Interlude - Guest Appearance

“I’ll be around but if you ever need me, feel free to reach out via your phones. Toodaloo!” With a clap, Vanessa was transported back to her private suite in the hotel. Though she shared the same floor as Dan, her suite wasn’t quite as luxurious as the penthouse. A bit more simple in terms of décor but still had the fanciness the rest of the hotel sported. This was by choice of course, as Vanessa preferred it this way. Luxurious with a touch of modesty, much like herself.

“Yawwwn… So much time in the sun always makes me tired.” Vanessa stretched her arms out as she yawned. She eyed the doorway toward her bathroom and rubbed her chin in contemplation. “Hmmm, I’ve earned a bit of a break I’d reckon. Bath time!”

With a skip in her step and a snap of her fingers, the clothing that was barely covering her before whisked itself away, leaving the small host as naked as can be as she made her way toward the bathtub. A few more snaps of magic and the hot bath was prepared. There was even a lavender-based bath bomb added to the mix for some extra relaxation.

“I love magic…” Vanessa cooed as she finally lowered herself in, hair tied up into a neat bun to avoid getting mostly wet. She raised one of her legs up out of the foamy bubbles and took a long glance at her well-pedicured foot. ‘I wish she’d of warn me how much a killer on the feet hostin’ would be. Yeesh, it’s been forever since I’ve done anythin’ like this.’

“Oh my, tired already my sweet Peach?” A mature velvety voice startled the host out of her skin causing her to flail about amongst the bubbles. When she finally emerged from the depths she was greeted by the sight of a gorgeous raven-haired woman giggling at her antics. She wore a deep blue dress that sparkled as if it contained the stars and galaxies along with a sheer wrap that was as black as the space between. One may be distracted by the deep cleavage that she also displayed but Vanessa could only stare deep into her deep sapphire-like eyes. Eyes that shimmered with an immeasurable affection for the young host.

“Evie…? Evie!” Vanessa sprang from her tub, her hair coming undone like wildfire as leaped into the generous chest of the one she named Evie. Said woman held no hesitation as she caught the wet naked girl in her loving embrace. Nestled comfortably in place, Venessa’s electric mind couldn’t hold back her flood of questions and thoughts. “What are you doing here!? I thought you retired!”

“My Sweet… Just because I’m retired doesn’t mean I can’t visit my precious protégé.” The woman capped her sentence with a soft kiss on her companion's forehead. She then continued to stroke her freckled-faced companion's ginger hair with such a gentle caress that the younger woman didn’t even realize that not only was she completely dry and clothed in a satin bathrobe but that the two were also now sitting on top of the host's bed.

“Woah, seamless transition…” Vanessa murmured in amazement.

“One day my sweet Peach.” Evie’s melodious laughter brought Vanessa back to reality. “You’ll be more amazing than old Evelyn here. Not a doubt in my mind.”

The ginger giggled. “Maybe in a millennium.”

“Or two.” Evelyn teased with a poke to the freckled nose. “But to answer your question, Not only did I want to see you but I wanted to thank you again.”

“Evie, I told you!” Vanessa puffed up her cheeks into a pout. “You don’t need to thank me. If anything this is me thanking you for all that you’ve done for me!”

Evelyn teared up as she smiled proudly like a mother watching her child grow up. “I’m spoiled by you my Sweet.”

“I could say the same, ya know!” The ginger smiled back. “Besides, taking over as host has been a blast so far! Sure, coming up with fun games and transformations got my noggin spinning at times, but it’s all been great!”

“Uhg… Tell me about it.” The celestial woman groaned. “You have no idea how many silly alterations I’ve had to come up with for transformations. The alphabet-based season went hilariously wrong by the time I got to X.”

“Xenial Xennial!” Vanessa exclaimed. “For that Gen X lady right? The one who you made play the xylophone for the impromptu concert competition? What was her name again…?”

Evelyn sighed in resignation. “Xena…”

“That’s right!” The petite host roared.

“Though I feel obligated to point out, xennials aren’t those from Gen X. They are those born between Gen X and Y.” Evie huffed. “Common misconception.”

Vanessa wiped her tears away. “Sure, sure.”

As Evelyn looked upon her favorite student her smile slowly turned sad. Something Vanessa could never miss. Her heart hurt to see her precious mentor sad. “Is something wrong?”

“Not exactly, my Peach.” The woman began stoking the ginger’s hair again. “For you see I’m concerned.”

“Hmm?” Vanessa tilted her head in confusion. “Oh! No worries Evie, I was just joshin’ earlier. I got everything under control!”

“I know you do my Sweet, but that’s not what I’m concerned about.” Evie hesitated for a moment. “I’m worried that you might be doing things a little too… soft for the producer's liking.”

“Soft?” Vanessa scoffed. “What’s soft about forcin’ changes on folks? Is this about the Stigmas?”

“My Sweet… You know what I mean. And sort of.” Evelyn released her companion and stood up from the bed as she began speaking her mind. “The Producers are a fickle group of degenerates. Who knows what will get them off? Love or lust. Intimacy or degeneracy. Willingness or subjugation. As the host, it is your job to balance the scales… So to speak. I’m worried that your scale is tipping much too far in one direction. If they disprove… Then they’ll be the ones to balance it.”

Vanessa’s brow furrowed as she joined her standing mentor to stand her ground. “Well tough tookies! This is my season and I’ll run it how I deem fit. Folks have been eating it up so far and the cast is getting along quite nicely. And the Master-”

“Reminds you of him… Doesn’t he? Is that why?” Vanessa’s heart dropped. Evelyn regretted those words instantly as she rushed to her beloved protégés side to embrace her before she collapsed. “I’m sorry Vanessa. I shouldn’t have.”

“N-...” Words couldn’t form in the younger woman's mouth. Her tongue felt like sandpaper and what should have been the warmth of her companion felt like frozen stone.

Time stood still for the young woman now. Countless moments seem to pass in silence and before she knew it Vanessa found herself back in her bed. This time wrapped tightly in her sheets. Her heart soon began beating again and warmth found its way back in. When her breath finally regulated, she looked to find the sapphire eyes of her dearest confidant. “Evie?”

The ravenette made herself known by her side as she once again spoke in her tender tone. “I’m so sorry, my sweet Peach. I should have known better.” Evelyn rose from her position and made her way to the exit of the bedroom. “I’ll leave you be. Just… be careful. I love you, my Sweet.”

Before Vanessa could respond, the former host vanished without a trace, leaving the ginger alone with her thoughts. ‘It’s not like that… I swear.’

The woman conjured up a screen in front of her. One that displayed the one and only Master of the season being left behind in some empty cabana, painfully stiff erection in hand. Vanessa’s mood lightened at the humor of the scenario. Of course, that would happen to him she thought. It’s just like him. Her smile dimmed slightly. The words from her mentor echoed back in. She gazed deeply at the man. “It’s… Just a coincidence… ain’t it Darlin’?”

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AN: Bonus Chapter! And it's not an April Fools! And what's this? Vanessa background!? Who'd of thunk. Any who, Like subscribe comment hit the bell. Do the thing. Toodaloo!