From the very beginning of BtVS, it was clear that Willow had a long-standing crush on Xander. They had "dated" when they were five years old, but they broke up when he stole her Barbie. They remained friends for years, Willow nursing an unrequited crush while watching Xander fall for their new friend Buffy. He assumed Willow would go to the dance with him after Buffy turned him down, but Willow refused to be a consolation prize or spend the evening watching him wish he was with Buffy. That summer, though, they spent a lot of time together while Buffy was out of town. Things looked like they were headed for romance - they very nearly kissed in the second season premiere - but Buffy's return meant that Xander's attention was once again focused on someone besides Willow.

Months later, despite a budding relationship with Oz, Willow was devastated to learn that Xander was dating Cordelia. The thought that he would rather be with someone he'd hated for so long wounded her deeply. Before long, though, they reconciled their differences, having much greater concerns to deal with. Willow's relationship with Oz blossomed, and Xander and Cordelia finally came out of the dating closet. All seemed well until (naturally, there's an "until") Willow and Xander helped each other pick out clothes for Homecoming. They reminisced about how long they'd been best friends, but when they saw each other dressed up, there was a brand new spark. They kissed. Then they pulled away in shock, blaming their indiscretion on the formal wear.

Unfortunately, it wasn't just the formal wear. They began sneaking kisses behind their partners' backs, knowing they should put an end to things before Oz and Cordelia got hurt. But, naturally, the cat came screaming its way out of the bag. Cordelia ran away and was nearly killed. She and Xander were instantly and permanently history. During a brief trip to an alternate reality where Buffy never came to Sunnydale, Willow and Xander were both vampires - The Master's favourites, no less. They were very much an item, killing Cordelia together in a disturbingly erotic act of murderous foreplay. But as much fun as that was, we returned to the "real" world.

Oz and Willow went through a hard time, but eventually, they got back together. Willow was nervous and overly careful around Xander for a while, wanting to make it clear to Oz that there was nothing romantic remaining between her and Xander. Even so, Willow still cried bitterly when she learned that Xander had lost his virginity with Faith.

Willow also reacted with territorial jealousy towards Anya. Even though there was clearly nothing romantic between Willow and Xander anymore, she still felt protective towards her best friend. With different loves and priorities, Willow and Xander grew somewhat apart in the last couple of years, but when Willow's world recently went to hell - and Willow tried to bring the rest of the world in after her - it was Xander's love and friendship that brought her back to herself.

Pivotal Episodes:
Welcome to the Hellmouth, Witch, Prophecy Girl, When She Was Bad, Innocence, Homecoming, Band Candy, Lovers Walk, The Wish, Consequences, Triangle and Grave (friendship)

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