[ Paranormal Pull ] - Stanford Pines x Reader

Campfire Stories (ch. 2)

"Well, I'm taking your body languages as a sign of asking for a short tale. I know I said not tonight, but these creatures are no myth. For your safety, I might as well. Stan, fuel the fire for me, will ya? I'm gonna go get marshmallows."

You stood from your seat and heard Stan mumble a "yeah yeah" before you ventured into the main house. Your home was humble, merely because the yard was where you spent most of your time. There was a big kitchen and dining room connected to the large living room. Besides the bathroom and your loft, that was really it. In the living room was a back porch where Freeway liked to hang out. There was no need for a fence or leash, seeing as the dog was obedient as a dog can be and knew his way home. A few hundred yards away was your garage, or as you liked to call it, your woman cave. The more lounging friendly area was smaller than the actual garage itself as many would expect, which also had a loft for nasty winters or cold nights. When the Pines slept over, the family split where they would sleep. For the sake of safety though, there was a "one adult in one area" rule. Either one parent and a child, one parent and two children, or (for some reason) the entire family crowds into the room. It wasn't too bad for them though, although it being a loft, it got warm in the summer and they all preferred to lay on the floor where the heat wasn't intense.

You reached into the cupboard above your sink and grabbed some marshmallows. Looking for your crackers and chocolate, you soon realized you had none and made a mental note to purchase more. So, you left with marshmallows and metal rods in hand, passing one to each individual and left Wendy on marshmallow guarding duty. With everyone munching away at the sticky globs of diabetes, you began telling your tale.

"Now, there's really no original story without an adaptation. So I'll tell you what I know, and give you my personal experience, sound good?"

"PERSONAL EXPERIENCE?!!" Dipper exclaimed, making everyone jump and look at the young teen. He blushed, quickly beginning to apologize for his outburst. You could tell the other nerd and your hunky, older crush got quietly excited over your statement, too. With everyone oozing anticipation, you began your story.

"Skin witches are what it says on the label. They are witches who take the form of animals and even humans by wearing their stolen skin and clothing. When not taking the form of another, they look humanoid in shape, although appearing as if their bones have been broken multiple times and haven't healed properly. Their hides are skin tight and extremely pale. They have eyes of silky glass, reflecting the souls of the creatures they've killed for their skin."

"Tell us your experience!" Stan eagerly demanded. He must have been really interested if he was openly mentioning his curiosity. You shushed him.

"Stanley Pines you better be quiet and let me finish my story or I will beat you senseless and you KNOW I can because I not only boxed but learned self-defense." At this, everyone burst out laughing and Stan put his arms up in defense as he laughed sheepishly.

"Yeah yeah, little lady. Jeez, sorry. I can throw a punch too, y-"

"Stanley! Be quiet!" Everyone cracked up again at Ford's outburst. You laughed a little harder than you should have. "Please, continue, (Y/N)."

Clearing your throat, you began to think, processing memories and piecing them together. After a few moments, you could begin and pick up more as you recalled the story.

"Before my aksot passed away and haksot became a recluse before his death in the good old days of dinosaurs and cavemen," the older twins laughed at your words. "I lived with them for a good portion of my life because my lovely ma couldn't take care of me. Aksot, my grandma, was a stern old woman who had a really bad habit of snapping at everyone. How Haksot, my grandfather put up with her, I'll never know. But I assume when you've been married for fifty years you get used to it. Haksot was rather quiet as Aksot did most of the talking, albeit hostile. He was a good man when given the chance. Good hunter. Good heart. Swore like a sailor and was rather inappropriate but he always had good intentions.

One day, Haksot went hunting the day after the season began. I would have gone with him if I wasn't milking cows and feeding the horses that morning, but in all honesty, I'm glad I didn't He came home late that night. Later than he should have been, so Aksot and I grew worried. She was too frail to go out and look herself, so I did it for her. I grabbed a shotgun and one of our horses and set out to search for him.

I assumed the worst, but I didn't think my original idea could be any more appealing than what the true reason. I found Haksot's jacket ripped to pieces a mile back into the woods. I assumed a bear got him, given the fierce claw marks across the cloth and the tree where the jacket was. Seeing that my stomach dropped and I kicked my horse to go faster.

Following the trail, I soon came across what I thought was Haksot. He was bloodied and beaten and despite the thick layers of clothing, I could see lacerations that oozed crimson. I soon concluded it wasn't a bear, and I was sickeningly right. This is why you guys should always stay together in the woods. There's safety in numbers, and it's good to have a plan in case this sort of thing happens.

"Haksot! Haksot! What happened?" I wailed. I went to dismount my horse but he bucked in disapproval. His wariness was strange. He was the leader of our horses, so he had to be smart, but this was my grandfather. Why was he acting like this?

I soon saw why. The demon copied my movements, silently mouthing my words. My stomach sank but I played along. You should never let a skin witch know that you're not fooled. I gave my stallion a reassuring pat on the base of his neck and dismounted. I went to hug the creature, pretending I thought this was my real grandfather. It didn't seem to notice the blade I had blessed by a medicine man in my sleeve, which was very relieving.

I gave it a tight hug and mocked sobs which were mimicked by the creature. It shuddered and rocked me, also feigning fear. I patted its back a few times, repeatedly asking where he was before jamming the blade into its back. The demon let out a feminine scream as the wound not only bled but burned. The skin soon melted away and its form shifted as I back away only a few feet, ready to strike once more. Now before me was a bone-thin monster, wailing and writhing in agony. I pinned it and struck its throat with the knife, and stomped on its chest to make sure it was dead. Soon, there was nothing left but a bubbling mass of gross leathery skin. It was disgusting yet satisfying to have not been on the receiving end of pain.

I hopped upon my horse after I'd blessed the corpse and went in search of Haksot. I found him a few minutes later and brought him home. The whole town was impressed but shaken. Skin witches usually dared to not mess with those who are educated about their kind. Regardless, everything worked out in the end, my grandpa was further blessed and healed well. Although he had a limp for the rest of his days, he was happy he didn't die that night. He never hunted alone again, lemme tell you that!"

You looked to the group who were all in their own state of emotions. Soos had shed some tears, Wendy was staring at you with admiration, as were Dipper and Ford. Did Stan seem...jealous? His expression was somewhat unreadable, but Mabel seemed terrified. Seeing her scared face made your heart sink. You knew you shouldn't have gotten too in depth.

"Hey, Mabel sweetie, come here it's fine." You cooed and she quickly ran to your arms, clinging onto your for dear life. She may be fourteen, but scary things are scary. Some things terrify people while others are whatever the hell Ford, Dipper, and Wendy are experiencing.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, okay? My home is protected by my ancestors. A skin witch would have a death wish it they came anywhere near my property." You gave her a squeeze and released her, letting her scramble to your side, still rather close.

"(Y/N) dear, you wouldn't mind us spending the night here, would you?" Ford asked before adding, "I think that was the scariest one you've told yet." The man laughed with embarrassment, and even Stan slightly nodded in agreement.

"Of course. It's no problem. You guys can figure out your arrangements. I don't care but you know the rules. Oh, and Wendy, can I have a ma-" You looked over at Wendy in disbelief. The young woman had an alarming amount of marshmallows in her mouth. You sighed and rested your face in your hands.

"Never mind."

Everyone roared with laughter.