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 41: orta recens quam pura nites: Newly risen, how brightly you shine.
They came together in a collision of desperation and lust. The emotional upheaval of the last week, combined with an ever-increasing hunger for one another, barely kept in check, caused an explosion of unadulterated raw passion to be unleashed, overcoming them its intensity.
Melitta wrapped her arms around his neck as she opened for him, allowing his tongue to sweep into her mouth, conquering her senses with masterful ease. She had never felt such joy at having a man's hands upon her. Her conscience tinged at the admission, but she could no longer deny it; Gannicus was the lover she craved, and when he palmed her buttocks and lifted her in his arms, she allowed herself to be swept away by the emotions he evoked.
Desperate to be within her again, Gannicus pressed Melitta to widen her thighs so he could step between them. He thrust himself against her as they kissed wildly, eagerly mating with their tongues until a more pleasurable coupling could take place. Her hands buried themselves in his hair and, as their kisses became more heated, Gannicus stumbled with her in his arms, bouncing off the wine rack behind her as they indulged their desires.
He carried her over to an alcove within the pantry where multiple bags of grain were stored and laid her down upon the bed of burlap sacks. His mouth never leaving hers as he followed her down, settling himself on top of her with a deep moan that was muffled by their kiss. Melitta ran her hands up and down his naked back, relishing the feel of sleek, rock solid muscles to be found there. Her nails scraped along the slight dip in his lower back and drifted down to his firm buttocks, she squeezed the perfect globes, and pressed him forward, needing his hardness to fill the ache between her legs.
"Please…" she moaned softly, arching into the substantial proof of his desire for her, encouraging his commanding presence.
Gannicus groaned softly as she pulled him closer, rubbing herself along his erection in enticing manner. He lifted his head to stare down at her, taking note of her rapturous expression. "I love you," he murmured, as he kissed, licked and sucked a hot path down her throat, across her collar bone and to her chest. While lips and tongue paid homage to her body, his hands easily unfastened her robes and removed them from desired path.
Melitta lifted her hips, assisting him in ridding her of the hindrance of her clothing. "And I you," she panted, clutching his head to her, reveling in the artistry of his lovemaking. "I ache to feel you inside me."
Her words stirred him to even greater heights and Gannicus pressed heated, wet and opened mouthed kisses to her breasts, alternating between the two perfect mounds. Watching her intently, he kneaded her firm flesh with his hands, while swirling his tongue around her areolas, over and again, back and forth, teasing and tantalizing, drawing out her desperation until finally, he took her swollen nipple into his mouth and suckled the hardened tip with firm purpose.
"Oh Gods!" she gasped, clutching his head to her as his hot mouth worshipped her breasts.
Gannicus pulled away, warning her to keep quiet with a soft, "Ssshhh."
Unable to form words, Melitta gave a heavy-lidded nod of her head, and when he resumed his talented seduction, she bit her lip to keep her cries of delight behind teeth as she held him closer, head spinning at the intense pleasure his lips and tongue gave her. Every forceful tug of his lips caused an answering pang between her thighs to throb and pulse, and her hips began to lift and fall in time with him sucking on her nipples.
"I need you!" she panted, trembling under him as he made love to her with a finesse that had her teetering on the edge of climax.
"You shall have me," Gannicus replied and shoved his pants down his hips, allowing his swollen erection to burst free. The weeping tip of his cock nudged her entrance.
"Yes," she moaned and, deciding to take matters into her own hand, she reached between their bodies and wrapped a hand around his shaft. Melitta took a moment to admire the velvety smooth feel of his rigid flesh before guiding him to where she needed him most.
"Aaahhh!" Gannicus hissed, head back, his eyes closed in bliss as she placed him at her entrance.
"Now…" she whimpered, arching her hips and taking him partially inside.
"Melitta!" he growled softly. He needed no further urging to give her more. Her wish, his command. He sealed his lips over hers to stop them both from making too much noise and, with a slow thrust of his hips, he entered her fully, sliding the entirety of his impressive length into her tight sheath in one smooth stroke, filling her completely.
Once fully seated, Gannicus braced himself above her, staring down into her beautiful face. "Look at me," he whispered, and Melitta blinked open dark eyes made heavy with steamy lust. "I have never loved before, but what I feel for you…" He exhaled softly. "It overwhelms."
"Gannicus…" She said only his name, but that one word held a wealth of emotion behind it, as did her kiss when she brought his mouth down to meet her trembling lips. Their kisses were not frenzied this time, they were slow and deep, a connection beyond physical.
His eyes never left her face as he began to move inside her; he did not want to miss one moment of the ecstasy on her face. Melitta could not look away as well. She clutched his naked shoulders, nails digging into his smooth, but powerful muscles as he withdrew and then thrust forward again, slow and just a little rougher with each forward movement. She cradled his hips as he pulled nearly all the way out, only to press inside again, inch by inch, and Melitta kept her eyes upon him while he conquered her body as she had conquered his heart.
It was a breathtaking coupling. One that consumed them, and for that small moment in time, their love was not forbidden, it was magical. They were given the freedom to rejoice in emotions shared as their bodies moved together in perfect rhythm, rushing deeper into the world of carnal pleasure. When his pace increased, she clung to him, the small gasps of delight that escaped her lips barely stifled so great was her pleasure. When her peak approached, her eyes finally fluttered shut. The painful intensity of what he stirred within her made it impossible to keep eyes open; not when every stroke of his body inside hers made her burn with a fiery passion that flamed hotter with each touch, each kiss until she felt she might combust with it. Melitta had never known such heat existed within her until his touch set it free to blaze out of control. She would never be the same again.
Gannicus' own release was fast approaching too, and he rolled his hips, thrusting deep, his body weighing into hers as he moved within her, his impassioned lovemaking driving them higher and higher towards the pinnacle. It was heavenly, and troubled thoughts melted away as they lost themselves to sensual desires. When she came apart under him, Gannicus kissed her, muffling her blissful cries until she melted under him, limp and sated. After seeing to Melitta's pleasure, he immediately sought his own and pounded into her with purpose. When he felt the first tingling of a climax deep within his belly, he buried his face in her neck, groaning her name as mind went numb and he poured everything he had to give into her willing body until he finally collapsed on top of her, breathlessly spent, depleted of wit and strength.
In the afterglow, he placed a gentle, adoring kiss upon her lips. For a man who usually felt the need to escape once blissful fucking was over, the tenderness Gannicus felt towards Melitta did not need words. It was apparent in every look, every whispered caress. He need not speak it, but with her, he wanted to give it voice—to say the words he had never spoken to another woman before her.
"I love you," he sighed, trailing kisses across her cheek to her ear. "Only you."
*8*
Afterwards, he could barely contain the smile of giddy pleasure upon his face. They had settled conflict and eased heartache in most glorious manner. He was forced to resign himself to the fact he wanted Melitta beyond the bonds shared with Oenomaus and kept thoughts of the other man far from mind. There would be time to experience his guilt later, presently, he was feeling well satisfied, playful and happy.
"I believe you should summon me every day."
His grin caused an answering smile, but Melitta, more cautious than Gannicus, did not let his charm distract. "Will you be serious?" she said tossing his wrap to him, a clear indication he should put it on. "We must hurry before someone comes."
"But you stated Batiatus sent you to me."
"His instruction was to have words, Gannicus. Not this…" she said waving a hand in between them and rolling her eyes at him.
Gannicus quickly had his subligaria wrapped and knotted around his waist. Melitta was busy refastening her robes when he came up behind her, placed his hands on her hips and gave her a wet, open mouthed kiss to the nape of her neck. "Mmm," he growled against her flesh, "I would still like to thank the man."
"Are you ever of a serious note?"
"But I am serious," he refuted. "I cannot get enough of you and find myself grateful for Batiatus' interference."
Melitta shuddered under his amorous affections. "Gannicus!" she chastised, moving away from his talented mouth and hands. "We have been away too long as it is. We risk discovery."
"A risk worth taking when the reward is your touch," he said, pulling her to him again and wrapping his arms around her from behind.
She felt him against her backside, hard and ready once again, and gasped. "How is it possible you are erect again so quickly?" she asked, looking at him over her shoulder.
His grin was slow, and somehow managed to be exuberantly boyish, yet erotic and feral simultaneously.
Melitta pulled away; he was decidedly too tempting for her peace of mind. "You are quite pleased with yourself. Are you not?"
"I am," he agreed with very satisfied smirk. "As are you," he told her wriggling his brows at her.
"Yet it withers in the face of such arrogance," she told him with a saucy smile.
He chuckled. He loved Melitta's witty replies to his cockiness. He placed a hand on her face. "You are the rarest of women. A flower of beauty, grace, compassion and wit." He placed her hand on his chest, where his heart beat. "Is it any wonder I have lost heart to you."
She leaned up and gave him a soft kiss on his lips. "As much as they warm heart, your honeyed words will not see me absenting my robes again."
His lower lip jutted, forming an exaggerated, but adorable pout, and Melitta covered her mouth to mask her giggle.
He fingered the clasp of her garment. "What of promise to make it well worth your pleasure?"
"Aha!" she hissed softly, poking him in the chest with accusing finger. "True purpose becomes known." She sighed and mimicked his words. "Rarest of women, indeed." She rolled her eyes at him. "You mean only woman to realize the flowered scent of lofty words mask the scent of crap!" Her words sounded harsh, but the teasing smile on her face lessened their blow considerably.
His grin was unrepentant. "Your tongue cuts deeper than my blades," he groaned dramatically, placing a hand over his chest.
Melitta enjoyed their banter, but they were in precarious position and needed to remove themselves before it was too late. "We must go. I fear if we are caught again it will not go absent punishment," she told him, which finally caused his grin to fade. "You need to see Batiatus, so when you are returned to the gate it is by one of his house guards."
He nodded. "In the doing, the guard at the gate assumes I have been within the villa the entire time."
"Ah, so you are more than a pretty face."
He winked at her. "I am blessed with far more to offer, as well you know."
"You are impossible," she lamented, taking his hand in hers. "Now, come. We must hurry before we are discovered." She led him from the pantry. "And Gannicus?" His brow raised in reply. "Do be quiet."
He pouted again and Melitta bit back her grin lest she encourage his antics.
When they passed the gate and reached the stairs without being seen, they both breathed a sigh of relief. If they were spotted now, Melitta could say Gannicus had requested audience with Batiatus and none would be the wiser. Her conscience ate at her, but she could not give it voice presently. They were no longer at odds, and she was still flush with the pleasure she had found in his arms; consequences seemed a small thing for such joy.
As they made their way through the villa towards Batiatus' tablinum, Melitta broached the topic of Kleos. "I visited with Kleos again this morn," she told him. "He seemed withdrawn but has made full recovery from his illness."
That caught his attention. "He is better then?"
"Yes. Much better."
Gannicus nodded, the relief plain on his face. "Gratitude for checking on the boy. He had not returned to the barracks as of yet. It caused concern."
"I had noticed as well, which spurred my visit. He should be returned to his duties tomorrow." She sighed. "I wanted to ensure that woman was not keeping him from you. It breaks heart that you suffered so. I would not have her add deeper wound."
"The fault is mine for believing the woman absent proof…"
"The fault lies with Seraphina!" She snapped, surprising him with her vehemence. She paused, took a deep, calming breath and placed a hand on is jaw. "Not you."
The warmth in her eyes had his heart pounding. "I appreciate sentiment, Melitta. It means the world."
"You mean the world…to me," she admitted softly. "I swear to the Gods, I have never felt the desire to commit violence upon another as I did with that woman," Melitta all but growled, once again displaying a temper that surprised. "She best not interfere with you developing bond with your child or she will think previous mood tame by comparison."
Melitta was always so gentle and caring, seeing her angered and protective of him stirred tender feelings and was highly arousing to him as well. Of course, Gannicus was more comfortable with the latter—lust was something he understood.
He leaned down so his lips were right by her ear. "Your fire causes cock to swell. I wish I could—"
She clapped her hand over his mouth halting whatever dirty thing was about to fall from lips. "And, on that note, you are long overdue for your meeting with Batiatus," she told him, walking away and leaving him standing in the corridor, hard and desirous of her again.
Melitta was not surprised he returned to cocky jests. Gannicus was rarely serious when he felt at his most vulnerable; his love for herself and developing emotions for Kleos would cause him to feel exposed. If drink was not available, he would laugh his way through such an emotional circumstance. She was quite used to his defense strategies by now. She heard him say something about her "being mean" and could not help the smile that spread across her face as he followed behind her, muttering under his breath.
"Do not sulk, Gannicus."
"I do not sulk!" He sounded offended. And then quieter. "And how do you know? You are not even looking."
She laughed softly. "I can feel sullen look from here," she told him without turning around, but there was an underlying teasing note to her tone.
Gannicus heard it and chuckled huskily. "You are cruel woman, Melitta…"
Any further reply was cut short because they came to Batiatus' tablinum, halting their banter.
Melitta poked her head inside and found the man sitting at a small table off to the side of the room. He had a glass of wine in hand and was seated in front of a board game, as if playing himself. "Apologies, Dominus," she said entering the room. "Gannicus requests audience."
Batiatus glanced up in surprise. "He is here?" She nodded, and Quintus stood. "Did you have words with him?"
"I did. He is much settled."
"Good." He waved his hand. "Send him in."
Melitta returned and Gannicus followed her into the room. As she left, he could not stop his gaze from following her momentarily, roaming her figure and feasting on her beauty once more, before coming back to Batiatus.
Quintus noticed where his gladiator's attention had strayed. "Gannicus, see lust removed from gaze when you look upon Melitta or see blood spilled when her husband takes note of it." His expression made plain his exasperation. "Jupiter's cock! Yesterday you nearly expose us all with overeager lips and today it is lusty gaze. Is it your desire to see this ludus erupt in fucking bloodbath?"
"Apologies, Dominus, I forget myself. I have no such desires," Gannicus replied with a shake his head. "The guilt I feel for loving her more than I cherish him already troubles mind. I cannot have blood on my hands as well."
"Then do not allow cock to seize brain and lead you astray! I know you love her. I have not forbidden you from your desires, have I?"
"No. You have not," Gannicus admitted.
"But you must keep your emotions for Melitta in the shadows until you have freedom to see them brought to light." He pointed a finger at Gannicus warningly. "And if you cannot do so for yourself and this fucking ludus, then do so for Melitta's sake," Batiatus said, knowing the best way to get to his champion was through his wife's body slave. "Set mind to how she will feel if the men she loves kill each other over her!"
It was not a consequence Gannicus wanted to even contemplate, much less cause. "Words of wisdom, Dominus," he said softly, "and well fucking received. I will see desire to dust and shadow."
"Did you have words with Oenomaus?"
"I did," Gannicus confirmed. "I told him it was Octavia I was speaking of when I said I had lost heart to another." He did not mention Oenomaus asking him if it was Melitta. Gannicus felt Batiatus did not need to know that information.
"Good," Quintus said, obviously pleased Gannicus had followed direction. "Now, what brings you here tonight? I am of a mind it was not to have discussion relating to Melitta or Oenomaus," he said jokingly.
"No, it was not," Gannicus admitted. "My reason for requesting audience is far less troubling. I have questions regarding exhibition tomorrow."
"Yes. My father's idea of publicity. What make you of the affair?"
Gannicus shrugged. "I believe it to be a worthwhile venture. An opportunity to please the public who call for my presence in the arena, as well as further relationship with the Magistrate."
Quintus grinned at his gladiator's reasoning. "Point well taken. I swear I will make a fucking Roman of you yet, Gannicus!"
Certain that would never happen, Gannicus paused his intentions when he noticed the board game Batiatus had set up upon the table; the man was apparently battling himself. "You play latrunculi against yourself? How do you challenge skill when you battle your own mind?" he asked, curious as to how a decent game could be had in such a manner.
Surprise showed on Quintus' face. "You know of the game?"
Gannicus nodded. "I do. It is a game of military tactic and strategy. Octavia taught it to me. She is cunning player, but I did manage to win a time or two," he said with a smirk.
"Finally, an opponent!" Quintus waved a hand to the chair. "Sit. Let us play. My father and I used to enjoy the game together, but with his ill health…"
Quintus shrugged and Gannicus understood. It was true, Titus spent more time on bed rest than he did up and about.
"Will Domina not give you challenge?" Gannicus asked as he took a seat opposite Batiatus, who had chosen his color by sitting on the side of the circular ebony pieces set before him.
"Lucretia does not care for the game. The only worthy opponent I have anymore is myself."
Gannicus gathered together the white pieces and lined them up on the table in front of him, readying them to be placed in strategic positions upon the board. "I cannot promise to be worthy opponent, Dominus," he said, flashing Batiatus a grin as he handed the man one of the two red dux (house shaped) pieces. "Octavia did beat me seven games to my three, but I found my chances improved when I took more care in the placement of my men at the beginning of play."
Quintus chuckled as he poured Gannicus a goblet of wine. The gladiator accepted the gesture with gratitude and they began their game. The object was to capture the opponents' pieces by catching it between two of your own, placing the cornered piece into a state of "Alligatus". The player who captures all their opponents' pieces or immobilizes the opponents' dux wins the game.
As they took turns placing their pieces in strategic positions on free squares located upon the board, Gannicus broached a question he had wanted to ask Batiatus. "Dominus, although tomorrow's event is not a gladiator contest, I will still be in the arena… Am I to wear my armor as if arriving for proper match or should I arrive in street clothes? I have never participated in such an event and am unaware what I should prepare for."
Batiatus placed one of his black pieces on an empty square. "Wear the silver, red and black armor," he replied, with a smile. "The people of Capua desire to see their champion in all his glory, and I'd prefer you wear the colors of the House of Batiatus, even if it for simple demonstration."
Gannicus nodded. "It is settled then. Gratitude," he said as he moved his first man into position of attack.
Gannicus was in an extremely mellow, pleasant mood after making love to Melitta and his play reflected that; his first game was a bit lackadaisical and Batiatus beat him rather soundly. However, his next game, he took far more care arranging and moving his pieces and it ended with a blockade on both sides, where neither he nor Batiatus could move a piece in any manner; the game was a draw. The third and final game, Gannicus was focused and played much like he fought in the arena. His moves were bold, brash and versatile and he trounced Batiatus rather quickly when he surrounded the man's dux on all sides in less than five minutes of play.
"I see true God of the Arena has finally arrived to play latrunculi!" Batiatus said, tipping his dux in admission that he was beat. However, his smile gave proof he was not a poor loser—at least not in this instance. "That was a cunning fucking move dividing the four-man figuration you trapped me with. You not only immobilized my dux but you captured one of my dogs as well."
Charged with his victory, Gannicus grinned, saluting Batiatus with his wine. "Luckily for me, it does not take three matches to garner one victory in the arena."
"For this ludus as well," Quintus agreed, chuckling.
Gannicus finished off his wine and stood. "Gratitude for the chance to hone my skills, Dominus. It would please Octavia if I offered true test of her skill when next we play."
"That is all you desire—a test of her skill? You are a gladiator. Surely, you seek more than to simply be her equal."
"Gladiators seek to best all," he said in agreement, a feral smile curling his lips. "It is how we survive."
"And do you seek improvement to please Octavia or best her?"
Gannicus suddenly laughed and offered Batiatus an audacious wink. "In truth, I would much enjoy spanking the woman! She is crafty opponent. Perhaps, you would assist me in such a quest and provide me with my own game, so I could practice. I would provide the necessary coin, of course."
Batiatus shook his head. "Why purchase your own game when I have one here, and I'm in need of an opponent with which to play against. Match skills with me, and when, or if," he said with a smirk, "you can claim victory in more than one of three games, then you can assault the sister of Lucius Severus once again with firm purpose."
Gannicus chuckled. "You save me coin as well as offer me lessons. I believe I have struck the wiser bargain."
"You have saved me far more coin and offer me a chance to better my own skills. I believe we have come to a compromise we can each find beneficial."
"A fair exchange then."
"Indeed." Batiatus said as he waved a guard over. "See Gannicus to the gate." He turned back to his gladiator, a smile upon his face. "We will have another contest tomorrow evening, yes?"
"We will. Gratitude, Dominus," he said, before following the guard from the room.
Batiatus watched his gladiator go with a sense of accomplishment. Despite his near fuck up yesterday, Gannicus was a different man of late. He seemed far more focused on remaining champion and achieving even greater glory; Quintus knew that had much to do with his champion's love for Melitta. She was the key, which was why Batiatus had instructed her to break words with Gannicus and see him settled regarding his love for her.
"You treat that slave as a peer, Quintus."
Batiatus jumped, then spun about at Lucretia's voice. "Lucretia! Fuck the Gods!" he exclaimed. "You nearly sent me to the underworld sneaking up on me in such a manner!"
"I do not sneak. I awoke in bed and you were absent," she said by way of explanation. "Why do you treat Gannicus as if he is your equal? The man is a gladiator—a slave. Beneath you in all ways."
Batiatus rolled his eyes at her words. It was the same argument they had been having for weeks. "Lucretia, if you have new purpose behind your words, speak them. If not, we have had this fucking discussion, I care not to repeat experience."
"We return to argument because you do not listen to reason. You entertain the man as if he is amongst your social class. Tonight, I come upon the two of you sipping wine and playing latrunculi as if he is fellow fucking Roman. What am I supposed to think, Quintus?"
"I am not interested in making the man my friend!" Quintus scoffed. "I seek his loyalty. I have explained my actions countless fucking times. I grow weary of repeating myself." He paused, letting out a huge sigh. "Let me make it clear to you. If Gannicus was injured tomorrow and could no longer compete in the arena, I would sell him without giving it a second thought; as I would any slave in this fucking ludus that was no longer useful, including your precious Melitta!"
"Yet Melitta is no threat to personal safety."
"And Gannicus is?" he snorted, rolling his eyes at her.
"Blurring the line between Dominus and slave allows him to believe he does not have to follow the rules, Quintus; a dangerous thing with a man such as Gannicus."
"What the fuck do you think he is going to do, Lucretia, start a fucking slave revolt within the ludus?!" He burst into laughter. "The man is happy. Content even. I have offered him what he desires most, a chance at happiness with the woman he loves."
Quintus detested fighting with her, so he went to her and took her hands in his. "A sentiment I can relate with," he told her, lowering his forehead to hers. "If you were taken from grasp, I would move mountains to see you back to my embrace." He placed a kiss upon Lucretia's lips. "Gannicus will do the same to have Melitta, and upon his victories, we shall sail to the heavens with unforetold glories!" He held her face in his hands, cajoling her with his smile, which was wide and animated. "What part of that does not excite you?"
"Admittedly none, however—"
He did not want to hear it. "No!" he snapped, interrupting her and moving away from her. "Gannicus, is the wings with which we fly, to clip them is to see this house fall. I will not fucking have it!" He paused, returning to her side. "See bitter feelings cast aside and embrace what is to come," he entreated. "In Rome, Octavia will make introductions to a social echelon long kept from this ludus by the limited aspirations of my father. Without Gannicus, she will withdraw favor. I could see Tullius wishing such a thing, but not beloved fucking wife!"
Her eyes widened at is accusation. "Quintus, I do not seek to see you fail. You know I would sooner drive a dagger into my own breast than see you harmed. How could you believe such a thing?"
"I believed it to be so once, but if you seek to see Gannicus removed from grasp, you seek to see this ludus fail, Lucretia."
And with those words he stormed off, leaving his wife to stare after him, a concerned frown marring her brow and anger rising in her heart for the blonde gladiator who, it seemed, had earned more than her husband's admiration; the cocky bastard had earned Quintus' affection as well. Lucretia did not favor such a thing. Not one bit.
*8*
I just wanted to say how much I appreciate everyone for their continued support of this story. Especially, those of you who stop to let me know you have read the chapter and take that extra moment to leave a review. It may sound silly, but writers live for those comments. I know it makes my day each and every time. :) It let's me know that A: people are stll reading and B: what they think, i.e.; is the message I am trying to convey through the story being understood. Gratitude. :) It truly means the world, as well as inspires the muse to write more. ;)