TWDG Season 4 -- Male Reader x Violet

The Residents of Ericson's

I follow after Marlon, walking down the halls and back outside, where for some reason, everyone was. I wonder if they saw me coming and ran into the main building, or if I just came at the perfect moment.
They were going around, doing their business. Some doing chores or just talking to the others. It was peaceful. As if there was nothing wrong with the world.

"So, you've been out there a while, huh?" Marlon asks.

A while was an understatement. Feels like a lifetime ago when things were normal.

"Since I was 8."

"I take it you know how to handle yourself then?" He asks. "Don't usually see people our age out by themselves."

"I try my best to avoid conflict, but yeah, I can protect myself." I answer.

Thing is, Joey didn't teach me how to fight so I could protect myself. He taught me how to fight for the sole purpose of killing someone, whether or not they attacked first.

"So this place was a school?" I ask.

"It was. Now, it's whatever we want it to be."

"And who's in charge?"

"Well... I am. Probably sounds strange, kids run by a kid, but we do alright for ourselves. We got good walls, good defenses. Good location too. No one really comes out this way. Well, apart from you it seems."

"Only because I was in a bit of a panic. I can tell you with full honesty, I wouldve taken a look at the forest and wouldnt even have thought about going in."

I mostly just followed roads, as roads eventually led to towns or cities. Although I tried my best to avoid big places like that. The risk is rarely worth the reward.

"Can't blame you. It's a big place. Easy to get lost if you don't know where youre going."

"So no adults, at all?" I ask.

"Wasn't always like this, though. People leave. They die. There's less of us all around. I got us a system in place that works well enough. Allow me to make it formal: Welcome to Ericson's Boarding School for Troubled Youth. You seem like you fit that description. It's hard to survive these days without being a bit... troubled."

I laugh a little.

"You could say that."

This was nice. Being on the move constantly by yourself for two years makes you miss these small things.

"Well, before we do anything else, you need to introduce yourself to the others."

Crap.

"Theres ten of us here, nine if you don't include me. Pretty sure everyone is in the courtyard, but if they're not, its fine. I'm sure you'll get the chance later. Introduce yourself, then come back and talk to me."

"Will do. Thanks again for letting me stay the night."

And for not shooting me.

"Don't mention it." He says, then leaves.

Nine people.
I look around the courtyard to find everyone.
One kid at a bench, two girls at the front entrance of the main building, one guy beside the front entrance, two at the top right, and two at the cooking station. Thats only eight.
I look around again and couldn't see number nine.
Maybe they'll show up later.
I'll introduce myself to the kid first, since he's closer.

The kid was sitting at the benches, drawing something with colouring pencils. He's heavily focused, not even realising I've sat down in front of him.

"Hey, I'm (y/n)." I say getting his attention.

He looks up at me, surprised.

"Uh... hi. My names Tennesse, but everyone calls me Tenn. What are you doing here?" He asks, sounding cautious.

"Marlon is letting me stay here for tonight, then he'll show me a way out of the forest tomorrow morning." I tell him.

"Oh... okay."

I notice the right side of his face is scarred from burns, from his ear to the corner of his eye. I decide not to ask about it, incase its a touchy subject.

He stares at me in silence with a curious look.

"Whats it like out there?"

Like shit. I'm obviously not gonna tell him that, but I'm not gonna lie to him either.

"Well, it can be peaceful at times. But it can get a bit crazy."

"Do you get scared?"

"Sometimes. But everyone does. Just gotta learn to not let it control you." I say

He looks off into the distance, thinking about it.

"I dont get scared." He says, going back to his drawing.

I smile a little.

"Whys that?"

"No matter what happens, I have people waiting for me on the other side."

My smile dissappears.

"Your parents?" I ask.

"My sisters. Minnie and Sophie. Walkers got them." He explains.

"Oh. Im sorry."

"Its okay."

We sit in silence for a while. It seems a touchy subject came up anyway.

"What are you drawing?" I ask.

"The school. And everyone here."

I take a look at the paper and there were 10 featureless people standing in a row. He was currently putting more detail into the actual building itself first.

"Not bad. I never got the hang of drawing. I'd say you're better than me." I tell him.

He smiles.

"There isn't much to do around here so I mostly just draw or play with toys."

"Well maybe when I'm out travelling, I'll bring you back something entertaining."

His face lights up.

"Really? You'd do that?" He asks.

"Sure, why not? I'd be happy to."

I felt a bit bad telling him that as I probably wasn't going to come back. I don't even know if I could find this place again if I tried.
I just thought it'd be nice to cheer him up a little.

"Nice talking to you Tenn, I gotta go see the others now." I say, getting up.

"Bye (Y/n)."

He seems like a good kid. This whole thing must be hard on him. I hope all this ends soon, and we can all go back to our ordinary lives. A part of me hopes so, but a part of me knows things will never be the same again.