delurking in threads all over this joint

I think this is a stumper because it changes. Early on, Willow is right there, being Buffy's sympathetic ear for all of her HS drama. Xander is the goofy boy, who starts out being awkwardly attracted to her, then is awkwardly jealous and not-understanding (see: Angel).

But then as they get older, Willow's the one who goes off to college/finds a nice girl/gets on the crack!magic. Buffy, who's feeling left behind because of her isolation as the Slayer, can more easily identify with Xander's more homespun success. Plus, Xander's around, whereas Willow is raising evil temples to destroy the world. She needs Xander's quiet strength and support.

t never realized she was a closet B/X shipper until this very moment

Xander always had B's back, yo.

True, but I think Buffy took it for granted.

Well, there is that lie about Angel. That wasn't perfectly healthy, helpful and supportive, by a long shot.

No, but he didn't flay anyone, or try to kill her and her little sister.

when Buffy, Willow, Giles, and Xander were walking through the high school together before the fight and splitting up one by one, Xander was the last to leave her side.

Didn't they split off in reverse order from how she met them in WttHm? Giles, then Willow and then Xander.

True, but I think Buffy took it for granted.

I think this is true for Seasons 1-4 but not for 5-7. Xander and Buffy developed an adult friendship but it doesn't really seem like she and Willow ever did. (And by adult I don't mean porn.)

But Buffy doesn't know about that lie, ita.

Also the lie, while shitty, doesn't come close to the things Dark!Willow did.

ETA: I can't believe I'm slagging Willow and defending Xander! My world is turned upside down!

Well, there is that lie about Angel. That wasn't perfectly healthy, helpful and supportive, by a long shot.

Sees dead horse. Rides same. I disagree. He thought that Buffy needed to focus on the fight and save the world without being distracted by the real long shot that Willow could resoul Angel.

He thought that Buffy needed to focus on the fight and save the world without being distracted by the real long shot that Willow could resoul Angel.

Yeah, but a true friend doesn't decide for one what is best--they give one all the information and trust one's judgment. My friends don't make choices for me because that makes me powerless.