A/N: Inspired by Home. Merle's take- because I felt it needed to be done. Because *I* needed to do it.
"I-I didnt know"
"Yeah...yeah you did."
.
.
.
Daryls scars were like a slap across his face, a cruel reminder that the ole mans hatred wasnt reserved just for him. But as a kid...he never touched em. Naw he only touched hisself,not Daryl, never. Heda seen it. Heda stopped it.
"He did the same thing to you. Thats why you left first."
The words are maddening and his heart is breaking and Merle Dixon is left once again not knowing what to do. He doesnt know how to make this situation a more desirable one with a more favorable outcome. What was he suppose to do? He couldnt be his baby brothers shield forever. How was he suppose to know the ole man was gonna be goin for more blood after he left? He really hadnt thought the ole man woulda gone after Daryl- and that was his narcissism thinkin that only he was worth his fathers hatred. That was his blame. He didnt think Daryl might notta been the favorite anymore if he was gone. But he did know with certainty that if he had stayed...
"I had ta go...I woulda killed em otherwise."
And its the truth- and he just wants to make his little brother understand- and his little brother his baby brother was walking away from em.
"Where ya goin?"
"Where I belong!"
And when did that stop being with him? When did he let his brother down so far that he didnt belong with him no more? The flashbacks of Daryl whispering to him in the woods. Daryl who when their daddy had knocked Merle unconscious somewhere- found him. Daryl who when Daddy had said that boy aint to eat- snuck him food anyway. Flashbacks of Daryl tellin em' he wanted to be tough like him. Its always me n you babybrother.
"I cant go with you"
Merles positive hes never been so raw- so bare with nobody. He feels like hes stripped clean and what he wants more than anything- the one thing he would die for is walking away from him.
"Y'know I might be the walking away. But your the one whose leaving. AGAIN."
Daryls tied the noose around his neck for him, now all he has to do is jump. Let him walk away. Away to where he belongs where hes loved. But...he cant let go of his brother. Daryl cant let go of those prison folk hes grown to care for... and while Daryl may be able to blame him. While Daryl may be able to fight em with words. Merle cant let go of what he loves either even if its better for em cause Merle is selfish. But Merle loves em, and would follow Daryl into the depths of hell if he had too.
And so he does.
.
.
.
We are the same but as our lives move along
And the third one between replaces what once was love. -Vienna Teng
Authors Note: I would be ecstatic if you left me a review. Even an unpleasant one. :P