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"You've placed it all on the horse cock?" Spartacus leans across the table to whisper. Varro glances up from his bowl expectantly. Obviously his Champion has been thinking about something and has finally come to a conclusion. And it must be important enough to waste precious meal time. "My bet is that Glaber's wife will chose him for her patronage. The whole Ludus has been whispering of Batiauts' attempts to secure it." He comments boredly. He's attempted to keep Spartacus in the gossip loop and at least have knowledge of the betting pools. Just in case he wishes to induldge himself or at least try to make friends with the rest of the brotherhood. It certainly couldn't hurt for the bastard to have more than just Varro as a friend and Crixus as sort of friendly rival. "Is there a bet about which ones will live to the test let alone receive the mark?" Spartacus asks quietly. Varro gives him a slow grin chuckling as he studies him. "Are you wishing to cheat?" Spartacus shoots him a glare. "Yes you moron there is. Always is. Ashur actually won a great deal of money when I received mine. Rhaskos lost a lot when you gained yours." Varro informs with a nod towards those mentioned. Spartacus looks around dumbly as if he forgot there were people surrounding them at all. Although it was interesting that his gaze lingered on the recruit brothers. "No I am looking to help you get out of here sooner rather than later you ungrateful fool." Spartacus grumbles. Although Varro knows him well enough that while the Thracian has deemed that the most important reason it is not the only. It makes him wonder if he came up with it later and felt guilty for it not being the first on his little mental list. "Oh is that so?" he flashes a dimpled grin at his best friend. "So you don't want to place a bet and cheat, you simply wish to help me cheat." He laughs noticing the way Spartacus' ears turn pink. Damn he was so cute. If he wasn't married...."No...not exactly. I mean I'm not going to tell you who to bet on." Spartacus pouts poking at the contents of his own bowl. Varro studies him for a moment before grinning again. "You've decided to help the recruits survive is that it? Wanting to take more than one under your wing?" Spartacus glances nervously at him. He knows that tone of voice. Knows the false smile of his friend when he sees it. He's been caught and he has no idea how Varro figured him out so quickly but it was a little infurating. He tried to hide it so well. "More or less. What's so wrong with that?" Crixus has plenty of people who follow him around like lackies. It shouldn't have been suspicious that Spartacus as the new Champion of the House of Batiatus let alone Capua that he would be doing the same. "You are unbelivable!" Varro hisses tossing his spoon down. Spartacus makes a face as he leans back a little. "What? You're the one always belly aching that I need to make more friends." He reminds rubbing the back of his head. Varro gives him a dirty look before leaning across the table."You're not looking for friends you're looking for assistance in escape." Varro snarls accusingly. Spartacus sputters a little. "I thought we had moved past this with the death of-""Her death is what fuels this!" Spartacus insists. With an aggrivated groan Varro stands fast enough to send the bench scrapping against the stone loudly. "Varro? Varro!" Spartacus was suddenly being dragged into the narrow halls of the Ludus a large bicep wrapped half around his face and half around his neck. His feet scrambling for purchase even as he was scratching at the arm that was impeeding his breathing. "You are the most arrogant, pig headed, stubborn arsehole I have ever fucking met!" Varro snaps tossing him into a tiny cell off to the corner. Spartacus gasps and chokes a bit trying to regain his balance, rubbing his neck looking up at the blond in disbelief. "Let me explain at least!" He tries his voice sounding rather gruff. "Explain what you crazy bastard? Your newest hair brained scheme that ends with you dodging arrows and spears alike running off to the woods and eventually getting caught, marked Fugitivus and then crucified? Because they'll certainly know better than to give your ass a fighting chance in the arena again." Varro shouts with a slap to the stone wall. His irritation rather scary. Spartacus sighs trying to be patient. "Explain why I am once again making such attempts and taking such risks. Why I have to get you and your family to safety before I do." Spartacus implores. Relieved that at the mention of Aurelia and Janus he stops pacing at the very least. "Me and my family to safety? The fuck are you on about?" He snaps hands on hips. Spartacus sighs relieved that Varro has calmed down enough to be willing to listen, and actually glad that they have some privacy. It would make his explanations much more clear. "You recall the man that brought Sura? Claimed to have fought off the bandits and nearly died in the attempt himself?" Varro makes a face but nods. He remembers. There was blood all over the man's cloak and tunic. Was clutching the wound even as he rode on through the gates. "Of course what about the fat goat?" Should he have succeeded in protecting Sura, Varro might feel differently about the man. His failure made him useless. Inwardly Varro grimacing sometimes not liking his own thoughts on "slaves". People they were fucking people useful or not. "I saw the house slave Mira-""The one sent to you to make sure you don't fuck up fucking Licinia." Varro interupts with an unimpressed snort. Spartacus grins a little. With the test being in two days time the whole Licinia thing was to be pushed back a fortnight. "Yes, but anyways, I saw her servicing the man." Varro makes a face and not for the first time in his life was he thankful to have been born with a cock. "Varro." This next bit had to be important because Spartacus grabs both of Varro's arms looking him in the eye as serious as he's ever seen the man. "He has no wound." A heavy silence falls over them at this information. Varro staring at Spartacus absolutely stunned. "No. Wound." He repeats as if trying to make sense of the implication. Spartacus nods firmly tearing up. "But then..." Varro lets his thought trail off remembering the near pristine state of the Carriage let alone the horses. He knows of the road to and from Neapolis Even bandits bad at their 'job' would have made a mark on the carriage, one of the horses should have had blood or a cut of somesort. "The man is loyal only to Batiatus?" He questions hoping for an unknown reason that their Dominus wouldn't do what Spartacus was implying. "Yes. I checked with some of the other gladiators and had Mira check with the houseslaves. Naevia, Domina's personal slave? She confirmed the man was as loyal and vile as Ashur." Varro leans against the wall blowing out a long breath. Fuck all it was Ashur who convinced Varro to take a whore. Getting him to waste coin that should be going towards his debts, his freedom on something as pointless as a angry fuck. "Does Doctore know about this?" Surely Oenomaus was a good man? He's seen the look on the man's face during the parties, saw the exsaperation when instructing the recruits to remove their subliharia. "I do not know. You are the first I have told." Spartacus confesses with a sigh. "Alright then. So what exactly is your brand new plan? You're going to kill Batiatus?" He scoffs thinking about all the ways that could go wrong. Spartacus gives a small smile clapping Varro on the shoulder."No." Varro gives him a puzzled look that brightens the Thracian's grin. "I'm going to kill them all." "Kill- you're a fucking lunatic!" Varro laughs wrapping an arm around Spartacus' shoulders. Spartacus beams up at him doing the same. "Perhaps, but I am sane enough to know that I would not do anything to put you let alone your family in danger." He points out as they start walking back towards the sands. Midday meal must be over by now and Doctore was sure to be put out with them for their absence. "Gratitude, but what does this have to do with the recruits then?" He ponders as they round a corner. The pair of them quickly going for their equipment giving sheepish apologetic grins towards their teacher. His disapproving squint making their stomachs twist. "You shall place wagers on the German brothers and Segovax earning the Mark of the Brotherhood. And I shall do what I can to instruct them towards it." Spartacus explains as they take the offered practice swords. Inwardly he grimaces wishing he had thought of this plan sooner, perhaps he could have done something to keep Pietros alive. "Oh is that all? And what about after that genius?" Shockingly he had already figured that bit out for himself. How stupid did his friend think he was? Ridiculous. The familiar thunk of wood on wood bounces between them as they work. "During my instructions I shall gleam their opinions of continuing their enslavement. Should their desires a line with mine enough for them to be assests then we shall form a plan on gaining the rest of the brotherhood's assistance." He offers looking rather proud of himself. Varro rolls his eyes at that. "Oh sure you're going to get the slew of Gaul's and scattered rest of the gladiators to just drop allegiances and fight along side you. Simple." Spartacus frowns rolling under a swipe of Varro's sword, gently tapping his flank. "Allegiances?" As if answering his question a round of cheers erupts from Rhaskos and the other Gauls gaining their attention. Crixus stepping out, tenderly from the medicus. "Oh. Right. Crixus." "Oh right Crixus." Varro mocks smacking him upside the head. "Are you really so foolish to have forgotten the Undefeated Gaul?" Spartacus shrugs giving Varro's leg a light smack with his sword. "He had slipped my mind a little." Varro gives him a look before glancing over at the recruits. "So, do you start with the children or do you start with the Gaul?" He ponders voice dripping with sarcastic amusement. Spartacus rolls his eyes looking Crixus up and down once more. "I shall continue with my plan for now. You are the current priority. I can not expect you to aid me in this. You have too much at stake." Varro nods giving him a sad look. They clap each other on the shoulders before Spartacus turns and walks towards the recruits. Varro towards Doctore. He might not be able to help Spartacus fight but he could keep the watchful eye turned away. "Spartacus." Segovax greets standing up straighter. Spartacus gives him a firm nod looking between the three of them. "Apologies, which one stands Agron and the other Duro again?" He feels a little bad for not knowing which is which but he hasn't actually broken words with either of them as of yet so theres that. The taller of the two narrows his eyes looking suspicious and protective. Regardless of name Spartacus knows this to be the elder. Has listened and paid enough attention to the rest of the brotherhood to have heard the mocking of him. "I am Agron. Duro stands my younger brother." Agron huffs patting his brother on the shoulder. Spartacus notices Duro having to be jarred out of whatever he was thinking of, eyes refocusing on the conversation in front of him rather than whatever he was looking at behind Spartacus. "Right, I shall not forget that again." He tries convincing them with a reassuring smile. Segovax gives him one in return. The Rhine's simply fold their arms. Duro having glanced at Agron and copied his movements. "So, how fairs training?" He attempts again, eyes continuing to slide back to Agron. The most hostile of the three. If he can get in his good graces he's sure the other two will follow easily. "As well as one could expect." Segovax offers eyes flickering towards Agron as well. Spartacus nods fiddling with his sword. He should have thought this a little more through. Practice what he was going to say and offer. "So erm....as Champion," He pears over his shoulder at Crixus an excuse forming quickly, "it is my duty to make sure that your chances of survival are as high as possible." Agron tilts his head while Duro glances between his brother and Spartacus. Segovax nods also looking over at Crixus. It explains as to why so many of the Gladiators were loyal to the injured Crixus. He must have helped them all survive their test. "And how would you do that then?" Agron scoffs earning a disapproving look from the horse cock. "Extra training, pointers, tips and the like." Seovax nods although he and Spartacus frown at the grimace from Duro. Agron sneers."Oh so you think that the three of us are too stupid to survive without your help? That we cannot follow Doctore's instructions and beat whomever he pits us against?" Shit this was going poorly. He wishes Varro was here. With a quick look he can't help but feel grateful that the man was keeping Oenomaus distracted. "No, I am certain that you will all pass the test with or without my help." That was more or less true. "It is just, after when certain events take place I was hoping to keep you all alive." He explains lamely with another weak grin. Eyes locking with Agron's. Duro raises an eyebrow before a sly knowing grin falls across his face. "Gratitude. I will discuss with my brother and shall get back to you about your offer during the evening meal." Duro charges forward shocking the rest of them. Agron sputters a little while Segovax watches him curiously. "Duro what the fuck?" Spartacus takes advantage at whatever logic that Duro has grabbed hold of."Gratitude. I appreciate the understanding and look forward to the conversation." Duro shoots him a bright smile before Spartacus wonders back over to the palus. "What the fuck was that?" Agron whispers harshly grabbing his brother by the arm. Segovax following them over to the shade grabbing their forgotten swords and shields as he does. "Ow! Not so rough! Be grateful that I am helping you!" Duro whines trying to snatch his arm out of his brother's grip. There was definetly going to be bruising. "Help him? I thought Spartacus just offered all of us assistance in surviving?" Segovax questions his confusion making Agron drop his brother and plpace hands on hips. Green eyes flashing dangerously down at him. "Oh please. Don't tell me you're as blind as he is." Duro snorts motioning to Agron. He earns a warning look but Segovax shrugs. Duro sighs heavily. "Spartacus isn't trying to help us train. He's trying to fuck my brother!" He explains excitedly. Segovax gives a half laugh of disbelief while Agron shakes his head flabberghasted. "Fucking what? Have you lost mind?" The panic in his voice not quite hiding the hope there as well. Something else that shocks their Gaul friend. "No I have not! Ever since we came here Spartacus has been stealing glances at you. This morning even he was speaking to Varro urgently and quietly. They even went for a private conversation. And now all of a sudden he 'wants to help us'. We all know that's a load of shit." Segovax frowns not sure how they brothers came to that conclusion but was willing to play along. "Alright so helping us is a ploy to seduce Agron?" Segovax ponders glancing over at the Thracian. He looked grimly serious, but still wasn't subtle enough for the recruits to miss the hopeful glance he shoots them. Particularly right at the elder Rhine. Huh. "It would seem so! Which is beneficial but also unnecessary." Duro thinks out loud tapping his chin in thought. Agron makes a face trying to keep a blush from staining his cheeks. "Un-? The fuck you mean unnecessary?" He hisses chest puffing in frustration and embaressment. Duro glances up at before rolling his eyes. "Please, I know your type. The only reason you haven't made a move is because he is fair skinned." Agron blusters and fumbles over a defense even as Segovax chuckles at the pair of them. He's glad that despite his insistence to not, he has made friends with these two. They were entertaining and damned good company. He never thought about how lonely it would be in the Ludus while waiting for the chance to earn his freedom. "So, tonight when he's expecting all of us to talk to him, Agron you shall go alone, and accept his help," He holds up a finger to stop his brother's protest in its tracks, "on the condition that he becomes your lover." Segovax doubles over in laughter as Agron flushes a deep red. "Have you lost your mind?" Agron's question was barely heard through his clenched teeth. Duro grins again shaking his head. "Nope." The crack of a whip gains everyone's attention making the recruits wince. "Gladiators! Pair up." Doctore instructs looking downright furious. Whatever conversation he and Varro had must have put him in a foul mood. "Recruits!" He snaps looking at them. They grimace stepping closer. "Each of you grab a beam and come here."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Have you decided what you're going to say to the recruits?" Varro questions as they settle in to eat their dinner. Spartacus makes a face before poking at the contents of his bowl. While he appreciates everything his friend has done for him and probably plans on doing, there wasn't a need to be so pushy. Especially since Spartacus was postponing any actual action and sitting back to make a fool proof plan simply because he was trying to plan for Varro to get to his family and then get to safety. "I have. This may surprise you but I have in fact thought this through." Spartacus grumbles feeling rather put out with his friend and all the judgment he was receiving lately. Varro snorts furthering the feeling. Asshole. "I have!" He whines tossing his spoon. He doesn't like feeling so defensive towards someone he holds so close to heart. "Not to open old wounds that have barely scabbed over, but I recall the last time you thought an escape plan through." Varro points out with a grin. Spartacus rolls his eyes. "I stand by that plan. It would have worked." He mumbles his heart falling remembering why it didn't even become a real attempt. "Ah-huh." Varro chuckles sarcastically. Spartacus shoots him another dirty look. "All I am saying is that, no it wouldn't have, and this time you now have the time and means to be succesful." He shrugs. Spartacus tilts his head studying his friend. "How so?" He ponders, twice as curious as to the exsasperated look from Varro. The blond curses and drops his spoon into the bowl."Fuck the gods, alright. So; you stand fucking champion." He unnecessarily informs. Spartacus nods trying to follow this new random train of thought. "Batiatus is going to tell you at the very least days in advance whenever there will be a party or a planned exhibition." He nods again with him thus far. "You are also earning large purses in the arena and there for actually have a small amount of gold saved up." Spartacus huffs."I have already informed you half of my winnings have been instructed to go to your debts." Varro gives him a soft smile and pats his arm."I know and the amount of gratitude I feel towards you cannot be measured." Spartacus beams fondly before tilting his head still not grasping the man's mind."What does that have to do with my plan." Varro glances upwards looking mildly pained before shaking his head with a grin. "Alright, so with that information we can gather the necessary materials." Varro speaks slowly and gently. Almost as if he was talking to a child. Spartacus feels like he should be offended at his tone. "What materials?" Varro makes a motion as if he was going to strangle him before putting his hands on the table. Spartacus leans back even as he eats faster. If this was going to be like lunch then he did not wish to go hungry in the night. The blond takes a few deep breaths before smiling politely. "Spartacus," The Thracian grimaces at the way he says that, "pray tell what is the plan after you 'kill them all' and leave here?" Spartacus could sense that this was important and that Varro was using every ounce of patience he could muster. Swallowing thickly he looks around hoping that someone or something would come and interrupt them. Where was fucking Crixus when you needed him?"Uhm, well we would be free? Those who joined me in the escape could go and do what they wish." Varro chews his cheek for a second before picking up his spoon and taking a bite. Spartacus fidgets feeling some sort of anger brewing from the man. Why he has no idea. He was no leader. Seventy gladiators surely could not take on the entirety of Rome. Even he knows that. "You. Your plan. What shall you yourself do once everyone is dead?" Varro speaks at last putting his hands together. Spartacus blinks at him for a moment. "Oh, uh... I hadn't given that much thought." He admits with a hum. In truth he wasn't sure if he would survive depending on the when and where they begin their slaughter. Grimacing he looks up at Varro sheepishly. "I suppose I should though before anything else?" Varro nods his lips thinning dangerously."Where will you go? How will you get there? What supplies would you have?" Varro bombards him with questions that never even came close to crossing his mind. "Supplies?" He echos dumbly. "What supplies would I need besides a weapon and perhaps some armor?" Varro gives him a slack jawed look before smacking a palm across his own forehead. "Un. Believable." He whispers pushing into it. "Nope, I cannot." Spartacus frowns looking him up and down. Varro waves a hand in front of him. "My tolerance for your stupidity has been reached for the day. Enjoy your chat with the recruits." Varro states prior to standing and walking off. Spartacus reaches and even calls out to him a little before sagging back into his seat. That could have gone better. Chewing his cheek he discards their dishes before going to lean against a pillar. Watching the recruits walk in a circle with beams on their backs. His own tenses in memory. Fuck had he known this was what they were doing he would have pressed earlier. It was going to be practically impossible to talk to them. It's not like he was out there with them..... "Doctore!" Agron glances as he turns, rather bored with this exercise. Sure having to do this for hours on end was difficult but he was no stranger to hauling logs. He resists a grin thinking about how many times he had to cart his brother about after a long night of drinking. There was the crack of the whip and quick instruction to keep going before Doctore turned to answer the call of his name. "Spartacus. Is there something you need of me?" He asks placing his weapon back on his hip. Agron curses his brother for his insane thoughts earlier. Because now it was the only thing he could think of. Especially when the Thracian smiles like that. Adorable fucker. "Not exactly.""The do not bother me." Doctore states with a tiny smirk folding his hands behind his back and turning his attention towards the recruits once more. "Duro keep up!" He screams. Duro mutters a curse in their native tongue but takes slightly longer strides. "Well, I have an odd request." Spartacus interjects again. Doctore sighs deeply looking at him again. He nods when Spartacus stays silent. "Well erm... could I join the recruits tonight?" He asks with a tiny shrug. Doctore tilts his head with a frown. "It is just, I do not use the beams much during the day as that is my speed and honing skill time and I do not wish to lose any strength. I have heard there is a rather large gladiator from the ludus of Pompey and do not wish to have the disadvantage of feeble muscles." He adds quickly.Oenomaus gives him a doubtful look. Spartacus does his best to look as innocent as possible. He could feel his heart pounding and his stomach was twisting. This was worse than when he drugged the man. Every word he spoke that night was the truth, but this is a rather pathetic lie. However the more he thinks about his words the more he believes that perhaps he should focus on his strength just a tad. Considering the task he was planning. "Very well you may grab a beam." Spartacus brightens up feeling his hopes rise. "And pace along the cliff." He instructions with a firm nod. Spartacus feels his good mood pop in his chest like a bubble. Fuck. Keeping his smile, however strained it might suddenly be, Spartacus does as he was told. The second he was on the cliff edge he starts cursing in his native tongue. "Gratitude Doctore." This was terrifying! Should he misstep just once and that would be it. If he gave to much slack to the wrong side with the beam it would drag him down. He'd be no better off than Gneaus. He doesn't even dare glance over the edge. This was fucking stupid. And of course the log was heavy. But he couldn't refuse. Because then Doctore would ask questions. Should he attempt to quit this ridiculous task then Oenomaus would either berate him, mock him or worse, try to encourage him and give him tips! He nearly shudders at the thought. He grimaces remembering he hadn't even bathed yet. Going straight from the days training to evening meal to this nonsense. An annoying bead of sweat trails down his spine through the sand and grime as if reminding him of his own stupidity. His legs were wobbly and he felt as if his arms were going to fall off after a few hours. He's lost track of the time as clouds roll over head blocking the view of the moon and stars. He prays to the gods he does not believe in that it does not start to rain. It never occured to him that during his time as a recruit that the drought was a fucking blessing. Just as he thought he was going to collapse and die, he could see it. Out of the corner of his eye but he spots it. The first light of the sun. Turning the sky from inky black to a pale blue grey color. Spartacus nearly cries in relief at the sight of it. Even his fingers hurt from how tightly he was clutching the beam. "Spartacus!" He slows his walking glancing up at the shout. Doctore gives him a nod. "Go break your fast before the days training begins." Oh thank the fucking gods there were perks to being champion. Spartacus drops the log and stumbles off. He hears the whip crack and remembers the recruits still have a few hours before they were able to drop their logs. He feels for them he really does.But the startled and then furious look Crixus gives him as he steps out of the medicus suddenly has him feeling smug. It was always thrilling to one up the Gaul. Spartacus knows for a fact that after earning the Mark that Crixus never did the over night beam training. Meaning this was just another thing that Spartacus did better than him. A new way to prove that he was champion now. He couldn't help but smirk at him. He felt a little bad for how fast he ate. Initially he had intended to wait for Varro. But it was as if his dinner last night did nothing. It was a testament to how hungry he truly was, as the food actually tasted decent for once. Spartacus sighs putting away his dish making a face at the amount of sand on his arm. He could see the lines from his sweat and knows the rest of him must look just as ridiculous and gross. While he normally can not wait for the baths he knows tonight it would be the most treasured of luxuries. Sighing he goes and straps into his normal training gear. Deciding he should at least work the pallus until Varro rose and ate. There was something venomously satisfying to hear the sound of disgust and rage from Crixus as he walks past him. Because he knows the man enough that his anger stems from his lack of chance and ability to do the same. It was no secret from any in the Ludus that Crixus longed to return to the sands. "Permission to work the pallus while I await the rest of the men Doctore?" He asks with a point. Oenomaus gives a motion with his hand before casually whipping Segovax on the shoulder. Spartacus gives a sympathetic look to them before he starts on his wooden opponent. It wasn't too much longer before he was interrupted."What the fuck did you do?" Blinking Spartacus thwacks the upper side of the thing once more. "Nothing." He shrugs turning to face the furious looking Varro. Evidently sleep did not renew the man's patience. "Nothing? Really? Then why is every body prattling about you walking a beam all fucking night?" He hisses following Spartacus to the shade as he breaks for water. "Well yeah I did that but it was nothing." Varro tilts his head leaning in. "I admit there might have been an ulterior motive." Varro chuckles darkly taking a drink himself. "Plan did not bare fruit so it matters not." Varro tosses his cup back in the vase. "Oh really? You fucking think?" He shakes his head running a hand through his curls. "You have no idea what you've done." He sighs. Spartacus frowns looking over towards the recruits as they were instructed to drop their beams and get ready for the days training. "I walked a beam along the cliff edge over night. Nothing more." He defends wondering why he feels the need to in the first place. Varro rolls his eyes grinning. He tosses an arm across Spartacus' shoulders before steering him away. "You stood in solidarity with the recruits. You've shown allegiance, resilience and have motivated and impressed a great deal of the brotherhood." Spartacus frowns glancing at the others. They were looking at him strangely. Instead of indifferent or hostile there was what could be mistaken as respect. "It was not my intentions." Varro gives him a doubtful look. "I was simply attempting to have a private conversation with the recruits and did not wish to arise suspicions when it did not work." He admits hotly. Varro shrugs letting him go and moving to get food. Shoulders slack and face full of confusion Spartacus looks at the rest of the brotherhood with a slight twisting of his stomach. This was no way to earn respect and alliances. Not through a lie. But should he wish his plan to succeed, it would seem as though he had no choice. Agron groans as he drops the beams. He and Segovax doubled over supporting themselves with hands on their thighs. Duro simply falls face first letting the beam go in front of him a little. Panting he looks between the three of them and glances at the rest of the brotherhood. The majority of them had been huddled around Crixus since he stumbled out of the medicus earlier this morning. Some of the others have been talking to Doctore on and off. But they all have looked towards the recruits and then to the current champion. He could almost physically see their opinion of the man change. It was as odd as it was endearing. Shaking his head letting the sweat fly about He reaches down and pulls Duro up a little by his hair so they could look one another in the eye. "Grab fucking cock and let's get this day started." Agron commands with a quick glance and a nod to Segovax. He was given a tired nod from the Gaul and a whine of dispair from his brother. "Just let me die this isn't worth it." He cries crawling to a standing position anyways. Agron rolls his eyes with affection. His brother had always been so sensitive. Yet he could see the fire in his eyes. The urge to do well and fight a good and honorable fight. His brother wanted this as much as he did. The chance to live, at the very least. "Quit your bellyaching. You sound like a fucking woman." Agron teases as they grab their practice swords and shields. Duro pouts strapping his on. "Not all of us have the prospect of a lover like you do brother." He complains. Segovax frowns for a moment before recalling the younger's thoughts in regards to their champion. The understanding passing over his face would have been comical had Agron not been so busy blushing. "I do n- that is completely ridicu- do not say such fucking things!" He sputters for a moment. Duro shrugs before smiling brightly. "Spartacus!" He greets cheerfully. His brother blanches whirling around looking mildly panicked. To his credit Segovax manages to keep a straight face. Him and the Thracian sharing a respectful nod. "Duro. Agron. Segovax." Spartacus greets each in turn with eye contact. Agron taps his shield with his sword looking rather unsure about himself all of a sudden. "I was wondering if perhaps the three of you had thought about my offer from yesterday." Duro gives a pointed look to Agron. The elder gives him a rude gesture for his efforts. "We have and Agron will absolutely tell you of our decision." Duro informs as he starts pushing Segovax further onto the sands. "We must go train now else Doctore is sure to give us a good lashing." The gaul gives him a incredulous look as the younger shoves, with effort. Agron takes a moment to glance up at the sky before sighing heavily. "My brother is a moron and a fool." He informs ears turning pink. Spartacus tilts his head glancing between the two. "He stands but young. The wisdom of years not yet on his side." He offers consolingly. Agron snorts kicking at the sand. "True and if he does not pull head from fucking ass he never will." Agron tuts warily. Spartacus nods understanding the concern. There was more than one occasion in and out of slavery that he had longed for a sibling. A brother to aid him and stand beside him in all things. Blinking he looks over his shoulder at where Varro was laughing with one of the other gladiators. He's pretty sure is named Leviticus. He's not sure if what he feels for his friend is brotherly but he does know that the blond was the closest thing he had to one. "Does this mean we are in agreement?" Spartacus asks turning his attention back to Agron. The Rhine chews his cheek for a moment before sighing. "I must confess that my brother only wishes for us to agree because he is under the impression that you um...." Spartacus could feel a panic rising in his chest. Fuck if Duro figured out what he was up to then it was only a matter of time before Oenomaus put it together. When that happened he was fucked. "That I what?" He demands fiercley. Agron feels his stomach clench and he couldn't bare to look the man in the eye. His brother was so fucking stupid and now here he was paying the price for it. There was no fucking way that Spartacus would want to fuck him. He hasn't been this nervous since the first time he's sucked a cock. This was ridiculous and it was all Duro's fault."My idiot brother thinks that this is simply a ruse for you to get me into your bed." He blurts out squeezing his eyes shut. "What?" He gasps opening them just as Spartacus was turning around. Crixus mid-step between the lanai and the sands staring at them wide eyed. Agron opens and closes his mouth a few times like a fish out of water. Spartacus and the injured Gaul gaping at one another wordlessly. "Uhm..." Spartacus scratches the back of his head obviously lost at what to do let alone say. "Has that been your issue this whole fucking time?" Crixus demands his voice still strained with his injuries. Spartacus scrunches up his nose confused. "Why you've latched onto and cozied up next to your pet Roman?" Agron looks towards Varro who was paying attention even as he continues his conversation with the man who Duro introduced as Liscus. "Because you've been looking for a cock to be rammed in ass?" Crixus accuses. Agron nearly laughs, the audacity of the man. Thinking that anyone gives a fuck about that. Spartacus gives him a weird look before shaking his head. "None of those reasons stand as truth." Spartacus takes a step closer to the Gaul, and Agron can see Varro excusing himself from his fellow gladiator. "But why do you care Crixus?" The two were almost chest to chest as the Thracian speaks. "Jealous of something?" Crixus' hand twitches as if he wants to throw a punch. "Is it possible that you are, the way you are, is because you are looking for a cock to split you open?" Crixus opens his mouth to say, something but Varro arrives just in time."Whatever is being spoken drop it. Doctore is instructing you and Agron to pair up. Medicus is also looking for you Crixus." He informs throwing an arm between them. They both glance at the blond before glaring at each other. Crixus gives Spartacus a rude gesture before walking off. Varro smiles pleasantly after him for a moment then turns to Spartacus. "If you could focus on your goals and desires for more than five fucking minutes then perhaps you would succeed in reaching them you cunt." He snaps smacking his friend upside the head. Spartacus flinches before grinning sheepishly. "As always my friend you stand correct. Gratitude." Varro nods giving Agron a firm look and headed back to the others as they continue strapping on their gear. "So, pairing up then?" He suggests awkwardly. Agron nods following him to a corner of the sands. "Apologies I did not mean for my brothers thoughts to cause issues or quarrel." Agron notes after a couple of blocks. Spartacus snorts with a duck. "Your brother is hopeful and apparently a romantic, but he is not entirely inaccurate with his observations." He admits having to block a hard hit. That would have hurt. There was a strange gleam in Agron's eyes for a moment. For a fraction of a second Spartacus would have labeled it hope. "And why is that?" Agron questions spinning out of the way of a downward swing. Spartacus was mildly impressed at that. A few days ago that move put Segovax on his knees. "I do have ulterior motives for wanting to help the three of you." He lowers his voice making sure their swords connect so they could push against them. Close enough that he could be heard by Agron and Agron alone. The Rhine raises an eyebrow. "Go on?" He pants struggling with the effort. He knows his own arms felt like goop, he doubts Spartacus' felt any better with last nights training. Yet here he was. Spartacus glances up at the balcony his eyes flashing with anger, glistening with sudden tears, before nodding towards Agron's fellow recruits. "What would you do to see him freed?" He asks. Agron loses his balance for a moment the two of them clashing in a puff of dust and whirling about to get back to a similar position. "Do you mean to tell me you are planning an escape?" The Rhine whispers somehow ending up on his back with Spartacus kneeling over him. Both wooden swords crossed across his neck. Spartacus grins stepping back to allow him to stand. "Perhaps. If the three of you agree to assist. And if I can trust you all." Agron nods at that. It made perfect sense. Why would he want to devoulge details about an escape plan with people he didn't trust? There was an odd look in Spartacus' eye and for some reason it made Agron feel as if the man just had an idea. "How would you like us to prove our trustworthyness?" He wonders dusting off his knees. Spartacus patiently waiting, squinting in the sun. "Your brother has given us the perfect tool." Spartacus muses more to himself than not. Agron tilts his head making a show of re-adjusting his shield. "I do not follow." Spartacus observes Duro for a moment making Agron wonder if he was simply thinking things over or purposefully waiting for some sort of dramatic affect. "We tell him and Segovax that we are lovers." Spartacus informs. Agron pulls his strap too tight and grimaces in pain. "Fucking what?" He gasps fumbling with the leather to alliveate the pressure. Spartacus reaches over and does it for him calmly and smiling slightly."We shall tell the pair of them that Duro was correct. And ask them to keep it private. Should the news spread we will know one of them is not to be trusted." Agron shoots Segovax a glare knowing damned well his brother can keep his mouth shut when asked. "This also gives us more chances to meet up and plan. The two of them shall think we are having a passionate rendezvous and in truth we will be plotting for a better future." Agron blinks at him, taken aback by the fire in those blue eyes. The man was suddenly extremely intense. "One without the weight of shackles and chains." Licking his suddenly dry lips Agron nods. "Alright. Then it seems we are in this together." He extends his right arm, noticing the stark difference of it being free of the brand on Spartacus'. He feels oddly uneasy about that. As if he wasn't worthy of fighting next to this man without it. Spartacus nods with a soft smile taking it. Clasping them together before they go back to sparing. Varro looks up from where he was kicking Rhaskos cock into the dirt. There was a familiar feeling of dread and he knows exactly the cause. He can see Spartacus and Agron clasp hands grinning at one another like a couple of horny newlyweds. With a quick glance he can tell that he is not the only one to notice this. "Jupiter's cock the man's stupidity knows no limits." He groans hanging his head.