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 43: maxima debetur puero reverential: Greatest deference is owed to the child
In the villa, Lucretia and Gaia were in the triclinium, reclining on opposite couches while drinking wine and discussing the events of the day.
"If Quintus had lost Gannicus..."
"Do not give it voice," Gaia said cutting Lucretia off.
Lucretia held her glass out for more wine, nodding her gratitude when Melitta dutifully refilled her chalice. "Tullius has gone too far," she said.
Gaia leaned forward to snatch a grape off the tray on the table before them. "Yet Titus continues to offer hand in friendship to the man."
"Tullius' friendship is like holding snake to breast," Lucretia answered, her brow furrowing. "Why does Titus not see it?"
"Rarely is the man in harmony with the truth," Gaia answered with a shrug. "Especially in matters relating to Tullius. Who, by the way, has certainly has changed since the days of our youth," she added, taking a sip of her wine. "The man is no more than a common thug, resorting to such unsophisticated means as base murder to achieve his own ends."
"You believe it was Tullius as well?" Lucretia asked.
"I do. Cause may be hidden, but result is well known, without Gannicus, Quintus loses Octavia, Rome…everything. There is only one person who desires such a thing."
"He wants Gannicus as well."
"He wanted Gannicus," Gaia corrected. "From the force of his actions today, I would venture he is of a mind that if he cannot have your man, he would see Gannicus parted from this earth rather than have him fight under the Batiatus banner."
A small whimper escaped Melitta at Gaia's words, and Lucretia glanced at her body slave, taking note of her worried frown and anxious wringing of her hands. It was unlike the serene expression Melitta usually wore and it was obviously due to Gannicus being injured. "Melitta stop worrying," she said, irritated at her body slave's continued fascination for the Celt. "He is not dying."
Melitta immediately lowered her head. "Apologies Domina," she murmured, folding her hands together to keep them still.
Lucretia turned back to Gaia. "With the Apolloinares a mere week away, serious injury coulld have dire consequence. If Gannicus loses position through Tullius' treachery…"
Gaia stood, reaching for Lucretia's hand. "Come. Let us put mind to rest. Quintus is presently at the medicus with him, yes?" Lucretia nodded. "Then let us pay him a visit and see with our own gaze how your man fares."
Gaia subtly tilted her head towards Melitta and Lucretia instantly noticed how her body slave perked up at the idea. She rolled her eyes but agreed to the visit. Lucretia was not happy with Melitta's infatuation with Gannicus, but it served no purpose to allow her slave to worry unnecessarily. Despite her irritation, Lucretia had great affection for Melitta, and did not wish to see her out of sorts.
Yes," she said, allowing Gaia to pull her to her feet as well. "Let us satisfy two needs with one visit."
*8*
Melitta had to force herself to maintain steady gait as they made their way to the barracks. She wanted to hurry towards the medicus' room, but was well-aware, Domina would not appreciate being rushed. Melitta took calming breath as they slowly moved along the corridors. She was still terribly worried about him and felt weak with relief that she would soon set gaze upon him herself and determine he was fine; she just wished it was sooner.
When they entered the large chamber, Melitta's eyes were drawn to the table where Gannicus sat. He had removed all his armor and was clad only in his subligaria. For a moment, her eyes drank in the near naked perfection of his physique, taking note of the white bandage wrapped around his upper body, before zeroing in on his face and the pleasant, near euphoric smile he wore. Well, obviously, he was not too seriously injured, or he would not look so pleased with himself.
He noticed her then. "Melitta!" he called out in a voice louder than was necessary. "Come," he said, waving her over to him. "Come. Keep me company. Someone tried to murder me today!"
Batiatus had joined them, and Melitta looked to Domina for permission. Upon receiving a nod from Lucretia, Melitta made her way across the large room to where Gannicus sat.
Lucretia turned to Quintus. "Has his injury caused him to lose sense? Why does he look so...happy?"
Gaia chuckled. "Lucretia. Take note of the giddy smile. Does it not look familiar?" she asked teasingly. "I would wager he is under the influence of opiates and, if charming grin is indication, he's enjoying the pleasurable effects tremendously."
Batiatus nodded. "Seppukus applied poppy powder directly into his wound." He glanced to where Gannicus sat with Melitta and shrugged. "It has had side effect of making the man smile as if the Gods have arrived personally to bless him." Batiatus returned his attention to his wife and Gaia. "I have good news, according to Seppukus, although painful, Gannicus' injury is not serious enough to see him lose position in the Apolloinares." Quintus grinned and took Lucretia's hands in his. "For once the Gods have only fingered my ass instead of fucking it!"
Gaia and Lucretia both relaxed at the welcome information.
"Thank the Gods," Gaia said. "If Gannicus had moved even a moment slower..."
Batiatus made a face. "All would be fucking lost," he growled.
"We are blessed," Lucretia said, taking Quintus' hands in hers. "We are still to Rome in three days then?"
"We are," Quintus replied, which had the three Roman's ecstatic and ready to celebrate.
*8*
Across the room, Gannicus reached for her hand, but Melitta evaded him, tilting her head towards the other side of the room where Batiatus and Lucretia were. "We are of company, such displays are unwise," she whispered.
Gannicus was in a very relaxed state thanks to the poppy powder and had no sense of propriety. "I miss you. I was almost killed today. I'm in need of comfort." His lower lip jutted into the pouting face she was becoming familiar with of late.
"And I am here to offer it," she told him, smiling at his tone. He sounded much like a little boy being denied favored toy. "What did that man give you that has addled brain?"
He grinned. "Poppy powder. I feel quite pleasant."
"You are quite intoxicated," she corrected.
But he was alive! Gannicus had sought to protect the young man in the arena with him, and because of this, the attacker had gotten close enough to injure him. Had the man been quicker or more skilled...Melitta could have been viewing his corpse, rather than visiting a slightly intoxicated, yet vibrant Gannicus, very much full of life still. Upon that realization, a sudden giddiness assailed her, and she put her hand over her mouth to mask the sudden urge to giggle in joyful abandon. The Gods had shown good fortune and happiness this day.
"Melitta…" he said, taking hold of her hand. "Would you have missed me had my attacker's blade struck true?"
She rolled her eyes. "The poppy must be causing idiocy to strike mind. Why would you ask such a thing?"
He shrugged. "I am in love with you," he whispered, "and it frightens me."
His words were said without jest or deflection, and they surprised. Unable to help herself, Melitta stroked a hand along his face. "I am most grateful to the Gods that I am not here to mourn your passing." She swallowed with difficulty. "I cannot bear to think it, so let us turn it from thought."
He snorted, no longer sounding like boy seeking comfort, but all man seeking to defend ego. "I was never in real danger. I could have beaten the man, absent both legs."
"It did not appear absent danger from my viewpoint. One step closer and that man's blade would have sliced deep."
"The boy slowed me down," he stated.
"You saved his life by placing yourself before the blade."
"I am no martyr to sacrifice myself."
"And yet, you still managed to save him," she said, smiling softly. "As well as turn what was meant to be tragic circumstance into stirring victory. One that will not soon fade from memory…despite desire to see it so," she added.
His brows shot up. "You would remove my victory from mind?"
"I would erase the overeager displays of affection from mind," she told him with shake of her head. "You cause the women in the audience to act like animals absent morals or shame. It is beyond all reason."
He chuckled. "Melitta, you cannot be jealous of nameless women from the arena."
She sighed. "Apparently I can when you offer yourself to them."
"Apologies. I was carried away by the crowd and the victory," he said, and Melitta might have been moved by his apology had he not spoiled it by grinning.
"You enjoy the way they throw themselves at you. Admit it."
He captured her hand and despite Melitta's gentle tug to free it, he held tight. "Do not fret over women who mean nothing to me. You alone hold my heart…" He ran his finger along her palm. "Right here," he said softly. He raised his gaze to hers, and teasing grin had been removed from his expression. "You are the sun, bringing light to my world of shit with your smile."
She blinked rapidly, her eyes watering for a moment at such a tender declaration coming from him. "Gannicus," she said softly, but there was trembling emotion in how she said his name, as well as the smile she gifted him with.
Out of the corner of her eye, Melitta noticed Lucretia watching them and gave him another gentle reminder they were not alone. Gannicus let go of her hand. "I did not have words before you left for the arena, but Kleos was returned to partial duty today. He will be back in the barracks tomorrow," she told him.
"Gratitude." He smiled. "I want to say much more to you presently," he admitted with a whisper, "but I will keep words behind teeth until I can break them with you privately."
"Wise decision," Melitta said. "I will try and get away tomorrow while Domina takes her noon respite."
"I wish you could get away tonight and come to my cell…"
"Ssshhh," she said to him, glancing around to ensure his words had not been heard. Luckily, they had not. "We will speak tomorrow," she told him. And, before he could get them into trouble through either intoxicated words or antics, Melitta removed herself from his presence and returned to Lucretia's side; however, her heart was far lighter than it had been prior to the visit.
*8*
The next morning, Gannicus was breaking his fast in the dining hall when he noticed Kleos enter the room carrying a platter of bread for the men. As Melitta had predicted, the boy was back in the barracks. Gannicus was pleased to see him. After delivering his offering to the slave who served the meals, the boy's gaze scanned the room, and when the child's brown eyes landed on him, Gannicus witnessed the boy pause and frown.
Duratius noticed the exchange and elbowed Gannicus good naturedly. "The child not only has your smile, brother, but your scowl as well."
Barca and Rhaskos, who were also at the table laughed and made comments about the similar heavy brow.
Gannicus nodded absently to his brothers, listening with only half an ear as he observed Kleos making a beeline straight for his table.
The boy halted before Gannicus. "Are you my father?" he asked without warning.
The tables immediately surrounding Gannicus' went quiet, and the gladiators sitting there all turned in stunned curiosity to see the champion's reaction to kitchen boy's bold question.
Gannicus, who was chewing a hard-boiled egg at the time, gasped at the shocking directness of the question, this caused the dry yolk of the egg to get lodged in his throat. The blonde gladiator's eyes bulged as he coughed, choking on his food. He might have expired right there, luckily Barca was a quick thinker and pounded on Gannicus' back, helping to dislodge the lethal bit of egg!
"Jupiter's cock, boy!" the Beast chided, handing Gannicus his cup of water. "Are you trying to kill your champion? You do not pose such a brash question to a man absent prelude!"
Kleos' dark eyes widened and abruptly filed with tears. "Apologies," he mumbled, and turned to leave.
Gannicus, who had recovered after several sips of water, halted the boy by grabbing hold of a skinny arm. He shot Barca a glance that said clearly "ease off the boy" and reeled Kleos back to the table. He opened his mouth to reply, when he noticed he had the attention of nearly every gladiator in the hall. His brows drew down.
"See nose removed from business that does not concern you," he said to his brothers.
When they were no longer being obviously observed by the entire hall, Gannicus leaned down so he was of a height with the boy. "Why do you ask me this?"
Kleos wiped at his eyes, determined not to cry before the gladiators. He took a deep breath and squared his small shoulders before answering. "Before I became ill, I heard Seraphina having words with Melitta. Melitta told Seraphina that you were now aware I am your son." Kleos swallowed hard, but raised his chin, and asked, "Is it true? Are you my father?"
Gannicus exhaled loudly. His chest ached, and his heart pounded as he gave a short nod. "I am," he admitted softly. "Although, as Melitta said, I was unaware of circumstance until recently."
No one noticed as Ashur, having heard the boy's question, as well as Gannicus' response, immediately left the dining hall and headed for the gate between the ludus and the villa; the Syrian was certain the Dominus would reward him well for imparting this information relating to his champion.
Kleos studied him for a moment, and Gannicus had to resist the urge to squirm under his examination. He was ill prepared to for this conversation, feeling as if tossed into the arena absent his swords.
"Melitta said…other things…" The boy hesitated.
"What other things did Melitta speak of, Kleos?"
"Things about my mother," the boy replied.
Gannicus let out a ragged breath. He was afraid to hear it, but his boy was not finished.
Kleos' chin lifted to a stubborn angle that would have been amusing if the topic was not so solemn. "Is it true my mother near destroyed the ludus because she lusted for you?"
Gannicus' jaw dropped for a moment before he snapped his mouth closed and frowned. The boy was breaking words on matters far removed from his tender years. "You should not hide in shadows and eavesdrop on conversations not meant for your ears," he said, aggrieved the boy had heard such things. "Melitta would have guarded tongue more closely had she known you were listening."
"But how am I supposed to learn anything if I do not listen?" Kleos asked with a simple logic that confounded Gannicus.
Unable to help themselves, the three gladiators at Gannicus' table all gave varying degrees of laughter at that response.
"Out of the mouth of fucking babes," Duratius said.
"It is rude to listen in on others' private discussions, Kleos, and if Melitta had caught you, she would have been disappointed in you."
"Apologies," Kleos said. "Melitta is nice to me. Please do not tell her."
Feeling as if he were on firm ground again, Gannicus sought to assure the boy. "I will not, if you promise not to do such a thing again."
Kleos seemed to debate it for a moment before he nodded. "An acceptable bargain."
Gannicus chuckled softly. "Yes, it is."
*8*
Batiatus, Lucretia and Gaia were enjoying their morning meal in the triclinium when a guard interrupted them. "Apologies," the man said, "but the gladiator, Ashur, is at the gate and wishes an audience."
Quintus, who was busy feeding Lucretia a piece of honey bread, turned to the man, a scowl on his face. "To what fucking purpose?"
The guard shrugged. "He said it was a matter of some importance relating to Gannicus."
That got Batiatus' attention, as well as Melita's, who was standing behind Lucretia.
"Gannicus?" Quintus' brow lowered into a puzzled frown. "What would the Syrian know of Gannicus?" He muttered as he got up from the couch he was reclining on. "Have him brought to the tablinum. I will follow momentarily."
After the guard had left, Quintus turned to his wife and their guest. "Apologies," he said, going over to Lucretia and leaning down to give her a kiss. "Finish eating. I shall return shortly."
"What news could Ashur have regarding Gannicus?" Lucretia asked.
Quintus shook his head. "In truth, I haven't a fucking clue, but it had better be of some importance to interrupt the breaking of my fast." And with that he exited the room.
Lucretia and Gaia shared a look before they went back to eating their morning meal and discussing the trip to Rome next week.
Melitta, on the other hand, felt weak with fear. Did Ashur know about her and Gannicus. Had he seen them the other day? She had not had a nightmare in nearly a month, but she could easily recall horrible visions of Gannicus being stabbed through the neck by Oenomaus or her being crucified as Gannicus was forced to watch. Melitta could never forget the terrible agony she felt in each vision. Batiatus was aware they had feelings for one another, but he was not aware they had acted on them again. Melitta said a silent prayer to the Gods that Ashur would not set tragic path in motion today with the words he was about to break with Batiatus.
*8*
Batiatus was waiting in his tablinum when Ashur was escorted inside.
"Apologies for interrupting morning meal, Dominus," Ashur said immediately, his placating smile stretching wide. "But I overheard discussion this morning; it is a thing I believe should fall to your ears."
"Well," Quintus said, waving him on. "Speak. What discussion did you overhear? And what has it to do with my champion?"
Ashur went on to explain the conversation between young Kleos and Gannicus.
"His son?" he asked, his surprise evident.
Quintus remembered the debacle from all those years ago. Aurelia and her fucking obsession with Gannicus had very nearly torn the ludus apart. In fact, his father had even debated selling the blonde gladiator due to him spreading his cock around a little too freely that first year. Batiatus did recall the woman gave birth to a boy just a few days before she committed suicide. The child helped his grandmother in the kitchens.
"Gannicus has never shown any interest in the boy. Why now?"
"From his words, he was absent knowledge of the child until recently, Dominus."
That surprised Quintus as well. "The fuck you say? How could he not fucking know? He was made aware his seed had borne fruit."
Ashur shrugged. "Perhaps he thought the boy sold," the Syrian offered.
Batiatus nodded. That was possible. "Perhaps." It mattered not. Another means to leverage Gannicus had just fallen into lap, and Quintus was of a mind to make use of the boy.
He clapped Ashur on the back, thanked him for bringing the information to light and sent the Syrian back to the ludus, with promise of proper reward for his efforts.
Quintus decided to pause a moment and gather information regarding the child before summoning Gannicus. When he was certain of Gannicus' desires regarding the boy, then he could decide how best to use the child to manipulate his champion.
*8*
In the men's barracks, Gannicus had begun to believe the worst of his son's interrogation past, when the boy broached yet another uncomfortable topic.
"What is a whore?" Kleos asked shattering the peaceful silence they had fallen into momentarily.
Gannicus choked on his water, nearly spraying the liquid across the table. He ignored the laughter from his brothers and focused gaze on Kleos. "Where did you hear that word?"
The boy shrugged. "Melitta said the Dominus made my mother a whore, and Seraphina called you a man-whore, so I wondered if I stand as whore too?"
Gannicus simply stared at the child for a moment, utterly dumbfounded on what to say. Around him, he heard more guffaws filling the air, and was not amused. "You are not a whore, Kleos, and please," Gannicus entreated, "never call yourself that again."
Kleos again raised his chin once again, and Gannicus was starting to believe the stubborn tilt to the boy's chin signaled uncomfortable inquiry to follow. He suddenly desired wine in his cup rather than water.
"But what is a whore?"
"It is something that you are not, and never will be, so turn it from thought."
"But that does not answer question."
Taking pity on Gannicus whose expression was beginning to look panicked, Duratius chimed in on the conversation. "A whore is someone who accepts coin for favors, Kleos. It does not pertain to you, so do as your father said, and banish it from brain."
Hearing himself called 'father' so casually had Gannicus staring at Duratius in open-mouthed shock, until Kleos spoke again.
"But I do accept coin for favors sometimes. Melitta gives me one denarii when I help her move things in the villa. Am I Melitta's whore?"
It was an outlandish proposition; and the hall went quiet while Duratius' jaw dropped. "No!" he sputtered. "And never speak of it again. Doctore would skin me alive."
"But you said—"
"Those are not the kind of favors I meant, boy," Duratius said, cutting Kleos off.
"What kind of favors does a whore do?"
Now that it was not him under the boy's inquisitive eye, Gannicus found the situation more amusing. He crossed his arms over his chest and watched with widening grin as Duratius tried to dig himself out of troublesome situation he had placed himself.
Duratius looked to Gannicus for help but the blonde gladiator wanted no part of a conversation he had barely escaped from. "Don't look at me," he said to his brother. "I have no fucking answer to give."
Duratius sighed. "Kleos, a whore is someone who does intimate acts for coin. Acts that boys your age should have no knowledge of yet, so let subject drop until you are older and can ask your father." Duratius grinned and gave a wink. "He is far more knowledgeable on the matter than I am and is better equipped to answer questions."
Gannicus scowled at his brother for that comment.
"Then why did Seraphina call Melitta a whore?"
That caused silence to fall like a stone at the table and Gannicus nearly lost his temper with the boy for breaking those words in front of the gladiators. "Kleos!" he said in a voice that brooked no arguing. "Never repeat such a thing about Melitta ever again."
The boy's eyes immediately filled with tears at Gannicus' tone as well as the realization he had said something bad about Melitta. In that moment, Gannicus truly wished the woman herself was there. She would have proper words to salvage situation. He felt inept to heal bruised feelings. His brothers were all staring at him, perhaps expecting him to soothe the boy. Gannicus was unsure what to do, so he did what he would do for a woman who was crying.
He placed his hand on the boy's shoulder and pulled him forward, patting him on the back awkwardly. "Ssshhh, do not cry," Gannicus said in a softer tone. "I know those were not your words, Kleos. I am not angry with you, but you cannot simply repeat every word you overhear."
Kleos puled away and wiped his eyes. "Apologies. The words will never fall from lips again. I did not mean it. Please do not tell Melitta. I would not wish to have her turn from me."
"Do not fret. It will stay between us men here," he said looking around to his brothers, who all assured the boy they would never repeat his words. A small smile returned to the child's face, and Gannicus felt pleased with his efforts. "Now, let us consider subject closed and banish it from thought." Except the gladiator knew he had to speak with Melitta. She needed to be made aware Seraphina was spreading vicious gossip.
The boy nodded and there was a momentary pause; Gannicus hoped he had escaped further investigation, but then Kleos turned those big, dark eyes upon him yet again and Gannicus felt the weight of his questioning gaze return. The gladiator began to perspire.
"You never told me if it was true," Kleos reminded him softly, not quite as brash after being chastised.
The gladiator let out an exhausted sigh. "If what was true?" Gannicus hedged, trying to recall what the boy had asked previously.
"Did my mother almost bring the ludus down because of you?"
*8*
Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed so far. Most of you have been amazing in your support and it means so much to me. Gratitude.
If you have an account, I have already sent you a thank you via PM… if not, I will thank you here.
A huge thanks to Ganniluvr for your continued support. You never fail to let me know what you think of a chapter. I am always most pleased to see a comment from you. To sparro, I am so glad you are a fan of my fight scenes. I stress on those at times. To Lizzie, I know you want Gannicus and Melitta to stay together always, but there has to be some bumps in the road or else the story would be boring, don't you think? To Jess, thank you for your reviews. Each one let's me know people are still reading and it inspires my muse. To Dani Anderson, your comments are hilarious. Thank you for sharing your feedback. They make me smile. To Taz, I sent you a PM, hopefully you got it. ;) I wanted to tell you how your comments cracked me up! Yeah, doing anything at 2 am is probably not a good idea. hahaha Tell your husband there is no shame in fan fiction, and no, I have not inserted myself into my story. haha I think the whole fan fiction shame came from when it was spoofed on Supernatural. Sam and Dean read some fan fiction and grossed out when they realized the majority of the stories had them portrayed as a couple! hahaha Yeah, it was pretty funny. To Shar, I am excited to see a new reader. Thank you for your support. I am so happy you are enjoying the story so far.
If I've forgotten anyone, apologies. It was not intentional. :)
