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 35: damnatio ad bestias: condemnation to [the] beasts.
The forum within the marketplace that catered to the wealthy citizens of Capua was much cleaner and less crowded than the common areas where goods were displayed under tarps and right on the street. The vendors Gaia and Lucretia were seeking had small shops that opened to the street, yet the customer could enter the building and browse the goods inside, rather than in the thoroughfare.
One such shop was a jeweler Lucretia had always noted yet never possessed the coin necessary to consider entering his shop. Now she did, and she was eager to see his wares.
As her Domina and Gaia were being shown some beautiful necklaces made of cascading emeralds and other expensive stones, Melitta stood quietly in the background, her mind reliving her exchange with Gannicus earlier. It had been foolish to indulge her hunger to gaze upon him, especially when one considered the degree of hunger they had shared just the night before, yet he had so touched her when he had repeated her 'general' warning to all innocent girls in the ludus that she had simply been unable to hold back her pride in the way he had gently discouraged that young girl's advances.
It had reminded her of another facet of his personality. Gannicus liked women. He had not always treated them well, but he never treated them as less than he was, as many men did, and he never physically harmed them. The same could not be said for other gladiators. She had personally escorted more than a few whores from Gnaeus' cell where the women had sported bruises upon their flesh that were far more than just rough pleasure. The man could be an animal and retrieving his companions was not a task she enjoyed.
Gannicus was a good man; however, he did not believe himself a good man. Melitta was certain part of that stemmed from the tragic consequences of his actions with Aurelia. After she had committed suicide, his manner afterward practically shouted, 'Do not get too close', and he increasingly hid his emotions behind drink, a teasing smile and numerous sexual escapades; all of which were never serious.
Melitta knew he wanted to be loved and, despite his cockiness and arrogance, the only time Gannicus truly believed himself worthy was when he was in the arena…
'Or perhaps between a woman's legs,' she thought with a smirk.
In the years she had known him, Gannicus had never discussed how he became a slave, so Melitta had no ideas on what his life was like before he came to the ludus. He had arrived one day with a group of new recruits just past seven years ago, when he was still at heart a boy, yet physically a man. Melitta could still remember how the girls would argue over who was to serve Dominus his honeyed wine on the balcony in hopes of catching a glimpse of the newest recruit in his subligaria.
She had not been one of them. She had known that she was to be given to the Champion, Oenomaus, therefore she had maintained from gossiping with the other slaves about the comeliness of Batiatus' newest trainee.
To Melitta, Gannicus had arrived to the ludus forbidden fruit.
Of course, he had thrown himself into earning his brand with the same gusto and enthusiasm with which he did everything in life, and two days after she had married Oenomaus, he had earned the mark of Batiatus by facing her new husband upon the sand and spilling the champion's blood.
She still recalled Oenomaus's words that night.
"If any man is to take title of Champion from me, it will be Gannicus."
And despite his words, he had been proud. His affection for the gregarious young man already obvious.
Her husband's words proved true. Now, Gannicus stood Champion, Oenomaus was Doctore, and everything had changed. Her heart no longer belonged to her husband only. Gannicus had worked his way into it, and was now firmly lodged, not to be removed. And she had somehow broken through his barrier of boastful swagger and charming grin to see the man that lie beneath.
A man of bold purpose with a reckless streak that could be labeled dangerous, however, despite his flaws, remained good of heart, a loyal friend who would do anything for those he loved. And Gannicus loved Oenomaus, that is how Melitta knew the true depths of his feelings for her. He would never betray her husband simply to fuck her, he must truly love her; the knowledge thrilled and terrified in equal measure.
Melitta let out a soft sigh, her mind continuing to drift as Gaia and her Domina tried on jewelry.
She lamented on how they had come to be mired in tangled webs of lies and tabooed love. It had not happened overnight. It had laid dormant for years. Like Mars and Venus, theirs was a love that had been buried deeply to ground, but Varis' visit had unearthed it, brought it to light and allowed it to grow. Now that it had, it would not be stopped. Mars and Venus' love had led them to be trapped in bed together and discovered by Venus' husband, Vulcan. Melitta was afraid she and Gannicus would be caught in a net of their own making as well if they did not resist the pull of one another. She had tried and failed at the effort; she felt absent strength to fight her attraction any longer. The truth was, she was wildly in love and in lust with him. How did one withstand such temptation?
It was a condition that defied all logic. But, what was she to do? There was no returning from last evening. She had betrayed Oenomaus by her own design. Her desire for Gannicus had proven itself stronger than her desire to remain true and faithful, and that is what frightened. She was not a wicked, faithless creature, yet she feared one day, she would awaken and simply not care if she shattered a good man's heart if it meant sharing a life with the one who had conquered her own with bold purpose and brash charm.
*8*
Within the armorer's shop, Gannicus was standing upon a small wooden dais as the shop owner, Appius, a balding man short in stature, yet wide of girth, fitted him for the costume Octavia would have him wear for the opening day ceremonies of The Apolloinares. The rotund little man in bright yellow and purple robes had insisted the costume be worn first, to assure it was well suited for the blonde gladiator, before having the final fittings for the new armor.
Gannicus had found himself stripped naked and dressed in a white and gold subligaria that rode low on his hips and was made of the fine linen Octavia had gifted him with previously. He had golden arm bands around both biceps and golden manicae along his wrists and forearms that were too thin and soft to be of any use as protection against a blade. Around his trim waist was a white balteus belt that sported an inch-thick circular plate directly in the center of the belt. The plate was exquisitely carved with the image of a magnificent sun rising, with tiny etchings engraved within the sun to make it shine when the lights rays were cast upon it. It was heavy and obviously made of pure gold. It had to have cost Octavia a small fucking fortune! Upon his feet, he wore a pair of golden sandals that laced up his muscular calves and tied behind the knee.
Batiatus was practically crowing with excitement at such gifts bestowed upon his House and his gladiator.
Appius stood back to appraise Gannicus in the outfit. He sighed in appreciation as his beady black eyes surveyed Gannicus' muscular form. "He rivals Apollo in sheer beauty, Batiatus."
Gannicus stared straight ahead, keeping the aversion he felt for the little man off his stoic face as, under the guise of readjusting the subligaria of his costume, the man slipped a wandering hand under the garment and blatantly fondled him!
"Appius," Batiatus said, interrupting the man's groping, "my man's cock needs no adjusting. Kindly remove hand."
Gannicus shot his Dominus a grateful look, ignoring Barca and the smirk he wore upon his face, until the other gladiator puckered up and blew him a mocking kiss. Gannicus made a note to see smirk removed with a face full of sand the next time they sparred.
Confronted, Appius quickly obeyed. "Apologies Batiatus," he hurriedly said, face flushed at being caught 'red handed' so to speak. "Your man is a comely beast. I meant no offense."
"None taken," Batiatus said magnanimously. "But Gannicus is prone to wine and cunt. The latter of which he has in abundance. You'll have to seek your pleasures elsewhere."
Appius chuckled. "I can imagine," the man said, tugging Gannicus' subligaria a little to the left. "The Gods have blessed him for certain. Half the women of Capua would gladly spread legs if he but smiled their way." He made a few small adjustments to Gannicus' costume until it hugged his form perfectly.
Once the little man determined the costume fit exactly as he liked, he stepped away to retrieve something from his desk; Gannicus released his breath and relaxed when the man finally removed hands from his person.
"Now, for the finishing touch," the armorer said, producing a velvet box. "Apollo would not be Apollo without this." He opened the lid and removed a thin golden crown of intertwined laurel leaves. "Is it not perfect?"
Realizing the man wanted to put that upon his head, Gannicus eyed the adornment with distaste. "Dominus," he complained, "is that truly necessary?"
Batiatus did not get chance to reply because Appius began to sputter at Gannicus' words. "Jupiter's cock! Of course, it is necessary! You would present yourself as the sun God without his crown of laurel?! It symbolizes his love for Daphne. Apollo would never be without his crown."
Batiatus chuckled when his gladiator rolled his eyes at the little man's tirade but dutifully lowered his head just the same, allowing Appius to place the laurel wreath upon his head.
Once Gannicus was fully attired, Appius produced a series of props Gannicus would carry during the opening day ceremonies. The blonde gladiator was unsurprised when Appius handed him a golden bow, a tanned pouch containing golden arrows, and a golden shield, which symbolized Apollo's protection of man. However, when the shop keeper presented him with a small, handheld golden harp, Gannicus's frown was perplexed at best. "Magnificent!" Appius breathed, placing his palms together as if in prayer. "Now, you truly are as breathtaking as Apollo himself!"
Gannicus shook his head in confusion. "Dominus, what is this?" he asked, bringing Batiatus' attention to the harp. "What, by the Gods, does Octavia expect me to do with it? Surely, she does not think me to play the fucking thing?"
Batiatus chuckled at Gannicus' antics, but before he could reply, the clothier made a scoffing sound and answered the gladiator. "It is Apollo's lyre." The man made a tssking sound. "You are a glorious vision, gladiator, but to represent a God, you must have his accoutrements," the man said, smiling at him in a way that made Gannicus feel even more naked than he presently was. "To do anything less would show a lack of honor."
Gannicus sighed in resignation and let the matter drop. He glanced towards the full length looking glass Appius brought out and shook his head at his appearance. He was wearing a crown and carrying a harp. He felt ridiculous. His eyes found Barca in the mirror standing behind Batiatus, and was not at all pleased with the huge, shit-eating grin the Beast wore. Barca was enjoying Gannicus' discomfort a little too much for the blonde gladiator's liking. Worse, the champion knew when they returned to the ludus, Barca would tell the other men all about the armorer with lingering hands, the costume with the laurel crown, as well as the fucking harp. He could see it clearly and Gannicus had no doubts his brothers would tease him mercilessly after hearing the tale.
'Fuck the Gods!' he thought, wondering if he could get away with giving Barca a beat down on the ride home to ensure the man's silence regarding the whole event.
Batiatus took in his champion and nodded his head in approval. "The women of Rome will swoon at the fucking sight of you!"
Appius sighed as his eyes roamed Gannicus's physique so splendidly displayed as the Sun God. "The men as well," he said with a grin at Quintus.
Gannicus did not care for the way the man's hungry eyes lingered, it made him uncomfortable, in fact, the entire affair was uncomfortable, as was the costume he was dressed in. He would see it removed.
"So, we are done then?" he asked, and before receiving reply he went to step off the small dais Appius had placed him upon. He wanted all this fawning over him finished.
Appius bristled at his words. "I see your man does not appreciate the efforts put forth by myself and the House of Severus to see him properly attended for the Ludi Apolloinares."
Gannicus did not need to witness Batiatus' face to realize the lanista's mood had soured and would be even more so if the armorer reported his behavior back to Octavia. "Apologies," he said, bestowing on the man the smile he generally reserved to persuade members of the opposite sex to spend time with him. "I am unused to such preening. Forgive my disagreeable behavior."
Gannicus was not surprised when the smile had the same effect on the armorer, causing temper to fade under the charm of his grin. Another disaster dodged.
Appius then told Gannicus to remove the costume, as it was time to try on his new armor. Gannicus let out a long sigh, but did as asked, gritting his jaw when the little man once again found cause to put hands where they did not belong.
An hour later, Appius had Gannicus suited up in all his spectacular new armor. The shop keeper took a step back to survey the work his slave, Goren, had created and smiled at the effort. "A work of art," he breathed, a wide smile stretched across his pudgy face.
Gannicus was not sure if the man meant the armor or himself. He glanced into the mirror, surveying himself, and had to admit, this time the strange tiny man was correct. The armor was a perfect work of art. It was too bright for his personal preference; however, he was representing the Sun God, there could be no other color for the armor, but gold. Octavia had spared no expense, and Gannicus could not fathom the coin spent on such extravagance, but if Batiatus's enthused expression was any indication…it had to be an enormous sum.
The man was practically strutting like a peacock, so proud was he!
The armor was made almost entirely of gold plated steel. The greaves were gold plated with painted clown faces at the knees. One set of clowns was laughing, the other crying, representing the varying mood of the games he was sure. He wore a single sleeved galerus that was made of thick leather for flexibility and covered in gold crusted steel plates to protect his right arm from a sword. His new fasciae were black with gold stitching and made of padding that was thicker, yet softer than his usual gear. The balteus belt was fashioned of durable black leather with gold stitching around the edges and gold plating upon the wide front of the belt that made it shine as if Apollo was casting rays of sunshine down from Olympus itself. Engraved upon the center of the wide belt, was a snarling wolf's head—he assumed for the House of Batiatus, or it could be to honor Apollo, since the wolf was one of his creatures; either way, it was a clever way to honor both. The carving was done in such detail, you could count the wolf's fangs within its jaws! To complete his wardrobe was a pair beautifully handcrafted black leather manicae for his arms with white piping and gold-plated steel guards. The gold plating was etched with a lion on one side and a wolf on the other…giving both Severus and Batiatus/Apollo their due. The final addition was another new subligaria. It was an elaborate thing made of the same Sindon linen as his others, yet this one was a white so bright it was blinding. It was hand stitched with a shimmering golden thread that made it burst with gold highlights. It was tied in front, just under his belly button with an elaborate fringe that hung low and covered his groin.
Gannicus smirked…it looked like a great golden cock hanging between his legs, however, he was not going to complain. It might cause Appius to attempt tailoring that to fit as well; a scary thought considering how the man's hands liked to drift.
He glanced towards Batiatus. "It is acceptable?"
Quintus's eyes roamed Gannicus from head to toe and he grinned. "What do you think? You're wearing it."
"It is a fine piece of armor, Dominus, worthy of Apollo and his games," Gannicus said flashing a grin for Batiatus, as he knew the man expected him to become excited about such things, even when he did not care for the spectacle of it all.
"That it is," Batiatus agreed, obviously quite pleased. He thanked Appius profusely as Gannicus began removing the armor. While he waited for his gladiator to change, Batiatus made arrangements to have both the costume for opening ceremonies and the armor delivered to the ludus at the end of the week.
After they left the shop, Batiatus was seeing to having their wagon delivered, while Barca and Gannicus stood with the guards near the entrance of the shop.
Barca glanced at Gannicus and the blonde gladiator could see the grin starting to form and cut it off "See fucking grin removed, brother." Gannicus griped, glaring at the taller gladiator. "Breathe one word of what transpired within that fucking shop and, upon my oath, I will see spear shoved so far up ass it will make way through fucking mouth!"
For a moment, Barca was silent, but then he whispered, "Does that mean you will not play a song for me on your new harp? Or is it a lyre?"
The man laughed outrageously and Gannicus rolled his eyes. He was fucking doomed! The entire ludus would hear of this misadventure, without a doubt.
Batiatus reappeared just then. He clapped Gannicus on the shoulder as they began to stroll towards where the wagons were waiting. "The man made you uneasy."
Gannicus shrugged and did not bother to deny it. "The man's hands like to touch what does not belong to him. That made me uneasy." Gannicus glanced to Batiatus, "gratitude for not allowing him to grope more than necessary."
"Ah, Appius is harmless. You cannot fault the man for wanting to touch the cock of the Mighty Gannicus, God of the Arena!"
Gannicus begged to differ but kept thoughts behind teeth.
"The man did make valid point on one thing, Gannicus," Batiatus was saying, drawing Gannicus' attention back to him. "You will have nearly as many male admirers as female in Rome. It is common practice and there will be times they will seek you out for private viewings. You cannot set scowl upon a man who is spending a fortune to have a gladiator present at his event, especially not amongst the Roman echelon."
Gannicus did not favor the sound of that, but he let the subject drop in fear he would not like the answer if he pressed Batiatus to explain. The man had been exceedingly generous recently, but he recalled how Batiatus could react when questioned by his slaves. He vividly recalled the man telling him he would "suck Varis' cock dry" if that was what the Roman desired. It still made stomach roil. If Batiatus suggested such a thing again, Gannicus would lose faith in his promises regarding Melitta, and he did not want to contemplate the possibility. He wanted to believe. He would simply have to ensure Octavia reminded the man she did not like to share and hope her coin would keep him safe from the Varis's or Cossutius's that awaited him in Rome.
*8*
Naevia found Diona sitting in their room on the floor her face streaked with tears.
"Diona!" she cried, rushing over to the green-eyed girl. Naevia knelt down next to her friend and took Diona into her arms. "What has you so upset you resort to tears?" Naevia asked, although she suspected she knew. Had she not worried over him hurting Diona's tender heart?
"It's Melitta!"
Naevia frowned. Melitta was always patient with them. "What did she do to cause this reaction?"
"She fucked him!" Diona cried. "I told you she was jealous!" Diona's breaths were coming in heaving sobs. "Sh-she f-forced me t-to leave his cell l-last evening and th-then she f-fucked him, Naevia."
Naevia's eyes popped. She was certain who the 'him' was and, yes, she had noticed the longing glances between them, but the thought of Melitta purposefully seeking Gannicus out for carnal relations shocked the young slave to her core.
"Are you certain?" Naevia breathed, unwilling to simply believe such a thing without explanation.
Diona took a deep calming breath. "He all but admitted it this morn."
"But did he actually admit it, Diona?"
"He did not deny the act took place," Diona returned angrily. "Which he would have done was it not true."
Naevia sighed. Diona had valid point. "And yet you are only upset with Melitta. Does Gannicus not bear responsibility for where he places cock?"
"She knows how he feels for her."
"Did you not tell me just last night that she as much as admitted her love for him as well?"
Diona's head dropped. "Yes," she mumbled.
"Then can you not find sympathy within heart for Melitta and the struggle she surely must be going through?"
Diona nodded and a fresh new wave of tears struck. "Oh Navia!" she exclaimed. "I am horrible person! Blaming Melitta when she has always been kind to me."
"You are not horrible, Diona," Naevia assured, rubbing her friend's back. "It just hurts. I am saddened you are experiencing this pain." Naevia did not dare say she had warned her. She knew Diona would not appreciate sentiment presently.
"When I went to his cell this morning, I expected him to be in need of comfort. Instead, he was guarded. It was obvious he was evasive, not his usual self after a Melitta visit."
She leaned back to gaze upon Diona's eyes. "Do you want him heartbroken?"
She wiped at the wetness on her cheeks. "No. I do not," she said. "I suppose I wanted him to need me." Diona put her head on Naevia's shoulder. "Does that make me terrible?"
Naevia hugged her tight. "It does not. And he does need you. You are the man's friend," she said, offering a gentle smile to her watery eyed sister-slave. "Speaking from experience, I know what a value it is having you stand as such."
"Gratitude, Naevia," Diona whispered.
They were quiet for a moment before Diona added, "my words…about Melitta…I did not mean them, Naevia."
"I know," Naevia said. "They will never leave this room," she assured Diona.
*8*
As they approached the wagons that were to transport their group back to the ludus, Gannicus noticed Melitta, the Domina and Domina's guest were not among them.
His eyes searched the area but could not see Melitta anywhere. "Dominus are we to leave the Domina and her party in town?"
Batiatus waved off his gladiator's concern. "No. Lucretia, Gaia and their escort traveled back to the ludus earlier. You were fitting your new armor when she sent word she had completed her shopping and was returning to the ludus."
Relieved, Gannicus nodded and climbed into the small wagon that would be transporting him and Barca, with Batiatus and his guards taking the other wagon.
Once Barca was settled across from him and the solid door shut and locked, Gannicus leaned back in the seat and crossed his arms over his chest. "Did you enjoy yourself today?" he asked pleasantly, as if he was not annoyed with Barca's constant teasing throughout the visit at the armorer's.
Barca chuckled. "I did. Especially when the fat man with tiny hands handed you your crown and the harp."
"You found that amusing, did you?" Barca's answer was a wide grin. "Will you be so amused when I have you flat on your back upon the sand tomorrow, legs spread like a whore, with my sword between cheeks?!"
"Gannicus, you threaten with good time," Barca said, his grin as large as ever. "If you are tired of cunt and want me on my back, brother, ask nicely," he said and batted his lashes. "I would gladly assume position for the Mighty King Gannicus!"
"Shut fucking mouth!" he said, shaking his head at Barca's response. He leaned back, kicking his legs out in front of him and flashed Barca a teasing grin of his own. "You confuse reality with fantasy, brother. My cock plows noble cunt that drips coin, not ass that drips shit!"
"Not recently." Barca threw back his head and laughed as Gannicus' smirk turned to scowl. "Your Roman noble took cunt back to Rome, which is why you've been in fucking mood," Barca accurately surmised. "Offer Diona my gratitude for finally attending your cock. Perhaps, she should not allow so much time to pass in the future."
"I am not fucking Diona. I asked for the girl to offer protection from men of my kind, not to use the girl for my pleasure."
"Well, someone satisfied your needs last night."
Stunned that Barca had accurately recognized reason behind mood, Gannicus felt himself begin to perspire. "Why do you say that?"
"You forget brother, we once had cells near each other," Barca replied. "I know your mood when you are absent cunt. If your cock had not found recent relief, you and I would not be having discussion right now. You would be trying to bash skull in for teasing you at the armorers."
Barca was right. Gannicus said the first thing that popped into mind as excuse. "Diona offered rubdown last night."
"And she rubbed more pressing ache than shoulder."
Gannicus shrugged, not confirming or denying. "Pride does not follow statement. The girl has tender feelings for me. I would not see them bruised."
Guilt ebbed its way into Gannicus' conscience as he recalled Diona's hurt feelings earlier, and now he was using her to cover his affair with Melitta. Yes. He definitely owed the girl an apology.
Barca did not notice his brother's pensive expression. "I would see feelings bruised before I would see skull caved because you haven't had your cock stroked," the Beast countered. "Fuck! I have been with nothing more than my own hand for months, yet you do not see me trying to rip brothers' apart limb from limb!"
"I had thought you had enticed Pietros to cock by now."
Barca shrugged. "He is young. I would handle him with care, not heavy hand." He sighed. "Auctus still weighs on mind as well."
"Apologies, brother, I stand fucking selfish prick!" Gannicus said. Here Barca had been without lover for months, and yet he was near crazed after a few weeks! "You lost both your lover as well as brother when he fell. I have been so caught up in my own worries, I have not given thought to how you're faring."
"I need no apologies, Gannicus. I brace myself for a day filled with shit, just as you do." He folded his arms over his chest and added on a serious note. "Just see yourself well pleased in the future, so the rest of us do not suffer for it."
Gannicus realized his brother made valid point, and they were both silent for a moment, until Barca suddenly started to chuckle.
"And what is so amusing now?" Gannicus asked.
"Fucking Ashur!" Barca said, shaking his head. "The little snake was right."
"Regarding what?"
"You," Barca replied, shaking his head. "I even made wager with the man."
"Barca, break words and explain meaning. What wager did you make?"
"He said you could not be fucking Diona because the girl still blushed too prettily to be your woman and I stated Jupiter would grace us with his fucking presence before you would claim such a delicate flower and not pluck its petals."
"And you wagered on such a thing?"
Barca shrugged. "Does that surprise?"
"In truth, no," Gannicus replied with a smirk. He was aware the men's barracks were rife with gambling and other vices. However, as he digested Barca's words regarding Ashur and Diona, he found himself getting angered. "How does Ashur know Diona blushes prettily? When has he had fucking words with her?"
Barca's brows shot up at the gruff tone in Gannicus' voice. "You sound jealous, brother. I thought you were not fucking the girl?"
"I am neither jealous, nor fucking her, presently. But make no mistake, she has shared my bed, on more than one occasion. I care for her. Thoughts of Ashur being near her causes displeasure. She is mine and I protect what is mine."
"He did not say when he had spoken with her, but I could gather information."
Gannicus shook his head. "Gratitude, but there is no need. I will ask the man myself when we return to the ludus, as well as offer him sound advice to absent himself from fucking presence should he come upon her in the future."
Bara chuckled as he imagined Ashur shitting himself when that happened. They were quiet for a moment before Barca broke the silence. "Gannicus?" The blonde gladiator raised a brow in reply. "I would rather slit the Syrian's throat than pay the fuck hard-earned coin. Let us strike bargain that would serve us both."
Gannicus nodded. "I am listening." He believed he knew what Barca was to suggest, and if correct, it would be a win/win for him.
"Let Ashur believe the girl shares bed, so he owes me coin, not vice-versa, and I will hold tongue regarding tiny fat man who gropes cock, the crown and even the fucking harp! The men will hear not a word of it."
It was as he had expected, and Gannicus did not have to ponder offered bargain. He had not savored all the ribbing he would receive from his brothers should they learn of his misadventures with the armorer, accepting Barca's deal would eliminate issue. Moreover, he had already planned to make Ashur believe Diona was his woman in all ways. Accepting Barca's offer was victory for everyone. Well, everyone but Ashur.
"Consider it done," he said with a grin, holding out his arm in the salute of the brotherhood.
Barca grabbed Gannicus' forearm, and they shook, laughing wickedly at Ashur's expense.
After that, the two gladiators spent the rest of the journey trading stories and jests which renewed the comradery they shared as brothers.
*8*
It was nearing dusk as Batiatus and his gladiators pulled through the gates of the ludus. The men were leaving the yard, done with training for the day. Batiatus had the guards escort Gannicus and Barca to their quarters as he made his way into the villa.
Lucretia and Gaia were in the triclinium, sipping wine and eating fruit when he entered the villa.
"Has Venus herself ever taken such a rare form?" he said to both women as he leaned down and gave Lucretia a kiss.
The women giggled over the flourish with which he offered compliment.
Quintus noticed Lucretia's new necklace, an emerald affair that draped down her neck to dangle between her lush breasts. "Lovely, but it pales in comparison to the beauty wearing it."
"You bless me," Lucretia said, smiling with pleasure.
"Often and with great relish," Batiatus replied.
Lucretia's smile faded. "I wish I could offer similar blessings, but your father is waiting for you in the tablinum."
"He does. Regarding?"
"I have no idea, but he ordered me to have you see him as soon as you returned."
"Fuck! What now?" Quintus muttered, before he made his way to his tablinum to see what pulled his father from his bed, ready to cast disapproving scowl upon him once again.
When Batiatus entered the room, Titus looked up from the parchments he was perusing. He took hold of a handful and waved them at Batiatus. "What are these, Quintus?"
Batiatus frowned. "Bills," he said. "Receipts." He did not realize what his father held.
"These receipts are for goods delivered." He began to read from the receipts. "Furs, linen sheets, a new feather mattress…an Egyptian looking glass?!" He raised his head and glared at his son. "These are all signed by Octavia Severus and I would hear fucking explanation."
Quintus bit back a curse. He should have moved those, but he had not expected his father to arise and start snooping through his papers.
"Well?" Titus prompted. "What is the meaning of all this? Where are these items, Quintus? They do not reside in this villa, so why do we have receipts for delivery?"
He had no choice but to explain. Titus held proof in his very hand. "They are gifts for Gannicus and the other men of the ludus," Quintus admitted. "The items are in the men's barracks."
Titus' eyes about popped from head. "Sindon linen sheets for a fucking slave?" Titus got to his feet and called a guard in. "Summon Gannicus," he said gruffly. After the guard left, Titus rounded on Quintus. "These are not simple goods. They are extravagant gifts and give appearance of payment for services rendered, Quintus." He slammed the papers down on the desk. "I will not fucking have it!" He started to cough and gratefully accepted a glass of honeyed wine from Quintus' African body slave.
Titus took a sip of his mulsum before continuing. "When Gannicus arrives, you are not to say a word to him. I am going to give the man another opportunity to break honest words regarding what is between him and Severus, and you will not interfere with my questioning, not by word or gesture. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, father. I fucking understand," Batiatus said, his expression twisting to one of displeasure. "Why are you like a thorn in ass regarding this matter?"
"I will not tolerate any man in my ludus being used in improper manner to gain position or privilege, Quintus." Titus glared at his son. "If Gannicus says you have pressed him, in any way, into accepting this woman's affections. There will be consequences you will find unpleasant at best."
Quintus had no chance to reply because just then Gannicus was led in by the guard.
*8*
I wanted to take a moment and give a shout out to everyone who reviewed or left feedback on the last chapter. Thank you so much.
toyshellme: I appreciate your feedback so much. Gratitude. I am so pleased you are enjoying the journey so far. :)
mlbmama1977: I am so happy this story has become a guilty pleasure. I am all for guilty pleasures. Chocolate is one of mine. ;)
vikinggoddss: Thank you old friend. I was so excited to see you back. Thank you for your comments and support.
Jess: So glad you are enjoying it. Thank you for your review.
Ganniluvr: Your comments always brighten my day. Thank you.
Gannibyl shipper: I am so sorry I did not mention you earlier. I wanted to make sure I gave you a shout out this time. Thank you for leaving feedback, especially since G&M are not your OTP. That just makes me go "wow!" :)
ainthe: Your reviews make me smile. Thank you for your comments and feedback. I am glad you think Britania Celt would be a good match for Gannicus. I agree. :) Yes, I do believe if Melitta would have lived, Gannicus would have stayed at Batiatus' ludus despite winning his freedom. He truly loved her, even though they tried to downplay it later. I think it was obvious his feelings ran deep, as did hers. Gratitude again for your thoughtful comments.
Jenna: Where do I start? Thank you so much, my friend, for your incredible insight and feedback. When you say the scene with Batiatus and Gannicus reminds you of season one, that makes my day! That is what I am trying to convey...Gannicus was the blank page that Batiatus learned to draw upon in how he handled Spartacus. Bless you, Jen! And I was not offended at all by your suggestion to watch my conjunctions. I reread that last chapter and found several bits of dialogue where the 'and' should have been eliminated. Gratitude my friend. Your input is appreciated, so please, do not change a thing. :)