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.
Chapter 22: faciam ut mei memineris: I'll make you remember me.
Gannicus managed to somehow keep smile firmly in place despite quietly seething on the inside. He should have known Batiatus would never have come out of his own purse for such a feast. Of course, it was her. She simply had to control every aspect of his life; it was another blow to his already overly taxed pride. He had wanted to provide this for his brothers. Not have Octavia usurp celebration and make it about him.
Unaware of the roiling emotions bubbling just under her lover's calm façade, Octavia stepped forth, flashing a dazzling smile when the men gave her many welcoming hoots and cheers. She waited for the noise to die down before speaking. "Many of you are surprised to see me here, amongst you. I am well-aware proper women rarely present themselves within the ludus, however, this event was important to your champion, I felt I should offer support. Make it a night truly to remember. For your listening enjoyment…" She clapped her hands and musicians entered the training area. There was a man playing a stringed cithara, the chords melodic and soothing as the man strummed the instrument. Two others played the drum that hung about neck, while the last man played the haunting melody of the flute. The music had a sensual melody, and the steady 'boom-boom-boom' of the drums was almost hypnotic.
"And for viewing pleasure…" Octavia said, waving an arm, "I give you the women of Nox, Goddess' of night. Here to entertain you in dance and other enjoyment afterwards."
Topless dancing girls adorned with glittering black and gold body paint suddenly raced out upon the sands of the training yard carrying torches. There was twenty in all, and they formed a circle upon the sand. The black and gold scarves they wore draped low upon their hips, accentuated their slender waists and trim figures. As one, they began to sway to the music, their torches burning bright in the night as they danced, their scarves swirling about their bodies as they moved about in rhythm along with the beat.
The men raised their voices in wonder at her offering and many picked up their plates and carried them to the edge of the yard to eat and watch the presentation from there.
As much as the men appreciated her generosity, Gannicus felt the joy of the night getting sucked out of him as Octavia invaded his existence once again. This was supposed to be a night for brotherhood—of forging the bonds between him and his brothers', yet here she was, making herself a part of it. Of late, it appeared the only time he was ever truly free of her was when he was in the arena.
Diona had absented herself from his side as soon as Octavia arrived and Gannicus did not blame the girl. He wanted to run and hide too! Once all the men were focused on the yard and the dancing girls, his mistress made her way over to where he stood towards the back, watching the dancers as well, his plate on the table before him, food long forgotten.
She laid a slim, milky white hand on his forearm. "You are not pleased?" she asked, a frown marring her brow as she took note of his expression.
He shrugged. "It is not that," he said, trying to find the will to assume his role of lover, yet he found he simply did not have the energy this night. She was not supposed to be here, and it irritated that she was.
"Gannicus, break words and explain why you are upset with me. I did this for you."
He chose to change the subject instead. He noticed Yadira was not following behind Octavia tonight. "You are absent body slave," he said pointing out the girl's absence. "Where is Yadira?"
Octavia's brows drew down. "Why does her absence concern you?"
"It does not. Curiosity inspires question."
"Curiosity or desire to see her? Your cock has been in her mouth," she said, eyes narrowing as her jealous suspicions started to rise. "Do you think of her, Gannicus? Think of her mouth as you are fucking me?"
His eyes went wide at the utter bizarreness of her accusation. "Your jealousy causes you to lose fucking sense," he growled.
"You dare speak to me in such a manner after I have given you and your fellow gladiators a feast worthy of the fucking Roman Senate?"
Perhaps it was all the wine he had drunk, or perhaps it was simply Octavia insinuating herself into the celebration and then causing dramatics. Either way, in that moment, Gannicus lost control of his tongue and spoke what was truly on his mind. "Why are you here?" he snapped. "Tonight, was to be a glorious event to renew bonds of brotherhood. A bond, that your gifts have helped weaken," he said. "And yet, you are here, forcing presence upon me, threatening fucking sanity with jealous tantrum—for which you will offer apologies." He gave a short bark of laughter. "Which mean naught because you will do so again simply for the fact that you are a mad-fucking-bitch!"
As soon as his words had fallen from lips, Gannicus wished to have them returned to mouth. Jupiter's fucking cock! Was her lunacy contagious? Why had he said such things? For a long moment afterwards, there was utter silence and Gannicus stared at her wide eyed, heart pounding as he awaited the explosion he just knew was about to come. He watched as her eyes widened and her face turned a furious shade of red, and Gannicus held his breath, knowing her reaction was going to be unpleasant at best.
However, to his shock, tears welled up in her eyes, and instead of rage, she appeared hurt. "Let me offer my apologies now then," she said softly, "and absent my mad fucking presence from sight." She abruptly turned from him to leave, but in her haste and emotional distress, she tripped over her robes and stumbled, heading face first towards the floor of the dining hall.
Gannicus reached out and grabbed her by arm, halting her tumble. It was only his quick reflexes that kept her from winding up in a sprawl upon the ground, but Octavia was emotional and (as always) those emotions flew right out of control instantaneously.
"Get fucking hands off me or see them removed!" she screamed, slapping at his hand where he held her.
To his horror, half his brothers, as well as Batiatus, and several guards all turned to look his way at her shriek. He could only imagine how it looked. He was gripping her upper arm and she was struggling to get free of him, as if he were assaulting the generous noblewoman who had made this feast possible, rather than a man and his lover having argument.
Gannicus noticed the troupe of guards went into action, heading his way and immediately released her arm. "Octavia…"
"Do not fucking speak to me," she hissed, turning away from him as she furiously wiped at her eyes.
Had she seen the guards coming? He did not think she had. "Octavia, apologies," he whispered furiously as three guards closed in on him bearing thick wooden clubs in hand; to beat him senseless if necessary, Gannicus was certain.
Batiatus halted the men with a hand gesture. "Leave him!" With an enraged expression, he stormed over to Gannicus and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him to the side. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" he snarled softly, stunned his gladiator would accost the woman in such a manner, and right before his very eyes. "Do you want to be nailed to the fucking beam tonight?"
Gannicus's eyes drifted to the huge beam of wood that hung by chains to the wall of the yard. He had seen a brother crucified there once years ago. Crucified and absent cock… the image had yet to fade. He shook his head. "No, Dominus, I do not," he said, but he had no words to offer as excuse except he had not intended to harm her.
To his utter surprise, Octavia saved him.
"There is no need for such dramatics, Batiatus," she said, composed once more. "The fault is mine. I tripped and Gannicus was merely saving me from what would have surely been an ugly accident."
No one pointed out that her scream for him to 'get his fucking hands off her or see them removed' was in direct contrast to what she was saying presently.
Gannicus waited, holding his breath as Batiatus seemed to mull over what to do. A long, tension-filled moment passed before Batiatus relaxed his grip on Gannicus's bicep and the blonde gladiator let his breath out slowly, leaning against the wall as his knees wobbled a bit with relief.
"If you are sure," Batiatus said amiably, obviously pleased for any excuse that prevented having his best man punished for attacking a Roman noble. However, he gave Gannicus a look that said plainly he was not fucking pleased with him, before turning back to Octavia—his smile placating. "After such excitement, perhaps it would be best if we returned to the villa."
Gannicus felt his tension creep back as Octavia refused to meet his gaze and nodded to Batiatus instead. "Yes, I believe you are right. It appears I have imposed my presence upon the celebration enough as is."
The spite in her words was unmistakable and Batiatus gave Gannicus an exasperated glance that clearly said, 'fix this!'.
Dread made his stomach knot as he imagined the repercussions if Octavia withdrew her sponsorship. He simply could not allow that to happen. Diona's earlier words came back to him and he needed no further proof. Octavia wanted to buy his affection, well he would let her think she had succeeded if it meant saving himself from dire consequence.
"Octavia wait," he said, stepping into her path and halting her exit. He glanced to Batiatus beseechingly. "A moment of privacy, Dominus."
Quintus glanced to Octavia, obviously seeking her approval before allowing his request. She gave a slight nod and he stepped away, but he gave Gannicus a warning glance that made clear if Gannicus caused another scene there would be unpleasant consequence.
Gannicus led Octavia towards the back of the large open room, away from the curious eyes and ears of their audience. There were still tears in her eyes and he felt like a cunt throwing a tantrum. Her purpose had obviously been with good intentions tonight and somehow things had gone terribly awry. In the angered state she was presently in, Octavia could request retribution. A circumstance he would avoid if possible.
"Apologies," he told her, cupping her face in his hand and tilting it up to look at him. "I am fucking prick and spoke without thought."
She shook her head, hastily wiping at her eyes. "No," she said, with a small shrug of her pale shoulders. "The fault is mine. You asked simple question regarding Yadira and I acted the jealous bitch you accused me of. It appears I have no control over emotions where you are concerned." She looked away, shoulders slumped and not at all like the noble woman he had first met. "I should not have interrupted your festivities without invitation."
Her words surprised him. She seemed genuinely remorseful. And while he agreed with her statement, he also had to soothe her wounded pride. "I accept equal blame, Octavia," he told her using his thumb to brush away the last of her tears. "You sought to present glorious event, the likes of which this ludus has never seen and I shit upon it with ungrateful words."
"I force my presence upon you," she said softly, her gaze finally meeting his. "You said so yourself. Your words merely reflect the truth buried under the lies I tell myself.
That bit of humility truly surprised him, however, if her revelation led to her voiding agreement with Batiatus because of his actions tonight… Gannicus did not even want to set mind to how the man would react. It would not be good, of that he was certain.
"I should let you go," she said, gaining his attention again. "I should release you from obligation, but I will not. I cannot. Thoughts of being absent your touch causes great distress. I cannot bear it, despite your wishes."
Despite his desires, releasing him was not an option. Batiatus would lose fucking mind. Gannicus had to make this right. "I no longer wish to be released, Octavia," he told her, running his knuckles along her cheek. "You are my perfect match in many ways. When I am between your succulent thighs, I am a happy man. I would not see it end. I can only hope my temper tonight has not changed your mind on the matter."
It was obvious she desired to believe him, yet she was hesitant. "And yet you say I force myself upon you. Do not give false tongue simply to avoid quarrel, Gannicus. If you truly wish to be relieved of my presence. Break honest words with me now."
"My words are true, Octavia. If not for your jealousy, which distorts gaze and causes you to see things that are not present, I am more than content."
Her expression turned hopeful and he almost felt pity for the woman so desperate was she to believe he cared for her. "You truly feel this way?"
He took a step closer to her and her breathing hitched. "I do," he said firmly. In this he spoke true. If she were gentle natured and not cruel and crazed with imagined jealousy, Gannicus would be satisfied with their agreement. "When you are gentle," he said, leaning down to nuzzle her neck with his lips, "it swells heart to gaze upon a woman of your beauty." His mouth traveled up her neck and he gently bit her ear lobe, before whispering in her ear, "but it swells cock when you are playful and absent unwelcome robes." He raised his gaze to meet hers. "I would not have our adventures between sheets come to an end as of yet. Would you?"
Her eyes dilated with lust. "I would not," she agreed. "I would rather you look upon me with charming smile than displeased frown, Gannicus. Forgive me, my jealous tirade?"
Gannicus gave her the smile she requested, the knot in his stomach finally unraveling. "Let us put it behind us," he said. "Stay. Enjoy the rest of the celebration with me and I will show you I am more than pleased with your presence."
"I should not…"
But he could see she really wanted to.
"You should," he returned.
"Perhaps I could stay for a cup of wine."
*8*
Crixus, Rhaskos and Barca sat at a table together enjoying the feast.
Rhaskos glanced over to where Gannicus was standing with the attractive Roman noble woman. He watched with a smirk as Gannicus trailed his lips along the woman's throat and she leaned into him as if she had not been screaming her head off only moments earlier. He snorted with laughter. "Fucking Gannicus! The mad fuck assaults a noble woman in full view of Batiatus, yet moments later, has the woman eating from hand like well-trained bitch in heat!"
Crixus and Barca turned their gazes upon the champion and his noble woman as well.
Barca grinned. "Not my type, but I imagine it would not be a hardship to fuck that one."
Rhaskos eyed Octavia with lust. "I would be well fucking satisfied putting cock to cunt so pleasing to the eye!" he said, licking his lips.
*8*
The relief he felt at evading what would have been, at best, a verbal lashing, but more likely, physical torture, was immense. He had lost fucking mind saying what he had to her and then grabbing her like that publicly! What seized brain that he had done such a stupid thing? He had no answer. Thank the fucking Gods the woman was infatuated with him or the shit storm he created could have had him tied to the palus awaiting the lash or worse, meeting the beam in most unwelcome manner. The thought was more disturbing than he cared to admit, so he struck it from mind and focused on making the woman believe he was pleased to have her here, rather than spurring her anger and wrath.
He leaned in, tasting the flesh of her neck once again. "Or perhaps," he said, kissing his way up her throat to her ear, "you would enjoy a private viewing of my quarters?" He raised his head and grinned at her wickedly. "If only to judge how well your coin is appreciated."
She melted against him and Gannicus knew he was forgiven. "Come," he said and took her hand in his, leading her towards the front of the dining hall. Gannicus' gaze caught Batiatus watching them, and he nodded to the man, silently telling his Dominus he could ease mind, Gannicus would see Octavia happy again. "I can think of several far more pressing matters we should be attending to other than watching my brothers shovel food into their bellies."
"Oh? Such as?" she asked, but it was said teasingly, flirtatiously, as was the smile that adorned her face.
Gannicus paused, and his answering grin was so filthy, Octavia started to breathe heavily before he even opened his mouth to reply. "Such as…" He leaned down until his lips were right by her ear, "filling your belly…" he whispered huskily, "with my cock."
His hot breath and words caused shivers to race up her spine and she nearly fainted with desire. "Hurry," she said softly, clutching his hand as if her life depended on it.
*8*
Rhaskos' eyes bulged as Gannicus took the woman by the hand and began to lead her across the sand. "Jupiter's fucking cock! He is taking her to his cell!" he said, astounded.
Both Barca and Crixus turned to observe Gannicus leading the woman to his quarters.
"I should not be doing this," Octavia said, glancing over her shoulder and noticing more than a few of Gannicus's brother gladiators' watching them with interest.
Gannicus also took note of Rhaskos, Barca and Crixus, all staring at them as well. He was unconcerned. "They have more than enough to occupy mind this night. They'll keep nose to their own fucking business," he said with a wink.
Back in the dining area, Barca shook his head, chuckling. "Mad Gannicus. Only he would dare treat a fucking noblewoman like cunt he paid for in a brothel."
Once inside his cell, the guards hovered in the doorway and Octavia turned to them. "Stay outside, unless directly summoned and no one is to enter this room. Am I understood?"
They both nodded and stepped out of the room. Gannicus swung the heavy wooden door shut with a smirk and the two guards positioned themselves outside it, blocking it with their bodies and becoming a human barricade.
"A fucking Roman noble," Rhaskos muttered as the door shut behind them, guard posted outside to ensure they were not disturbed. "How does he fucking do it?"
Barca shrugged. "Gannicus has always had women that fall upon cock as if he is a gift from the Gods themselves! It does not hurt he is pretty as well," he teased, chuckling.
Ashur, who was standing next to the table, observing the event as well, leaned down and clapped Crixus on the shoulder. "See that," he said, pointing to Gannicus's closed cell door. "The champion gets his pick of the most desirable cunt—even noble cunt!" He patted Crixus on the back. "Become Champion and someday it could be you plowing your way through moistened noble thighs!"
Crixus shrugged off the Syrian's hand. He had seen Gannicus's face when the woman had arrived—the champion had not been pleased as a lover should be to see her, yet the entire ludus knew Gannicus was fucking the woman. Crixus noticed the way the blonde gladiator watched Doctore's wife and suspected Gannicus had stirrings for her. And then today, he had taken the slave girl Diona to his cell for hours. It boggled fucking mind. The man had cunt at every turn, in Crixus' opinion, it was far too complicated a love life.
He shook his head. "Too much drink and women will be the ruin of a man," he said finally. "That is not my intent. I want to be Champion for the glory of the title. Not for wine and cunt."
Ashur chuckled. "More for us then," he said and walked away.
Rhaskos grinned at his newest brother. "For once I agree with the Syrian fuck. If you ever become Champion, you can send the wine and cunt my way. I will drink and fuck in your name, brother!"
They all laughed at that and resumed filling their bellies on the rich food and spirits they rarely got to indulge in.
Inside Gannicus' quarters, the blonde gladiator had just escaped what could have been harrowing ordeal and was ready to work off some of his pent up nervous energy; he could think of no better way than between her thighs.
"Now," he said, advancing on her. "We are alone. After grueling intrigue… I favor even greater drama between sheets." He leveled hungry gaze upon her. "Drop unwelcome robes, Octavia, I would gaze upon your beauty without their encumbrance to spoil view."
Lucretia's face showed the horror she felt. "You brought her to the ludus and abandoned her there?!" She put her hands to her stomach as if to soothe it. "Quintus, have you lost all fucking sense? The men's barracks are no place for a proper woman, much less a Roman consul's wife!"
Pacing in agitation, Batiatus threw his hands in the air. "I did not abandon her, Lucretia. The woman has a fucking mind of her own. Think you I can change it once she has set it to purpose?" He paused and took a deep breath. "She demanded I bring her to the ludus, so she could present Gannicus with the added entertainment she provided."
"But why are you not still down there with her? Do you realize the consequence if she is harmed while under our roof?" Lucretia wrapped her arms about her waist. "The stomach churns at the thought."
Just then Gaia entered from the balcony overlooking the training yard. "See stomach settled, Lucretia," she said, "Octavia is fine."
Lucretia turned to her friend. "How can you say that for certain?"
"Because I have just laid eyes upon the woman and she is fine."
"You did?" Lucretia asked, a look of relief washing over her face. "Where is she?"
Gaia's grin was wicked. "In your gladiator's cell."
Lucretia appeared as if she would faint. "Quintus do something!" she cried.
"What would you have me do, Lucretia?" he demanded, irritation obvious. "Storm his cell and drag the woman off hardened cock?!" He shook his head. "She would not appreciate the gesture I can fucking tell you that!"
Gaia agreed. "To do so would see both fortunes and cock shriveled beneath her wrath," Gaia said with a smirk. Quintus bobbed his head in agreement as Gaia went to Lucretia and kissed her lips gently. "Rest mind, Lucretia. Your gladiator knows the woman and will accomplish mission assigned." She cupped Lucretia's face in her palms. "When Octavia is finished with his sizable cock, she will return. Happy and well satisfied."
"But why would she do such a thing?" Lucretia asked. "To brazenly flaunt she is fucking a filthy gladiator…it boggles the mind."
"And moistens the thighs," Gaia purred. Lucretia made a moue of distaste and Gaia rolled her eyes at her friend. "Your words are influenced by only knowing your husband's cock in too long, Lucretia. While we live, let us live. Octavia is living life, squeezing it until the juice flows. Let us not judge the woman. Perhaps one day it will be you summoning Gannicus to present impressive cock for mounting," she teased.
Batiatus gave a short burst of laughter at the absurdity of the idea, while Lucretia leveled impatient and annoyed gaze upon her oldest friend. "That," she said stressing the word. "would never happen. The idea of allowing one of those animals to touch me…" She shuddered in revulsion. "Stomach roils at the thought."
"Oh, I don't know. What about the Gaul, Crixus? I would not mind discovering if he is as beastly between sheets as he is upon sand."
"And I would just as soon be done with this conversation," Lucretia sighed in exasperation, before turning to her husband, a worried frown marring her features as she brought topic back to point of contention. "Quintus, if word of her actions tonight ever reached honorable husband or brother… What if blame falls to our shoulders?"
Gaia's tinkling laughter filled the air. "And how do you propose such a thing could happen? This is a celebration for your gladiators, Lucretia, not a gathering for the Roman echelon. Of all your men, who do you suppose has the ear of Lucius Severus or Claudius Aurelius?"
Quintus chuckled as well. "Gaia speaks truth," he said to his wife. "Octavia is in Gannicus' hands. He will see her well attended and returned in better spirits than when she left, I can promise you that."
"You place our fate in the hands of a slave," Lucretia said.
Quintus shook his head. "I place our fate in Gannicus. Just as I have the moment I determined he would be the next Champion of the House of Batiatus. He has not disappointed." When Lucretia looked unconvinced, Batiatus went to her and took her hands in his. "Do you begin to doubt me now?"
Horrified he would think such a thing, Lucretia immediately gave in. "I have never doubted you, Quintus and I never will," she told him, leaning forward and kissing him soundly. "Your instincts have brought the highest of accolades to this ludus. Apologies for allowing worried thoughts to cause quarrel."
He placed his forehead against hers. "There is no quarrel. Your worries are my worries," he told her.
Gaia rolled her eyes at them both. "Then let us stop worrying, shall we?" She held up a small vial and shook it. "Not when there are other, far more pleasurable pursuits to be had."
Quintus grinned. His father had retired for the night with a sleeping drought. Octavia would be occupied with Gannicus for hours to come, he was certain. Why not? It had been some time since the three of them had indulged their desires. He poured them all a cup of wine, holding out each cup to allow Gaia to sprinkle a small amount of opium in each.
Gaia raised her glass, a smirk playing about her lips as she made a toast. "To your man's cock. May he cum in great geysers, so we my ride the wave to the very steps of Rome herself."
Quintus chuckled while Lucretia rolled her eyes at her friend. "I will not drink to Gannicus' cock," she said.
Gaia moved behind her and placed a lingering kiss on Lucretia' shoulder. "Why ever not?" she teased, "Octavia certainly appears to…savor the taste." With those wicked words dropped, Gaia slid her hands along Lucretia's belly as her eyes met Quintus' seductively.
Quintus stepped forward, sandwiching Lucretia between them. His hands took hold of his wife's hips and he pressed himself against her. "I know what I wish to savor presently," he said huskily.
Lucretia leaned back into Gaia and moaned as Gaia's hands palmed her breasts and Quintus began to kiss her along her neck. "As do I," she gasped. She turned her head and kissed Gaia while her hand slipped into Quintus' robes to take hold of his cock.
Quintus groaned. "Let us adjourn to our bedroom where I can revel in the delightful bounty before my very eyes."
Lucretia smiled dreamily. "Now that is a suggestion I will drink upon."
And with that, the three of them took their party to Quintus and Lucretia's bedroom, eager to experience, once again, the lusty adventure they had relished before Titus had arrived.
Inside Gannicus' quarters, Octavia moved away from him, giggling like a girl in her first blush of innocence. "I was of the mind you wanted to show me your quarters, not molest me," she said teasingly.
So, she wanted to play. Gannicus grinned. He enjoyed her playful side. "Behold, my domus," he said with a wave of his arm. "I would have you pay special attention to the magnificent feather bed over there." He pointed to his bed. "Allow me to give you a tour." He wriggled his brows suggestively.
She backed away from him again and put the table between them. "I can see it from here," she replied, lifting her chin as if she was not as excited as he was. "I will not be used by the likes of you. You have to catch me first!"
Gannicus chuckled. She did want to play. He started to move towards her, becoming more aroused the longer she tried to evade him. "There is nowhere to run," he said with a smile when she pulled a chair out and placed it in front of her. "But you are welcome to try."
*8*
Another update! :) I have many chapters done to this story. Hope everyone is enjoying it. Gannicus has a long way to go before his story ends. ;) Click the button, leave a review and let me know what ya think.