A/n: This whole story has been revised so if you haven't already done so, please go back to the first page and reread it all.
And yeah, send feedback, always feedback. ;-)

Ball in Motion

"Rolling, rolling
with the punches of life
Move with the rhythm
Play with your strife

Been thrown a curve
of troubling emotion?
Just keep on rolling
Keep that ball in motion"

/Extract from the poem Play That Game

Xander sighed deeply as he let his head dip to Angel's shoulder for a brief moment. Gods, but he was tired. Letting go of the vampire he rubbed his eyes and leaned back against the coach.

"Thanks, sorry about that." He gestured towards Angel. "It's been a somewhat straining day as I'm sure you can understand."

"Don't worry about it. I can't imagine how strange this whole thing must be for you."

"Yeah. This is really nothing in comparison to what is to come. Monday is going to be so much worse. Going to the school that's supposed to be blown up, seeing dead people wherever I go. God, principal Flutie is alive…"

Xander fliched at that thought. That was one thing he had kept from Angel, for now at least. The hyena possession. He didn't know what to say about it. He needed it to be done once more and he couldn't, wouldn't let Angel get in the way of that. It wasn't just about being able to claim him later if they ever got to that stage. It was about power and the pack. Xander really missed his pack, he couldn't imagine not having them in his life. Sure he hadn't been physically close to them since before the Hellmouth fell, but he'd always felt them in the back of his head and that place felt very empty now. He sighed and closed his eyes.

"Anyways… So it's been a hell of a day, but that's as it is."

He coughed.

"Do you have some more of that tea you made by any chance?"

Angel rose immediately.

"Sorry, I'm not much of a host. Not really used to company of the human variety. I'll be right back."

Xander smiled tiredly.

"That's fine Angel, thank you."

The vampire headed out to the kitchen.

As the water boiled Angel took a moment to collect himself and sort his thoughts about all the information he'd received that night.
This whole thing is big, that's for sure. If he really is back in time with no way to be returned the ramifications of that will be enormous. Hell, he's already changed everything by coming to me. After everything he's told me about, how can he trust me of all people? What if I 'lose my soul' and use all that information against him? Angel cringed at the very thought. I can't even imagine it. His thoughts continued to sort through what he'd learned while the water started to boil. After making the tea and remembering to put some cold water in this time, Angel returned to the living room.

Xander immediately seemed to perk up as he walked in and Angel briefly entertained the thought that the man was just happy to see him again and not desperate for the warm fluid to soothe his sore throat. I wonder if he's emitting some strange pheromones or something because there is no way I am reacting to a 16 year old stranger like this.

Having taken a few sips from the tea Xander started talking once more.

"Now," he opened his eyes and straightened. "I was going to ask you about your thoughts so far, but I'm realizing that this is a lot to take in and at any rate I promised that I would meet with Giles sometime around lunch and I need to be sharp for that. I'll round this up by telling you what I've been up to since I first woke up…"

As Xander did just that Angel found himself nodding approvingly. It was a solid start and although the story Xander had told the others left some things to be desired it was all in all not too bad a background set up. He felt bad for the boy having his boyfriend of all people as his first kill. No wonder he stayed in the fight. I'm surprised he can stand looking at me since Darla's my sire.

"I'll come with you to meet with Mr. Shung then, but are you sure you're up for patrolling?"

Even as Angel uttered the words he cringed inwardly. I can't believe I worded it like that… Xander's eyes were quickly turning pitch black with withheld anger and Angel scrambled to mend the bridge. "After having heard everything you've told me, I have nothing but respect for you and your abilities, Xander believe me. But you are used to working with an older version of your body; one used to fighting conditions and probably well muscled as well. Do you think you can take on a vamp one on one right now? That's all I'm asking. I don't know you so I have to ask."

Xander's eyes melted back to his chocolate brown and he grinned a little.

"I still have my brain and my memories, but you're right: I am used to working with more muscles and reflexes and so on and so fort. That's why I'm asking you to come with. Though I'm sure I could probably still take on a stupid fledge or two, being overconfident on the Hellmouth is just plain stupid. You just never know what's out there. So don't worry Angel, I am well aware of my limitations, for now."

"Fair enough, just making sure. So we'll meet with Mr. Shung and give him the proof he needs. Then you'll hopefully start training with him. Though you do know that I could do that with you?"

"Yes Angel, I know. However, you need your sleep during the day until we can get the gem of Amara. And that one by the way is non negotionable. You will wear the jewel. Fighting evil is not a time limited gig, it's a full time job. I can't trust you with my back if you don't take the fight seriously. This isn't about any damn redemption, this is about doing what's right and until you can appreciate the difference there ain't no way in hell that you'll get redeemed. It's like with most lost things you know Angel. It's not gonna be there until you stop looking for it."

Angel closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Xander was right, he knew it. He shouldn't discard any advantage. As a matter of fact as things stood right now, he couldn't see why he would, but from what Xander had told him about future events he guessed that the guilt he carried had just gotten too hard to bear in the future and that that was why he had destroyed the ring in the different timeline.

"You're right and what's more I agree. If we get the ring, I will wear it. But I could still train you in the daytime. I don't need that much sleep and we could be indoors…"

Xander shook his head and smiled.

"I know you don't have to sleep during the day Angel. I've worked with you during the daytime, but I would prefer this arrangement either way. It gives us an extra ally and as I want Mr. Shung to maybe train other people later on I need to know that he's good for that. Besides I don't want a trainer/student relationship with you, it would just be too strange."

Angel winced.

"Yeah I'm a vampire and I guess judging by what you've told me of my future actions there's no reason why you should trust me with a thing like that…"

"Don't go broody on me Angel." Xander rolled his eyes. "You were doing so good. Right now I trust you even more than I probably should all things considered. Don't read too much in to it and anyways, you need to be able to work out properly when you do and I promise you'll have more important things to worry about than my practices. You need the extra time working with me to do other things like researching and whatever comes up you know. Double workout time for you would be a waste I'm thinking."

"You've got a point. All right, you've obviously thought about things a lot so do you have any plans for how to deal with working with me and the others?"

Xander frowned.

"I'm not sure how to handle that yet. They're gonna freak about the vampire bit I'm sure and since the two of us will be working closely it's gonna look strange to them since I wasn't supposed to have known about the demon world. Do you have an idea?"

"We could tell them that I was sent here by the Powers That Be to watch the Hellmouth and it's protectors. You knew me as someone interested in the occult as well and someone you could work out with. Do you know enough fighting for that to work?"

"I know tai-chi and some odds and ends, frankly my style is more streetfighting than anything, but yeah I've got enough moves for that to sound plausible."

"Good, good. Then I could have been sent here to be your protector and teacher as well, something that you did not know until tonight because the Powers That Be shielded me somewhat from your visions. You did not know about the vampire bit until you put two and two together yesterday so today you confronted me with your knowledge, but you didn't want to talk about this with the others until you had heard my side of things since you still wanted to consider me a friend. I think that would work, as with most things we can work out the details as we go along. I am not generally one for improvisations as you probably know, but I think I'll have to make exceptions with this. Do you think they will go for it?"

Xander nodded.

"All in all it's a solid plan and yeah the details will just have to be ironed out later. We'll just have to try and not give too much information that the other cannot confirm if crosschecked. Do you wanna do a whole formal introduction soon or should we postpone it for as long as we can? I'm voting for procrastination, I think they've got enough for now and we need to get to know eachother if we're to pose as long time friends. Well not long time, maybe a year or so?"

"It fits with my move to Sunnydale, that's good in case anyone thinks to question the demon population or anything like that."

"All right then that's settled. Do you have a way of getting in touch with Whistler by the way? I'd like to talk to him about some things."

"I do, but only sort of. I can contact him during a full moon, but that's almost a month away."

"Damn, I was hoping I could use him to corroborate my story. This'll work much more smoothly if you can trust me. And speaking of trust I really appreciate you listening to me and all. Even though you've been very nice about all this, I don't imagine that you trust me 100 right now and my story is crazier than normal even for the Hellmouth, so thank you for that."

"You're welcome. Don't think I won't kill you if I start to feel something's wrong though."

"I was wondering when you'd get to the death threats, nice. Makes me feel at home, y'know."

Xander was smiling as he spoke, but Angel still felt bad because he recognized the sentiment for what it was and he once again resolved to make things better between them this go around. Even if he was going to contact Whistler just to be on the safe side. Maybe he should head for LA and try that address he'd been given for dire emergencies only, the kind of emergency that Whistler described as 'Apocalypse and then some'. Well, this wasn't an apocalypse per say, but the world had ended in a way and Xander being back in time was going to mess up quite a few things Angel was sure. And of course if the boy was a total fraud that could have dire consequences as well. All right, he'd head for LA then, just as a last precaution he wouldn't tell Xander about it either. You didn't live to be a quarter of a millennia old without harbouring some healthy paranoia after all. Trusting or no, Angel went with his instincts and since he pretty much figured that Xander was who he said he was he'd come to the conclusion that the best thing he could do was to cooperate. Allies didn't come around too often in this line of work and whoever they were there were always trust issues, this just took a bigger leap of fate than normal and really: the story was crazy enough to be true.

"Sorry, but that's the way it is, if you're who you say you are you should know that."

"I do and it's fine and since we're in the threats part of the evening same goes for you."

"Fair enough." Angel nodded. "Now that that is settled I suggest we meet up at Clearview Cemetery tonight, say right after sundown? It should be fairly calm, just one or two fledges. Will you be alright getting there by yourself?"

Xander raised an eyebrow at that. It really a was a novel experience to be one of the people that Angel wanted to protect, openly at any rate, he'd probably kept an eye on all the Scooby gang on occasion at least, but it was different to hear him fuzzing as well. Not a bad kind of different either, if you didn't factor the condescending part of course.

"I will and I told Mr. Shung I'd meet him at sundown so that works out fine for me. You'll meet us there then? Do that lurking in the shadows that you do so well?"

"My but you do know me."

Angel grinned predatory and Xander rolled his eyes in appreciation of the joke. Wow, this was a whole new side of Angel and here he thought Angelus was the one with all the humour.

"Okay." He couldn't stop a huge yawn from escaping.

"I'd better be going home then. Hey, d'you wanna come with me when I loot some lairs next week? I need some cash to get out of my parents' house and to get some equipment. It's really a bitch having all your favourite weapons and stuff being left behind on the other side of nowhen."

Angel wondered how he should respond to that, but if Xander had been fighting and doing things like that on the Hellmouth for years then what was he supposed to say about it? Xander had fought for and saved the world countless times, if he wanted to hit some lairs to fund the fight, who was he to judge or to caution? He ought to know what he was doing after all and just in case he didn't Angel would be there to watch his backside, back. That was a lovely behind though. No, bad Angel, he's under aged and a complete stranger and anyways there's that whole happiness clause you were warned about, now focus. Besides, considering his past with your present and future self he sure as hell wouldn't be interested.

"Fine, if that's what you feel you need to do, but wouldn't it be better to get a job?"

Xander shook his head and sighed.

"No, it takes up too much time and energy from slaying and I have school to think of as well. Anyway, I've worked enough jobs here to know that it's a last resort kinda deal. The only thing that really worked for me or any of us really until Giles opened up the magic box was when I worked in construction. I had my sights set on being an architect and had a good deal working as a foreman. Sadly though, that won't work this time, no one would make a 16 year old into a foreman no matter his skills and frankly I'm tired of the grunt work. That was one hard deal I had working my way up the ladder while slaying at night and everything else. So looting it is until I find the stash with the gold and stuff where Spike got the gem of Amara from. By the way, if you're gonna be wearing that ring, which, you're gonna, we need to get something similar for Spike."

Angel felt really strange hearing someone speaking of his wayward childe with so much faith and affection in his voice, but then again Will had always been a different kind of vampire: much too human all together. That being how it was though he hadn't been all that surprised when he first knew that Spike had made it to Master status on his own. He was nothing if not tenacious.

"You do know he's killed two slayers?"

Xander nodded grimly.

"I know, he wouldn't shut up about it, when he was in his 'big'n'bad' mode, but hey he's a vampire. That's what he's supposed to do and being a vampire you're either a master or you're nothing and to take care of Drusilla and himself Spike couldn't afford to be nothing. Vamps kill slayers, slayers kill vamps, they're certainly not supposed to sleep together that's for sure."

Angel winced some at that, remembering all too well Xander's story about that whole unfortunate event. What the hell could he have been thinking anyway?

"Yeah well, much still happened between Spike's first visit to Sunnydale and him finally joining up with you. This Spike doesn't have a chip and has never met any one of you. All he cares about is killing, mayhem and Dru."

"His dark princess, yeah I'm well aware how that bitch has him wrapped around her little finger. Don't worry about it Angel. He won't be showing up for a while."

Another yawn made its way from Xander's mouth and Angel offered before even thinking about it:

"You could use my couch to sleep if you want to."

Where the hell did that come from?

Xander seemed to wonder the exact same thing as he looked at him quizzically.

"Thank's Angel, but I need to get home. Is there anything else you want to know tonight or should we say Clearview after sundown?"

"No, I think that's all. You need to get some sleep and I need to do some thinking. I'll see you later."

"Right then, let me just help you clean up a bit here and I'll get going."

Xander rose from the couch in a surprisingly limber move, but Angel could see that he was tired, shot a look at the food cartons and other things spread around the table and shook his head.

"No, leave it. Cleaning up will occupy at least five minutes of my not so eventful day."

"Thanks."

Xander shot him an appreciative smile for the humour and the courtesy and turned around, Angel following not far behind. They walked together to the door where Xander put on his shoes. He'd left them there earlier remembering that Angel usually walked around barefoot just like Spike did.

"Are you going to be following me home in the shadows?"

The question startled Angel and drove another reluctant smile from him.

"Actually that was the idea. You think I might as well join you?"

"You might as well, yeah."

Angel nodded once and got ready before they headed out into the night.

The walk to Xander's home was uneventful and quiet, both men having a lot on their minds.
Finally they were at home and Xander turned slightly to face Angel as they stood on the porch.

"I feel like I should give you a good night kiss, but really: that's going too fast forward I think so bye Angel. Thanks for walking me and have a good night."

He shot off a brilliant smile and was through the door before Angel had gotten past the good night kiss part of the sentence. Was he flirting with me? Course he wasn't stupid, he just told you about that nifty little curse now didn't he. Just because you can't have anyone that's the place your mind wants to take you. Get it out of your thoughts, the boy is not for you, does not want you and could be conspiring to kill you, well maybe not that last part, but he did tell my future self that I would die and he would be there. Not a very romantic statement, although... God damn it Angel, you need to get your act together. Get to thinking and figure out a way to get to LA before your next meeting with mystery boy, despite the sun issue.

Angel went and did just that while Xander's eyes lingered on his retreating back from behind the curtain of his bedroom window. As Angel disappeared out of sight, Xander sighed and went to bed. If he got up at noon he'd hopefully get 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Then the circus would start once more. Run around monkey boy, you'll never catch that banana. Christ I'm going loony as Spike would say, time for some shut eye. Night world, hope you're still here tomorrow too.

Noon came with brilliant sunshine and Xander woke for a moment disoriented. When did he get his depth perception back and why didn't anybody tell him? Right, past. Yay, me… Gods, I gotta get to the library.

Xander hurried out of bed and through his morning routine, foregoing the rigorous exercise he'd made a habit years ago and instead optioning to jog to the school. His clothes for the day were tanned slacks with a white muscle shirt and a light blue shirt and he wore sneakers to better be able to run. At the last minute he remembered to pack a small bag for afterwards. Sure he was going patrolling, but that didn't mean he couldn't be clean and non smelly for at least part of the day. Like when I'm meeting Angel again. Xander, Xander…get a grip. He headed for the library and fun filled day of testing and interrogating. Well. It is High School after all.

Walking through the double doors Xander noticed that Buffy was nowhere to be seen. He wondered if this should make him more or less nervous, but figured it made little difference in the end.

Approaching the research table he reached it just as Giles emerged from the bookcases of the upper floor.

"Ah, good, Mr. ah…Xander. You're here. I trust your nightly conversation went well?"

Xander smiled.

"It did, yes. Where's Buffy?"

"She will not be joining us this afternoon as I thought she might enjoy some time off to 'feel her age' sort of say."

"So she blew you off to go to the mall."

Giles's lips twitched some at that, not quite making it to a smile, but almost.

"Yes, quite. However I do think that might be for the best since Buffy's forte is perhaps not obscure demon languages and magical theory, although she does seem to have a keen grasp of the main focus for a slayers work."

"You mean –kill demon now?"

"Just so, yes."

Giles removed his glasses and started to polish them, a move so familiar that Xander almost ran up to the older man to hug him close. He staved that urge though and instead opted to make his way to the research table.

"Well, since we're alone and can work uninterrupted, where would you like to start? Magic, demonoly, languages, history, what?"

Giles put on his glasses once more and motioned to some of the dusty tomes on the table.

"I thought we would begin by going through these books and see how much of its' contents you may know or have heard of, after that we'll see."

Xander checked out the books more thoroughly and noticed that most of them were quite basic while two of them were more obscure and none of them contained very many things that could be called compromising or even dangerous. He bit his lips slightly and sighed. This would never work, he knew too much for his age. Maybe he should try to construct some better lie…but what the hell could that be?

"That sounds fine, Giles. Just remember, seer here. Sometimes I'll just know things without being able to explain exactly how or why."

"That is quite alright Xander. Shall we get started then?"

"Yeah, let's…"

The two men seated themselves at the table and started perusing the books.

Meanwhile Angel had used some contacts to procure a ride to LA and he was now sitting in a karaoke bar called Caritas listening to the most horrible rendition of "Lady in Red" that he had ever had the displeasure of hearing.

"Well hello there tall, dark and troubled. You are in need of a reading I understand?"

Angel looked up into the face of a green, very green demon of a species he'd never, ever seen before.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Lorne sweet cheeks; I am the owner of this fine establishment and an anagogic demon to boot. I read auras, destinies that sort of thing."

"Huh."

Angel wasn't exactly sure how to answer that, he'd never had any luck with seers of any kind. As Liam he'd met up with this strange gypsy seer that told him a fortune of blood, struggle and love obstructed. Another seer in a street corner had almost gotten him killed when he'd grabbed hold of Liam in the middle of the street, almost making them both be run over by a coach, screaming out about death and destruction. Then there was Drusilla of course as Angelus and things just kept getting worse.

"I'm actually here on the advice of someone named Whistler, ringing any bells?"

Lorne frowned, well Angel was pretty sure that it was a frown and not some weird way of flirting.

"Time to be asking for your name stranger…"

"I go by Angel nowadays."

Lorne nodded.

"Angelus. You weren't supposed to be coming here for some time yet."

"Yeah, well. Things have a habit of never working out the way you planned them now don't they."

Angel was slowly starting to feel agitated. He hated this cloak and dagger stuff, dancing around issues. It was fun when you were the one pulling the strings, but not being the one left suspended in the air.

"Yes, of course. But when the Oracles pronounce something it usually comes to be unless something really big happens to overthrow the plans of reality."

Suddenly realizing they were in a public place the green demon waved with his hand in a dismissive gesture.

"Be that as it may, I can clearly see that you are Angel and from your aura I can read that something has greatly disturbed your life in the past 24 hours. Care to enlighten me?"

Angel opened his mouth, but Lorne shook his head.

"Not here of course, we'll go to the back room. I'll get Whistler for you too, if I can. Those Balance Demons have a habit of never being around when you need them, but that's as it is. This way please."

They walked to a back room in the bar and Angel stepped inside with a small feeling of trepidation and not so little anger now that there was a chance he'd be seeing Whistler again soon. If what Xander had told him was true then that demon had some fast explaining to do, before he ended up one head shorter and one champion poorer.