Hi guys! Thank you all so much for your reviews! As this is my first fanfic ever, your reviews are great encouragement to keep writing! I hope I won't disappoint you and enjoy the following chapters!

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Daryl was woken up by angry voices. He shot up from the bed, surprised he'd slept for so long. He ran out of his cell, impatient to find out what happened. Glen was shouting at Rick, who was rubbing his temples with tired expression on his face. Maggie was standing next to Glen, waiting for her chance to get involved in the argument. Carl was shielding Beth and watched his father with growing concern. Carol was holding Judith and Hershel was just coming from the shower block.

"What the hell is going' on?" Daryl's voice finally silenced Glen who turned from Rick to him.

Glen's face was bright red.

"You brother is still out there, this is what the hell is happening!" he furiously waved his hand towards the entrance, "he's waiting there and doesn't want to leave!"

Daryl hardly ever showed any emotions apart from anger but this time his eyes grew wide as he stared at Glen: "What?"

He was absolutely certain Merle had left the prison immediately after their fight. Daryl's dull answer enraged Glen even more. He ran into the cell they used was storing their weapons and came out with a shotgun.

"I'm going to kill him, he's not going to be here with us. It's either me or him."

Daryl saw Carol covering her mouth in shock. Hershel shouted at Glen. Daryl didn't have time to think. In one swift moment he crashed Glen against the wall and knocked the shotgun out of his hand.

"You ain't killing nobody," Daryl shouted into his face.

He picked up the gun from the floor and handed it over to Rick.

"I'm goin' out myself and will talk to Merle."

Rick nodded and took the gun: "Will you need…?"

Daryl shook his head: "If Merle stayed here, he's not gonna cause troubles."

Daryl felt his legs are heavier and heavier by every step he took as he was walking to the door. He knew how to deal with furious Merle. He knew how to deal with aggressive, abusive and patronizing Merle. But he had not freaking idea how he would deal with begging Merle, who will never be accepted by the rest of the group. He didn't want to leave with him again. But he didn't want to throw him to the walkers or Governor either.

When he opened the door, he was blinded by the sun. Again he wondered how long he'd slept. The summer was coming, the days were getting longer and warmer. Merle was leaning against the wall of one of the cell blocks. When he saw Daryl, he smiled.

"Finally awake lil'bro! You've got used to the soft bed really quick!" Merle's words were not offensive.

"What are you doing' here?" Daryl growled. He had his crossbow on his back.

"Aren't you glad you see your big brother pal?" Merle laughed.

"What I am doin' here? Merle grinned, "tryin' to survive, this is exactly what I'm doin' here brother."

Merle looked at his brother sharply: "Ya need me and you know it. With your African stunner gone ya stand no chance against the Governor."

Daryl didn't want to think about it.

"Michonne left when she saw you coming. Otherwise you would be sliced up by now."

Merle cackled: "Doesn't matter. She's gone. Who will fight? You, lunatic officer friendly, angry Chinaman, young boy, old man with no leg and bunch of women?"

Merle's voice was mocking when he was calculating their chances. Daryl's face clouded over. He knew Merle was right.

"The group will never accept you," he tried unconvincingly.

"It's not 'bout they accept me or not. They need me. We'll probably all die anyway, but if you wanna at least try to defend this prison, ya need me."

Daryl remained silent.

"Bro, what if I promise I'll behave myself? No one's gonna complain. I'll even apologize to Chinaman if he stops throwing these death glares all the time."

"He's Korean! Can't you at least remember that for fuck's sake?"

Daryl was desperate. This decision was tearing him apart. The group would never accept Merle after what he'd done. But Merle was right – if they want to have at least a chance against the Governor, they desperately need Merle' s strength and knowledge. No matter what kind of prick his brother was, it was still his brother, his only living kin. Daryl couldn't forget the times Merle had left him at home alone. But he also couldn't forget the times Merle stood up for him, when his father was half insane after their mother's death and younger and weaker Daryl was a perfect target.

Merle felt sensed Daryl's mood.

"Bro', I admit I have done things I am not proud of. I was carrying out the orders. But I can help you. And I will if you let me. No one knows this bastard better than me."

Daryl sighed. There was no right decision that would suit everyone. There's has been only the will to survive. And if they want a chance to survive, Merle has to be a part of that plan.

"I will talk to the group." Daryl turned and walked back to the prison.

The wide smile spread across his brother's face. He knew Daryl too well.