Though never an actual romance onscreen, this pairing definitely merits special mention. Xander fell hard for Buffy the moment he met her, babbling uncontrolably and getting horribly tongue-tied. Before cheerleader tryouts, he gave Buffy a bracelet with the inscription "Yours Always". He insisted it didn't have any special meaning, that it was just a friendly token, but his desperate crush was obvious. He tried repeatedly to ask her out, and he became increasingly frustrated as she fell for Angel. Finally, he worked up the courage to ask her to the school dance, and he was crushed when she told him she just wanted to be friends. It didn't hinder their friendship, though. When she went to face The Master, he followed, dragging Angel with him, and they arrived just in time for Xander to revive her.

When Buffy returned after her summer vacation, it was clear that Xander was still interested in her. And even though he dated other girls, his jealousy of Angel was plain. This jealousy forever tainted Xander's opinion of Angel. Riley didn't seem to be subject to the same level of resentment, being human. But Xander's old attraction to Buffy still rears its head every now and then. It was the first "ship" really introduced on BtVS, one that's flavoured the entire progression of their friendship.

Pivotal Episodes:
Welcome to the Hellmouth, Witch, Teacher's Pet, Never Kill a Boy on the First Date, The Pack, Angel, Prophecy Girl, When She Was Bad, Seeing Red (friendship)

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