In Veritas Memento
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.
This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.
Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.
Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.
A/N: This story has been rewritten, so, do not be surprised if much has changed if you have already read this.
*8*
Chapter 2: ab inconvenienti: From an inconvenient thing.
Despite all the scheming and manipulating Quintus and Lucretia had partaken in of late, the House of Batiatus was involved in bitter conflict.
Titus Batiatus (the paterfamilias) had returned to seize control of the Ludus. To most, the elder Dominus was a welcome return. To Gannicus, the man appeared to have personal grievance, heaping more shit upon shoulders growing weary of carrying more than he could bear of late. It was obvious the man did not think highly of him, never had, and in truth, Gannicus did not care one fuck what the man thought of him personally. The elder Dominus was right to question his loyalty to this House after what had been forced upon him by Batiatus. However, the man was affecting his standing in the arena, and that did concern him. Titus had informed him just this morn that he had lost the Primus, a match he had not earned, but had wanted, if for no other reason than to unleash upon unsuspecting opponent the tension and frustration that plagued him ever since the night he had been forced to admit what he had kept deeply hidden—even from himself.
His feelings for Melitta.
In the arena, he knew his purpose. It was clear, with none of the confusion he now felt outside of it. He needed that—the spilling of blood would be a much-needed catharsis to calm the tempest inside his breast that seethed and ached for her and her alone. Yet now he would not have it.
Frustrated more than ever, he pointed the tip of his sword towards 'The Beast of Carthage' and assumed a fighting stance. "Barca!" he growled, "If you're done with your man's cock… I would have worthy match!"
*8*
Melitta stood at her usual place upon the balcony overlooking the training yard. She awaited command behind her Domina as the woman watched the yard below from the railing, along with the Dominus and their guest, Gaia. Melitta stood with hands gathered in front of her. She appeared serene and clear of thought, yet her mind was anything but. It kept returning to him and the night when everything in her world changed. Her gaze was drawn to the yard below, to one man in particular. He was slashing at Barca with deadly accuracy and her eyes drifted over his form, straining with exertion. She could not help but admire the way his muscles rippled as he moved, just as she could not help but remember how his sleek, firm flesh felt under her hands as his body mated with hers. Catching herself staring, she glanced away, determined to set herself to righteous path and forget the unfortunate events of that night, except she could not. It seemed etched upon brain, the way he felt inside her, how she had clung to him as he swept her body away on a tide of ecstasy and (most troubling) the way he looked at her when it was over. It was painstakingly different than any he had given to a woman before and that realization terrified Melitta as much as it set heart to pounding.
Since the day he had arrived at the ludus and set all the slave girls in the villa abuzz with his Adonis-like beauty, Gannicus had never lacked for female admirers. Melitta knew this better than most since she was generally the one assigned to retrieve his "company", so she had certainly borne witness to his endless parade of whores over the years. Gannicus was bold and brash when it came to his affairs with the opposite sex, but never serious; it was always whores he leveled his alluring smile upon. In all the years she had known him, Melitta could think of only a few occasions when he had become involved with a woman who did not charge for her services. It was when he had just received his brand. He was young and reckless with his desires, and after one such affair had ended in tragedy, Gannicus had held all young innocents at bay since. Never looking for anything more serious than an enjoyable tumble with women who understood the ways of men. And yet, women still adored the blonde gladiator, the naïve as much as the well-used.
Just recently she had caught Naevia and Diona questioning two of his companions regarding the size of his cock! Such a thing was not new to her. Over the years she had witnessed it on numerous occasions, along with having to hear the women who shared his bed raving of his sexual prowess, the size of his manhood and the stamina the man had when pleasuring a woman or (as he often had it) women. She had believed their giggling tales to be the embellished stories of young women far too impressed with his handsome face and form. However, that misconception had been tragically proven false the other night, and Melitta was plagued with memories of him. They filled both waking and sleeping moments and caused such distress, she did not know how much longer she could abide conflicted emotions.
She was brought back to harsh reality by Dominus letting out a violent curse regarding the paterfamilias and his decision to keep Gannicus out of the Primus. Despite her will, Melitta's gaze again strayed to the yard below, only to find Gannicus staring up at her too. Their eyes met and held for a moment, before she looked away, heart lurching in her chest at the intense expression on his face.
"He insists I make apologies to Varis, saying Gannicus has suffered injury in training!" Quintus snapped, his rage palpable to all within radius of the man, drawing Melitta's attention to their conversation and away from Gannicus.
"Why is he so insistent upon allowing Tullius sway in the matter?" Gaia asked. "Varis requested Gannicus personally for the Vinalia. A position well earned. Does the corpse not realize the honor such position would bring?"
"He does not care! My father would see this House buried firmly within humble station. He insists had I not tried to advance favor with men above me, we would not be in position we now find ourselves."
Lucretia leaned against the railing of the balcony that overlooked the training yard. "To have come so far only to have the Primus torn from our grasp…" she murmured, her brow creasing in consternation.
"To use the term 'torn' would imply resistance," Quintus replied with a snort. "My father offered no such challenge. He merely bent over, spread cheeks, and allowed Tullius to shove cock firmly up ass!"
"He cannot be swayed from this decision?" Gaia asked.
Quintus gave a bitter laugh. "Hercules would fail at the labor! He is to town this day to receive news from that fucking whelp Vettius on which of my four men should take position in two of the lesser matches. Not only have we lost the Primus, but fucking Vettius is choosing my men for me now!"
Lucretia's eyes widened. "Four men? Do you mean Tullius wishes to have the men of this ludus fight each other?"
"He does not just wish it—my father has already agreed to terms!"
"Why would he do such a thing?" Gaia asked.
"Because he seeks to heal wounds with Tullius and does not care if he has to tongue the man's ass to do so!"
As the Nobles discussed the loss, Melitta's gaze was drawn back to Gannicus. They had both paid dearly for that position. To have it all be for naught seemed an unfair price to pay.
"Have you sent word to Varis then concerning the Primus?" Lucretia asked.
Quintus shook his head. "No, but my father warns if I do not, Tullius will do so for me!" He bit out a curse. "Fucking Tullius! Since he witnessed Gannicus best his man at the marketplace the shit eater has had an erection for him! The only reason he excludes Gannicus from the games is because he still seeks to purchase him."
"Does your father truly consider selling him?" Lucretia asked worriedly.
Melitta put her head down, her hands clenched together. Would the paterfamilias really insist on selling his champion? Her stomach knotted, and a sense of lightheadedness assailed her at the thought of him leaving the ludus; Melitta wondered at her instant reaction to the news. Shouldn't the thought of him leaving fill her relief? It would certainly solve the issue of wicked temptation he offered by his mere presence. But the idea of him being sold did not offer soothing balm to troubled thoughts, instead it caused rush of sickening fear, and Melitta was more concerned than ever at where her heart and mind seemed to be headed; as if she were arrow pointed towards a certain blonde gladiator.
Naevia came upon the balcony just then interrupting Melitta's thoughts as well as the Roman's discussion. "Apologies," she said nervously, "but guests have arrived. They await you in the atrium."
"Guests?" Lucretia inquired.
Quintus looked to Gaia, who shrugged as if to say she had not invited anyone.
Melitta followed behind the wary threesome, her mind still whirling at the idea of Gannicus leaving. She hung back discreetly when her masters paused to observe who had arrived unannounced.
Batiatus threw Lucretia an aggrieved glance when he spotted Varis. He was accompanied by a shorter, dark haired man and an attractive, slender blonde woman in flowing purple robes, etched with golden thread. Both were obviously of the upper class since their robes were richly made and the woman was dripping with enough jewelry to see the entire House of Batiatus fed and clothed for a year! Quintus was enthusiastic at having such wealthy patrons gracing his house, however, his excitement was curbed as he realized he would now be forced to tell Varis the lie his father had concocted.
"And once again the Gods shove cock firmly up ass!" he muttered, staring at Varis. "The House of Batiatus has finally received the attention of Rome's wealthy and elite, yet now opportunity presents itself to spout tales of Gannicus's nonexistent injury and see my best man removed from the Primus! The Gods favor me on one hand and smite me with the other!"
Lucretia laid a hand on her husband's shoulder in comfort. "What choice do you have? If you do not tell Varis that Gannicus is injured, your father will surely put us out of our home."
The blonde with Varis turned and for the first time they saw her face. Gaia let out a small gasp. "I cannot believe it. Do you know who that is?" she hissed taking a step back and pulling Lucretia and Batiatus with her to avoid being seen by the guests in adjoining room.
When they remained silent, Gaia excitedly informed them of the identity of their other unexpected guest. "The blond is Octavia Aurelius Severus. Wife of Claudius Metellus Aurelius."
Quintus' eyes bulged at that information. "The fucking Roman consul?"
"One and the same," Gaia said.
"Jupiter's cock! Aurelius holds most powerful position in Rome. The man shits coin! It is said he is surpassed in wealth only by Crassus himself," Batiatus said, licking his lips at having such a distinguished and politically connected guest.
"All true," Gaia informed him. "However, her powerful connections do not end there, Quintus. She also bears title of sister to Lucius Angelus Severus, Imperator to legions within the Republic's Army. Surely you have heard the name?"
"Who in the Republic hasn't heard of Lucius Severus?" he replied in awe. "The man's a fucking legend! He served under Sulla himself. His military feats are storied battles told and retold. It is rumored that a word from him can sway the Senate!"
"It is true," Gaia said, but she was not quite finished extolling the importance of the Severus name. "The father, Octavius Angelus Severus held a seat in the Senate for over twenty years. He was well respected and was one of the most influential men in Rome. He died two seasons past and rumors were abounding when I left the capital that Lucius may lay claim to his father's seat if he retires from military life."
"Quintus do you realize what this means?" Lucretia asked breathlessly, squeezing her husband's hand in her excitement.
Quintus's stunned gaze darted from his wife's beautiful face back to the woman who was related to men who commanded such enormous presence within the Republic. He grinned at Lucretia and Gaia. "It means pleasing this woman has just become the utmost of fucking importance," he whispered, the wheels in his head churning with plots on how to gain her favor.
"Exactly," Gaia agreed with a nod of her coifed head. "I held her acquaintance in Rome and trust me when I say the woman wields incredible influence within Roman society."
"Why do you suppose she is here?" Lucretia asked, her mind working towards ways to use this introduction to further Quintus' bid to control ludus.
Gaia paused as a slow smile curled her lips. "Octavia possesses a healthy appetite for the games, and..." She leaned forward, lowering her voice to a whisper, "from what I have heard whispered upon privileged tongue…a healthy appetite for the men who play them as well."
Lucretia grimaced with repugnance. "Gladiators?!"
Gaia rolled eyes at Lucretia's prejudice. "Yes, Gladiators. It was an unspoken but well-known secret among the elite that she prefers handsome slaves in her bed rather than honorable husband, however, it is said that Claudius prefers handsome male slaves as well. So, who can blame the woman?"
"You think she is here to choose a man for her next lover then?" Quintus asked, not at all put off by the idea.
"Or for upcoming games." Gaia shrugged. "Either way, satisfy her purpose and find yourself flowing upon an ocean of coin the likes of which are beyond all imaginings."
"Then we must ensure she is well satisfied," Batiatus said. "To receive such blessings would surely see this house elevated beyond the likes of fucking Tullius and his control!"
"Octavia holds sway with both husband and brother when it comes time to choose men for the games they host. Winning her favor would not only offer much coin, but it could produce an invitation to Rome herself."
Lucretia and Quintus's eyes widened at such a thought.
"Rome…" Quintus breathed, sharing a beaming smile with Lucretia.
"It is more than we ever dreamed possible," Lucretia said softly.
"No longer." Gaia informed them, her smile widening. "Please this woman Quintus, and Capua would merely be the first city laid at your feet!" She pointed them towards the impluvium where their guests awaited. "Come, let us see this house soar amongst the heavens upon wave of Aurelius coin…"
Quintus and Lucretia entered the large open area, huge welcoming smiles upon their faces as they greeted their guests. Gaia stood a bit behind, smiling as well, but as she was not officially of the House of Batiatus, she left the introductions and greetings to Quintus and Lucretia.
"Varis!" Lucretia said, stepping forward, arms spread in graceful greeting. "We were not expecting."
"Ah, the fault is mine for failing to announce," the man said, coming forward. "Apologies."
"Think nothing of it. You honor us with your presence," Quintus replied, barely keeping his excitement from showing. He nodded his head at Melitta and Naevia and they both went into action, preparing food and wine for their Dominus's guests. "I see you brought distinguished guests as well."
Varis turned to introduce his companions. "Good Cossutius and the honorable Octavia are on stay from Rome to celebrate the Vinalia." His voice lowered, and his smile turned leering, "And when I extolled the virtues of the House of Batiatus—"
"I demanded introduction at once," Cossutius interjected, a smirking smile playing upon his fleshy lips.
"As did we all," Octavia added, appearing bored as she gazed around the room. Her eyes landed upon Gaia and widened exponentially. "Gaia?" Her ruby lips curled into a small smile. "Funny thing seeing you here. I had no idea you were in Capua."
"Octavia, how lovely to see you. It has been too long."
The two women seemed to size each other up for a moment before Octavia gave a bubbling laugh and stepped forward, arms open in greeting. The women hugged and placed the customary kiss on each other's cheeks. "It has," Octavia agreed. "Although I must say I am surprised you are not in Rome. What brings you to this dusty little city?"
Gaia returned the embrace for a moment more before stepping back. "As you know my dear husband recently passed," she said, her lush mouth turning down in a frown. "I felt the need to leave the capital during my bereavement, so I have been visiting dearest friends who offered me respite as my time passes."
Melitta began serving the nobles silver chalices filled with Batiatus's most prized Falernian wine while Naevia stepped forth with a heavy platter laden with grapes, strawberries and ruby red pears from Syria.
"Yes, I was sorry to hear of your misfortune," Octavia said, accepting the cup Melitta offered.
"It was his time. I carry on as he would want me to," Gaia said with a shrug, snatching up a strawberry from Naevia's tray. Eager to put to bed any conversation of her not so missed deceased husband, Gaia turned the conversation back to Octavia. "And what brings you to Capua? Last I heard you were helping Claudius prepare for his annual reelection as Consul. Surely Rome has not become too tedious since I have been away?!"
Octavia chuckled softly. "Oh, but it has. As you know, the political climate during elections can become quite ruthless. I will admit, your presence is dearly missed. I would seek your return to the capital as soon as possible." Octavia took a small sip of wine and then paused, a crafty smiled curling her lips. "How goes the husband hunting by the way? Any prospective buyers? I hear Tullius still has eyes for you. Perhaps you could persuade the man to finally make an offer, hmmm?" she said, her green eyes meeting Gaia's gaze over the rim of her cup. "Although, he is only a simple merchant."
Octavia's remarks were catty, and Gaia's expression tightened briefly as Cossutius and Varis both turned to stare at her. For an instant she looked embarrassed, but Gaia had not survived Rome without gaining a few predatory social skills. In no more than a blink of an eye, she plastered a smile upon her beautiful face and laughed at the remark instead of showing the ire it caused. "Oh please, one does not need to saddle thyself with a demanding cock to have all of Capua at one's feet. Surely you know this, Octavia, despite being burdened with two."
The room was silent for a moment, and Lucretia and Quintus both gazed at Gaia in shock, fearing she may have just ruined their chances of securing Severus' favor with her reply.
However, tensions eased when Octavia put a hand over her mouth and gave a snort of laughter. "Yes, but thankfully only one of those cocks is demanding! And," she added with a grin, "it is attached to the Consul of Rome."
"And that is why I will not seek another of my own, you have the crème of the crop at your disposal. I shall not settle for anything less for myself."
"And so, you should not," Octavia agreed with a smile. "I say women of wit and charm are far more valuable when aligned with impressive cock!"
Everyone laughed at the exchange between the women and any remaining worries were abated by the back and forth teasing.
"Words spoken from a woman who knows the value of her charms," Varis said.
Cossutius gazed upon Gaia, a small smirk playing about his lips. "It is a rare woman who does not find herself in need of a husband."
Gaia tilted her chin and batted her lashes, seeing an opportunity to make impression with the wealthy nobleman. "I have no need for such an encumbrance presently," she blatantly lied, "but when I do, I shall promise to let you know."
Quintus was as amused as the others by the conversation, yet he was eager to get back to the task at hand; after all, he was far more concerned with his ludus, rather than Gaia's state of matrimonial affairs.
Clearing his throat, Batiatus drew his audience's attention to himself. "So…to what honor do we owe your presence today?"
Varis turned to the Lanista, a disgruntled frown tugging at his brow. "I would have words concerning Gannicus."
Quintus glanced sharply at Lucretia and in the moment their eyes met they communicated their fears between them silently. Had his father made apologies for him when he had failed to do so? And if he had, did Varis now hold Quintus responsible for Gannicus' withdrawal from contest?
"What of him? Have you changed mind regarding his position in your games?" the lanista asked, seeking confirmation to his worry.
Varis appeared confused. "Not at all. I received word from Tullius that your man had received grievous injury and would not be making appearance. I was most disturbed. The Vinalia is but two days away and I cannot imagine replacing him." "He is truly impressive—one I am most looking forward to seeing in my Primus."
Quintus nodded vigorously. "There are no better gladiators within the House of Batiatus!"
Octavia gave a tinkling laugh. "So, I have heard. All of Capua is speaking of the man's prowess." She glanced to Gaia, her emerald eyes sparkling, "Is it true, did he really best an opponent while blindfolded?"
"I gave witness to the event myself," Gaia informed the other woman, giving Lucretia a knowing look that said, 'I told you so'.
It became clear in that moment why Octavia was truly here. She wanted to lay gaze upon Gannicus herself and determine his worth.
"That is…quite impressive," the blonde noblewoman said breathlessly, her interest obvious.
"Now that is a feat I would wish to see. I would like to pay witness to this man," Cossutius agreed, his own jaded curiosity peeked as well.
"He is quite the specimen," Varis remarked. He turned back to Quintus. "With Gannicus's name upon every tongue…you can understand why I am most disappointed he will not be appearing in my games."
Quintus knew his father would be furious, but here was his chance to secure position despite his father and Tullius; he was not about to let it pass.
"I would not have you think such a thing," Quintus said, pushing all misgivings aside. "Gannicus is in fine form. Tales of his wounds have been misunderstood. He received minor injury in training, but he is more than capable of taking up arms in the arena." He waved his guest ahead towards the viewing balcony. "Come. Let us lay eyes on the man—sword in hand, and ease mind regarding such rumors."
Lucretia and Gaia showed surprise as Quintus blatantly defied his father's express command but maintained both their silence and composure.
"I think you will find Gannicus' condition exaggerated. He is willing and able to represent this House in your munera tomorrow," Lucretia added, smiling at Varis.
Varis nodded, his smile widening. "I am most pleased to hear this." His eyes drifted to Melitta and his expression turned to a leer. "The man made quite an impression on my last visit. Octavia was especially interested in seeing him perform."
"And so, you shall," Batiatus promised, his desire for recognition outweighing his fear of his father's wrath.
As they made their way through the villa, Octavia looped her arm through Gaia's and the two women walked arm and arm. "Good Varis says they call him 'the God of the Arena' and has depicted the man as magnificent warrior and lover alike. As if he were Apollo himself, cast down from Olympus."
Gaia chuckled. "As you know, Octavia, a gladiator's virtues extend beyond the arena."
"I do. Is there a particular virtue of his you would speak highly of?"
Gaia leaned closer, and lowered her voice to whisper, "The man has a face to rival Adonis, a smile that would make the saintliest of women sin and a cock blessed by Priapus himself!"
Octavia gave Gaia a reproachful glance. "You know I am unimpressed with exaggerated yarns meant to appeal to the masses, Gaia."
"Oh, but I do not exaggerate this gladiator's charms, Octavia. He is a feast for the eyes. Trust words."
She wet her lips in anticipation. "I would see this God for myself before passing judgment on his allure."
Lucretia rolled her eyes at Gaia and her description of Gannicus. "And we would not seek to sway opinion," she assured, "however, I think you will find Gannicus exceeds expectation, both in and out of the arena."
"Yes, indeed," Gaia elaborated, her cunning smirk aimed at Melitta. "He is quite the animal. My heart yet races at the memory of both performances I have witnessed from the man. I can only imagine what it would be like to be paired with such a beautiful beast." Her trilling laughter and sly innuendo caused the pretty brunette slave to avert her burning face.
Lucretia gave Gaia a disapproving glance but failed to comment and alleviate Melitta's embarrassment.
Octavia shivered delicately, poised upon Gaia's every word. "And if I would seek demonstration of such vaunted prowess?" she asked softly, one noble brow arched.
"It would be yours," Lucretia said, placating the woman, despite her body slave's pained expression.
With that settled, the Nobles were in a gregarious mood as they stepped onto the balcony to observe Gannicus and the other gladiators.
*8*
A/N: Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed. :)