A New Dawn: 'I Miss You'
by Faith_5by5
“Hey Buffy.” Willow greeted, a hint of melancholy in her voice. She sat down on the grass opposite, looking around at the peaceful surroundings. The trees stood in a circle around them, their long, leafy branches providing shade from the touch of the hot sun. It was a secluded spot. “Just thought I’d stop by and say hey.” Willow said, turning and picking up the flowers she’d brought with her. “And look, I brought posies.” She gave a half smile and leant closer, placing them down in front of the white, marble headstone. Willow sat back, her half smile fading. “It’s not been easy without you, Buffy.” A look of deep sadness found it’s way across the young Wicca’s face. She stroked the grass in front of her, her eyes becoming tearful. Willow tried to hold back the tears, but just being there, in that place, filled her with an overwhelming sense of loss. She pressed her hand against the soft soil, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I miss you, Buffy.” She sniffed as another tear started down her face. She let out a half-stifled sob, realising she had broken the promise she made to herself before coming, not to cry. She let out a quiet laugh, the tears streaming down her cheeks. “Sorry Buff, I didn’t mean to get all cry-faced.” She smiled as she wiped the tears from her face. Willow imagined Buffy’s reaction, imagined her laughing along with her, making the tears flow even more. “Well, at least no one’s around to see it this time.”
“At least when you cry you’re still beautiful.” A familiar voice sounded behind her. Willow turned, looking back to find Xander standing at a parting in the trees, holding a bunch of flowers in his hands. Willow offered him a welcoming smile, climbing to her feet.
“I’m still beautiful?” Willow asked musingly, a quaver in her voice. Xander nodded, walking into the clearing.
“Yeah.” Xander spoke in his serious tone of voice. “Now, when I start crying: not pretty.” Willow wrapped him in a hug, wiping her tears on the arm of her shirt. “I didn’t think anyone would be here today.” Xander said, hugging Willow back, being careful not to crush the flowers he’d brought.
“Well, don’t worry.” Willow smiled, releasing him from her embrace. “I won’t tell if you start crying.”
“Thank you.” Xander returned the smile, walking towards the grave. “Hi Buff.” He greeted, kneeling down. Willow moved to his side and sat down next to him, holding his hand. “Looks like you’re getting quite a crowd today, huh?” Xander jested. “And looks like Will stole my idea for a gift.” He said, placing his own bunch of flowers down beside Willow’s posies. He grew silent for a moment, staring at the headstone. A tear trickled down his cheek and his grip on Willow’s hand grew tighter. “God I miss you.” He whispered, the tears flowing freely. Willow wiped her own tears away before stroking Xander’s arm, trying to comfort him.

The two of them walked together down the cemetery path, leaving Buffy’s grave behind them. Willow still had tears in her eyes, making a silent promise to herself that she wouldn’t cry next time, even though she knew she’d end up breaking that promise again. They were both silent as they walked towards the gates.
“So, how’s Dawn dealing with this?” Xander asked at last, breaking the silence.
“She’s taking it pretty hard.” Willow admitted. “She doesn’t want to be left alone, she doesn’t want to go out anywhere, she doesn’t want to eat.”
“Poor Dawnie.” Xander whispered, shaking his head. “She’s been through so much already, and now this.” The two of them reached the cemetery gates and stopped. “I just wish there was something we could do for her, to help her get through the grief.”
“I know what you mean.” Willow agreed. “But it’s something we’ll just have to help her through. It’s not like we can make it go away like magic.” Xander nodded, sighing to himself, but Willow felt an idea spark in her mind. ‘Or can we?’ She thought to herself.
“Hey, do you want me to drop you off at the house?” Xander asked, motioning to his car parked by the sidewalk. Willow didn’t register at first, concentrating on the thought in her mind. “Will?” Xander tried again, this time breaking her train of thought.
“Sorry, I was just…” Willow trailed off. “What where you saying?”
“I asked if you wanted a ride.” Xander repeated. Willow smiled brightly and nodded. Xander led her to the car and climbed in, all the while the words played over in Willow’s head.
‘It’s not like we can make it go away like magic. Or can we?’


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