eternalfate

Butterfly85

Xander and Buffy always felt like brother and sister to me so I never wanted them paired but I definitely would of taken them being paired over that abusive and toxic affair she had with Spike.

Crystal Clear

^ Buffy was Xander's first love (despite how she was besotted with Angel at the time), so I always thought it would have been a nice, full-circle thing if she had finally realized that she was in love with him by the end of the show. I honestly really liked the family set-up that was going on between them in 'Lessons', such as Xander driving Dawn to school and checking in on them at the Summers' home.

Even though I see your point, I partially disagree with this - because I'm always reminded of that scene at the end of 'The Replacement' when Riley confides in Xander that Buffy doesn't love him, and there's suddenly a reference to the fact that Xander was "into" Buffy in their past. If Joss had gone about things differently in S6+7, BX could have gone somewhere meaningful. Unfortunately, Joss seemed to majorly tune out by that point. He even admitted at the Season 7 wrap party: "I'm just so tired."

eternalfate

I never saw that scene as a reference of Xander being into Buffy though, ti was more of a surprise if anything else.

The reason why I say season 4 or sooner is because of the Spuffy fanbase! which was not just huge overnight. By late season 5 and season 6 (although I was a ship from season 2 when they were enemies ) is when they became a huge ship! Clearly that most lkely doesn't happen if the Buffy/Xander romance happens with a great build up because I'd assumed if they build up Buffy/Xander than they wouldn't have been building up Spuffy.

Season 6, I wouldn't have believed it by that point, especially from Buffy or even Xander to a lesser extent. It would've had to have been a heck of drastic writing... and obviously Xander couldn't have been a part of bringing Buffy back to life....

So I feel starting season 4 is how you avoid all the other drama and make it organic! And without Angel in the picture, finally let Buffy see Xander as a vailable love interest!


I'm speaking for myself obviously but I would have done it season 4 if it was going to happen....

starryeyesxx

For me, there's something about Buffy & Xander that feels like they could have happened any time. Whether they're teenagers or adults, it just feels like they just could have been this sudden realization that there was something a little bit more to their friendship

☆♥~Buffyverse_Lover16~♥☆

Xander would have been better for Buffy in Season 4 while Anya could've gotten together with Giles.

Crystal Clear

^ The chemistry between Giles and Anya in the Tabula Rasa episode was off the charts

Tia, I completely agree that Season 4 would have been a great time to bring Buffy and Xander together romantically. I cannot fathom what they were thinking by putting her with Riley ...The only thing that made sense about it was that he was one of the Initiative gang who was masquerading as her TA. There was a link to the Slayer stuff that made him less vulnerable as her partner. That said, they didn't make much sense together and I don't recall Sarah talking fondly of the relationship

Anybody who watches THE FRESHMAN - I dare you not to feel affected by Xander's big speech about Buffy being his "hero."

Agreed, Sophie. Xander very likely never gave up hope on Buffy seeing him in -that-way and that's why it would have made sense at any time, including Season 7.

It's excruciating that they wasted time on Xander/Willow in Season 3 when you think of how they never gave Xander/Buffy a chance

starryeyesxx

OMG, I know, I still don't get the point of the Xander/Willow 'romance' & it still makes my skin crawl during rewatches

Buffy/Xander are all over 4x01, I really love seeing them work as a team & him giving her the strength to fight again

BlackWhiteRose

Xander replacing Riley in Season 4? Sure why not. I loved Anya/Xander but okay.
The Xander/Willow romance

☆♥~Buffyverse_Lover16~♥☆

Xander has rejected WIllow time and time again just to go after Buffy and Cordelia.

starryeyesxx

Yeah, it didn't really make any sense


https://ladysummers.tumblr.com/post/85898235554

eternalfate

Most of the BTVSverse disagree but I think most of us can agree on that.

☆♥~Buffyverse_Lover16~♥☆

I don't know how some people can disagree. Xander's actions in the earlier seasons proved otherwise.

I agree, Sophie.

Thanks for that photo.

starryeyesxx

It is a cute still, love that scene between them, which it could have been real...

☆♥~Buffyverse_Lover16~♥☆

The problems there were that Buffy was under a spell, was still hung up over Angel, and was into her missions.