Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns the show and characters.
Author's Note: This is a companion piece to Elenlor Edhelen's "Without You" that was written with her permission (if she likes it) and you can find that absolutely wonderful piece of fanfiction on my favorites list – in fact, you should probably read it first. This is probably less than half the length of the other one, so it's very short. Also, Elenlor Edhelen is my beta and one of my best friends.
I'm Still Here:
I want to slam my fists into the mirror to try to get to you. I can see you, but I can't reach you. I know you see me, Willow – but you only see images of the past. I tried to reach out to you, but I can't. I tried to talk to you, but we're worlds apart.
When you destroy the mirrors and make me promises, I know it. My reflection in the shards is just an image – I could never stay angry at you. You keep the promises and, though I'm at peace, I still feel sadness at the thought of you suffering like this. Don't grieve for me until your heart can't take it anymore...please. Don't give up because you think I'm gone.
I hear you, I see you, but I cannot touch you – I wish I could protect you. Be strong, like an Amazon...do you remember that? Do you remember anything I told you? I told you so many things that are true, even now, like 'I love you.' I just wanted you to be happy, Willow...I want that still.
Look in the mirror. Look deeper than the surface, you'll find yourself (I'm blinding you). You see me there, but it's not in your stead...I'm watching over you. I'm trying to be your guardian angel and see all of your life, even through the eyes of your new lovers. You never even gave them a chance, you're so caught up in my death.
You're breaking, fading, and I don't know how to tell you it'll be alright, but, sweetie, it will. Hurting is part of life and your time to join me is still far off, so try to enjoy the good parts of life – like ice cream and first kisses...fall in love again.
Please try to live the rest of your life without my constant shadow. This mirror is broken, but your promises never are...and neither are mine. So, I promise you that someday we'll be together again and you'll never have to feel any more pain. I'm still here now to watch you, we are together now, Willow.
When you look at my image in the mirror, feel hope and strength run through you – not grief. Feel me here, with you, to guide you to a new beginning.
A/N 2: Please review! Come on, "Without You" got reviews! Sorry, I'm greatly review-deprived.