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.
Chapter 11: Resurgam: I shall arise.
The next morning Titus was on the balcony overlooking the yard when Quintus approached.
"Apologies, you arose earlier than expected…"
"I arise at proper hour," Titus said. "A trait that neither you, nor your man Gannicus share obviously." He pointed to the closed door of Gannicus's cell. "Where is the man? He has yet to even crack door. I said to reward him, not make him unworthy of training!"
Quintus thought quickly. "I did reward him. I gifted him with a day of rest. He fought well yesterday and is not scheduled to train—instead he spends it in whatever fashion he so chooses."
Titus rolled his eyes. "Drowning himself in wine and rutting between the thighs of whatever whore he is favoring this week, I imagine," he muttered dryly.
Quintus shrugged. If only his father knew whose thighs Gannicus was rutting between… "If that is his choice. Then so be it. He honored this House beyond measure, father, and I would see him properly satisfied for it."
Titus cackled and then started to cough. Naevia stepped forward with a cup of honeyed wine and he accepted it gratefully. He took a sip before continuing. "I suppose he can take one day off, after all he did elevate not only this House in the games, but his own worth as well."
"His worth?" Quintus asked, frowning.
"Yes, Tullius yet makes another offer. He is quite determined to possess the man."
Quintus scowled. "Of course, he is—Gannicus is a God amongst men! A Titan! Tell me you are not considering this?"
"Listen to his offer before you pass judgment," his father replied. "He is willing to pay two thousand denarii for the man and makes promise for prime positions for the rest of our men in all future games." He smiled, excited. "Including those on opening day of the new arena—just as you hoped."
"And Gannicus will have the Primus on opening day!" Quintus let out an exasperated breath. "Father, Tullius is offering you shit and telling you it is gold! I have already had several requests to retain him for games. After the Apollinares and Romani, there will be even more. As his fame grows, Gannicus will earn that amount in the arena in less than a years' time."
In fact, Gannicus had already earned half that amount through the arrangement with Octavia, yet Quintus could not tell his father that and his jaw tightened as the younger Batiatus thought of all the coin they would lose if Titus sold Gannicus. Fucking Tullius! He was like a damned dog with a bone. His unrelenting pursuit of Gannicus was fucking thorn in his ass—one Quintus was sick and tired of dealing with.
"Yes, I believe he will, but we must look at the ultimate cost. While Gannicus receives glory, the rest of my men will languish with no prospects here in Capua. Even Crixus, who gave a fine showing in The Vinalia, will no longer have opportunity if I refuse sale to Tullius."
Quintus was beyond aggravated with his father. "Gannicus will have Rome and the Circus Maximus!" he snarled. "Surely, you would not give such prospects away for nothing more than Tullius's fucking promise!"
"And what if Gannicus is given his freedom in Rome? What would you have us do then?"
"The fuck you say?" Quintus snapped. "Why would the Roman editor offer a gladiator from Capua freedom?"
"You said it yourself, Gannicus stirs the crowd like no other. If the Roman public demand it, the editor will gift the man his freedom. What would this ludus do if we lose Gannicus in Rome and all hope for matches here in Capua? We would have nothing, Quintus, with no prospects for the future."
For once Quintus Batiatus was stunned speechless as his father's words sunk in. It was possible. Just last year, four gladiators from Rome had been gifted with their freedom. If Gannicus was given freedom in the Apolloinares… it would be fucking disastrous, and he knew it. The ludus and House of Batiatus might never recover from such a blow.
When his son remained mute, Titus sneered, "Ah, I see you have never given thought to the possibility. Well, let it seize fucking brain now, Quintus!"
"We would be fucked," Quintus admitted, but he was not altogether defeated. "But we cannot run this ludus on possibilities, father. Yes, such a thing as Gannicus being awarded the rudis is possible and may come to pass, but it may not as well. Should we sell him just because it might happen? That would be like not fighting him because he may get hurt!" he said, warming to his argument. "Gannicus is the champion that will see this house returned to greatness, father. I cannot believe you are willing to let him go without a fight!"
Titus sighed. "I admit, Gannicus exceeded expectations at the Vinalia, but accepting Tullius's offer will balance scale and see the misdeeds of your past laid to rest."
"So, you have made up mind and are going to accept Tullius' offer?" Batiatus bit out, bitter disappointment heavy on his tongue.
Titus shook his head. "No. I have not accepted offer, but I have agreed to give the matter consideration, with answer to be delivered after Gannicus fulfils obligation at the Floralia. You have three weeks to convince me that Gannicus's worth outweighs the consequence of refusing Tullius's bid. If you fail in the endeavor, then I will accept terms of sale and, since we have not yet come to terms regarding the Ludi Romani, The Apollinares will be the last time Gannicus represents the House of Batiatus."
Quintus let out a soft curse as he balefully watched his father walk away. Two thousand denarii was an exorbitant amount for any slave, but Gannicus was not just "any fucking slave"! He was worth far more than that. Quintus truly believed Gannicus was one of, if not, the greatest champion to come out of the Batiatus ludus, which is why his father's words regarding the man receiving the rudis in Rome was so disconcerting. It could happen. The gladiators who had earned freedom in recent past, had done so entirely due to their popularity with the Roman audience. With Gannicus' superior fighting skills, as well as charisma and physical beauty… Quintus realized it was more than a possibility, it could even be called a probability that Gannicus would be offered the rudis, especially in huge festivals like the Apollinares and Romani.
"Fuck the Gods!" he snarled. "Why does my father always have to shit upon all things good in my life?!" Batiatus said, stalking from the balcony in a rage.
*8*
Back at Octavia's villa, Gannicus's golden hard, muscled body was in sharp contrast to the silken white sheets of Octavia's bed as he dug his heels into her thick mattress and pumped his hips upwards, once again making the mistress his slave. The pale morning light that flowed through the open doorway to the balcony gave him an effervescent glow as he lay upon his back, gripping her hips and maneuvering her up and down upon his cock.
"Ah fuck!" he growled as she raked her nails down his chest and belly. He slapped her ass in response and she cried out in ecstasy, riding him even harder. His hands moved up her torso and palmed her breasts, squeezing them roughly as their bodies slammed together ever faster and harder until Octavia threw her head back and shouted his name to the heavens, shuddering violently upon him. It was his signal to let go and he did. He lifted Octavia from his cock and set her upon his thighs as his climax hit him. To his gratification, the woman leaned forward and immediately took him into her mouth. He groaned deeply as wave after wave of frenzied bliss overcame him as she bobbed her head up and down the length of him, sucking him through to completion and swallowing every drop of his release down her patrician throat.
Octavia climbed back up his body and collapsed upon his chest, sweaty and out of breath. "Gods!" she panted, her hands sliding up his chest to wrap around his neck, playfully toying with the damp hair at his nape. "Priapus has truly blessed you!" She chuckled lightly, laying her head upon his pectoral muscle in giddy contentment.
Breathing hard, Gannicus shifted under her as he reclined upon the downy softness of Octavia's bed. She had indeed allowed him into it and now he lay on a pillow so soft it was like placing his head upon a cloud. He closed his eyes tiredly, shuddering as his heart rate and breathing began to slow. He was exhausted. The woman had a lust for fucking that not only rivaled his own but exceeded it! He had indulged her needs, enjoying his power over her as he spent much of the night taking her upon nearly every surface in her villa, including the outdoor pool, the balcony overlooking the courtyard and even once in the fountain itself amongst the colorful fishes. Afterwards, Gannicus had indeed caught one of the slippery devils, much to his and Octavia's amusement.
She could not have enough of him and he had encouraged her addiction because once he was inside her, she belonged to him. She enjoyed being submissive in bed and begged him for his favor, not vice versa. It was only when he was not fucking her that she became the noble bitch snapping out commands with a waspish authority that grated along his nerves. He may not have choice in this arrangement, but he could have equal measure when he had her wrapped around his cock. It was the only compromise he could live with.
That is…unless she killed him first with her insatiable hunger for him!
He yawned and closed his eyes, exhausted and sleepy now that sexual desires had been satisfied. "Good night, or is it morning?" he asked, yawning once again. "I am to bed."
Octavia called for Yadira to bring her some wine and quickly.
Gannicus opened one eye and his brow shot up. "You hasten to wash taste from mouth. Do you find it so unpleasant?"
She accepted the wine from her body slave. "On the contrary, I find you delicious," she said, taking a sip of the wine. "But I would seek to kiss you before you fall into Morpheus' arms."
Gannicus grimaced. He did not savor the idea of tasting himself upon her palate. "On second thought, there is never a bad time for drink," he said with a sleepy grin, causing Octavia to giggle into her cup.
They spent several minutes just kissing and sipping wine together until Gannicus' eye lids started to droop again, and he bit back another huge yawn.
"Sleep," she said to him. "I shall awaken you when the wagon arrives."
He accepted another kiss from her before closing his eyes. "Gratitude." Her soft bed called to him, and in moments, Gannicus was sound asleep, a small smile curling his lips upwards.
It felt as if he had barely closed eyes before she was gently shaking him awake.
"It is time," she said stroking his jaw, lips drawn down into a pout. "The wagon has arrived early to take you back to the ludus."
"How long did I sleep?" he asked, yawning widely.
"Little more than two hours unfortunately."
Two hours?! Fuck the Gods! Annoyed at being unable to sleep he muttered a soft curse before sitting up and running a weary hand through his hair.
Octavia kneeled upon the bed, took his face in her hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "Apologies, I would have let you sleep longer."
He shrugged. "None required." His hand wrapped around the back of her neck. "I stand equally to blame for desiring all day fucking rather than sleep," he murmured, before taking her mouth in a deep, sensual kiss that left her panting all over again when he pulled away.
She placed her fingers over her lips, as if she could hold his kiss there with her hand. "I will call upon you soon, perhaps later this week. And after Cossutius's games, I would have you spend another night here."
Gannicus grunted in response, giving a weary nod, before dragging himself from her bed. He picked up his newly cleaned armor and set it aside to be carried down to the cart. He did not need to wear that now. Instead he dressed in the new garments she had presented him with last evening. He pulled on the white barbarian pants and stood in front of her mirror to see how the loose fitting, knee length pants fit. He had never worn clothing such as this, but he decided he liked the way they looked.
She came up behind him and ran her hand down his lean, hard belly. "You are beautiful," she said softly.
His eyes met hers in the looking glass. "Gratitude for the gifts. I favor these," he said, accepting her kiss when she tugged him around to face her. He returned her kiss in kind for several moments before he pulled away. "I must go," he told her, retaking a seat on the edge of the bed and leaning down to fasten the straps to the expensive looking shoes she purchased as well, she did not take her eyes off him. She obviously did not want him to go. He should make greater attempt to pretend he wanted to stay, but he was dead tired and simply could not muster up the initiative to present such a convincing façade. Now that the time to leave had arrived, he desired a quick exit, absent tearful farewells. He had no use for such things, especially under such a circumstance as this. When he was finished, he stood and ran his hand through his hair, exhaling loudly as he realized how tangled it was. He would see himself returned to the ludus where he hoped for nothing more than to fall to his own bed and sleep the rest of the day away. Once he was dressed, he carried his armor and freshly laundered undergarments to the guards waiting outside her bedroom. He handed his gear off, eager to make his escape. However, before he could complete his departure she called him back to her.
"I already miss you," she whispered and pulled his head down for one last lingering kiss.
"I will count the moments," he said breaking away with a smile, one she did not have any idea was false and he purposely did not call her 'Mistress'.
The title had been abandoned many-many hours ago and she had never ordered it reinstated. Gannicus considered it a victory.
"I will inform Batiatus you did more than honor agreement," she told him softly. "The Apollinares and any future games my family holds here in Capua and Rome will be yours, with all glory going to the House of Batiatus."
"You honor me and Batiatus."
"No, you honored yourself—yesterday in the arena and last night when you kept your word, although I believe you are still unsettled with our arrangement."
He did not deny her words. He was not that adept an actor and she would see a denial as the lie it was. Instead he nodded and gave her a partial truth. "I admit I still have issue with being summoned for my cock…but after last night…it is waning." He ran his knuckles down her cheek, as if he were lover and not coerced slave. "You are a beautiful and passionate woman. I could be in far worse circumstance. I am absent complaint this morn, except for perhaps lack of sleep."
His touch, words and the charming grin he gave had the desired affect and she practically purred for him. "Sleep is entirely unnecessary when faced with such a beauty as yours," she told him breathlessly.
Gannicus noticed the way she leaned in, wanting to kiss him again. He was certain she was already developing feelings for him. He would encourage those but at another time, for now, he inclined his head towards the waiting guards. "Octavia, wagon awaits."
She placed a palm on his cheek, obvious in her attempts to have him linger. "I would give you anything you desire…please me as you did last night and all you need do is ask, and it shall be yours."
He flashed another of his devil may care grins. "Please me, as you did last night, and all I would desire is your presence in my bed!" His gaze went to her magnificent bed. "On second thought, fuck my bed!" he teased. "It is tiny and cramped. Yours is far more suitable for the adventures between the sheets I have in store for you." His slow smile curled his lips upward and was designed to make her wet; it did.
To his surprise, she dropped the sheet she was wearing and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Leave us," she said to the guards. "He will be a moment more." And with that, she pulled him back onto the bed unmindful that the guards had gotten an eye full of her charms before they hastily exited the room.
Her actions were unexpected, so Gannicus fell easily, but her utter lack of restraint amused him, and he chuckled as he landed on top of her. "The wagon," he said, "if it leaves—"
"He would not dare," she said with a confidence borne from her class.
Gannicus realized she was, most likely, correct and, realizing he was stuck, accepted his fate once again and did not bother breaking free from her hold.
"I would have more of you to satisfy lonely night when I will be absent your touch," she told him, sliding her foot up his calf.
He grinned down into her flushed, desirous face. "So greedy," he murmured, laughing softly, however, his laughter ended in a groan as her hand slipped into his pants to take hold of his semi-hard cock to stroke him to full arousal. It did not take long, and within moments, he had her on hands and knees upon her spectacular bed, taking her one last time, thrusting into her with bold purpose until he had her screaming his name for her entire household to hear.
Upon completion of their last-minute tryst, Gannicus was more than ready to leave. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep. He stood next to the bed wearing only the white pants she had given him. His chest was bare, and Octavia asked him where the tunic was she had given him. He shrugged offering her his charm grin. "I had thought you preferred me half naked?" He wriggled his brows at her. "Speaking for myself, I would keep you absent robes constantly if given choice."
Her girlish laughter trilled at his flirtation. "You are dangerous!" she exclaimed and slapped his chest as if scolding him. However, the beaming pleasure and lusty desire upon her face was hard to miss.
"You would have me no other way," he challenged, giving her a wink. "Gratitude for a most pleasant interlude," he told her, bringing her in for one last kiss.
"I will call upon Gaia and summon you," she told him.
"Until then," he said picking up the golden tunic she had questioned him about from its place upon the floor He slipped it on, leaving it unlaced and open down his chest. He allowed her one last lingering glimpse before he turned to the guards waiting to escort him home. He held his wrists out for them to place shackles upon him. He could feel her gaze burning into his back as they led him out of her bedroom but did not turn around. Let her ache for another glance.
As he did in the arena, Gannicus gave her (his audience) a thrilling end that left her craving more…
*8*
When Gannicus returned to the ludus, he immediately headed for his cell, but the men were in the yard training, and of course, they all paused to gather around, clapping him on the back and congratulating him on his victory. If any wondered where he had been all night, or why he was dressed in street clothes, none voiced questions. Oenomaus clasped his arm in brotherhood and told him he had honored himself as well as the ludus with his performance in the arena. Gannicus nodded, finally feeling as if he had earned the Primus on his own merit.
"I understand you spent the evening at your sponsor's villa."
Gannicus' eyes widened at Oenomaus' words. "Where did you hear that?"
"Was it to be kept a secret?" Oenomaus replied.
"No," Gannicus said. "I did not see you before I left is all."
"If you would like me to speak to Dominus on your behalf—"
Oenomaus meant the "elder" Dominus and Gannicus shook his head. The last thing he wanted was Titus Batiatus having another reason to dislike him. Moreover, he did not want Oenomaus looking too closely at other things he had been forced into at the hands of Batiatus and his desire to win favor from the nobles.
"It was nothing, brother. We fucked," he said. "I have fucked a thousand times." He forced himself to grin. "The only difference between last night and all others is Octavia has a noble cunt that drips coin and is scented with jasmine, while the whores take coin and are scented with cheap wine and other men!"
Oenomaus knew better. "Melitta informed me of Batiatus' arrangement brother. There is no need for you to give false tongue to convince me you are satisfied with circumstance."
Gannicus wished she had not done that. He was silent for a moment as he decided how to proceed. He knew Oenomaus would not let this go until he was convinced Gannicus was amenable to his lot, therefore, he had to present a convincing façade.
"It is not as bad as that, brother," he lied, giving Oenomaus the same story he gave Octavia earlier. "I admit I was unhappy being sponsored for my cock rather than my skills upon the sands; however, your own words helped me come to terms with my unease when you pointed out my pretty face would not have given me yesterday's contest if I was unskilled in the arena." He shrugged. "I am relieved of conscience."
Oenomaus seemed relieved to hear that, but he knew Gannicus well, and there was something off about his brother of late. He had not been himself. "And yet, you were unhappy yesterday before the match."
"That was before I arrived at her villa and she let me sleep in her lush fucking bed, brother," he said with a roguish grin. "The pillows were so soft. I have never seen the like. Trust me, the woman desires nothing more than to please me. And she did. Several times in fact," he joked, wagging his brows in a manner that was reminiscent of his past carefree days in the ludus. He patted Oenomaus on the chest. "Ease mind, brother. She is a beautiful woman who enjoys fucking as much as I do. I have no further complaint regarding present circumstance."
Oenomaus hedged, not entirely convinced. "You are certain?" When Gannicus nodded and assured Oenomaus he was fine, the Doctore had no choice but to take his brother at his word. "Very well. However, if you change mind…"
"I will break words with you." Gannicus promised, relieved to have subject dropped.
He told Oenomaus he was tired, adding a leer and a wink as he suggestively complained about being kept up all night. The older man rolled his eyes and gave him leave to fall to his bed.
"Gratitude," Gannicus said and headed across the yard to his quarters and his long-awaited bed.
Gannicus had never been so tired, both emotionally and physically. With all the false tales he was spewing of late, it was a wonder his tongue had not split down the middle and become forked! He wanted nothing more than to sleep the day away, but it was not to be. He had nearly reached his door when a guard called his name saying Batiatus was summoning him. Gannicus groaned. His cell was no more than two feet away…
"Fuck!" he cursed, under his breath before he turned and tiredly followed the guard into the villa.
He was led into the office off the balcony where Batiatus awaited him, grinning from ear to ear.
"Ah, the conquering hero returns!" Batiatus crowed. "Octavia sent word upon your arrival..." He waved a piece of parchment he held before tossing the missive upon another stack of letters scattered across his overcrowded desk. "I do not know what you did to the woman, Gannicus, but she is beyond pleased. I'd dare to say she's fucking enchanted!" Quintus clapped a hand on Gannicus's shoulder in a rare gesture of approval. "We have secured all future games for her family both here in Capua and Rome. Your performance in the Vinalia has everyone in Capua clamoring for more of you." He motioned excitedly to the papers on the desk. "I have already had several requests to retain your services in games from contests as far away as Pompeii! And, Good Cossutius was here this morn and paid the fee for your services in his Primus at The Floralia in Maius." Batiatus grinned. "This is it, Gannicus, you have Capua, soon it will be Rome opening her arms to welcome you as Champion!"
Gannicus sighed and plastered a weary smile upon his face. While the praise was a balm to his ego, he could have waited to hear these words. He had never cared when he fought. He simply loved being in the arena. The Primus and all this glory—that was Batiatus's dream, not his. Yet he gave the answer the man wanted, hoping if he was sufficiently agreeable and praised the man, perhaps Batiatus would let him go to his cell and to bed.
"Gratitude Dominus. But you are as much responsible for this triumph as I am. I seek only to fight in the arena and honor the House of Batiatus. It is you who secured positions."
"You flatter," Batiatus said, but his smile widened exponentially, obviously pleased with his champion's reply.
"I return in kind," Gannicus replied, knowing it was what Batiatus desired. He was becoming adept at reading these Romans and becoming what they coveted. He was unsure if that was a positive thing.
Quintus nodded, beaming at Gannicus' new attitude. "Come," the lanista said, as he put his arm around Gannicus's shoulder and led him to the balcony. Quintus pointed Gannicus's vision towards the training yard, his free arm raised and gesturing towards the horizon. "Look around you…what do you see?"
Gannicus gave him a quick sideways glance, before turning his gaze back to where Batiatus gestured. "Endless valleys and mountains," he replied, ever the realist.
Batiatus shook his head. "I see opportunity." He turned and grasped Gannicus' shoulders with both hands, "This House once boasted many great champions. In years past…we have been reduced to morning matches before the dew is even dry upon the grass, but you, Gannicus—you have changed all that! You alone have brought honor back to this ludus!"
The blonde gladiator remained silent, unsure if his passable acting skills would enable him to lie so brazenly and agree with Batiatus in such a statement. He had changed circumstance through fucking. Did Batiatus truly expect him to take pride in accomplishment achieved through his cock? Where is the honor in that?
Batiatus noticed Gannicus's shuttered expression and his words softened to an almost compassionate level. "I am aware you are not entirely reconciled with your arrangement with Octavia, but I would ask you to bear through it until we can secure position in Rome. With your skills in the arena we will take the capital and once you are Champion there…" He paused as if weighing the options of finishing his sentence. Gannicus waited his muscles tightening and then Batiatus said, "If you have not come to terms with circumstance…" He shrugged. "I will sever agreement."
Gannicus was stunned, but he hesitated to believe Batiatus. "You would release me from the contract you have with her?"
"I would," Quintus said, nodding. "I am aware bruising of the ego is deeper than that of the flesh. I would not have yours wounded beyond repair."
His words sounded as if the man actually cared. Gannicus did not know what to say. "Gratitude, Dominus," he murmured. "I had not expected such a gift, but I would accept your offer."
"But first, we must have her patronage. Think Gannicus, if we would see doors in Rome open for us, we need Octavia's support for such a feat to ever take place. However, once you are Champion…your name alone will get us requests for matches. Then, and only then, can we break ties with Severus."
Gannicus was still unsure whether Batiatus was speaking with false tongue, but hope flared within his breast and he chose to believe the man's words were true. "I will see Octavia well satisfied until that time," he said firmly.
"That is all I ask."
Exhausted, Gannicus's eyes drooped and he barely suppressed a yawn. "Apologies Dominus, but the woman would not let me sleep…I would fall to my bed if that is agreeable."
Quintus laughed. "I can imagine," he chortled, and then, feeling magnanimous he added, "return to quarters and take the rest of the day. You have earned it with the accolades you bring to this house. I will have Oenomaus bring the coin for your victory later tonight."
"Gratitude," Gannicus said with a sigh.
Batiatus was smiling as he signaled the guard to have Gannicus returned to the ludus. Step one to ensure Gannicus stayed with the House of Batiatus even if he received freedom in Rome was accomplished. Offering to sever the agreement had been a bold move, but Batiatus realized he had to do something. However, it was not enough. He needed leverage over Gannicus or he needed to offer the gladiator something the man desired above all else. Quintus was not sure what that could be, but he was determined to find the key to Gannicus' acceptance before they left for Rome.