A/N: The interludes are meant to be short...

Interlude Four

From Xander:

A postcard that resembles a large square business card for Tusken Raiders with the caption "Have Bantha, Will Travel (no raid too small)"

Sam-

You have been gone one day and I've gotta say that you have left one (very) large Sam-shaped hole behind in our group! However – you know what they say – you can take the hunter out of Sunnydale, but you can't take the Sunnydale out of the hunter! Well – they might not say it, but I do. But no worries, we promise that when you come back, it will be as if you had never left.

MTFBWY my friend.

-The XanMan

A Farside postcard with the caption "Batman regrets giving his mom the Bat Signal" and a speech bubble with Batman's elderly mother exclaiming "The garbage disposal is making that noise again."

Sam-

It's Willow! Oh…I guess you will know that by the return address. (I guess I shouldn't have wasted postcard space. Oops – I am still doing it.)

We miss you. Buffy's bummed 'cause you are gone. Only, don't tell her I wrote that, 'cause she might get all "grr…argh" with the pointy things on me. Crap. I suck at this.

(writing gets progressively smaller)

Oh. Hey! I am working on a thing! I think you will like it. I'll have Buffy give you the deets 'cause I am kind of outofspace.

(written sideways along the edge of the postcard)

Willow

Matching light beige paper and envelope, with a faint pastel watercolors in the background…

Dear Sam-

Oh Sam.

I don't know quite what to write.

Yesterday, when she found out you were gone, Buffy was so upset, but today she awoke determined to make sure you knew you were not forgotten. She would murder me without batting an eyelash if she knew I wrote this, but I think I can play the "mom" card on this.

I will admit, I was quite surprised to learn that you left so abruptly. From our conversations, I gathered that you were used to frequent moves but I had no idea that it would happen so fast. Buffy was very upset. (In fact, she would be unhappy with me for writing that!). In fact, I wish I could give your father a piece of - (previous sentence is struck through with one line.)

Well, the important thing to remember is that you left us an address.

Now, though, Buffy has been on the phone all afternoon first with Willow, then Xander and that Librarian, Mr. Giles.

I feel foolish for assuming the worst, but I questioned Buffy about the teacher's interest in you. Sam, as a young man who is often left on his own, I hope you know not to be too trusting of adults. Buffy assured me that you would never let anyone take advantage of you and that Mr. Giles was only helping you prepare for the SATs and college applications. I am glad that you had someone helping you. College is a huge milestone and can be overwhelming. Usually, it falls on the parent to guide their children through the process. (Last sentence was struck out).

Most parents would be delighted that their son was showing an interest! (The exclamation mark was large and dark, as if someone were annoyed but trying not to express it.)

I, myself, went to UCLA and would be happy to arrange a tour of the campus for you the next time you are in California.

Forgive me for being forward, Sam, but I want to send a box of things to you. I hope you will not think too unkindly of me for doing this, but I am a mom and mom's worry. At least if I send a few small items to you, it will ease my mind. Buffy worries that you would be offended but I hope you will not. Just a few pairs of jeans (I noticed you grew a few inches since you got your last pair) and a jacket - I worry that it is cold where you are and while denim might be fine for California in March it might still be colder in South Dakota (at least, I assume that is where you went, since this is the address you gave Buffy).

I am sure your father thinks of these things. Perhaps he has already bought you some new clothes?

But, if not...

Please call if you need anything.

-Joyce Summers

On "Sunnydale High School, Home of the Wildcats!" letterhead…

Sam,

You will enjoy these, I think. I have enclosed some large, padded envelopes with postage already paid. When you finish a book, just pop into an envelope and drop in the mail.

Stay safe, young man.

Rupert Giles

ps. You might get a letter from a friend of mine, Alfred Hayes. I am afraid I was singing your praises one night over a glass of malt scotch. Do not worry. I did not tell him about your heritage. Your secret is safe with me and I would never share without your permission. I might have aluded however that you were one of those "in the know" as it were. Alfred and I go way back, to my college days at Oxford, actually. If you read my journal, that you will know that I studied more at Oxford than just the library sciences.

A long, fat envelope addressed to Sam which, when opened, contained another sealed envelope...

Mr. Winchester,

A mutual friend of ours, Rupert Giles, has been bending my ear about an interesting acquaintance of his. You do not know me, but like Mr Giles, I , too, am a librarian – not to mention a few other interests – most particularly a fascination with usual books and (dare I say?) watching.

Mr. Giles mentioned that despite your transient background you have managed to maintain a high academic standing in all of your coursework. Such was his high regard, that I tried to ask him many questions about your background. Nevertheless, Rupert was reluctant to reveal much about your history without your permission. However, he did allow me to write this small note and these brochures.

I hope the next time you find yourself in California that we will be able to meet. My office is located at Stanford University (see the brochures I have enclosed). Standford offers a varied curriculum and I do hope you will think of us when sending off your college applications. Not only is it a top rated school, but it is unique in one respect - we offer one particular course of study that you would be hard pressed to find at any other college in the states.

I will not divulge more through this note. If you are intrigued, then please feel free to call on me at any time. I Watch for you.

Dr. Alfred Hayes, Esq (Phd)

Dean of Whittaker College of Parapsychology (American Campus)

Stanford University

A bright blue sky with the word Sunnydale written in cloud shaped letters

Sam.

I miss you already. Here I am, sitting in my room with a few items from my (word is crossed out with one neat line) our clearing. I have looked at each postcard twice, debating over which one to write on first. I decided on this one because it was the first one on the stack you left for me. I hate that you had to leave, but I know that you had no choice. I hope you don't mind, but I plan on sharing your address with others. We want to keep Sunnydale fresh in your mind and I hope you know that you will always have a place here. Always.

Too much to say and I am already out of space. Don't worry, I will write you a lot.

Buffy

A small, square envelope with a plain card inside and the words Thank You written across.

Sam-

You missed our meeting on Wednesday.

That didn't come out right. It sounds like I am accusing you of something.
It took me a few days, but I realized that you were no longer going to school, I asked your friend Buffy where you were. It was the most nervous I have been in a long time - that girl scares me more than you know. But - guess what! She was very nice (you have good taste in friends) and told me your father got transferred out of state and you had to leave. I was kind of bummed because that meant I wouldn't get to learn more self defense. But, I remembered what you had showed me and I was determined to keep practicing.

So, last night, I was in the Gym after school and Buffy found me practicing those backward rolls you taught me and you will never guess what happened next! She started giving me pointers! Turns out, she knows a few things about self defense and she told me she would teach me some of it. She still scares me though.

Andrew

A/N: I know, I know...you want more interludes, don't you? Don't worry, I have the BEST chapter coming up next. Seriously guys, it rocks. Make sure you come back Monday to check it out! Reviews are welcome :)