Author: A Markov
Title: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Chapter: 2/17
Summary:Sequel to Vanishing Love. Violet thought growing up was hard, until she fell in love. Now she is struggling to build a future in a relationship that nobody, including herself, understands but the past won't leave them alone. Is love strong enough to overcome the sins of the past? Can she find balance between love, family and duty? The resurrection of a sinister Agency project and the return of an irate ex aren't going to make her life any easier.
Rating: PG-13
Warning: This story contains some explicit language and deals with mature themes including consensual sex between adults of the same gender.
Disclaimer: The characters and locations are property of Disney and Pixar. They are used here without permission or profit. You're welcome to sue me, I don't have anything.

Chapter 2- The Morning After

Mirage came to consciousness slowly. Something was different. And that something was better, much better. The morning sun streaming through the windows chased away the shadows that had haunted the corners of her mind through the night. Violet was still with her, a reassuringly solid presence pressed against her left side. It was a rather hot and sweaty presence, but there was a pleasant overtone to the feeling. She felt completely safe and at ease. She became aware of warm breath tickling her neck and the comforting weight of an arm across her stomach. It was nice to wake up with someone and feel completely relaxed about it. She allowed herself a small chuckle and savored the knowledge that she wasn't going to be sneaking out early with her panties in a bunch at the bottom of her purse. She finally had a lover… well, technically they weren't lovers… yet… her mind added with a sensual growl and she felt a stirring in the pit of her stomach. She was suddenly very much aware of Violet's breasts crushed against her bicep and her left hand trapped between her own hip and Violet's abdomen.

Last night she had been worried about Violet's expectations. In the light of day, she found herself disappointed that there hadn't been any. A single beam of sunlight gleamed in the hollow of the dark haired girl's throat. Mirage felt her breath coming shorter and she reached across her body with her right hand to caress the patch of skin highlighted by the golden glow. Her fingers moved of their own accord along Violet's throat to where her neck and jaw met just below her ear. The dark haired girl shifted in her sleep and pushed into the questing hand with a contented sigh. Emboldened, Mirage allowed her hand to roam more freely, lightly caressing Violet's shoulder through the fabric of her tank-top… tracing the shape of her collar bone… sliding down her chest to the top of her breast. Violet's singlet prevented the sensation of skin on skin that Mirage so desperately desired at that moment but she contented herself with caressing the firm mound through the thin cotton material. When she moved her hand back up toward the dark haired girl's neck, she traced the path lightly with her fingertips. Violet sighed again and moved her body upward, following the promise of the caressing fingers. The movement placed Violet's mons firmly against Mirage's left hand and the blonde wasted no time in stretching her fingers out to apply gentle pressure to the sensitive area. She began moving the fingers of her left hand in small circles and slid her right hand back down to cup the fullness of Violet's breast. Her tongue darted out to wet her own lips as she leaned in and pulled Violet's lower lip between her own. She cherished the small moan that escaped the waking girl's lips as Vi returned the kiss with increasing ardor.

Violet's eyes snapped open and her body suddenly stiffened.

With a wild-eyed expression she flung herself out of bed and staggered back into the wall, one hand clutched across her breasts and the other splayed protectively in front of her crotch. Mirage's heart fell as she read the fear and disgust in the girl's face. She reached out to apologize but Violet fled the room. Mirage could hear the sounds of the bathroom door slamming and the lock being set. She mentally cursed herself for her lapse of self control. She should have waited until the dark haired girl made the first move, but she had been so beautiful and her body so responsive… Mirage forced the thought out of her mind. She folded into a Lotus position to try and recover some of her equilibrium. She concentrated on taking deep, measured breaths and tried to let herself relax but Violet's revolted expression was burned into her minds eye. No matter which meditation technique she tried, she couldn't erase the image of Violet shrinking away from her. Her center eluded her. The sound of the shower running signaled the end of her concentration. An image of Violet's naked body streaming with soapy water came unbidden into her mind's eye and her physical frustration boiled up through the pit of her stomach and filled her body with nervous energy.

She was so keyed-up, her body was shaking. With a growl of frustration, she abandoned her attempt to calm her frayed nerves through meditation. She rolled out of the bed and began pacing back and forth. She couldn't stand still. Perhaps if she exhausted her body, her imagination would leave her alone. She dropped to the floor and started doing push-ups. She kept going until her arms were shaking so much she could barely hold herself up. Agonizing pain shot through the muscles in her arms and chest. Fireworks exploded behind her eyes as her body, still weak from her recent hospitalization, protested the abuse. When her arms refused to hold her up, she rolled over and started on crunches attacking each one with a fury born of frustration. When she couldn't lift her shoulders off the floor any more, she allowed her arms to flop down by her sides and lay there with her eyes closed trying to find her breath. Her forehead throbbed painfully. The room was spinning around her and her minds eye was washed out with vibrant spots. She felt Violet walking into the room but couldn't muster up the energy to say anything or even open her eyes. The pain in her chest was making it difficult for her to get a good breath.

"I'm sorry." Violet's voice was quiet and sounded like it was coming from far away. She almost couldn't make out the words over her own ragged breathing.

"Nothing to be sorry for." Mirage tried to sound nonchalant but it came out as a gasp. "I was out of line." She was sure that the pain in her chest was from over exertion. The room kept spinning.

"I just-"

"Don't worry about it." She growled as she rolled over onto her knees and laboriously pulled herself to her feet. The floor swayed and bucked underneath her.

"But I-"

"I'm going to take a shower." Mirage interrupted again. Her whole body ached. Still trying to catch her breath, she started for the bathroom but the world was still spinning out of control and she fell forward onto the floor.

Jack-Jack was finished spreading his breakfast all over his chair, table and face. Helen had just given him a few pieces of cheese to torture and started cleaning the dining area when the phone rang. "Bob! Can you get the phone?"

"Kinda busy here, honey."

Helen rolled her eyes and suppressed a growl of frustration. She didn't think that showing Dash how to conquer the Alpha Dungeon creatures of Ephemeral Ending 10 counted as "busy" but she also didn't feel like arguing about it. She stretched one hand into the living room to pick up the phone and brought it to her ear. "Hello—"

"Mom!" Violet's voice was shrill and full of panic. "ChifelldownandpassedoutIneed—"

"Calm down, sweetie," Helen tried to keep her voice even. "Slow down and tell me what happened…"

"Chi passed out! She was trying to… We had a fight… She tried to… but she fell… and I wanted to… but she fell…"

"Honey, you're not making any sense." Helen tucked the phone under her chin and began gathering her things. She let Jack-Jack out of the chair. "Go get daddy!" she whispered to him as Violet continued to talk in frantic half sentences. "Start from the beginning, Vi."

"She's hurt… I pushed her away… I ran away and now she's hurt… It's my fault."

"Vi, listen to me." Helen slipped into her 'mother' voice. "I'm on my way. Hang up the phone and call the paramedics."

Violet was quiet for several seconds. When she did speak, her voice held a slight note of contempt. "Mom, I'm not stupid. I called them before I called you."

"Of course you did, sweetie," Helen held up a hand to stave off Bob's questions as he entered the kitchen with Jack-Jack. "You just seemed to be a little frantic and I wasn't sure…"

"Can you come…?"

Helen's heart soared. Joy filled her chest to the point where she couldn't breathe. She tried several times to get the words out, but they just wouldn't come.

"Mom…?"

"I… I'm on my way," she managed to stammer out and hung up the phone. She stood there, stunned. There was a part of her that didn't believe it.

Bob took her gently by the shoulders and turned her to face him, "Where are you going?" he asked.

"Violet asked me to come over, Mirage is hurt."

"That's great… …uh… the part about Vi calling you… I mean…"

"I know what you mean, you big lug." She pulled him into an embrace. "I haven't felt this happy in a long time... though, I do hope Mirage is okay…" To her surprise, Helen found that she really meant it.

The trip across town seemed to take forever, but when Helen pulled into the parking garage under Mirage's building, she couldn't remember it. She rushed up to the penthouse, taking the steps one flight at a time. She was a little out of breath when she got to the top. The door to the apartment was standing open and there was a bunch of medical equipment in the foyer. Helen took it as a good sign. More equipment out here meant less equipment was needed for Mirage. She paused, surprised again by the fact that she was genuinely relieved to think that the blonde hadn't come to much harm. Maybe I really can do this, she thought as she made her way toward the back of the apartment.

Mirage was lying in bed with two EMTs leaning over her. Violet was standing with a third EMT a few meters away from them. Helen's first thought was the impropriety of Vi was still wearing her pajamas when there were strangers in her house. That reminded her that Violet lived here now and she had probably been in the same bed as Mirage. And they might have… resentment flared in Helen's chest. Okay… maybe I can't do this. But when Violet ran to her and embraced her, the resentment was pushed into the background.

"What happened, honey?" The question was really straightforward; there was no reason for Violet to get so flustered. The little voice in the back of her mind piped up, unless they had been… Helen shut down that thought and shook her head to get rid of the image.

The EMT that Violet had been speaking with came over to them. "Ms. Mera apparently over exerted herself exercising this morning."

Helen just couldn't help it. She turned to Violet and raised an eyebrow. Violet blushed and even deeper shade of purple and her eyes, already the size of saucers, got bigger. "Mom!" She managed to fit three syllables into the exclamation. "Not like that!"

The Medtech chuckled. "Fortunately, she didn't do any serious harm. She's still recovering from some kind of trauma she experienced last week, and…" he turned to look toward the bed and raised his voice slightly, "she ought to know better than to attempt strenuous exercise."

They all looked over at the blonde woman who had the temerity to giggle.

"Is there anything we need to be doing for her?" By now, Helen was almost used to feeling concern about the blonde. Her question didn't surprise her nearly as much as it surprised Violet.

"As I was telling Ms. Parr, she needs rest. Some light exercise is OK. Like walking, stretching stuff like that, but no more than fifteen minutes at a time and, for now, no more than four times a day. She has a follow up appointment scheduled for next week; her physician will be able to give her more details."

"Dietary restrictions?"

"I wouldn't recommend alcohol, but other than that…" he shrugged.

While they had been speaking, the other two EMTs had been gathering equipment and packing up. Helen glanced over at Violet and Mirage. Mirage was half-sitting, propped up on several pillows. Violet was curled up next to her, holding both her hands. Their foreheads were touching and the sound of whispering and giggling drifted across the room. Violet looked so happy, Helen couldn't help but be happy for her. If it was only Tony in that bed… or even Kari… anyone that wasn't Mirage… She sighed and looked back at the EMT. The question was halfway out of her mouth before she even realized she was asking it.

"Was this because they were having…? Ah… I mean… can you…" Helen slapped her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. "Sorry," she growled, "none of my business. You don't have to answer that."

He gave her a sympathetic grin and tilted his head toward the door. She followed him out into the hallway and walked toward the foyer with him.

"Your daughter?" he asked.

"Yeah. I…"

He smiled and held up a hand. "Not to worry. Like you said; 'none of my business.'" Helen gave him a grateful smile and he continued, "If it were my business, or your business, I would probably point out that there was no evidence of coitus."

"Huh?"

He chuckled again. "It doesn't look like this was caused by them having sex."

"Uh, right." She managed to blurt out. "Thanks… uh…"

"We'll see ourselves out, Mrs. Parr."

Helen walked back toward the bedroom wondering if her face was as red as it felt. She paused in the doorway. Violet was saying something to Mirage. Helen couldn't hear the words, but Vi seemed to be very earnest and intense; it looked like she was apologizing. Mirage was hushing her, trying to be reassuring. They are a cute couple, the voice in the back of her mind insisted. Shut up! It wasn't much of a retort, but it was all she could come up with.

"Violet, come help me make tea."

That evening, when Helen announced that it was time for her to go home, Violet felt a release of tension that she hadn't even known she was carrying. It had been a weird day. She wasn't sure what had possessed her to call her mom that morning, but it had seemed like the right thing to do at the time. And, she had felt better when her mom first got there, but after enduring an afternoon of awkward silences and baleful glares, she wasn't so sure anymore. She gave her mom a hug and promised, for the fifteenth time, to call if she needed anything. On her way back into the bedroom, she paused at the door, struck by how small and fragile Chi looked. A twinge of guilt stabbed at her. If she had been more receptive, if she wasn't such a prude, Chi wouldn't have over-exerted herself and had a relapse. It's not like she hadn't thought about it. She had even fantasized about it a little. But waking up to those feelings had been… scary. She tried to catch the blonde woman's eyes, but she was resting with them closed.

"That was nice," Violet said quietly. She didn't know if she was trying to convince herself or Chi. The blonde made a noise that, under the most polite of conditions, could have been described as 'dismissive.' Violet tried not to giggle. "O.K. maybe it wasn't 'nice.' But at least there wasn't any blood."

"She hates me."

"I think that's a little extreme, she just…" Violet paused, searching for the words that would describe how her mother felt.

"…hates me." Chi finished helpfully. The look she gave Violet was piercing and full of uncertainty.

Violet rushed to her side and reached out. "I don't." she said, softly.

"Don't you?"

"You mean this morning?" Violet mentally kicked herself; of course Chi was talking about the morning. "Chi… I…" she glanced away, embarrassed. "I'm just… not ready for that."

Chi reached out to her. "I know, Vi. I'm sorry for trying to rush things." Violet took her hands and sat down on the bed. Chi's tender smile stirred in her chest and her heart felt full. "You just looked so damn pretty…"

"With my bed hair and no make-up…?"

"Yes," Chi giggled, "with your bed head and no make-up, you look gorgeous."

"I'll try to be uglier."

"No, Vi," Chi's voice was a whisper, "you don't need to do that. I can wait until you're ready."

"I don't know…" Violet's lower lip trembled. "I want to… but… I don't know when…" She took a deep breath, "I've never—"

"Oh, Vi!" Chi's soft expression of regret cut off Violet's words. "I didn't know. I thought you and Kari…"

Violet shook her head. Her face pointed down, hidden behind her long black hair. "Kari kissed me once and... I kinda… freaked out. Then I tried to, you know… kiss her and… we did… and it was nice… but my dad walked in and… he kinda freaked out... and…" Violet shrugged. "…then she was in Norway."

"So you've never…?" Violet shook her head vigorously. "What about with a boy?"

Violet gave another head shake. "Tony felt me up a couple times, but…"

Chi smiled again and laid her slender fingers gently on Violet's cheek. She raised the young woman's face until she could look into her eyes. "It doesn't matter to me. I can wait until you feel ready and I don't want you to feel any pressure about this." Violet nodded. "Vi, I mean it. No pressure. I don't want to drive you away."

Violet turned her face into Chi's hand and pressed her lips against the blonde woman's palm. "I don't want to go anywhere." She whispered.

Chi gently pulled Violet down next to her on the bed and carefully wrapped her arms around the young woman. Snuggled together, neither of them had a problem dropping off to sleep.

Next Time: Back in the saddle

A/N- I forgot to thank my hard working Beta readers last chapter. So I want you all to know that this wouldn't be here without the help and encouragement of Emily, Lawrence, Lucy and Matt.