The "Five Things" theme is pretty cool since so many wonderful stories have been sparked by it, but I'm glad you ended up not going that route... I really think this is strong enough and serious enough to better without a "gimmick".

Mmm, Xander losing his virginity... I really think that his close call with Devon would've been a major stumbling block. I don't think he could have approached another canon character after that, so Oz/Angel/Giles/whoever would have had to have made the first move. And if they didn't, well, I can see him working up his courage while in Oxnard, where he doesn't have to worry about shallow boys who'll kiss-and-tell and make him miserable and mocked. My Oxnard scenarios tend to be opportunity-for-crossover!-iffic, but it wouldn't have to be.

Hey, also, if you haven't already, you should pimp this out over on xander_slash and btvs_slash. I'm sure there are other Xander fans who would love to read it, and you deserve more praise than I can give you.