Thanks! I agree about Angel being more interesting with other characters, and Angelus is certainly fun to watch.

As a huge Xander fan, I like him in all seasons.

Xander's the kind of character where even though I have definite preferences, I never wish he weren't on the show. I love him as a character in the early seasons b/c he is quite complicated- screwing up so much but ultimately loyal and helpful and integral to the team- even if I don't like him much as a person, if you know what I mean. If a character is a jerk, like Xander sometimes is, I still appreciate him as long as I understand why he's a jerk- and I actually think most of his immaturity about Angel is understandable. I think the only time in the series where I actually, genuinely loathe him is in "Entropy" when he's slut-shaming Anya.

Love your icon! I'm not a slasher, but Xander & Spike friendship is one of my favorite platonic pairings to write.