*sigh* that was lovely, babe. Now I have to run off and reread everything. (The memories link didn't work for me.)

Feelings made him run, sure, but bad guys did not, at least not so much anymore. Evil could be beaten, he was living proof. Oz should know better. Time for reassurance. Not his strong suit, but he'd give it his best shot.
I like this idea that Xander is ready to face the evil while not necessarily ready to face his emotions. I think that's really true to his character. Very nice. And I love that he's willing to let his emotions fall into it by making it Oz's evil that he fights. Can't wait to see more.