Categories: Episode Rewrite, Season 1
Characters: Buffy, Giles, Jesse McNally, Spike, Willow, Xander
Summary:
There is a theory that Jesse becoming a vampire and his demise is a main catalyst of Xander's bigotry regarding vampires or anything demonic. But what if Jesse had retained some of his humanity and he and Xander remained friends?
The challenge is to rewrite the Harvest confrontation between Xander and Jesse. During their confrontation Jesse hesitates and is reluctant to hurt Xander because he still cares about him. Xander notices this and can tell that his best friend is still there despite him being a vampire and so refuses to stake him. This makes both boys conflicted and unsure what to do leading the two to call a brief truce. The two decide to meet later and Jesse flees the scene without anyone else but Xander knowing. When the two meet they come to an understanding and decide to remain friends in secret. As time goes on Xander wants to learn more about vampires since his friend is now one and when the whole "all vampires are evil soulless creatures" stuff come up Xander doesn't buy it at all since Jesse is still his friend. So Xander does his own research on vampires and gains a more open and unbiased opinion about vampires.
Must Have:
Jesse and Xander remaining friends and keeping it a secret. The reason why they're keeping it a secret is up to you.
Xander eventually doing his own research on vampires that leads him in being more sympathetic towards them.
Xander still disliking Angel because of his claims that having a soul makes me a good vampire and those without one a bad vampire when Jesse clearly disproves this.
Xander befriending Spike and supporting Spuffy.
Can Have:
Xander tell Willow about Jesse and including her in the secret friendship.
Xander researching other demons besides vampires and expanding his vampire open mindedness towards demons in general.
Angel bashing.
Giiles/Watcher's Council bashing
Xander keeping the hyena spirit making him have more in common with Jesse and adding another layer to their friendship.
Xander be the reason Spuffy happens.
Spike coming sooner than cannon.
Can't Have:
Bangel. Bonus if Xander is the reason why Bangel doesn't happen.
Jesse getting killed. I want him to stick in the story for the long hall.