It is fiction. 'Shipmates' by Merle Collins is a fictional creation, crafted to entertain and tell a story that isn't directly based on real events or people.
Daryl, on the other hand, is usually more of the silent type. He's highly skilled in survival skills like hunting and tracking. In fanfiction, his relationship with Merle is complex. He loves his brother but is also aware of his flaws. A lot of fanfics show Daryl trying to balance his loyalty to Merle with doing what's right in the post - apocalyptic world.