The Walking Dead isn't mine.

It had been dark for awhile before Daryl heard the inevitable footsteps coming toward D block. He caught himself hoping it was Carol. He didn't like leaving things like they were. He didn't like that earlier that day the fence had been the only thing preventing him from grabbing on to her and not letting go. It was always such a fucking relief to see her. Like his gut was in a constant knot that he didn't even notice until he saw her again and relaxed.

Merle was right. He'd made an ass of himself. The words had passed his lips before he could stop them. Thing was, he knew he'd have to go with Merle. He couldn't see any other way. But that meant living with that knot in his stomach all the time. And seeing her there in front of him made it that much harder to let go. And then she'd said no. Of course she'd said no. He knew who he was. What he was. And Merle standing there made him look more Dixon than he'd ever felt before.

Daryl tried to ignore the disappointment. He was better off. He didn't need to be looking out for her ass all the time. She'd just slow them down. And Merle wouldn't have any patience for that. It'd take the pressure off, not having her look to him all the time. Looking at him like he could save her. Looking at him like he was her friend. Like he was worth something.

"We brought some food." Rick said, interrupting Daryl's thoughts. Daryl met them at the door and let them in. No Carol. He tried not to care.

Carl followed Hershel in, holding the baby. They didn't seem to be in a hurry to leave. Daryl glanced over his shoulder toward the cell where Merle was sleeping. He'd be up any minute to chase them off.

"How's Glenn?" Daryl asked quietly, while he had the chance.

"He'll be fine." Hershel assured him. "That boy is a tough one."

"Maggie too." Daryl observed. Hell, the winter had turned them all into a kick ass unit. He grabbed a plate and started eating.

"Daryl," Rick began. "We want you to stay. You and Merle, if that's what it takes."

"Oh yeah?" Daryl squinted. "That everyone's opinion?"

"I didn't ask for everyone's opinion." Rick said. "I decide what's best for the group. We need you with us."

Daryl shook his head. "It won't work. Merle wants to go. He's pissed about his hand. I don't see that changing any time soon. And Glenn is pissed too. Won't work." Daryl repeated.

"Do you think this Governor is done with us?" Rick continued. "He's coming. It's just a matter of when. We could use you, Daryl. Merle too. You know he must outnumber us. Michonne told us what kind of fire power we're up against."

"Then take off," Daryl said. "Pack up and run while you have a chance."

"And live like we did last winter? With Judith?" Rick asked.

Daryl's gaze shifted then to the baby. Carl shifted her in his arms. "She missed you." The boy said.

Daryl put his plate down and licked his fingers, gesturing for the baby to be passed to him. He didn't need any further encouragement to hold her.

"Look at you, bigger already. It's only been a day." Daryl spoke to the child. She stared up at him and he just knew she wouldn't be taking any of his crap. She was so tough already.

"What's this, then?" Merle asked, coming out of the cell.

"We brought some food." Rick said. "I'm trying to convince your brother that we need him to stay with us. The both of you. We're stronger if we stick together."

"That didn't work out so good for me the last time." Merle said. "Daryl and I are better off on our own." Merle glanced at the food and then turned his attention back to Daryl.

"Don't tell me you actually managed to get Mouse knocked up?"

"Pfft." Daryl couldn't resist turning the baby toward Merle. "This little ass kicker is Rick's."

"Is that right?" Merle leaned in and stroked her cheek.

"Don't she remind you of Lisa?" Daryl asked.

"She don't remind me of nothing." Merle said gruffly, backing away.

"Did you have a daughter, Daryl?" Hershel asked. Everyone was looking at him now. Daryl looked down at the baby, bouncing a little as he swayed.

"Naw, not me." Daryl said over Merle's snort. "Merle's kid."

"She wasn't mine." Merle insisted darkly. "Shut up."

Daryl just shrugged. "Alright, Bro. I just meant she looked like you, in a cute sort of way. And it was one of your skanks that dropped her off and never came back."

"Makes sense now," Rick said. "How good you are with her."

"Had some practice." Daryl admitted. "They took her from us." He bit his lip. His uncle had brought the baby to a fire station and left her there. Daryl had tried to track her down, but had failed to find her. Merle hadn't helped at all. He glanced up at Merle who was glaring at him. The others were looking all sad and ready to fucking hug him or something. This was why he never talked about shit. He didn't need no one feeling sorry for him.

"Jesus Christ!" Merle huffed. "First, Lisa probably has babies of her own by now, so quit looking at that baby like you've got her back. Second, they're all dead now anyway, dumb ass. Everyone."

Merle turned back to the food then and started to eat. His attention was drawn to Carl. "Look at you, little man. You've grown a foot. You a tough guy now?"

"He sure is." Daryl said.

"And what about your little friend? She a warrior woman?"

Carl's expression turned dark. "Sophia is dead."

"Well I'm sorry to hear that." Merle said, meaning it. Daryl saw the look pass between Rick and Hershel. They didn't know Merle like he did. That's what was always so confusing. He came off all hateful and scary, but could turn fucking sincere on a dime. He cared about the little ones, Daryl knew. But Merle wouldn't have gone looking for Sophia like he had. That was the difference between them. Merle didn't dwell. He cut his losses and moved on.