voice and looked to see Tullius entering causing me to try and hide better than I was. "One I would see to full advantage." I looked to Gannicus once more before looking back to the man who had just entered.
"Tullius." Lucretia welcomed.
"Please, do continue the celebrations." The man said before merging into the crowd. The crowd went back to their activities as Lucretia, Gaia, and Solonius gathered together and began to speak quickly and quietly while occasionally looking towards Tullius.
I looked to Gannicus and risked moving closer to the man once more until I was able to stand behind the man without anyone appearing to notice. I remained behind the man allowing the closeness to ease mind as well as send my own comforting thoughts his way.
I glanced to try and find Tullius only to see that he and Solonius were exchanging words.
Their conversation did not sit well with me as I watched Solonius move from Tullius.
"You have shared drink, food, distractions of the eye and ear." Lucretia spoke making all look to her as she lead a group of slaves decorated as animals and carrying masks into the room. "Yet these are common things. Enjoyed by men bound by accusing morality of their deeds. I would see you freed from such human constraints." Lucretia turned and picked up a mask before continuing.
"Touch these to flesh. Serve all ties from the mortal world. And rise as gods in the House of Batiatus." She exclaimed holding up the mask that appear to be Jupiter.
Petronius took the mask from the woman shouting his happiness of selecting it.
"Never in our dealings Tullius have I been so elevated!" Petronius shouted as Lucretia motioned for the masks to be passed out.
An idea came to me as I smirked and snuck away from Gannicus towards one of the masks as Tullius spoke.
"This house truly is a marvel. If I am to assume the mantle of a god, I would first prove myself against one." I paused to stare at the man in shock as he pointed to Gannicus.
"Oh, you would challenge Gannicus?" Lucretia asked nervous.
"Oh, a harmless exhibition," the man said and I glared at the smirk Gannicus was wearing, "to measure humble skill against vaunted prowess."
"I would pause in my desires to witness such a thing." Petronius offered to Lucretia who looked to Tullius once more then smiling at Oenomaus.
"Gather the practice swords." She said.
"Wood?" Tullius asked with a laugh. "Oh, the clash of steel rings through the hall of Olympus, does it not?" worry took hold of my heart as I looked to Lucretia who merely nodded.
"Give them your swords." She commanded Oenomaus who nodded.
"Let us clear space, and have contest!" Petronius yelled making people move from the center. Gannicus turned his smirk to me which I met with a worried one as Oenomaus walked up to the man.
As the man handed his sword to Gannicus he leaned in to whisper to him. Whatever was spoken Gannicus did not favor.
"Come!" Tullius cried out as Gannicus looked to me once more, this time with sorrow, before going to the center as well. "Let us see if I recall what I learned, years ago in the service to the Republic." Tullius spoke and I jumped when he suddenly rushed Gannicus who immediately started defending.
Gannicus easily dodged all the man's attacks before gaining upper hand allowing me to relax some.
Yet Gannicus hesitated and looked to Oenomaus before the fight continued. Gannicus continued dodging and I found my body moving every time he was pushed back as Tutllius and the bitch Gaia laughed.
Tullius attacked once more and Gannicus managed to trap Tullius' hand that held the sword. Once more Gannicus paused this time looking between Oenomaus and I before he closed his eyes and allowed Tullius to head butt him.
Gannicus was pushed back allowing Tullius to start cutting Gannicus over and over in random places.
Each cut to Gannicus had me forced to will my body to remain still so that we would not be discovered.
Yet I found it to be increasingly harder to remain still as the bastard continued his attack.
Gannicus took a moment to catch breath and walk the pain off as he moved closer to me and looked up.
I offered a small smile to the man as Tullius spoke.
"It begins to return to me!" he told the crowd yet I kept my gaze on Gannicus before quickly looking down then making sure we had yet to be discovered by those who did not know of us.
It still appeared that no one new had discovered our relations.
Tullius stood upon one of the fountains in the room before attacking Gannicus once more who remained on the defensive.
Gannicus was pushed more into the crowd and forced to roll across a bed to keep from being attacked and I moved through the crowd to get closer to the fight.
When I made it through the crowd I saw Tullius had his sword to Gannicus' neck. "I stand unscathed." The bastard spoke as he forced Gannicus' head closer. "Perhaps you are not the champion I believe." I glared upon hearing the lies spilling from the bastard's lips as the fight commenced.
"This goes too far." Lucretia said causing me to look to her and saw worry upon her face.
I looked back to the fight in time to see Gannicus gain a cut upon back causing him to cry out and me to flinch.
The fight continued and Tullius managed to punch Gannicus in the mouth knocking the man to his knees. Gannicus held his sword up to the man who merely knocked it from his grasp then pushed Gannicus to the ground standing over him.
Tullius raised his sword ready to give the ending blow as I prepared to stop the attack when Gannicus looked to me before slowing raising two fingers shocking all.
Tullius laughed before grabbing the fingers and twisting them away ready to strike despite the signal.
"Tullius!" Lucretia yelled before I was able to move forward and causing the bastard to turn to her as she smiled. "The man gives the missio. The match is yours." She said causing Tullius to laugh in happiness as he looked to Gannicus once more.
"A god of the arena. Saved by a woman." Gannicus glared yet remained silent as Lucretia told Melitta to see Gannicus to the medicus.
"An excellent diversion!" Petronius told Tullius as the man walked by him. "Gratitude for allowing it." He then told Lucretia who merely nodded.
"I have delayed proceedings past reason. Come, let us explore what other pleasures may be mined in the House of Batiatus!" Tullius spoke as he raised a mask into the air.
Once the crowd went back to their activities and Gannicus was led from the room I grabbed a mask and rushed from the area as I placed it upon face and after making sure no one noticed I rushed from the room.
Gannicus' POV:
I placed the used rag back into the water the medicus offered as he walked passed and out of the room and sighed. Melitta had dropped me off and once it was apparent I would be alright she returned to Domina's side quickly leaving me alone to my thoughts.
Footsteps drawing closer and pausing at the door caused me to look up to a figure where a mask.
A figure I knew all too well.
I smiled. "A vision. Yet the true beauty lays beneath the mask of a god. One that rivals a gods beauty itself."
"And what would you have of the one beneath this mask?" I smirked sadly and looked to my hands.
"To not doubt my skills." Was all I said.
I felt Harius sit beside me as his arms encircled me causing me to look to his masked face once more.
"He would never forget your skills. In fact he believes you to be even braver than before." I looked to him in confusion. "I saw Oenomaus speak with you before the match. I can only assume it was to warn against victory. To see victory could have meant your death. It takes true bravery to know which fights should be willingly lost. And I feel nothing but pride upon thought of previous match." I stared at him in shock before slowly reaching and touching the skin not covered with a mask.
"How is it I was so blessed to have you be placed within my arms? Even after only days of knowing one another." Harius smiled and reached his own hand up to my face.
"Perhaps it was meant to be. Perhaps we are meant for one another and our souls knew it upon first gaze when you were upon the sands." I smiled at the memory before reaching up to the mask.
"What do you wear the mask for?" I asked as Harius also reached for the mask to remove it.
"I could not sit idle while you were being carried off injured so I stole a mask to avoid discovery and rushed to your side." He admitted and I pulled him into a kiss.
"I do not deserve you." I whispered to him causing him to smirk.
"No you do not." I laughed at his words before leaning in for another kiss. "Yet I do not deserve you as well." He whispered before moving into my lap and leaning in for a deeper kiss.
I pulled back when I felt something stir within me and looked up to him. "We must stop or I will not be able to." I admitted to him.
Harius smirked as he ran hands through my hair. "Soon we will not have to worry about the eyes and ears of this house and we will be able to become one." He promised causing a smile to form on my face.
"I earn for that day to come quickly." I told him before leaning in for another kiss. "Shall we retire early?" I asked causing Harius to sigh.
"I must return. Should it be discovered we are both gone after eyes have fallen on the both of us it will raise suspicion. The guests were occupied enough to allow my escape yet I fear it won't last the night." I, too, sighed in sadness before accepting Harius' kiss. "You retire for the eve with knowledge that I will return to your side tomorrow night where you will have me all to yourself." I smiled at the thought.
"Then I shall retire quickly so that one less hour stands between us." Harius smiled before kissing me once more and standing from my lap.
I stood as well before aiding in replacing the mask and stealing one last kiss before watching the being who now owns my heart rush back to the crowd while I turned towards my chambers where I returned to my new normal dreams.
Dreams of soft lips, white skin, and emeralds.
Harius' POV:
I returned in time to see the crowd had vanished. Before I was able to wonder if I should fear that I was gone longer than expected a scream broke the silence causing me to rush to the source.
I found Lucretia screaming upon the ground clutching a red wig tightly as she looked into the room she was almost standing in.
I moved closer only to cover my mouth in shock and disgust upon seeing Gaia's blood and brains upon the ground.
"Lucretia we must move now so others may get to her." I told her gently after removing my mask and tossing it aside where it landed elsewhere.
Lucretia just kept screaming and my heart broke for the woman as she continued to stare at her dear friend's body.
I went to place a hand upon her shoulder when a voice I knew all too well broke through causing me to draw my hand back and stand quickly.
"What is the meaning of this?!" uncle yelled as Petronia rushed to Lucretia's side only to gasp in shock and uncle paused upon seeing Lucretia on the ground and Gaia's body.
Uncle suddenly turned to me and smacked me so hard my head was forced to the side.
I held my face in shock as I turned to stare at uncle once more.
"What the fuck did you do?!" I blinked at him.
"I had nothing to do with this! I was not anywhere near this place when it happened!" I yelled.
"And just where were you when it was huh?!" I realized my mistake upon hearing his question and struggled for a reasonable excuse.
I was saved from having to find one from Lurcretia.
"It wasn't your nephew, good Varinius, it was Tullius! He killed Gaia!" Lucretia cried out.
"And just what would cause him to do so?" Titus' voice rang out causing all to look to him.
"There are better be a good reason for Roman blood being spilt in my house!" the man growled looking between Quintus and Lucretia.
A FEW HOURS LATER
Harius' POV:
"Have you lost mind?! Again attempting to maneuver around Tullius?!" Titus growled at his son ignoring a crying Lucretia upon the chair as Petronia attempted to offer comfort. "And what's worse is these people are back within my house!"
"As invited guest to the celebrations within!" uncle growled.
"That were not of my permission to be held!" Titus growled right back before looking to his son.
"I only sought to elevate our position." Quintus said with his own growl.
"By plunging the good name of this house into muck and shit!" Titus yelled.
"What would you have me do? Bow and scrape to that fucking lunatic?!" Quintus yelled back.
"He is above our position! I gave warning not to provoke the man. You ignore it and here are the results. A Roman citizen dead in my house!" Titus yelled as he paced.
"By the hands of the very man you defend." Lucretia finally spoke causing Titus to look to her.
"You help set this in motion, and now claim innocence in the outcome?" Titus had a point with his words.
"I claim vengeance. His life for hers. Blood and brains on the fucking floor." Lucretia growled and I could not cease my sympathy with the poor woman.
"Reward well deserved." Quintus spoke defending his wife.
"And I shall aid in seeing it so." Uncle offered as Petronia pulled Lucretia into her arms as she cried.
"No." Titus said looking to the men. "There will be no retribution." Titus spoke.
"I will see him dead!" Lucretia vowed.
"You will do as fucking commanded!" Titus growled and made to leave.
I turned to Lucretia to see her glare at Titus. "And what of Gaia?" Titus looked to the woman as he thought for a moment.
"She partook of too much wine. As she was often known to do. In the night she lost footing and fell to her death at the bottom of the cliff." Titus said shocking all.
Lucretia made to look to her husband for aid yet Titus stopped her.
"Do not look to him! I am the Dominus of this fucking house! See it done!" he growled then looked to my relatives. "You are to never step foot into my villar again! I have been lenient with you lot in hopes sense would return on its own. It appears I need to aid in reminding who owns this house and everything within it!"
"Then we shall take my nephew and leave!" uncle growled causing heart to cease.
"I have paid for Harius and you took the money without resistance! By all rights that makes Harius mine! I will stick to my end of the bargin and see him married off but Harius remains within these halls and I will end any who try to see otherwise!" with that he stormed out of the room as uncle glared at me and Lucretia tried to gain her husband's attention yet he merely followed his father as they continued their argument.
Petronia helped Lucretia to stand and make way to the balcony where something to her drew their attention causing her to rush to it with Petronia behind her.
When it was just uncle and I he spoke. "I do not know what spell you hold over that retched old man but I swear if you ruin my plans-."
"You'll what? Hurt me? Kill me? It is as Titus said. He gave you coin for me. As he just claimed he owns this house and everything within it. I was purchased with his coin. You touch me again and see yourself missing a hand." I said suddenly finding the courage to stand up to my uncle.
"Why you-."
"Try it. I won't stop you. See who Titus will side with. And I would not bother laying hopes of Quintus aiding in your victory on the matter. With his father alive Titus holds all the power of the house. You are but a speck soon to be gone for good." With that I turned and left for my chambers after gathering Neavia from her hiding place and locking us safely within.
I had a feeling I would come to regret my outburst later, yet at the moment I had spoken my mind.
And I was rather fond of the feelings that came with it.
I had a sudden urge to see Gannicus yet knew with my relatives within these walls it was not safe at the moment therefore I pushed those urges aside for waking early in the morn to visit the man.
And that's it for chapter four! I feel like that was a rather short episode which made this a rather short chapter BUT that could also just be me overthinking things. I tried to make up for it by having more interactions between Gannicus and Harry so I hope you all enjoyed them! Like promised chapter 11 of my Harry/Spartacus crossover will but with tomorrow or Thursday. It all depends on how ready I feel for my last final. Chapter 5 for this one will be up around the same time. Thank you so much for reading and see you in the next chapter!