Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

A fool would get lost easily, should they fall victim to the dark caves underneath Megapolis. But a sharp mind, or a demon well versed in the layout of the caverns, would be easily able to find their way through the blackened abyss of Silken Web caves. Such a demon was wandering through the caverns, claws picking anxiously at a black coat, boots hitting the ground as their owner paced through the empty caves, the sound of his footsteps echoing and bouncing off the stone walls. It was late at night, barely after midnight yet closer to one. A familiar scientist thickly swallowed, echoing thoughts and visions plaguing him each time he closed his eyes, even if it was only to blink. He frivolously shook his head, trying to clear it in vain, desperate for the haunting visions to leave him be, to give him peace, even for just a moment. Cold chills raced down his spine, his shoulders stiff and body shuddering as ghostly voices surrounded him, silent to the world, but oh, so loud in his ears, fuelled by his inner torment.

“ Why in the Celestial Realm would we care about you ?” An echoing voice murmured in his ears, making the scientist twitch as he picked at his coat, his pace picking up as he aimlessly walked. It belonged to Goliath, the sweetest of the bunch, the softest brute he’s ever seen in his life. Yet in these delusions, he could be venomous, harsh and malicious, especially with his words. “What a stupid thought, Syntax. I thought you’re supposed to be smart . Wasn’t that why we kept you? You mean nothing to us, you’re hardly important outside of your work. Get that through your head.”

" Hah! You think we want you around? Please. Your only use is to make us what we want.” Another voice, much more snappy and aggressive. The faux authoritative tone made his skin crawl and the hair on his neck prick as he grit his teeth, shaking his head swiftly to try and rid the thought, rid himself of the haunting phantom of his queen, the words she’s never said outside of his own illusions. Yet he swore he could hear the real her saying them, her commanding voice so realistic and on the nose, he couldn’t help but shudder and believe it could be real. “ So hurry it up and do your job, before I decide to let another spiderbot have it’s way with you. And this time, I’ll personally make sure you won’t get back up . Don’t make me tell you again, half-breed.”

“Gods above, you’re so weak . You’re nothing compared to me- and you consider yourself one of us!? Don’t make me laugh, runt .” The third voice- and unfortunately, the one that affected him most, even just barely. He faltered in his steps, stopping dead in his tracks as his fingers twitched. He frowned, hating the way his chest ached at the words that the false depiction of Huntsman had told him. He adjusted his jaw and shook his head quickly, picking up his feet again, this time with a faster pace as the voices just continued ringing in his ears, the ghosts of his head not daring to leave him alone, even as he tried to get away. “ You’re just pathetic .”


Syntax had always been an easy victim of nightmares. But lately, they’ve gotten worse, especially since he joined the clan. Nightmares upon nightmares of being changed into a demon, metal sinking into his flesh, tearing through it with ease as he coughed up the sickly green venom, choking on the viscous, acidic liquid, unable to breathe. Vivid pain and hyper awareness of being injected with so much venom it made his body limp- weak, vulnerable and unable to retaliate against the bot that had changed his form into what it was now. Forced to relive and re-endure his most painful, agonizing moments, his body spasming as metal practically fused with his skin, forced to endure it while he bled once red turned an acidic, poisonous green. Screams of pure agony heard by no one, or sometimes the silhouettes of his clan surrounding him. But nobody came to assist him, even if it was just to tell him he was going to be okay, that it would pass. Even waking up would be a nightmare in and of itself as the feelings lingered , leaving him in pain and shaking at minimum. And that's when he didn't startle awake to someone shaking him- thankfully it only happened once. It was Goliath, the bumbling brute looking worried as he loomed over him in the dark, concerned as he held him in his arms. He'd felt awful that night for disturbing him, and he'd been avoiding sleeping due to it- apparently he screams in his sleep, when the dreams get too much to bear. He didn't want to burden them further, forcing himself to stay awake and pretend to sleep whenever Goliath sees it fit to check up on him late at night. Thankfully, he's always been good at faking it.

There were nightmares of being ripped apart by those he’s surrounded himself with that were prominent as well. Lucid ghosts of familiar teeth sinking into his flesh and throat, or having his limbs torn off with the same webs he’s had bind him up, and bound others with. Claws piercing into his skin, threatening to leave gashes so deep he’d have no chance of recovering. And sometimes, they followed through with that threat, tearing his body open like it was nothing . Forcing him to choke on his blood, or be forced to the ground to have his body and head slammed into the rocks. Bound up with webs while metal limbs stabbed into him or brute strength showed in it’s raw form, beating him senseless as he couldn’t even think about fighting back. They'd render him unable to even think, even register that it wasn't real. The pain was always vivid, always prominent through everything else, even as his thoughts turned to static. Phantom feelings of bruises and broken limbs lingered when he awoke, wounds that had never been there leaving him aching and sore through the day.

Yet there was still more. Words of venom and malice that hurt more than any wound could, hurt more than the phantom wounds that plagued him by those he regretfully admired from afar. Because unlike the wounds, words don’t just go away. Bitter insults, jabs at his insecurities, or threats that he knew the real ones could easily carry out. Some hurt worse than others, and some even made him dread seeing the real counterpart the morning after he’d awakened. One night was so berating he feared someone would hear him as he choked down a trembling sob, having been through a special kind of hell. But despite that- despite all the horrors he endured at his own mind’s leisure, he found the other dreams much, much worse.

Dreams of normalcy. He hated them. False realities where he’d get along with everyone, and things would be kinder, cordial. Reveries where Huntsman would train with him- but there wouldn’t be real bickering, arguing, or trying to truly maim one another. No punches would actually leave him reeling, and there’d be no tense atmosphere. Any bickering wasn’t turned into a full fight, and it was always light hearted. Dreams where Huntsman would listen to his nerdy ramblings, and in turn, he’d listen to whatever it was Huntsman thought about, too- usually food or a successful hunt. Huntsman would offer to come with during missions to keep him company or assist him, or even invite Syntax to tag along on his hunts, the two managing to laugh with one another, to enjoy one another’s company fully. Delusions where Goliath would be talking to him about his day or something that reminded him of the scientist- or he’d be talking to him, explaining something, usually one of his gadgets, and he’d listen . Or sometimes, Goliath would be teaching him some random fact he’d learned that day, or even a recipe he’d picked up from a storybook, and it always had him interested and captivated. Much like the real one, his dream version of Goliath was fascinated with insects- often talking about moths or some other little creature that could be found in the caves. Once, he dreamed that Goliath had a little bat in his huge hands, but when he went to show Syntax it spooked. It had gotten stuck in his hair, and Goliath frantically apologized- but he wasn’t even upset, he just laughed as Goliath tried to get the bat out of his hair. It was one of his favorites to remember, when it wasn’t painful to recall. He’d even have dreams where the Queen would compliment his work, or talk to him about some mundane subject or gossip she’d heard. Indulge him in casual banter, or even tea or coffee while the two conversed about life or the clan. He’d even had a dream once where he and her had gone into the city without attempting to destroy it, the two snickering at the gapes of humans as they looked their way. Another favourite of his was when they had managed to get inside of a coffee shop. Huntsman terrified the poor worker- much like the real one would, while the queen laughed at the poor human. But it was all in fun. Casual, easy atmosphere that was easy to get comfortable in. Secure, safe, and almost.. familial.

He loathed it, because when he woke up, he’d be reminded that it wasn’t the case in reality. Made painfully aware that reality was cold and hard, almost unforgiving. Almost. He fucked up, once. When it happened, he’d been so tired he forgot that he had dreamt at all, chalking up his dream to be yesterday’s actual events. He’d tried to strike up a conversation with Goliath, who’d met him with a strange look before actually indulging it, talking about the book he had been reading about types of butterflies. He had been beyond thankful it was Goliath who had to be the receiving end of his blunder, and not the more volatile members of his clan. But it wasn’t a mistake he’d make again, should it be for his own pride, or safety. Who knows what would happen should he try to make conversation with Huntsman or the Queen- likely a new injury he didn’t need.

He snapped back to reality as he kicked his foot against a rock, stumbling as he threw his arms out to regain his balance, swaying as he tripped over his feet. Once upright again, he scowled at the ground, squinting as he struggled to locate it immediately, his usually sharp senses dulled and fuzzy by lack of sleep. He hissed to himself, whispering a curse or three as he kicked the rock aside into the wall, glaring at it with simmering irritation while it clattered to the ground. His gaze flicked upwards, his attention caught by a dark, cavernous hole in the wall, his eyes widening just a touch as he faltered, both physically and mentally. He knew this wall. He was standing in front of Huntsman’s den.

Oh, shit .

He hesitated, swallowing thickly as his eyes darted across the dark abyss, attempting to peer inside from afar. Oh fuck, he was actually inside. He struggled to see him, but he could faintly make out his silhouette in the dark. It was mostly his breathing that gave him away, his ears perked to pick up the sound. He bit his lip, swallowing thickly as he wondered idly if he could approach him- he didn’t want to be alone, not with his thoughts, not with his visions. And sure, Huntsman and him didn’t have the best relationship.. But they were his clanmates, right? Clanmates do help one another, don’t they? And.. he was a spider now, wasn’t he? Doesn’t that qualify him as part of the clan? His eyes didn’t move from the entryway of the den, unable to see inside due to the sheer darkness as his eyes readjusted, refusing to look further. He nervously twitched, swallowing thickly as he stepped forward reluctantly. Maybe…

He hesitated.

… No.  He turned his head away, his grip tightening on his coat’s arm as his jaw clenched, biting his cheek as he tore his gaze away and to the floor, taking a step away from the den and forwards to keep going on his way. He shook his head, smacking his temple with the heel of his palm as if that would help steer him away from the silly thought. There’s no possible way that can go well, don’t be ridiculous, Syntax. This isn’t your stupid fantasies, you’re a tool- a pawn, they don’t care. Just because you look like them now, it doesn’t mean that-

“Runt.” A voice snapped Syntax out of his thoughts as he jumped, a violent hiss escaping his lips as he swiftly turned to face the owner, eyes wide as he stumbled. Huntsman stood at the threshold of his den, arms crossed and all four eyes fixated on him. Something about it made his stomach drop, his shoulders stiffening as he resisted the urge to flinch. Fuck, he’d been caught.

“Hhs-! Wh-What are you doing up this late?!” Syntax hissed, mentally kicking himself for stumbling in his words, his voice already strained as he’d been avoiding using it, not wanting to hear the way it showed his vulnerability. Huntsman raised an eyebrow, tilting his head just a touch as he took notice, much to the hybrid’s displeasure. Shit, he’d been too obvious.

“Woke up and saw you lurking outside my den. What the hell are you doing up?” Huntsman challenged, making Syntax stutter. He can’t tell Huntsman about this- there’s no possible way, not unless he wanted to keep his dignity. It’d be humiliating at best , and he didn’t even want to think about the worst case scenario, several flashes of his nightmares running through his head all at once. He grimaced as he shook them away mentally, his head twitching as he did, while he tried to think up an excuse. He suddenly felt way too vulnerable all at once, like prey to a predator, Huntsman’s gaze unfaltering as he cleared his throat nervously. He took a step back.

“N..Nothing. Working.” Syntax lamely muttered, letting go of his arm as he realized he had been squeezing it in an iron grip- a nervous habit he didn’t even notice he did anymore. He didn’t even realize he had begun to tremble underneath the hunter’s gaze as his piercing eyes glanced him over while he busied himself stuffing his hands into his pockets. He pointedly avoided looking up at the brute, afraid to meet his eyes, unaware that he was inspecting him as his eyes studied the ground.

“Yeah? Lurking outside my den is.. Work ?” Huntsman pressed, his eyes scanning Syntax’s form. He raised a brow, taking note of his demeanor as he finally got a good look now that the hybrid stopped moving so much. The usually composed scientist was disheveled, to say the least. He had dark circles under his eyes that tried to rival the color black itself, deep and sunken in like he hadn’t slept in weeks. His hair was a mess, tangled and unkempt, a stark contrast to the usual tidy neatness he kept it in, knots decorating it all over. His coat hung just a touch off of his shoulder, his shirt looking like it was messily tossed on, wrinkles evident as it bunched near the waistline. He had his pajama pants on, hitched up messily around the ankles as if he had just stuffed his feet into his boots instead of taking his usual time to tuck his pants in neatly. Not to mention the twitchiness and nervous stance he had- he usually was bold, confident. But he looked ready to run now, his shoulders brought up and tense, feet shifting restlessly. His eyes refused to meet his, the usual challenge in his eyes nowhere to be found.

He’s trembling.. Isn’t his den the other way..? Huntsman thought, his scowl deepening just a touch as he watched Syntax sway, catching his attention further. He looked ready to fall, as if his legs wouldn’t support himself for much longer. As exhausted as the poor hybrid looked, he didn’t doubt it, even as the scientist scoffed and rolled his eyes.

“Wha-! Obviously not, you-! I was- rrgh- I was going to my de- my room .” Syntax snapped, fumbling over himself, cursing himself out mentally as he stuttered and hissed in frustration. He grit his teeth and scoffed as he threw his hands in the air while he swiftly turned, forcing himself to walk away before he made a bigger fool of himself, desperate to get away. He’d rather take another nightmare over this indignity. “Regardless-!! It’s early- late. It’s late. Pretend this never happened and go back to your nest- bed . Good-'' Syntax was cut off by the sound of footsteps and a shadow looming over him. Before he could even finish his sentence, he was grasped tightly, an arm swiftly wrapping around his middle. “-nIGHT-!?”

And his world was, quite literally, thrown. Huntsman lifted him off of his feet, throwing them over his shoulders. His gut landed on Huntsman’s shoulder, resulting in a ‘umph’ as his breath was stolen, the smaller hybrid winded from the harsh landing, his eyes screwing shut as he tried to stop his head from spinning. What just happened.

“Can’t believe I’m doing this.. Come on, runt. We’re going to sleep, you especially.” Huntsman sighed, keeping his arm wrapped around the smaller’s middle as Syntax began to squirm, hissing and fussing. Why- no, where was he taking him- fuck, what the hell was going on??

“What is wrong with you-!? Huntsman, you insufferable dick- put me down!!” Syntax fussed, attempting to swipe at the brute who carried him off into his den, who only ignored his protesting and kicking, unbothered by the pitiful attack as he simply just tilted his head away. He was surprised he wasn’t using his mechanical limbs- but he figured he was too tired to remember them. At least that benefited him.

“Dumb runt..” Huntsman sighed, his tone exasperated, but almost.. Affectionate. He grumbled to himself, squeezing the fussing spider demon lightly while the hybrid only continued to kick and writhe, hissing and spitting profanities. However, it was cut short as he was unceremoniously dumped into soft bedding, his breath stolen at the landing, falling sharply onto his back. He grunted, rolling onto his side, glancing around as he tried to gather his bearings. He sharply inhaled, not quite a gasp but close, eyes widening as he looked around, stupefied. He.. was in Huntsman’s nest. What . Huntsman began to crawl into the nest, the nest dipping under his weight being what caught his attention as his head snapped to face his direction.

“Have you lost your mind-!?” Syntax seethed, turning to face Huntsman as he pushed himself up on his arms, watching as Huntsman flopped into the nest with abandoned care, grumbling incoherently to himself while he tried to get comfortable.

“Probably.” He managed to sigh, lifting his arm into the air for some strange reason. Syntax ignored it foolishly, hissing as he continued to attempt to get up, struggling in the uneven silk, as he’s never even been in such a nest before. It was slippery for webbing, yet just sticky enough to get a decent purchase as his claws sank into it. Or, maybe it just felt like that because his head was spinning and refused to stop.

“You-!! Nests are for clanmates , I shouldn’t be in-!! Why would you bring me heRCKH-!” And again, the hybrid was cut off, violently this time. Huntsman’s arm fell on him, square on his back and implant, sending him to the mattress with a strangled sound. He trembled for a moment as he tried to regain his bearings, head spinning, lying there in shock while his back spasmed and twitched. He somewhat shook it off, ignoring the twitching in favor of trying to get out of Huntsman’s hold, hissing at the larger demon as he strained.

“Huntsman-!!” He hissed, pushing against the weight of his arm as he tried to lift himself up. Only, Huntsman didn’t let him. He pressed back, keeping the hybrid pinned effortlessly as he watched him quietly with narrowed eyes, not muttering a word. It unnerved the scientist greatly- what was he thinking? If it was anything like what his mind told him, or anything like his dreams- his nightmares ; He had to go, and as soon as possible. Yet, his struggle was all for nothing, only wearing him out further as his vision began to blur from the exertion. Already exhausted from lack of sleep, he quickly fell limp again, groaning in defeat as he glowered at the wall, panting under his breath and hoping the hunter wouldn’t hear.

“...Huntsman.” Syntax grumbled after a long pause, his eyes flicking to the hunter. He had his eyes closed by now, but was obviously listening as his ears twitched, a telltale sign he had come to recognize. Yet he stayed silent, making the scientist groan in irritation at his blatant lack of response, putting his head back into the bedding. “I shouldn’t-”

“You are a part of our clan, you know.” Huntsman sharply cut him off, his gravelly voice making Syntax jump at the sudden noise, drawing him to look up again. He paused, his mouth opening, before closing again, both speechless, and curious on what the brute had to say. Huntsman continued as he remained quiet, his eyes opening to look at the small spider in his arms. Syntax didn’t meet his gaze.

“You’re one of us, Syntax. You can come to us.” Huntsman murmured, his voice lowering into an.. Almost soothing tone. One Syntax hadn’t ever heard, even from his dreams. It made his heart pound just a touch harder, though he wasn’t sure why, but he pushed it aside- he can unbox that later. “You weren’t born like we were, yeah. But you’re a part of us now, whether you like it or not, and we take care of each other. Don’t think I- or any of us, haven’t noticed you refusing to sleep.”

Syntax grimaced, groaning at the realization he hadn’t been as.. Obscure in his refusal to sleep as he would’ve liked. However, he found himself almost soothed by the words of his clanmate. Almost. It was gentle, pleasant and soft. He didn’t feel threatened or tense, as usual with the brute, which was a feat in and of itself. But it was so… unfamiliar, bizarre.

“So, you’re staying here until you get some actual sleep. Be glad I didn’t drag Goliath in here too to really make sure you stay put.” Huntsman finished, making his point by getting comfortable, lying his head down on his free arm. And suddenly, he was sober again. Syntax stiffened, looking at him incredulously as he tried to gauge if he was serious, his eyes widening.

“You want me to sleep in your nest. With you.” Syntax deadpanned, Huntsman chuckling in amusement at the falter and obvious disbelief in the scientist’s tone, his secondary eyes meeting his.

“Yep.” Huntsman responded, closing his eyes again to solidify his point. Syntax stared at him, his jaw slightly agape in shock as he tried to register that the brute was serious . There wasn’t- he couldn’t possibly be.

“You’ve lost your mind.” Syntax stated, rolling his eyes as he put his hand over his face, Huntsman snorting in amusement as he watched the scientist struggle to put reason to his face. “You’ve lost it. There’s no actual way you’d let me here if you were thinking straight. Are you drunk?? Eat something strange, perhaps?”

Huntsman huffed a laugh, Syntax’s eye twitching at the audacity while he tried to sit up again, scoffing. Yet Huntsman still refused to let him get up, moving to wrap his other arm around him as well, making the scientist’s breath hitch at the almost hug, his gaze flicking to look at the arms around his waist. His cheeks warmed a touch, confusing him further as he tried to curb stomp the emotions threatening to show through his thin veil of sobriety.

“I’m thinking with my head on, Syntax. Seriously.” Huntsman sighed, yet he didn’t sound irritated, like usual. This side of Huntsman was strange- new, and unfamiliar. Unpleasant, no, but it was still so strange . Syntax grimaced to himself as his chest ached, reminded of one of his better dreams he’d had recen- that’s it . He must be dreaming, it made sense! Everything’s been so blurry after all, fuzzy like he wasn’t actually awake! He sighed deeply as his shoulders slumped, finally allowing himself to fall into the nest, rubbing his head with a weak scoff.

“I’m dreaming, then. Excellent. Like I need another one of these- these fantasies .” Syntax muttered, his voice straining into almost desperation. Huntsman’s eyebrows knitted as he lifted his head, curious and concerned at this new information. He knew Syntax had been struggling with nightmares, but this was different. Fantasies didn’t describe nightmares, and this sounded mournful rather than the simply exhausted or irritated tone he’d come to know. He didn’t know why he cared so much, but he did. So, he pressed to know more.

“What makes ya say that?” Huntsman questioned, hoping to get an answer and not some vague gesture the scientist liked to give him, propping himself up on his arm while looking down at the smaller demon, his free arm still tucked around him. Thankfully, Syntax, thinking this was all just an illusion, obliged for once, closing his eyes so he didn’t have to look into his as he actually welcomed the new touch, rubbing his head against the pillow to get comfortable, breathing in his scent.

“Honestly, you. You’re never like this, outside of my head, in reality. It’s funny, really- or at least ironic, in some way. You’re at my throat constantly, there’s always some sort of feud.. You’d never actually accept me into your den let alone your nest . I mean- why would you? We do nothing but fight.” Syntax began to ramble, but he looked so tired, even with the small smile he bore. Huntsman frowned lightly as he listened, watching the exhausted hybrid stare up at the ceiling as he continued, unable to keep his eyes closed for long, not when he had more to say. “You’d never tell me I’m-.. a part of the clan. I’m really not, so I suppose you’re- well, the real you is right. I’m just a pawn for the Queen, her toolbox to use at her own disposal.” Syntax sighed, covering his eyes as he rubbed the heel of his palms into them, hissing to himself. “Gods, I thought I was past this- I know what I am, I’ve accepted it.”

Huntsman moved before he knew he did. He slowly pulled Syntax closer, into a real embrace, his arms wrapped snugly around him, his arms squeezing the hybrid just a touch. His hand wandered up his back and to his head, finding his hair and beginning to straighten it out carefully- almost fondly. He wasn’t sure what to say, or even where to start. But yet, Syntax only continued talking, even while he fell limp in the brute’s hold, allowing the hunter to comb through his hair, for once accepting of the rare attention and affection. He relaxed in his touch, even if he didn’t look at him.

“It’s stupid, really. Again- something you’d never do in the real world you’re doing for me now. He’d never actually embrace me like this- it’s nothing like him.” His voice choked up just a touch as he allowed his hand to grasp Huntsman’s arm gently, his eyes narrowing, threatening to close as he got comfortable. Shame bubbled in his chest, along with guilt. Sure, it was a fantasy- a dream, but it felt so selfish. His voice became softer- full of longing and mourning as his head fell against Huntsman’s chest. “It’s a fool’s wish, truly. To want this.”

“It’s not stupid at all. You really think you aren’t part of us? You mean a lot- to all of us, Syntax- we care about you more than you know.” Huntsman murmured, the scientist’s eyes looking up at him, before huffing and turning away again, weary and tired. Huntsman’s eyes narrowed, opening his mouth to say more when Syntax cut him off, unaware he even had more to say.

“You’re so unlike yourself in these delusions, it’s almost funny.” Syntax muttered, moving to lie down entirely, surprising Huntsman just a touch as his arms freely wrapped around him, his head falling against his body, using his chest as a pillow. Huntsman looked down at him, only to see the hybrid’s eyes closed, having finally given into the exhaustion while the larger demon gave a big sigh.

“You’d be surprised at what I’m like, smallfry.” Huntsman sighed, lying comfortably as he wrapped his arm around Syntax, his hand softly pressing into his back, rubbing up and down soothingly. Syntax hummed, but made no more comment or response as he simply laid comfortable, inhaling the hunter’s scent with each breath, determined to enjoy this affectionate warmth for as long as possible before he had to inevitably wake up. After all, dreams always end, right?

Huntsman hummed, resting his own eyes as he tried to make sense of Syntax’s ramblings, but his vague nonsensical words were never his forte, try as he might. Maybe he can bribe him into explaining more after he got some sleep.

“Get some rest, runt.” Huntsman murmured, sighing as he continued rubbing Syntax’s back, small circles and patterns as he felt the hybrid’s throat rumble against his arm, signifying a weak purr. The only way he’d let that sound slip past him would be if he was asleep, amusing the hunter with how quick he was out. His mouth curved into a smile, his ears pricking to hone in on the sound as he closed his eyes, the soothing sound of his breathing lulling him into comfortability. With the warmth of another body, and the gentle, safe atmosphere, both demons found themselves falling asleep quickly in another’s presence.

The two were out in a matter of minutes, sleeping peacefully in each other's rare embrace.