In "Phases", Xander presses Larry to confess to a series of werewolf attacks, saying that he has been through something similar himself (when he was possessed by a hyena spirit in "The Pack"). Larry misunderstands Xander's indirect language as meaning that Xander, like himself, is a closeted homosexual. This misunderstanding is echoed in most subsequent conversations between them, and also leads to Larry's own coming out and the revelation of his more caring and compassionate side. He and Xander also become friends, but the latter is uncomfortable when Larry talks about Xander's sexual orientation.