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.
*8*
**A/N** Apologies to anyone who alerted for this story and received a shit ton of alerts today. I am truly, truly sorry. I realized I had completely skipped an entire chapter of this story, and then, instead of replacing the original chapter 15 with the new one, I accidentally removed it! So then, I had to remove the rest and start over because they would have been all out of order. Again, so sorry to anyone who was over alerted. The ony new chapters are 15 and this one. :)
BTW: If anyone is interested… the new Chapter 15 relates to an interesting thing I learned during my research called a coena libera which is a gladiator's last meal before a sine-missione match. Anyhow, chapter 15 is about Gannicus' coena libera. Again, I am so sorry I replaced all the chapters after 14, so that is why people got alerts. Arrrggghhh! I was so mad at myself! I hope you all can forgive and forget. :)
Chapter 26: vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas: Vanity of vanity, everything is vanity.
It was just past mid-morning and Gaia leaned upon the balcony railing, glass of wine in hand as she watched the men spar below. Her eyes were drawn the handsome blonde champion as he battled another virile gladiator named Duratius. She could hear their jesting comments from above…
Gannicus chuckled as he deftly dodged left and avoided Duratius' mighty hammer, while landing a blow of his own to the Egyptian's back with the flat of his sword. "You charge like ferocious woman, absent logic or caution!" he teased.
Duratius pointed the hammer at Gannicus. "I merely seek to avoid taking that pretty head of yours, brother." His grin stretched wide. "If I did such a thing, then we would see ferocious women charging absent logic as all of yours poured forth from yonder villa to cause me irreparable harm!"
Barca caught Duratius' comments and burst into laughter. "They would toss you from fucking cliff if you did such a thing, brother. Gannicus' women love his pretty face, best not mess with it!"
Gannicus rolled his eyes at both men. "Words fall from lips like piss and shit in equal measure," he said, his gaze going back and forth between them. "Where are all these women you speak of?"
Duratius chuckled. "Spoken from the man who brings a Roman noble to his cell as if she is a thin-skinned whore he found on streets of Neapolis!"
Barca joined in on the laughter much to Gannicus' chagrin.
"Barca," he said in response. "I fear prowess shrivels with Duratius' inability to land single blow in contest. Care to add your spear to the match. Perhaps between the two of you I could have proper challenge."
It was a boastful challenge. One Barca immediately accepted. With a cocky grin adorning his face, Gannicus crouched down in a fighting stance as Barca and Duratius charged him as one.
"Your man, Gannicus is of a form today," Gaia said, watching as he took on both Barca and Duratius.
"Is he?" Lucretia replied only half interested, she was still recovering from the indulgences of the previous night. She held out her wine glass to be refilled. Melitta immediately saw her need met. "Gratitude Melitta."
Quintus suddenly stormed out on the balcony drawing both women's attention.
"The medicus says his lungs have seized again!" Batiatus announced. "It is the dusty heat here in Capua, yet he will not hear of leaving the city for the more soothing climate of the coast," he said, frustration apparent in his stance as well as voice.
"So, he has taken to his bed again," Lucretia said.
It was more a statement than a question but Batiatus nodded in answer anyhow. "He is ordered to do so. And, if condition does not improve over the next two months, he will be forced to stay in Capua when we travel to Rome for the Apollinares." Lucretia raised a brow as if to question why that prospect would bother her husband and Quintus smiled ruefully and let out an exasperated sigh. "A circumstance which is for the best I suppose."
"I would say so," Gaia agreed dryly, turning away from the balcony and the men below to address Batiatus.
"The old man is too stubborn to leave and he's too puckish to die!" Batiatus said, throwing his hands in the air. "I wish he would take himself back to Sicilia where he could live without the constant pain of his cough and I could live without the constant pain in my arse that his presence brings."
Seeing her husband's distress, Lucretia went to him. "Then we shall pray fortune is in our favor and the Gods make it so," she said, placing her hand over his upon the balcony railing. She turned his gaze to the gladiators training below, to Gannicus especially, watching for a moment as he sparred with both Barca and Duratius simultaneously. "Gannicus has returned the House of Batiatus to triumphant glory. Rest mind. The Gods reward you husband, surely they will continue to do so in matters relating to your father."
Her action had the desired affect and he smiled at her. "Has a man ever had such a wife?"
Before Lucretia could reply, Diona came out to the balcony and interrupted them. "Apologies Dominus, but you have a guest. She awaits you in the triclinium."
Batiatus nodded to the girl. "Ah. That must be Octavia." He turned gaze to Naevia. "Bring wine to the triclinum for our guest."
"Yes Dominus," Naevia said and quietly left to do his bidding.
Quintus returned his attention to the men sparring below. "Gannicus!" he called, causing the match below to halt and all three gladiators to turn their gazes up to the balcony. "You are summoned. Head to the bathing chamber to be prepared for private viewing."
Gannicus nodded and handed off his swords, but before he left he winked at Duratius and Barca. "It appears the Gods have pardoned you and saved you both from what was certain to be embarrassing defeat."
Both Duratius and Barca had a few choice words, as well as hand gestures for their cocky brother.
The blonde gladiator was unfazed by their comments and his laughter followed him as he left the yard.
Upon the balcony. Batiatus turned to Diona. "See to Gannicus, he needs to be bathed and scented." She bowed her head and hurried away to see the task done.
"Octavia leaves for Rome tomorrow," Gaia said as they made their way to the triclinium. "I am of a mind she desires final moments with Gannicus or should I say a particular part of Gannicus." Her grin was lewd.
Lucretia rolled her eyes at her guest's ribald remark. "She is quite obsessed with him." Her expression showed her distaste.
Gaia shook her head at her dearest friend. "The man causes heart to race, Lucretia, surely you can understand such desires?"
"Not with a gladiator," she insisted.
Gaia shrugged. "If I did not know Octavia would lose fucking mind…I'd summon the man myself, if only to discover if he is as good as he looks."
Batiatus gave a short bark of laughter. "Gannicus has enough cunt, Gaia, for fucks sake, do not add yours to his plate!"
Gaia's laughter rang out. "You speak true. I believe your slave has more sex than any one of us in this house!"
Batiatus shook his head at Gaia's antics, but his mind was already focused on pleasing his guest. "See to Octavia and keep her entertained," he told Lucretia and Gaia. "I must have words with Gannicus. Octavia delivered a tidy sum to my hand last night to ensure his happiness. I would see him show proper appreciation today and send the woman back to Rome with satisfied smile upon her face."
With that, Batiatus made his way to the ludus, by passing the triclinium and the guest awaiting there.
*8*
Gannicus was surprised to see Diona awaiting him when he arrived at the men's bath chamber. "Are you to prepare me?" he asked as he set his wrap, towel and soap on the bench next to the bath.
She nodded, her cheeks flaming red. "Dominus sent me."
"Fuck the Gods…" Gannicus muttered under his breath as he sat down to unlace his leggings. He was far too attracted to Diona to have her hands on him. "I can bathe myself," he told her as he began removing his training gear.
"But you are to be oiled and scented as well."
He had forgotten that. Well fuck! With dexterity born from years of practice, Gannicus had his lacings and fasciae off in mere moments. He began working on his manicae but realized it would be easier if Diona helped like the slave girls usually did for him.
He held out his arm and Diona came over to him. "You could help with these," he told her, feeling relatively confident he would not become too aroused by having her unlace the protective gear for his forearms.
Her stunning green eyes narrowed, and she bit her lip in an enticing manner as she went to work on the laces, and as he watched her, Gannicus was proven wrong when his cock stirred at her proximity.
As soon as she had his manicae unlaced, he pulled away from her to remove them himself. "I can finish, Diona. Gratitude."
He had come far too close to taking her yesterday. He did not feel up to tempting himself yet again.
She paused. "What is wrong? Have I offended somehow?" she asked, a frown marring her brow.
He realized he had hurt her feelings. "No," he hastened to assure her. "It is not you…" But that was not the truth. It was her. He wanted her, that was the issue. "I desire you. You know this," he told her, watching as her breathing sped up and her face turned a pretty shade of rose. Her innocent reactions made him even more aroused. He bit back a growl. "If you put hands on me…"
*8*
When they arrived at the triclinium, Melitta schooled her features into the blank expression of her position, while discreetly observing Octavia reclining upon one of the three couches within the curtained off room. Naevia was there as well, standing next to the woman, a pitcher of wine in hand filling the glass the woman held out.
"Octavia," Lucretia said as she came through the curtains. "You bless us with your presence." Melitta took up her position behind Lucretia as she took a seat upon the remaining empty couch.
The blonde smiled. "I would have things settled before I leave for the capital."
"You mean you would see yourself settled once more…" Gaia took a reclining position beside Octavia. Once there she leaned forward. "On your gladiator's cock." It was said as a whisper but loud enough for both Melitta and Naevia to hear.
"Bitch!" Octavia cried teasingly and gave Gaia a playful smack. "He saw me very well satisfied last night. Thank you."
Gaia pouted prettily. "I do not want you to go," she told the blonde, placing a kiss on the woman's shoulder.
"Nor do I wish to leave, but I must. Claudius needs me, and he comes first."
Gaia nodded. Despite Octavia affairs, the woman did genuinely adore her husband. But then again, her husband genuinely preferred men, so who could blame Octavia for seeking her pleasure elsewhere. "He comes before Gannicus?" she asked, playfully.
"They are not in competition as you well know," Octavia said. "Anyhow," the Roman turned gaze to Lucretia dismissing the topic of her husband versus Gannicus. "I realized after I departed last evening, I had not had discourse regarding accommodations for your stay in Rome."
Lucretia shrugged. Preparation for their trip fell to her husband. "Quintus has mentioned securing lodging near the Circus Maximus. Perhaps, you would recommend."
"Nonsense!" Octavia exclaimed. "You and your party shall stay at my families' domus inside the city. I have more than enough rooms for your entire party."
Lucretia paused, surprise at the invitation apparent on her face. "You honor us with such gracious offer, yet we would not want to impose..."
Octavia waved a hand, ignoring her hesitations. "Lucretia, our city domus is three stories with four cubiculums on each floor. There are two atriums for entertaining, four gardens and six large bathing chambers. Ask Gaia, there will be no strain in accommodating you and your entourage of slaves and escort."
Gaia nodded, her happy smile showing her preference. "We shall be well satisfied in such accommodations, Lucretia. Trust words. Octavia has the most divine caldarium."
More than pleased with this idea, Lucretia inclined her head. "Then I am certain Quintus would be overjoyed to accept your hospitality," she said, smiling in excitement.
Melitta listened to the exchange was certain true reason the woman wanted Batiatus within her own walls lay with Gannicus. If he were housed there, she would have access to him any time she chose. She surreptitiously glanced at the woman. She was extremely beautiful with her golden blonde hair, pale complexion and slender figure that somehow supported her rounded breasts without making her hunch over like an old beggar woman. Melitta had to admit the woman was pleasing in face and form, yet she was cruel and arrogant as well. She wanted to control Gannicus; he was simply not a man to be tethered so. To bend him too far towards a will not his own would crush the spirit within heart that made him the man he was.
Melitta suddenly noticed the woman was studying her as well and quickly tried to avert her eyes, but it was too late, Octavia had taken note of Melitta's attention upon her.
"Your slave…" the Roman said pointing to Melitta, "is she traveling to Rome as well?"
Lucretia nodded hesitantly. There was a look in Octavia's eyes that made her wary. "She is my personal body slave. Melitta has been with me for years and goes where I go."
"Yes…" Octavia purred in a not so pleasant voice, "Melitta. How could I forget Melitta?"
Melitta could not help but notice how her name rolled off the woman's tongue as if it were poison.
*8*
Batiatus entered the bathing chamber and stopped short seeing Gannicus standing there in his subligaria talking with Diona rather than in the bath being prepared as he requested. "Why are you not bathed?" He turned to Diona. "What causes fucking delay?" he demanded, his gaze going back and forth between his slaves.
"I was removing my gear, Dominus," Gannicus said, coming up with the only excuse he could think of.
"Well, it is removed, so I would see you prepared post haste."
"Dominus," Gannicus said and turned his back to Batiatus while he removed his subligaria, keeping his arousal far removed from the man lest he see why there was a delay.
When Diona simply stood there staring at Gannicus' nude body. Batiatus lost patience. "Diona!" he barked, snapping his fingers at her and causing her to jump. "Drop fucking robes and see him properly bathed and attended."
She hurried to comply, blushing profusely as she removed her robes and followed Gannicus into the water.
Diona lathered her hands and started washing Gannicus while Batiatus paced in front of the pool, expressing his anger over the night previous. "What seized fucking mind putting hands on a Roman consul's wife in such a manner last evening?" he asked. "And before my very fucking eyes! Do you realize if she had demanded you would have felt the sting of the lash—or worse?!"
Diona's hands moved along his muscled back and Gannicus focused on Batiatus' words rather than the soft hands roaming his body so delightfully. "Apologies. But the woman broke truth when she said she tripped, Dominus."
"And what brought her to such a state that she lost balance while attempting to flee your company?"
Gannicus sighed. "It was words spoken without thought that bruised tender feelings," he admitted, gritting his teeth as Diona's breasts rubbed against him. "She has accepted my apologies and we have moved past it," he said, holding his arms out as Diona washed his sides and under his arms. "Believe me, Dominus, Octavia was more than pleased with me when I last saw her."
"As I well know it. She came to me before she took her leave. Asked me to assure you of your importance to her and pledged her oath that no harm would come to you through Tullius, my father or any other fucking means. She was fucking determined on the matter."
Gannicus did not know how to respond to that, so he remained quiet, his eyes dropping to Diona as she came to stand before him to wash his front. His attention was snared by her perfectly shaped pink tipped breasts, and his gaze lingered, causing Batiatus to snort with impatience.
"Gannicus, you can set gaze upon Diona's tits to heart's desire—after Octavia departs for Rome!"
"Apologies," Gannicus murmured, tearing his attention from Diona's body, however, with her hands lathering up his chest, he could not stop the desire that was pooling within, causing him to swell with lust.
Diona stepped closer to him to wash the soap off and his cock brushed her belly. Gannicus sucked in a sharp breath and bit back a groan of pleasure. Diona gasped and turned bright red. And Batiatus, realizing what was happening had had enough and ordered Diona out of the pool.
She quickly complied, picking up her robes and redressing. She stayed standing behind the pool, unsure what to do as she waited further instruction. Her eyes surreptitiously gazing upon the golden perfection of Gannicus' hard muscled physique. His physical beauty caused her belly to clench with desire and she looked away, lest she get caught staring.
"The woman is waiting, Gannicus," Quintus complained, his patience at an end. "You still need to be oiled and scented. Are you fucking finished?"
"I am Dominus," Gannicus said, as he climbed from the pool to dry.
Batiatus tossed him his towel. "Good. Now hurry the fuck up."
Quintus could not help but notice his gladiator's state of arousal as Diona knelt before him to apply the oil to his skin. He sighed. "And Gannicus," he said, gaining his champion's attention. "Keep cock from Diona's cunt until Octavia is far removed from this ludus. Are you clear to purpose?"
Gannicus nodded and took the oil from Diona's hands to apply to the parts of his body he could not allow her to put hands on presently, especially in front of Batiatus.
*8*
"Melitta…" Octavia said as she rose from her position on the couch. "A unique and pretty name." She came to stand before Melitta, her eyes raking her from head to toe. "And you are pretty…both in name and form. Answer me this, do you think yourself beautiful or just pretty, Melitta?"
Unprepared for such attention, Melitta was unsure how to respond so she glanced to Lucretia for guidance, yet Domina seemed just as confused by Octavia's question.
When Melitta did not reply, Octavia snapped her fingers in her face, causing Melitta to flinch. "Well speak. I offered you compliment, yet you ignore question asked!" Octavia griped. She glanced to Lucretia. "Do your slaves not understand how to speak proper tongue?"
Lucretia blinked rapidly in surprise. While Gaia frowned in confusion at the scene unfolding before their eyes. Octavia had turned from bubbly and joyful to sullen and suspicious in blink of eye. Her sudden mood shift was making everyone in the room nervous.
When the woman turned her glittering green gaze back to her, Melitta finally found her tongue. "Gratitude," she whispered, lowering her eyes in submission. "Yet I would not call myself beautiful."
"Ah, now she dares speak. Yet it is with forked tongue," Octavia snipped. "You do not think you are beautiful, yet you captivate men, do you not?"
Melitta felt a sick sense of dread weighing her limbs down. "I-I do not understand," she said, but she was afraid she did. Somehow, Octavia either knew or suspected Gannicus had feelings for her. The knowledge truly frightened because this Roman noble was vicious and Melitta had no desire to become the target for her jealousy.
Lucretia and Gaia shared a worried glance at the exchange between Batiatus' most valued guest and Lucretia's most valued slave. Desire for Octavia's favor warred with protecting Melitta, yet in the end, Gaia shook her head at Lucretia, and fear of Octavia's reaction kept both women silent as the woman bullied Melitta even further.
"You do not understand how to captivate a man, or you do not understand words broken?"
"I do not understand meaning," Melitta said softly, blinking back tears.
*8*
"You realize Octavia is in love with you, do you not?" Batiatus said as Diona rubbed scented oil along Gannicus' upper body and down each arm.
Gannicus did not wish to discuss topic, not in front of Diona, but he had no choice, Batiatus would have fit if he ignored him. "I am aware she has lost heart," he said, keeping his breathing even as Diona knelt before him to oil his legs. "I do not return sentiment in kind."
"Dangerous thing, unrequited love, especially with a woman who wields the power Octavia does."
When Diona had finished applying the oil, he breathed easier and accepted his loin cloth from her. "What would you have me do, Dominus?" he asked as he wrapped the linen garment around his hips. "I cannot tell the woman my heart does not beat for her in the manner she desires." He knotted the garment and tucked into his waist. "She is likely to lose fucking mind were I to do such a thing."
"No, you cannot," Batiatus agreed. "To do so would see her turn wrath upon us…"
"My thoughts exactly," Gannicus said, coming to stand before Batiatus. "I would rather the woman focus her anger on Tullius than myself or this House."
"As would I," Batiatus said. "Very well. You know the woman far more fucking intimately than I do. You believe this is wisest course."
"It is the only course," Gannicus replied. He did not mention Batiatus placed them in this position by renting his cock to the woman; those words would not be well received. Instead, he sought to soothe Batiatus before he made matters worse by insisting he lie to Octavia or lied to the woman himself. "It serves no purpose to worry over the matter presently, Dominus. We can decide how best to remove me from entangled embrace when we have achieved goals and have solid position in Rome."
Batiatus nodded in agreement. "Shrewd maneuver." He clapped Gannicus on the shoulder. "I'm gonna make a fucking Roman of you yet!" he said, chuckling. "Come, Octavia awaits us in the triclinium."
Gannicus rolled his eyes behind the man's back. He could never be a fucking Roman, he simply did not have the stomach for it!
As he exited the room, he glanced over his shoulder at Diona. "I must have words with you later. Will you come to my cell after you have completed your duties for the day?"
"I will," she replied softly.
"Good. Until then," he said before he left the room to follow Batiatus.
Diona watched him go, heart pounding with both desire and trepidation at his request to have words. She was unsure if he was giving a warning of discord between them or invitation to pleasure. She supposed she would discover truth tonight.
*8*
Octavia advanced upon the brunette slave until she was right in Melitta's worried face. They were nearly of the same height with Octavia standing just an inch or so taller. "Tell me, slave," the Roman said, hostility dripping from her voice, "do you think you are more beautiful than a proper Roman woman?"
"No," Melitta replied softly, shaking her head as her heart thumped furiously within her chest. The woman was angry at her for reasons unknown, but it surely had something to do with Gannicus; Melitta desperately wished to break words with him and discover what had created such hostility from this creature towards her.
"Octavia..." Lucretia started, only to have the blonde Roman turn withering gaze upon her, ending her words.
"Do you think I am being cruel, Lucretia?" Octavia asked, one brow arched, silently demanding Lucretia give way.
"I would never suggest such a thing," Lucretia said, her will crumbling under Octavia's intimidating stare.
The blonde returned her attention to Melitta. "He calls your name in his sleep. Did you know that?"
Gaia and Lucretia looked at one another, identical expressions of stunned surprise on their faces as reason behind this unprovoked attack became apparent.
Melitta, aware as well, shook her head quickly. "I did not."
"You know of who I speak without a mention of his name," Octavia said, suspicions rising. "Tell me, slave, I know you enjoyed his cock inside you. I bore witness to it with my own gaze." The Roman took hold of Melitta's chin in a punishing grip that caused the brunette slave to wince in pain. "Are you still fucking him?"
*8*
Outside the triclinium, Batiatus, with Gannicus in tow, paused when Octavia's raised voice drifted out to them. She sounded angry and he was confused as to what was happening inside.
"Are you still fucking him?"
The question rang loud and clear and Gannicus immediately knew whom his mistress was speaking to. "Dominus, why do we stop?" he asked, fists clenched in frustration. He wanted inside that room to protect the woman who held his heart.
"Give pause, Gannicus," Batiatus said, listening warily as Octavia verbally assaulted Melitta. "Or have her wrath turn upon you."
Octavia's voice broke through again demanding Melitta answer her.
The gladiator shook his head. "She will stop as soon as she sets gaze upon me." His entire body was tense, poised to rush forward. "Please, Dominus, do not allow her to berate Melitta further."
"Why is she attacking Melitta? You said she stands as friend only."
"She does," Gannicus hurriedly replied, eager to get into that room. "Octavia's jealousy causes her to see what is not present."
Batiatus nodded and pulled back the curtains, halting Octavia's tirade. "Ask and you shall receive," he said, waving Gannicus forward.
Gannicus' eyes quickly surveyed the room, noticing the tears on Melitta's face, as well as the red mark on her face where Octavia had grabbed her. Rage filled him. She had done it again. Turned her venomous gaze to Melitta. Gannicus would not be so quick to forgive it this time.
Batiatus realized Gannicus had been correct in his statement because as soon as he entered the room, Octavia immediately stepped away from Melitta. He decided to let his gladiator handle Octavia's temper as well. He had appeased the woman last night, let him do so again.
Quintus signaled for Lucretia and Gaia to come with him. "We shall lend privacy," he said to Octavia.
After their marvelous night previously, Octavia had expected him to be happy to see her, but it was obvious from his clenched fists and lowered brows, he was upset with her. He stared through her, much like he had on their first meeting.
She nodded to Batiatus. "I believe that is for the best. Gratitude."
Lucretia immediately rose, as did Gaia, whose gaze went between Octavia, Melitta and then Gannicus before she exited the room, all of them eager to quit what had turned into a terrible display of jealousy.
Batiatus turned to his gladiator. "See scowl removed, Gannicus, and fix this," he whispered quietly before ushering everyone from the room, including an extremely grateful Melitta.