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 27: Luctor, non mergor: I struggle, but am not overwhelmed.
Gannicus was livid and had no desire to "fix this". Melitta had been trembling in the wake of Octavia's wrath and, without hearing his Mistress' diatribe, Gannicus correctly surmised Octavia's ill will was due to do him calling Melitta's name in his sleep. He had foolishly believed matter had been put to rest, and yet, when presented with opportunity, the crazed woman was making Melitta pay for his slip. He was entirely sick of Octavia's involvement in his life and was more than ready to see her absent herself from his sight and depart for Rome.
Fucking demanding viperous cunt!
Octavia stood in front of him, tilting her head to meet his gaze. "You are angry with me again," she stated, noting he would not look at her. "Why?"
Gannicus finally met her gaze. "How can this surprise you?" he asked, stunned she did not understand why. "Your blind jealousy leads you to imaginary slights or relationships that are not there, Octavia. Just last night you accuse me of wanting to fuck Yadira because I merely asked where she was. And today, I arrive to find you attacking Melitta. Why are you so crazed with jealousy?"
"You care for her."
"She is a dear friend—married to my brother."
"You fucked her!"
"I was ordered to fuck her…by you!" he returned angrily. "Or, have you conveniently forgotten that fact in your haste to lie blame at her feet?!"
She picked up her wine. "I was not attacking her. I was—"
"You were intimidating her!" he interrupted with a growl. "She stands fucking slave with no defense to such an assault."
She cocked a regal brow. "Yes, a slave with no rights. As are you, or have you conveniently forgotten that fact as well?"
His eyes widened. She had not pressed him into that role in so long, it was as if they were equals most times. But, they were not equals. It was just as well that she was reminding him.
"You are right. I stand nothing but slave as well. Apologies, for having forgotten," he said formally. "How may I serve you, Mistress? I am yours to command." He removed his gaze from her and once again stared straight ahead, his fists clenched at his sides.
Her brows knitted into a small frown. "Gannicus…" He turned his head to look at her but did not reply. "I no longer seek you to obey me in that manner. You know this."
"Yet you remind me of my status."
She bit her lip, pride warring with her desire for him. Desire won out. "Apologies," she said softly. "I would not have this come between us and ruin my last moments with you." When he remained stubbornly silent, her voice became needy. "Please. I will offer apologies if you so desire." Her pride was torn asunder and she was very close to begging in the face of losing what she believed developing between them. "Gannicus!" she cried when he continued to ignore. "What would you have me do? Speak and see it done."
Gannicus relaxed his stance. "Will you cease your harassment of her?" She stiffened, and he added, "Octavia, she was absent choice in the matter as was I. What happened between us was not by her design. She loves Oenomaus."
"I will not mention it again, but I still believe there are feelings between you," she said petulantly.
Gannicus realized his continued and heated denials were inciting her suspicions rather than eliminating them. "You are partially right," he admitting, hoping he was not making a mistake with his confession. "An attraction developed between us after Varis forced us to lie together." Her eyes narrowed, and he added, "It is unwanted by us both and we do not act upon it. It is a regrettable result of being forced to lay with one another, but it will pass, given time." He brushed a curl back from her face. "Octavia, you are the only woman I share my body with. I have no desire to take Melitta to my bed."
He was brazenly lying to her and he hoped his acting abilities sustained him through his explanation. If not, she could simply explode and demand some form of retribution. With Octavia, he could never know what aspect of her many personalities would arrive. He was hoping for apologetic Octavia.
"Other than the one time with Diona," he told her, "with you in attendance, you are the only woman I have been inside since our first night together."
"Truly? You have not shared your body with another since?"
He shook his head. "I have not. But, you must let this go or it will destroy what could be."
She worried her bottom lip, her need for him more powerful than her desire to maintain her position as his superior. "I try, but my feelings for you…" She shook her head, as if trying to understand her emotions herself. "I have never felt such a thing for any man. I cannot bear the thought of you with another. It rips at me, tearing heart from chest."
"Then let us turn from unfortunate events of the past and embrace the present. You have no cause for jealousy concerning Melitta or Diona," he lied brazenly. "Strike troubled thoughts from mind, Octavia, for both our sakes."
She leaned into him, fooled by his words. "I love you," she told him, placing a kiss upon his palm. "Forgive me?"
He nodded, he did not truly have choice in the matter. Batiatus would lose mind if he did not forgive the woman. He stood relieved to have averted another disastrous mood swing from her. However, he would not forget this day and how she turned her venom on Melitta. Once again, the woman destroyed pleasurable memory of night previous with uncontrollable jealousy. He was sick of her and counted the moments until she absented herself from his sight and his existence.
Assuming his mask of lover, Gannicus put bitterness aside. "Let us move past unpleasantness," he said. "Would you rather argue point until you have to depart? Or…" He cupped the back of her neck to bring her closer. "Would you rather spend our time in more pleasurable pursuits?"
He kissed her, and she melted—as she always did.
He led her to one of the couches in the room, pressing her down so that she was lying on her back. His hands made quick work at maneuvering her robes out of his way and soon she was under him, nude from the waist down. He rose up, bracing himself on his arms as he pulled the silky blue linen wrap from around his hips. His cock sprung free and she whimpered her need for him, clinging to him, no longer the noble Roman bitch. When he had her in this position, she became needy lover who craved nothing more than his touch, and this time, he would make sure she remembered who was master and who was slave!
*8*
As soon as they were away from the room, Gaia took hold of Lucretia's arm and pulled her aside. She motioned for Melitta to stay put. "He calls her name in his sleep?" Gaia said, shaking her head. She turned to Lucretia. "Is she still fucking him, Lucretia?"
"No!" she denied emphatically. "Melitta would not do such a thing."
Gaia was not so convinced. "Well, there is obviously something between them if the man is calling for her while in Morpheus' arms."
"I believe his heart stirs for her," Lucretia admitted, glancing back at Melitta. "He nearly caused a scene at his Coena Libera when he approached her upon the dais. I had to order him from her side or he would have caused a scene."
In that moment, Batiatus came up to the two women, an angry look of concern on his face. "If either of you know what the fuck just happened in there—break fucking words."
Gaia sighed. "It appears Gannicus holds a tenderness for Melitta, and I am of a mind that Octavia is aware of it as well." She glanced to the triclinium, still a bit stunned at the memory of Octavia verbally assaulting Lucretia's slave. "Are we not all in agreement? That was jealousy at play, plain and simple." She sighed. "For a moment I thought she might actually assault the poor thing."
Lucretia glanced to Melitta who was still visibly shaken. "As did I. When she put hand on her, I did not know what to do. I wanted to defend her but was worried over making Octavia even angrier."
Batiatus nodded in agreement. "As it more than likely would have," he told his wife, taking her hand and placing a kiss upon her knuckles to soothe her as she was obviously upset over the incident. "You struck the wiser bargain in keeping silent. It was Gannicus's arrival that stopped her, so she obviously does not want him to know," He bit out a soft curse. "I fucking asked him if he had care for her." His eyes drifted to his wife's attractive body slave and he gritted his teeth at having been duped. "He said no."
Gaia rolled her eyes. "Of course, he did. The woman is the wife of his friend…is she not?"
"Oenomaus," Lucretia said with a nod. "He and Gannicus are extremely close."
Gaia gave a delicate snort. "Perhaps they were close," she corrected knowingly. "However, I would wager those men are not nearly as friendly as they were prior to Varis's visit."
"What do we do? We cannot lose Octavia's favor!" Lucretia complained.
Gaia sought to soothe her friend's worry. "You will not. I believe she is in love with him and even if he loves another…she will keep him."
Batiatus nodded. "She admitted having tender feelings for him last night. Ease mind, Lucretia," he said, soothingly. "Octavia desires him above all reason. Our position in Rome will remain secure."
Gaia looked towards Melitta. "What of her? Does she return sentiment towards Gannicus?"
Batiatus and Gaia both turned to Lucretia for answer. "Melitta is loyal. She loves her husband," she said in defense of her body slave.
"She is also a woman, and we were all witness to their performances. She climaxed while fucking the man with an audience," Gaia reminded with brutal clarity. When Lucretia scowled, the other woman took her hands in hers. "I am not judging the woman," she told her friend, "merely pointing out how such a thing would not happen if she were not attracted to him."
Batiatus was of the mind to agree with Gaia and said so. "Gaia speaks truth. Melitta enjoyed him, Lucretia, and I have witnessed the way her gaze lingers when it lands upon him as well. If there is something between them, I would fucking know of it."
"I will ask her presently," Lucretia said, her gaze going again to Melitta, who seemed fascinated with the triclinium, staring at it as if she could see through its curtains.
"Good," Quintus said. "And I will break words with Gannicus after Octavia takes her leave. If the man's heart swells for Melitta, I would have him speak plainly on the subject." He bit back a curse. "I cannot have an ill-fated affair ruin everything we have gained through Octavia's patronage."
*8*
Gannicus was not surprised when Batiatus wanted words with him after Octavia departed. He was certain he was to be interrogated about Octavia's outrageous behavior towards Melitta.
And he was proven correct when the first thing Batiatus asked him was if he had feelings for Melitta.
"Dominus, we already had this discussion…"
"And I do not believe you were quite truthful with me, Gannicus, or we would not be having it again."
Gannicus sighed. His secrets were being unearthed and he did not like it. "Octavia gaze is distorted due to jealousy. As I said to you previously, she sees emotional attachments that are not present."
"Why Melitta?"
"Because she witnessed us fucking!" he growled. "She has animosity towards Diona as well."
"Yet she allowed you to take Diona as yours, so she must not see her as true threat. I personally witnessed your attraction to Diona both when you took her before guests and just this morn. Why does this woman fear Melitta more so? I would have explanation, Gannicus."
There was no way out of this. Gannicus realized Batiatus was not going to let it go, however, he had no desire to place Melitta in an even more precarious position by letting Batiatus know the truth of his feelings for her.
"Octavia sees Melitta as a threat because an unfortunate attraction developed between Melitta and I after we were forced together."
"And you explained this to the woman? Why?" Batiatus asked.
"She discovered my dilemma when I was at her villa after the Floralia. I said Melitta's name in slumber and Octavia thought it was due to tender feelings for her. In truth, it was not. I dream of those nights with Melitta often, but they are not always pleasant. There is guilt attached to my dreams, even anger and rage from Oenomaus at times."
Batiatus nodded. "But she still has her suspicions obviously."
"She does," Gannicus agreed. "But they are unfounded. Despite an unfortunate attraction between us, I see Melitta as dear friend who has been placed, as I have, in regrettable circumstance." He suddenly remembered Melitta's words and repeated them. "The attraction between us will pass, Dominus, as do all things borne of misfortune. This is what I explained to Octavia today after coming upon her attacking Melitta." He waited, hoping Batiatus believed him. "Octavia offered apologies today," he added, "and she has agreed to leave off her accusations. I hope that eases mind, as well."
"It does," Batiatus said, clapping Gannicus on the shoulder. "Very well. You are certain you have no stirring for Melitta as more than friend?"
Gannicus did not like speaking falsely, but he instinctively did not want Batiatus to know he loved Melitta; he could see the man threatening her wellbeing to sway Gannicus if need arose. "She stands as friend, Dominus. Nothing more."
"Fine," Batiatus said, allowing subject to drop. "Let us allow unpleasant memories to fade from view and focus on the Apollinares, along with prestigious opportunities that will arise from the event. Put forth the kind of showing in Rome as you have in your last two matches, Gannicus, and Octavia will retain you for the Primus at The Romani later this year. Her brother is hosting, and she has say in who is featured."
Gannicus's eyes widened at the mention of appearing in the Primus at the most celebrated games in the Republic. The games of the Romani were huge. "A match in the Ludi Romani would mean recognition beyond all imagining," he said softly, dazed at the prospect.
"It would be well earned. Your showings in the Vinalia and the Floralia were epic battles. You deserve mantle of Champion of Capua. I would see you achieve Champion of Rome as well!"
"I would be giving false tongue if I did not admit I favor the fucking sound of that," Gannicus said with a grin.
Batiatus motioned to the guards to come forth. "Just do your part to uphold our bargain, and it will happen, Gannicus. Keep Octavia happy until we have a foothold in Rome, and I will end your involvement with her—as promised." Quintus flashed his gladiator a grin that stretched from ear to ear. "Together, you and I are going to achieve greatness. I promise you."
Batiatus' excitement was palpable and, to his surprise, Gannicus was beginning to believe the man's tales of fame and fortune. "Dominus," he said, bowing his head, before following the guards back to the ludus.
*8*
Later, as Melitta lay upon the small bed in her quarters, she went over the days' events in her head. The Roman woman had truly frightened her. To add disturbance to already troubled mind, now Domina was starting to question her relationship with the blonde gladiator as well. She had denied holding Gannicus to heart, but Domina seemed to know she was speaking falsely. Thankfully, Lucretia had let the matter fade rather than push issue. To which, Melitta had been eternally grateful. It appeared her secret would be safe for at least one more day.
Her mind turned, as it was wont to do, to Gannicus and, most recently, his words of love for her. They lifted heart as much as they caused it to pound in fear. The Roman said he said Melitta's name in his sleep. That seemed a vague thing for the attack the woman leveled upon her today. Had the woman questioned Gannicus and he told her of his affections? Melitta could not see him doing such a thing. To do so would be setting the woman after her and Gannicus would never put her at risk in such fashion. Yet, the woman obviously saw Melitta as a rival for his affections, and today had merely been her way of giving voice to those suspicions.
The woman asked if she were going to Rome with Batiatus and his party, and Melitta realized she would be—she was Domina's personal slave. She had not even given thought to what that would mean, yet now, it was all she could think about; she would be in Rome, far away from honorable husband, with Gannicus.
Her belly tightened and fluttered. Melitta closed her eyes. Gods! She hated herself for the surge of excitement that thought produced.
She pulled her threadbare blanket over her head, wishing it could eliminate her thoughts as successfully as it blocked out the light of the candles burning nearby. Yet it did not. It never did. His image filled her brain and her body responded. Her nipples hardened and that secret place between her thighs began to throb. She tried to resist, but the memory of him inside her was burned upon her brain. His image flashed though her mind and Melitta closed her eyes, allowing her hands to drift down her body…touching herself in the most intimate of ways.
In her mind, it was not her hands and fingers pleasuring herself—they were his.
His hands that stroked her as she fell into the regular fantasy she had indulged in ever since she had started dreaming of him, Melitta slid two fingers inside herself—their girth and length were nowhere near his size, but her imagination made up for it.
In her dream, he would find her somewhere in the villa—usually in the pantry…and he would surprise her with a kiss. His lips…soft and delicious as he slipped his tongue within her mouth. She would offer a token resistance, yet his passion for her would override her objections with ease. He would press her up against the wall or the wine shelves and his hands would roam her body with a skill that left her breathless and panting with lust. And her hands would be just as busy, sliding along all his rippling muscles, touching his chiseled flesh and rejoicing in how good he felt. They would tear at each other's clothing, eager to feel skin against skin. When they were naked, Gannicus would lift her in his arms and carry her to one of the alcoves in the pantry where he could join with her.
Her memories of their coupling carried her right to the edge as she added another finger and moved them within herself, faster and faster. Her other hand went to her clitoris and breathless gasps escaped her as her hips lifted in time with the hands maneuvering between her thighs.
Her fantasy changed and in her mind's eye, she was suddenly on her hands and knees before him. Her breathing became even more labored and she squeezed her eyes shut, remembering him taking her from behind… It was just the added incentive she needed. Her belly tightened, and her toes curled as the dam burst and she gave a soft cry when her body convulsed with ecstasy.
"Gannicus!" she whimpered softly, biting her lip as she came, his name falling from trembling lips.
After she had calmed down, the shame of her imaginings settled upon her like a stone lodging itself within her chest.
She could not seem to stop these feelings. Her dreams had gotten so intense, she no longer slept when she was with her husband. Her fear of giving voice to Gannicus' name while lying next to Oenomaus kept her awake and her guilt hounded her; it was all she could do to remain sane at times. It was even worse if she made love with Oenomaus because their lovemaking no longer held the same joy it once had. Gannicus invaded mind and thought when loving husband touched her. No matter how she tried to strike his image from mind, it was always Gannicus she envisioned when she reached her peak. Afterward, while Oenomaus found peace in Morpheus' realm, Melitta would kneel in front of the altar in his cell, praying to have the traitorous visions and dreams removed, yet they never were. They only got stronger. And now, after months of struggling, she simply left after Oenomaus fell to bed. Her prayers went unanswered, and it was just easier to rest within her own room where she knew her husband would never hear the moans of delight she often awoke with, and realize it was not him she dreamed of.
Melitta felt like the worst of women, yet she no longer had control over her desires. She was weak where Gannicus was concerned, and she did not see a way to release herself from the hold he had on her heart and mind, as well as her body. Was it truly any wonder Domina could see it plainly now as well?
*8*
Oenomaus arrived in Batiatus' tablinum after being summoned.
"You sent for me, Dominus?" he asked, coming to stand before the man's desk.
Quintus looked up, holding a parchment in his hand. "This arrived today," he said, waving the paper. "My father has scheduled matches for Barca, Duratius, Rhaskos and Crixus in Nola at weeks end. Were you aware of these plans?"
He inclined his head. "Dominus mentioned pursuing the lesser venues for the men since they have been excluded in Capua."
Batiatus sighed. "I would have appreciated word of the matter, Oenomaus. I am your fucking Dominus as well."
Oenomaus frowned. "Apologies Dominus. I had believed you were aware."
Quintus shook off his ire. "Ah. Fault does not fall to you. Apologies for breaking harsh words." Batiatus paused a moment. "What make of you this idea? Our men competing at venues such as Nola or Neapolis?"
"The men need contest, Dominus, and with Gannicus being the only gladiator presently receiving offers…"
Batiatus nodded. "Very well. My father has taken to his bed once again. If he is still confined as such come time for contests, I will accompany you to Nola to see obligations met." He got up and put his hand on Oenomaus' shoulder. "See the men prepared. If they are going to fight in Nola, they damn well better annihilate the competition!"
Oenomaus nodded. "The men are ready, Dominus."
"Good. Then we leave for Nola at weeks end."
*8*
That night, Diona went to Gannicus' cell as he requested. He was sitting on his bed, a cup of wine in hand rolling what appeared to be dice inside a wooden box. "Am I interrupting your dice game?"
He looked up and smiled. "Come," he said waving her in. "Grab cup and share drink with me."
Diona picked up one of his extra cups on her way to his bed. She climbed upon his mattress, sitting at the foot, across from him and held her cup out for him to fill. As he poured her wine, she perused the game he had lying upon his bed. "What is this?"
"It is called Tali," he replied. "Octavia gifted me with the game." He grinned. "I was practicing rolling the bones when you arrived."
"The bones?" she asked, peering down to the small white pieces within the box. "Are those real bones?"
He nodded. "Knucklebones from a goat." He handed her one. "See the carvings?" She nodded, and he went on to explain how the game was played.
The bones were marked with numbers (1, 3, 4 and 6) and each player tried to achieve numerical superiority, along with the special Tali of certain numbers. Venus was the most coveted at 100 points. It was also most difficult to roll as it consisted of a one, a three, a four and a six. Then there were Vultures which were four tali of the same numbers—four sixes (50 points) was the highest of Vultures and 'Dogs', (35 points) was the lowest with all ones. Senio—a six and anything, shared equal value with Dogs, as it was also worth 35 points. However, these tali all took precedence over all numerical additions which, at most, added up to 22 points.
"Is it a gambling game?" Diona asked.
He grinned. "Of course, it is a gambling game. What else is there to do?"
She chuckled. "What are we betting?"
He shrugged. "What do you have to offer?" As soon as he said the words, he wished to take them back as she blushed to the roots of her hair. "Apologies, Diona. I am unused to curbing tongue."
"I lay no blame at your feet, Gannicus. I desire you. You know this, so I will not deny sentiment, but I can control myself." She grinned at him. "I promise I will not force myself upon you."
He chuckled at the ridiculousness of such a thing. "Do not threaten with fun time, Diona. It spoils the fear needed to make threat useful," he teased back. He nodded at the game. "So, what are we betting then?"
Diona thought for a moment. "A foot massage," she said with a nod of her head. "My feet ache as if I have walked the entirety of the plains of asphodel. I could use massage."
His brow shot up. "And you are certain it will be me giving massage, not you?"
"You have never witnessed me roll dice. Naevia says I am luckiest person she has ever met."
Gannicus took a sip of his wine. "We shall see," he said, his skepticism obvious.
*8*
Hope everyone is enjoying this. :) Let me know what you think, and a HUGE thank you to people who have reviewed. You are the best!
BTW: Tali or AKA: Knucklebones, is an actual game ancient Romans played. There are a variety of rules. I picked one of many to use here. :)