[faded mind]

“We’re at the center of a mystical convergence here. We may, in fact, stand between the Earth and its total destruction.”

Whedonverse Appreciation | Xander Harris

We don’t usually attach meta to our gifs, but I chose this particular relationship for Xander Appreciation Month because I wanted to talk a little about it. Despite never being mentioned again (a gross oversight by the show), Jesse was obviously an important and close friend of Xander’s and I honestly believe that Jesse’s death had a much larger impact on Xander than acknowledged and that it directly led to Xander’s attitudes towards Angel and later Spike.

From the very small amount of screen time given to their relationship, it is fairly obvious that Xander and Jesse are close. They’ve probably known each other for years and have sustained a close friendship. When Jesse is turned, Xander is truly devastated, yet he’s given no time to properly mourn his friend. Instead, he’s told, in no uncertain terms, that his friend is gone and that a demon now wears his face. He is then forced to kill Jesse, or rather, the vampire that Jesse has become.

This is the start of his hatred of vampires and his struggle with accepting both Angel and Spike. Xander was forced to kill one of his closest friends, shown no compassion or sympathy and forced to face the fact that his friend was gone, turned into a monster. Yet Angel (and later Spike) are exempt from this, allowed to live despite their past (and ongoing) attrocities. It’s really no wonder Xander hates both vampires.

I truly wish the Jesse/Xander relationship had been expanded upon, or at the very least, referenced in later episodes and seasons, because Jesse’s death was obviously traumatising for Xander and the fact that no one acknowledges what happened after the events of the pilot is a real disservice to Xander’s character.

Favourite BTVS relationships : Buffy and Xander’s friendship

“I’ve been through more battles with Buffy than you all can ever imagine. She’s stopped everything that’s ever come up against her. She’s laid down her life - literally - to protect the people around her. This girl has died *two* times, and she’s still standing. You’re scared? That’s smart. You’ve got questions? You should. But you doubt her motives, you think Buffy’s all about the kill, then you take the little bus to battle. I’ve seen her heart - and this time not literally - and I’m telling you right now, she cares more about your lives than you will ever know. You gotta trust her. She’s earned it.”