Clementine could argue it, argue him. He would have stuck by her regardless, but she was able to fight off what eventually find its way to her. If he had been with her, he would have been safer. If he had died, she would have been there to take care of it before he turned. There are so many reasons why it is exactly her fault. So many times in her life, she has been left with such choices. They're so fucking heavy.

but he says it wasn't her fault like it's so easy for him to say, like he doesn't blame her at all (when he should).

When she does. When she always will for this and many other choices.

Her eyes close, and she swallows thickly, resting her forehead against his shoulder. She only lifts her head again when he says that. Those words that have been rattling around in her since she was certain she would die, since she felt it.

"I love you too."

This is true. It is true. It will always be true.

"I love you so much. I want to be with you as long as we can. The alternative is-" Her eyes close, and she clutches tighter to him, winding her arms around him, pulling him in close. She speaks against his shoulder, pressing a kiss there, burying her face there. "I couldn't live with that. I'm so glad you're back. You mean the world to me."

And then some.