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 37: in spe veritas: In hope there is truth.

Gannicus entered the dining hall for the evening meal and set his amphora of wine and four cups down at the table nearest the serving area. Because he was champion, he was first served and received double rations, with the lesser men eating after him according to the position they held within the ranks. He received his two bowls of dormice stew and four slices of thick crusted bread before he took a seat at the table he chose. He poured himself a cup of wine to go with his meal and then proceeded to remove the meat from one bowl of stew and place it upon a slice of the thick bread. He then placed another piece of bread on top of that and made himself a sizeable dormice sandwich. He grinned as he held it up for viewing, before taking a huge bite, groaning in pleasure at the taste.

A few moments (and half a sandwich) later, he was joined by Barca, Pietros, Rhaskos and, surprisingly, Crixus. The two men had settled matters between them after Crixus' failed attempt to challenge Gannicus, but they were not especially close.

Gannicus handed a cup to Barca and to Rhaskos. "Help yourself, brothers," he said with a grin and took another bite of his sandwich.

"Gratitude," Barca said and gladly helped himself to the delicious wine Gannicus seemed to have an endless supply of.

Rhaskos quickly accepted offer as well. "Jupiter's cock that is a fine brew!" The shaven headed Gaul grinned at Gannicus. "Your Roman noble fucking spoils you."

"And you too apparently," Gannicus replied. "Are you not enjoying the benefits of her generosity?"

Rhaskos chuckled. "I suppose, but not as much as you have. She is fucking Goddess. I would not mind sticking it to her." He glanced at Gannicus. "No offense, brother."

Gannicus shrugged. "None taken. She is a great fuck," the Celt admitted with a wink, "but she is nothing more to me than pleasant distraction from the shit world we live in."

The men were silent for a moment until Crixus broke the silence.

"You leave for Rome soon?" The bearded Gaul asked, tearing off a piece of bread and using it to mop up some of his stew.

Gannicus nodded. "I do," he replied, picking up his glass and washing down his food.

"The Apolloinares," Crixus said, an awe-struck look to his eyes. "I envy you." He dipped more bread into his stew and took a bite. "To fight in Rome, at the Circus Maximus. It is great honor. One I cannot imagine."

"Your time will come, Crixus. That is…" He smirked and saluted the Gaul with his cup. "Unless you continue with foolish challenges and I have to kill you first."

Barca and Rhaskos laughed. Crixus looked embarrassed, but he shrugged it off and offered a rare smile. "After receiving the taste of your blade, I will leave off challenging you…until I am sure I can best you," he said with a smile.

Gannicus glanced to Barca and grinned. "Ah, perhaps his head has finally grown as wise as his beard," he jested, earning a chuckle from Barca and the other men, Crixus chuckled as well, setting aside his hubris momentarily.

"Blessed is the man who finds wisdom," Crixus replied with a rueful grin. "I found mine at the end of your sword."

Barca smiled and patted Crixus on the shoulder. "Apparently fucking beard does make one a philosopher!"

Barca's announcement earned another round of laughter from the other gladiators, Crixus included.

Just then Ashur and Dagan caught Gannicus' attention as they were heading towards a table at the back of the hall with their meals. "Ashur," Gannicus called out above the din of the room, "a word."

Ashur and Dagan began to walk to the table when Barca pointed at Dagan and yelled, "He said Ashur, you fucking cunt! Remove yourself from sight."

Dagan paused, confused since he did not understand. Ashur said something to him in Syrian and the man turned and started for the back of the room, but not before giving Barca an angry scowl. To which Barca responded by grabbing hold of his crotch and telling Dagan what part of his body he could suck!

Ashur came to the table and plastered on a huge smile, meant to charm, yet it rarely did. "How can I be of service to you, Champion?"

Gannicus chuckled. "Of service to me?" The blonde gladiator looked to Barca. "And here I was going to ask similar question."

Ashur looked confused. He noticed Barca was wearing a huge shit-eating grin, which never bespoke well for Ashur, and Gannicus had that cold-eyed look with teasing smile, another sign all was not well. The why, however, Ashur was unsure of. "I am unclear of your meaning."

"Well, let me see confusion removed," Gannicus said. "Have you not made a tidy profit wagering upon me and my activities in the weeks past?"

Assuming Gannicus meant the contest with Crixus, Ashur attempted to explain. "Few placed bets against you, Gannicus." Ashur glanced to Crixus sitting at the same table. "No offense, Crixus, but most of our brothers knew you would fail." His gaze returned to Gannicus and a placating smile appeared. "I made a small sum, nothing more." When Gannicus just stared at him, Ashur added, "which I would be happy to share if you so desire."

When Gannicus still did not immediately respond, and just continued to watch him, Ashur started to sweat as he foresaw another beating coming his way. "Or you can have it all," he offered. "It was your battle, if you desire the coin waged, I will see it to palm. A cautionary act, borne of goodwill."

Gannicus' eyes went to Barca, and the two shared a devilish grin, before returning their attention to Ashur. "The contest with Crixus is not the activity I speak of, Ashur," the blonde gladiator said, enjoying the manner with which the sneaky little Syrian squirmed. "Wrack fucking brain. Can you not think of another, more intimate activity of mine that has somehow found its way into your ledger?"

Ashur glanced at Barca, witnessed the evil smile the Beast bore and believed Gannicus was talking about Octavia and her absence. Caught red-handed betting on Gannicus' sex life, he hung his head for a moment while letting out a deep sigh. "Apologies. I meant no offense. The men have wondered what has put our champion in such a mood and I suggested it was the Roman's absent cunt. It began debate, and…" Ashur shrugged, smiling all the while. "You know how these things are, brother. If I spoke out of turn or was wrong, I offer humble apologies—and coin to whoever beat the odds," he added.

"Again," Gannicus said, shaking his head at the man's slippery tongue and false smiles. "Not the wager I speak of."

Ashur jumped back when Gannicus stood up so fast the bench he was sitting on skidded back along the stone floor with a deep scraping groan. The blonde gladiator placed his hands flat on the table and leaned forward. "A word of advice. Avoid Diona. Do not speak to her. Do not set gaze upon her pretty blushes and make comment on them. Her innocence is mine to enjoy as I lay between her sweet thighs and tutor her in the ways of men. I have taken her to my sheets, Ashur. If you have wagered differently. You fucking lose."

Gannicus sat back down, picked up his wine and grinned. "Does that clear path to understanding?"

"As pane of glass," Ashur said.

"Gratitude, now remove yourself from fucking sight," Gannicus said waving the man off.

Ashur shot Barca a grumbling glance of frustration for placing him within Gannicus' sights but did as instructed. The beating the blonde gladiator had given him and Dagan just days past was fresh in mind. Crixus still bore the marks from his foolish challenge as well; Ashur had no desire to appear as similar.

Ashur had barely left the table when Rhaskos grinned at Gannicus and wriggled his brows suggestively. "Diona, now she is—"

Barca growled and kicked Rhaskos under the table in attempt to shut the other gladiator up.

"Finish fucking thought, and you and I will have true contest tomorrow, brother," Gannicus said, stunned Rhaskos would say such a thing after the warning he had just given Ashur.

Rhaskos shut mouth as demanded. "Apologies," the shaven headed gladiator said, obviously surprised at Gannicus' show of possessiveness. "I thought that was for Ashur's benefit. I had not realized you truly cared for the girl."

"Leave Diona be." Gannicus scowled. "It took much time and patience to coax the girl to see beyond her fear of a man's touch. She trembled like leaf the first time I took her to my bed. Your tutelage was not appreciated."

Rhaskos scowled at Gannicus. "What happened to her was not by my choice, Gannicus. You cannot lay fucking blame at my feet for obeying order given by Domina."

"Yet, results are alike. Diona still shivers and pales when she sees your face."

"I was fucking commanded to take her, despite her unwillingness!" Rhaskos insisted, defending his actions.

"I am well-aware of what goes on in that fucking villa, Rhaskos. Believe me. Which is why you have not found yourself at the wrong end of my swords," Gannicus said. "But know this. Lay hands on her again and we will have more than words between us."

Rhaskos nodded but added explanation. "I had no intent to offend a brother with the act. I but followed command of the fucking Roman who summoned me. Apologies if it hurt your woman."

Gannicus nodded. "Gratitude. Let us put the matter behind us, brother. The act was not by choice, but we are not forced to become Roman dogs either." He leaned back in his chair and, with the arrogance of a man who knew women adored him, said, "Trust words, Rhaskos, treat a woman with gentle care and there's no need for heavy hand to pry moistened thighs apart." He winked. "They spread willingly and of their own accord."

Duratius plopped down at the table to join them just in time to hear Gannicus' comments to Rhaskos. "True words of wisdom from our champion," he said with a smirk. Gannicus filled the last empty cup with wine and slid it across the table. The big Egyptian happily picked it up and saluted him with it. "A swordsman in and out of the arena!" He joked, before tipping his head back and swallowing half the glass of wine.

That had the entire table laughing, Gannicus included.

"The same cannot be said for hairy thighs," Barca cut in, causing Pietros to blush furiously "The rougher the hand, the better, I say!"

Another bout of laughter followed. With the tension broken, the men relaxed, making ribald comments about men on men, women on women or some stuck with teasing Rhaskos for having no finesse when it came to women. On and on, their banter went back and forth, allowing the bonds of brotherhood to remain, despite the temporary strain.

*8*

Later that evening, Gannicus went to the gate to await Melitta. He realized she had never actually given word that she would be there. She'd said she supposed, not yes. He hoped she would present herself, so he could explain what had transpired after she had left last night.

He had been waiting for several minutes when he finally saw her coming down the stairs. He released the breath he had not even realized he was holding upon seeing her. All at once his heart started to pound, his palms felt sweaty and his cock stirred beneath his subligaria, it was as if he lost heart to her each time he set eyes upon her.

"I had thought you would not come," he said when she came to the gate and stood before him.

"There are a thousand reasons why I should not, yet here I stand," she replied.

He wrapped his hands around the bars and leaned forward. "Melitta, we did not have chance earlier, but what happened between us last evening…"

"Was entirely of our choosing. We betrayed a man we both love and now we must live with it."

"What are we to do?" His hands tightened around the bars until his knuckles went white. "I tell myself a thousand times a day to let you go. To stop yearning for things I have no right to yearn for, and just when I have convinced myself I am free of my desires, I set gaze upon you, and in an instant, I am once again longing for your touch."

Melitta placed her hand over his on the bars. "I am as weak. I can no longer deny what stirs within my heart for you. The Gods know I have tried."

"Do you love me?"

Melitta sighed. "Gannicus…"

"Answer fucking question in plain words, Melitta."

"And what if I do? Will admission of the emotion make circumstance less painful?"

He wanted to hear the words, so badly. "Perhaps."

"And what of my husband?" she said, leaning in, her face inches from his with only the bars of the gate between them. "What would you do if you were he and you learned of such a thing?"

Gannicus reached through the gate, wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her in. "I would kill us both," he groaned and kissed her.

Once again, the passion between them exploded. Melitta cupped his beard-stubbled cheeks through the bars and returned his kiss, while Gannicus' other hand found its way to her lower back and pressed her forward until she was right up against the gate, so close to his overheated body, it was maddening.

After a moment she pulled away. She licked her lips, as if savoring his taste and Gannicus bit back a groan at the sight. "I checked on Kleos," she told him, retreating from dangerous topic. "He has been ill, and I wanted to ensure the boy had proper medicine."

Gannicus took a deep breath to calm his racing heart and cool his ardor. He did not point out she had failed to answer question. "Yes, Diona told me he had caught the sickness in the villa. How is he?"

"Much better. No longer coughing. He should be off bedrest in a few days."

Her words brought him relief as he had been concerned Seraphina was keeping the boy from him. "Gratitude Melitta. Your words bring comfort and help remove suspicions of more cruelty from the witch in the kitchens."

"She had naught to do with his absence from the barracks, although I understand suspicion." He nodded but was quiet for a moment and Melitta broached the topic for their meeting. "You spoke of bargain struck with Batiatus. What did the man offer that bears such importance?"

"The man believes I could be offered my freedom while in Rome. He seeks to—" His words dropped off as he noticed the look of distress on her face and the way her eyes began filling with tears. "Melitta!" he said urgently, "what is wrong?"

She forced smile to lips. "It is nothing," she said, blinking rapidly in attempt to dispel the urge to cry. Titus had mentioned this possibility to Oenomaus but hearing Gannicus speak of it made the prospect seem less possibility and more probability. "Freedom…that is incredible news. A notion that warms heart for certain."

"If sentiment is true then why do you weep?" he asked. His hand went through the bars again and he used his thumb to wipe away a lone drop of moisture that was slowly making its way down her cheek. He held it up as if daring her to deny what was in front of her face.

She wiped at her eyes, unable to refute her reaction. "I cannot explain conflicting emotions. There is joy that you may be blessed with such opportunity, but the thought of you leaving…it causes a weakening of the knees and crumbling of will."

"Do you truly believe I would gain freedom and leave you?" He shook his head at her. "I would sooner rip heart from chest than never lay eyes upon you again."

"Perhaps it is for the best, Gannicus. We cannot go on like this."

"Melitta, you mistake my words. Batiatus offers opportunity to purchase your freedom should I win my own upon the sand. If such a thing were to happen, I would stay within these walls and continue to fight for his house, until I earn enough coin for you to be free as well." He gave her a gentle smile. "That is the bargain I struck with the man."

His words stunned her and Melitta's lashes fluttered rapidly as his words sunk in. "You would do such a thing? Give up your freedom in exchange for opportunity to earn mine?"

"I would do anything for you," he replied.

Fresh tears welled in her eyes, spilling over her thick lashes to trail down her cheeks. She had not the words to convey what his offer meant to her. Nor could she give him the answer he desired, despite the instinctual response she had to say "yes" immediately. "And what of Kleos?"

"I would purchase his freedom as well," he insisted. "You cannot believe I would allow him to remain slave?"

"No. I do not," Melitta said, shaking her head. "Have you discussed him with Batiatus yet?"

"I have not had words regarding the boy, but when time is right, I will bring subject to light and strike whatever deal I must to ensure he is under wing of my protection." He cupped her face in his palms. "I would do anything to see you and Kleos free, Melitta," he said to her earnestly.

"Gannicus," she said, "it is beautiful thought, but…"

Seeing her indecision, Gannicus cut her off and sought to ease mind. "There is no need to press decision presently," he explained. "Opportunity has yet come to pass." He shrugged. "In truth, it may never come to pass, but if the Gods do favor me, I would take you and my son with me when I leave this ludus."

Just then there was the sound of footsteps coming down the corridor of the barracks.

Gannicus muttered a curse under his breath at their time being cut short. There was more he wanted to say to her.

"I must go," she said. She turned to leave, but immediately spun back around, took him by the face and quickly kissed him soundly on the mouth. Gannicus was stunned, but what happened next nearly brought him to his knees. "I do love you," she whispered. "It beats, like living thing, within my breast." Her big dark eyes were rich with emotion. "I needed to speak the words, at least once." And with that she turned and fled up the stairs before they were discovered.

Gannicus stared after her in a dazed sense of wonder. The sentiment he ached to hear had finally fallen from her lips; they lifted heart. He turned and headed back through the barracks to his quarters; by the time he reached his cell, he was grinning from ear to ear like a fool.

Upon entering his cell, he went for his wine, as he did every night. Gannicus firmly believed in his personal motto, "I drink, therefore I am"; it was the one thing that helped him get through life as a slave. However, he had barely lifted the jug before he set it back down. To his surprise, he felt no need to tip drink to brace himself against the shit of an upcoming day. She fucking loved him! It was more than he had ever dreamed possible. He left the wine where it sat upon the table and, for the first time in years, Gannicus fell to his bed without the numbing effects of alcohol to lull him into Morpheus' realm.

Instead his mind was filled with raven hair and dark eyes, with lips so lush, they were like soft clouds of ripe berries and her voice telling him what he longed to hear. "I love you". It was his last thought before he slipped into slumber, a happy smile upon his lips.

*8*

Gannicus was in a jovial mood as he trained with Barca the next morning. Melitta's declaration was never far from mind and, as a result, his grin was ever present, even after Barca landed a particularly nasty blow to his midsection.

Barca commented on it as they sparred. "I see you had your cock satisfied again last night," the Beast teased, jabbing at Gannicus with his spear.

Gannicus parried his thrust with his sword. "And what makes you say that?"

"I nearly run you through, yet you cannot stop smiling," Barca replied, pausing in his attack. "I suspect not even Duratius' hammer upside skull would see grin removed."

Pausing as well, Gannicus shrugged. Barca spoke true. "I am in pleasant mood," he agreed. "And what of you? You seem to be in better spirits yourself."

Barca's grin stretched wide and he turned his gaze to Pietros for a moment before returning his attention to Gannicus. "That is because I did have my cock sucked last night!"

Gannicus laughed, pleased to see Barca happy again. "Then it is good to be us this day, brother," he said with a wink. Eager for a decent workout, Gannicus resumed a fighting stance, although his grin remained. "Come, let us have true challenge and see if I cannot wipe that smirk from your face."

Just then a guard came upon the yard and announced Gannicus was summoned to the villa.

"Saved by a summons," Barca said, laughing.

"You can thank Batiatus later," Gannicus returned with cocky grin.

"Ha!" Barca replied. "I'm not the one who spends more time in fucking villa than in the barracks." He winked at Gannicus. "Perhaps Batiatus will offer you a room? Make you a proper Roman!"

Gannicus rolled his eyes. "Bite fucking tongue," he said with a frown. "If day comes when I return wearing fucking toga, I give permission to throw me from yonder cliff! I would consider it a favor."

The two gladiators shared a laugh over the ridiculousness of his statement before Gannicus handed off his swords to Pietros and followed the guard from the yard.

When he got to the gate that kept the gladiators from entering he villa, Gannicus was surprised to see Diona there awaiting him.

"Diona," he said as the guard unlocked the gate and then stepped aside. Gannicus stepped through the gate. "Can we have words later? I wish to explain."

"There is no need. I overreacted to discovery that you had been with Melitta. The fault is mine. Apologies," she said softly.

Gannicus started up the stairs. "None required. It is I who owe you apologies and I would have conversation after I speak with Batiatus."

Diona's next words stopped him. "Dominus did not summon you, Gannicus."

He turned, a slow smile forming. She had done it again. He came back down the stairs. "You have grown quite bold in the way you summon me at will."

"Fortune favors the bold," she replied, repeating a phrase he has heard her mention several times.

"Then your fortunes should rise quickly," he teased.

"I was unhappy with how I left you the other day and wanted to make amends."

"Your reaction was natural, Diona. I did tell you I could not take another to my bed. It was not intended. It just happened," he said softly. "I swear to the Gods I am trying not to cause you undue pain, and yet, I continue to do so."

"Gannicus, you have never bore me false tongue, nor false promise. I am aware of your stirring for Melitta, your words have remained honest in relation to what you feel for her."

He sighed. "My heart and brain are at odds. I know wisest course would be to honor Oenomaus and let Melitta be, yet I cannot. I am weak where she is concerned."

Diona gave him a tender smile. "The heart and mind rarely align when it comes to love, Gannicus. The heart wants what it wants despite logic or reason."

"You sound as if you speak from experience?" He joked.

"I speak from present circumstance," she corrected.

Of course, she did. Her heart desired him. His smile faded. "Apologies," he said.

"None required. I understand friendship is all you offer, and I accept terms."

Relieved, his smile returned. "We are fine then?"

She nodded. "We are."

He inclined his head back towards the yard. "I should get back to training," he said.

"Wait," she said, wanting to tell him her news. "I checked on Kleos for you."

His eyes widened in surprise. "You did that for me, despite my being such an ass?"

She chuckled. "No more of an ass than usual," she teased.

Her answer had him laughing as well. After a moment, it faded as he realized the depths of her caring for him. One he could not return in kind. "Gratitude, Diona," he told her sincerely. "I cannot put into words my appreciation. I fear I will only disappoint."

"That could never happen, Gannicus. You have given me protection, a blessing in this ludus; and a thing I am truly grateful for. I knew you were worried over him and I sought to relieve mind, as you have mine. It is what friends do, is it not?"

"It is. Gratitude," he said, his concerns over her expecting more from him than he could give allayed with her words. "And, how is he?" Gannicus asked. Despite knowing the boy's condition thanks to Melitta, Diona had gone through the trouble to make inquiry, he wanted to show recognition for her efforts. "Will he be coming back to the barracks soon?"

Diona's heart warmed seeing his interest. "He is recovering nicely and should be back to work in no more than a day or two."

Gannicus' smile widened, crinkling the corners of his eyes charmingly. "I am pleased to hear it. I had worried he was being kept from me. That he is not frees mind from worry. Gratitude, Diona."

"Think nothing of it, I am happy I could give you the good news."

He did not want to let her go. "I would send for you tonight for Tali, if you are agreeable?"

"If I can. We are still short of workers due to illness," she said as she headed for the stairs. "However," she called back to him over her shoulder as she hurried back to the villa. "I will have no pouting or calling me a cheater when you lose!"

Gannicus laughed. "I do not pout!" he called after her, his grin spreading as he heard her answering remark of "yes you do" and then a burst of laughter following behind her.

As Gannicus returned to the yard, his heart felt even lighter still. First, Melitta finally declaring her love and now Diona offering her companionship in a manner desperately needed. For a rare moment, he almost felt blessed. Until he stepped back on the yard and was face to face with Oenomaus, who was waiting for him. They had barely spoken in weeks past and the absence of the big man's friendship and counsel in Gannicus' life was missed. Some of his earlier joy dissipated.

"Gannicus, pair with Crixus," he said. "You beat the man soundly in days past. I would ask you to give instruction on how he can improve himself when faced with a gladiator of your skill."

Gannicus was not sure if he should feel complimented by the request or worried. When he considered Crixus' recent challenge as well as his suspicions regarding Titus' goal for the Gaul, Gannicus was leaning towards worried.

"You ask me to train the man to beat me in contest?" he asked incredulously.

Oenomaus understood Gannicus' concerns. Titus had all but announced he was looking at Crixus as replacement for the blonde gladiator. However, as Doctore, it was his job was to train the gladiators and, as such, he would have the champion of the house impart his skill upon the lesser men. It was a training exorcise Oenomaus had participated in when he as champion—with Gannicus, in fact.

"No, I would never require such a thing of you," Oenomaus replied, ignoring the fact that Gannicus was questioning a direct order. Instead of taking the gladiator to task, the Doctore sought to calm Gannicus' fear instead. "I ask you to offer instruction to a brother who is less skilled than you are in order to improve his chances of surviving contest in the arena." He offered a smile to lessen the steel of his words. "Much as I did with you when you were but a brash recruit."

The mention of those days long past brought a smile to Gannicus' lips; reminding him of a warmth missing in recent days. "Must I lecture him as well?" the blonde gladiator teased without thought. The reminder of Oenomaus' teaching years ago brought a smile to Gannicus' lips. "I'm afraid I have not the love of hearing myself speak that you did as champion."

The jest, so reminiscent of his and Gannicus' prior relationship, yet so absent of late, surprised Oenomaus, and it took him a moment before he appreciated the offered words and laughed. "I believe you have our roles reversed brother. I am brooding silence. It is you who is never at a loss for words."

Gannicus shrugged, unable to deny the claim. His gaze met Oenomaus' and Gannicus felt the pang of loss for their friendship. He did not want to see it so. "That is not entirely true recently," Gannicus admitted, holding out his arm in the salute of brotherhood, something he had not done in some time. Oenomaus grasped the offered arm and Gannicus pulled him close, so they were nearly chest to chest. "But these words between us, they have been well missed, brother."

Oenomaus swallowed thickly. "I would have more of them…if you are willing?"

Needing to find peace with the man who he loved as true brother, not just brother upon the sands, Gannicus accepted the offer. "I shall come to your cell tonight after evening meal, with wine. And not that shit we used to drink, either. I will bring the good stuff Octavia plies me with," he said with a wink.

Oenomaus chuckled. "As I said, never at a loss for words…" Gannicus grinned in reply and Oenomaus nodded his head towards Crixus. "See what you can do for the Gaul. He offered challenge against you, absent permission," the Doctore added for Gannicus' benefit, "and was nearly fucked like woman for his effort…help me see to it he never leaves the arena in such condition."

Gannicus nodded. "I will take great pleasure in schooling the man," he said, grinning wickedly; his trust in Oenomaus and his assurance that Crixus had not been invited to wrest title alleviated concerns for position, allowing Gannicus to find a positive note in the task.

"I am certain you will," Oenomaus said with a roll of his eyes. "Crixus, on the other hand…"

"Will not find it as enjoyable," Gannicus supplied with a wink.

Oenomaus chuckled and the two men grasped arms again, the bond that had been torn asunder due to love, was tenuously reborn, and both men were gladdened by the words shared between them that day.

"Crixus!" Oenomaus called out with authority. "Attend. Your champion has kindly offered instruction." Oenomaus smiled. "Perhaps, with further training you will never again make challenge bearing cunt rather than cock!"

Crixus' head dropped as the other gladiators broke into laughter at the Doctore's words.

"Yes Doctore," the muscular Gaul replied, taking the teasing in stride.

Gannicus grinned as well as he awaited Pietros to gather his swords. He felt at peace presently, despite all his recent turmoil. For a moment, Gannicus thought of how less complicated life would be if he loved Diona, rather than Melitta. Diona wanted him, and he suspected she was falling in love with him too. With the comely slave girl, there would be no guilt, no pain and, most importantly, no betrayal of Oenomaus. If only he could forget Melitta and lose heart to Diona. Life could, once again, be simple.

Yet… His eyes drifted to the balcony and, as if the Gods had designed it so, they were both within gaze. Diona was pouring more wine for Gaia and Melitta was offering food to Lucretia. Gannicus sighed as his pulse raced at the sight of only one of them. Unfortunately, the beautiful green-eyed Diona, despite his attraction to her, did not make his heart take flight like Melita's alluring presence did. She alone caused breath to catch, palms to sweat and cock to swell simultaneously; he was in love and there was naught he could do about it.

Pietros handed him his dual swords and Gannicus pushed all thoughts of love and lust from mind. He had been given opportunity to heal wounds between himself and Oenomaus, as well as impress the Doctore and, in turn Titus, with his willingness to offer guidance as true champions did; Gannicus would seize the day and make the most of it. Wrestling with his conscience could be put off for another day.

"Crixus," he called as he sauntered over the Gaul. "It appears you have yet another opportunity to prove to me you are not merely braying jackass making challenges absent logic and skill."

To his credit, Crixus was excited about facing Gannicus again. "Even the jackass eventually has his day in the sun. Perhaps today will be mine," Crixus returned with a grin as he assumed a position for battle.

Gannicus chuckled softly at the Gaul's reply as he crouched down into a fighting stance. "Then we will fight in the shade," the champion said with a wink, before waving Crixus on toward contest.

*8*

Authors Note:

I am so ecstatic of the response this story is getting. It inspires the muse. One reader mentioned seeing this story being discussed on YouTube! :O That is such a compliment, and frankly, it boggles mind, I am so surprised. Thank you for whomever mentioned my story there. Please let me know who you are so I can offer my gratitude. :)

I want to send a personal shout out to sheshe073 and Jenna (Angel's Blue Eyed Girl) for your advice last evening in our messages back and forth. I was worried about the story and you both calmed the crazy person in me. Bless you both. I truly appreciate you ladies taking the time to walk me through that difficulty. Your words were inspiring, and they made my night! :)

Since I sent out pms to thank my reviewers with accounts here... I am just going to mention reviewers who do not have accounts on . I cannot pm the following readers, but I want you guys to know how much you are appreciated.

ainthe: I am glad you are still enjoying the journey. Yes, I love some good Lucretia/Batiatus scheming as well. ;) They will not be ending that behavior anytime soon. I truly appreciate your support. Your comments never fail to make me smile. Gratitude. :)

sparro: Thank you for your kind words. There are many terrific stories on this site, so that is a tremendous compliment. I am so happy you are still with me enjoying the story. There is still much to come. :)

GannicustheGreat: I love your handle. Welcome to my story. Thank you for your feedback. I agree, I think Gannicus and Melitta were so sensual together. The chemistry between the characters, as well as the actors, was just spectacular. I am so happy you are enjoying the tale so far.

Dani Anderson: Welcome to you as well. You mentioned seeing this story being talked about on YouTube…that is very exciting! :) Thank you for sharing this news with me. I am honored I am your first fan fiction story ever. I sincerely hope I turn you into a fan. :) You asked about Kleos…If you are reading this, then you know that yes, he is Gannicus'. I am happy the prospect excited you.

Jess: I do not want to spoiler alert you, so I will not say yes or no, but it is Batiatus, you know he is going to try and find some way to keep Gannicus without having to give up Melitta. It is simply in his nature to be a sneaky rat! ;) However, Gannicus is not a fool. He wants to believe Batiatus, but he still has his suspicions. I am glad you are enjoying the story so far. Thank you for your feedback and comments, they inspire my muse.

Again, a huge thank you to everyone who takes the time to leave a comment, even if it is just 'great story'. It means a lot and lets me know people are still interested in reading more. :)