xxx. AFTERMATH.
January 29, 2018. | Third Person POV.
New York City, New York.

Liked by sza, davefree and 2,359,234 others
sedona Mood: Still basking. 🐆✨ #Grateful #TwoMoreGrammys

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sedona @ those asking for Grammy pics they're coming posted let me bask in this moment.
⤷user2 congratulations queen.

sza congratulations babyyyyyyy ❤️.
⤷sedona thank u luvvvv (we totally need to celebrate).

user2 bad asf. whoever her new ngga gon catch these hands.
⤷bugbomg istggggg

davefree 🙌🏾.
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feliciathegoat what are you a cheetah now?
⤷sedona now Tyler...
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user55 YOU ATE DOWN!!!!!
⤷nickiminajsbuttcream the audience would like to know the status of you and Kendrick MF Lamar.
⤷user65 they looked maddddd cute as each others date.
⤷sedona stream push 2 start guys.

—

Sedona woke to sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her hotel room. The soft warmth bathed the space, highlighting the four golden Grammys neatly arranged on the dresser. They looked surreal, shimmering in the light like they belonged in a museum. She sat up in bed, the sheets pooling at her waist as she stared at them. 

"Two more," She murmured to herself. Her voice was tinged with disbelief and pride. "Two more Grammys." 

Her phone buzzed incessantly on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a flood of notifications. She grabbed it, scrolling through the wave of texts, calls, and social media tags. Family, friends, industry peers—everyone wanted a piece of her moment. Headlines blared across every platform: 

"Sedona Shines at the Grammys: A Night of Wins and Unforgettable Performance."
"Kendrick Lamar and Sedona: The Industry's Lowkey Power Couple? Or just friends?"
"Push 2 Start Debuts on Streaming Platforms After Viral Grammy Performance."

She chuckled at the chaos. It felt surreal—overwhelming but exhilarating at the same time. Her Grammy wins, her performance, and her red carpet-moment with Kendrick had set the world ablaze. 

Sedona swung her legs over the side of the bed and padded toward the dresser, her eyes lingering on the trophies. She reached out, running her fingers over the smooth gold surface. 

Just then, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Monica. Sedona answered with a sleepy, "Hey, Mo." 

Monica's voice crackled with excitement. "Girl, you're on fire right now! Do you even realize what's happening? 'Push 2 Start' is already in the Top 20 on Apple Music, and it hasn't even been a full 24 hours! The label is ecstatic." 

Sedona smiled as she leaned against the dresser. "That's insane. I mean, I knew the performance would hit, but this is crazy." 

"This is what happens when you're that girl," Monica replied. "And don't even get me started on the internet's obsession with you and Kendrick. It's everywhere." 

Sedona rolled her eyes playfully, though her cheeks warmed. "Yeah, I've seen it. They're relentless." 

Monica laughed. "Well, it's good PR. Just ride the wave. Anyway, enjoy your day off. You've earned it. But don't forget— music video next week. We gotta finalize the material. The work's just starting." 

"I hear you," Sedona said, her tone softening. "Thanks, Mo. For real." 

—

By the afternoon, Sedona was dressed and ready to step out. She chose a leopard-print sequin mini dress that hugged her figure perfectly, paired with strappy black heels adorned with gold embellishments. The bold yet sleek outfit was a statement—a reminder that she was unapologetically in her prime. 

"Kenny," She called as he lounged on the couch in the suite, scrolling through his phone. "Come take these pictures for me." 

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, so now I'm your photographer?" 

"And what about it?" She teased, handing him her phone. "Make sure you get my good side."

Kendrick chuckled and got up, taking his time to adjust the angle. "Alright, strike a pose, superstar." 

She leaned into the modern leather couch, one leg crossed over the other, her toned legs catching the light. Her bracelet glinted as she rested her arm casually, her confidence exuding in every frame. 

"Got it," Kendrick said after a few snaps, showing her the pictures. 

She nodded approvingly. "Not too bad at this." 

"Don't gas me," He joked, sliding the phone back to her. 

Sedona posted the best photo on Instagram, captioning it: "Mood: Still basking. 🐆✨ #Grateful #TwoMoreGrammys"

The likes and comments rolled in within seconds. 

—

Later that evening, Sedona and Kendrick attended an exclusive event hosted by Virgil Abloh. The designer had always been an early supporter of Sedona, directing one of her first music videos back in her mixtape days. Now, years later, she was walking into one of his events as an established artist with two more Grammys to her name. 

The venue was sleek and vibrant, filled with art installations and a crowd of fashion icons, musicians, and industry elites. Sedona and Kendrick blended seamlessly into the scene, their chemistry palpable yet understated.

"Virgil really did the damn thing with this," Kendrick said, nodding at the sleek decor and vibrant atmosphere. 

"Always," Sedona agreed, scanning the crowd of designers, artists, and industry elites. 

She exchanged hugs and laughter with familiar faces, mingling with legends and rising stars alike. But it was the moment she caught up with Virgil's team that brought everything full circle. 

"I remember when Virgil took a chance on me," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Back when I was just another kid with a mixtape and a dream." 

"And look at you now," One of the team members said, gesturing toward her outfit and the buzz around her. "Virgil always said you were special." 

Her chest tightened at the memory, but she smiled through it. "He saw me before anyone else did. I'll always be grateful for that. The question is where is he?"

Eventually, as they made their way through the crowd, Sedona's face lit up when she spotted Tyler, the Creator across the room. He was in conversation with a group but looked up just in time to catch her eye.

"Excuse me, husband!" Sedona called out playfully, weaving through the crowd toward him.

Tyler turned with an exaggerated grin. "Oh, it's my wife! I was wondering when you'd show up."

The two embraced warmly, their usual banter already in full swing.

"Congratulations on the Grammy nom, by the way," She said, pulling back to look at him.

"And congratulations to you," Tyler countered. "Two more Grammys, huh? You really couldn't let the rest of us breathe this year?"

Sedona smirked. "Someone's gotta keep y'all on your toes. And don't act like you weren't feeling yourself during my performance."

Tyler rolled his eyes dramatically. "Feeling myself? I was sitting right next to you while you sang directly into my soul. I didn't know if I should clap or hide under the table."

"You should've clapped harder," Sedona teased, poking him in the chest. "Don't be shy now."

"Shy? Me? Girl, please," Tyler shot back, feigning offense. "You just wanted to remind me who's boss."

"Always," Sedona said with a laugh.

Their playful back-and-forth drew attention from others nearby, many of whom started snapping pictures. Before Sedona could retort, a photographer interrupted, asking for a picture of her and Tyler together.

"You know I'm charging for this, right?" Tyler joked, pulling Sedona in for the shot.

"Charge all you want," She replied, striking a pose.

As soon as the picture was taken, Sedona was whisked away by another group of photographers and industry peers, leaving Tyler to shout after her, "Don't forget who your REAL husband is!"

She glanced back with a wink. "Never, babe!"

—

As Sedona and Kendrick slipped into the backseat of their car after Virgil's event, she immediately kicked off her heels with a dramatic sigh of relief.

"What?" She said, catching Kendrick's amused smirk. "Beauty is pain. You try walking around in these for hours."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, I'm good. Y'all can keep that struggle."

The car rolled into motion, the city lights streaming through the windows. A soft R&B track played in the background, blending seamlessly with the low hum of conversation between them. Sedona leaned back into the plush leather seat, scrolling through the photos she'd taken on her phone throughout the night.

"Okay, we need a few more," Sedona announced, pulling Kendrick closer to her side.

He groaned playfully. "You and these pictures, man."

"Memories," She quipped, angling the camera for the perfect shot. "Come on, Kenny. Look alive!"

Kendrick obliged, leaning into the frame with a smirk as she snapped picture after picture—some serious, others goofy, and a few where she burst out laughing mid-shot.

When she finally set her phone down, the music seemed louder, filling the brief lull between them. Sedona's gaze drifted to Kendrick, her head tilting slightly as a grin tugged at her lips.

He caught the look and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

She shook her head, biting her lip, but the grin only grew wider until a giggle slipped out.

"What's so funny?" He asked, his expression equal parts curious and amused.

"Nothing," She said quickly, though her voice betrayed her, rising a pitch higher than usual. She pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle the giggles that kept bubbling up.

Kendrick narrowed his eyes at her, leaning closer. "You sure you're good? 'Cause you're acting a little suspect right now."

"I'm fine," Sedona managed between laughs, though her shoulders shook from the effort to keep it together.

"Uh-huh," He said, side-eyeing her. "You sure it's not the heels that were cutting off your circulation?"

That only made her laugh harder, doubling over slightly as she waved him off.

It wasn't the heels, of course. It was just him. Both women and young girls alike giggled a lot when they liked someone—a fact Sedona was acutely aware of but couldn't stop even if she tried. And sitting next to Kendrick, basking in the warmth of his presence and the electric chemistry between them, she felt like a giddy teenager.

"Alright, giggles," He teased, a small smile creeping onto his lips. "As long as you're good."

"I am," She insisted, her voice still tinged with amusement as she tried to compose herself. "I promise."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, the quiet laughter finally subsiding. Kendrick reached over, casually draping an arm around her. The comfortable quiet between them was broken by her suddenly sitting up, and turning to face him with a mischievous grin.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have big ears?" She asked her tone light and teasing.

Kendrick blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"But like in a cute way," Sedona quickly added, her grin widening. "Like, Dumbo cute."

He turned to look at her, one eyebrow raised in mock offense. "Dumbo cute? So you're saying I could fly away with these?"

Sedona laughed, holding up her hands as if surrendering. "I mean, I'm just saying! They're... noticeable, but in an adorable way."

Kendrick shook his head, fighting back a smirk. "You're mean, you know that?"

"Mean or honest?" She shot back, still giggling.

He leaned back in his seat, looking at her with a playful glare. "Alright, let me tell you something. Don't think I didn't notice how long it took you to take those heels off the second you got in the car. Your feet were crying for mercy."

Sedona gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Wow, so now we're coming for my heels? I thought we were bonding, and here you go throwing shade."

"Just keeping it honest," Kendrick said with a shrug, throwing her words back at her.

They both burst out laughing, the teasing filling the car with warmth. Sedona nudged him lightly. "Okay, okay, I'll stop. But for real, your ears are cute. They're like... part of your charm."

Kendrick side-eyed her with a smirk. "Yeah, I'll remember that next time you're trying to roast me. Don't think I'm letting you slide on this one."

She grinned, leaning her head back on his shoulder. "Fine. Truce—for now."

"For now," He echoed, shaking his head with a chuckle.

The music played on softly, the city lights flickering through the windows, and their laughter slowly faded into a comfortable silence again.

For the rest of the ride, the car was filled with the comfortable sounds of music and the occasional hum of city traffic. Sedona stared out the window, her mind replaying the events of the night, the pictures she'd taken, and the look on Kendrick's face when he teased her.

In that moment, everything felt perfect—like the world outside could wait just a little longer.

—

By the time they returned to the hotel, Sedona was leaning heavily on Kendrick's arm, her feet aching from hours in sky-high heels. The adrenaline of the night had finally worn off, leaving her drained but satisfied. 

"I don't know why I do this to myself," She muttered, wincing with every step toward the elevator. 

Kendrick chuckled, his arm steadying her. "All that glam comes at a price, huh? You need to start packin' some sneakers for these events." 

"Oh, because sneakers would've really tied the look together," She shot back with a smirk, though her tone lacked its usual bite. 

When the elevator doors opened to their floor, Kendrick glanced down at her, shaking his head. "Come here." Without waiting for a reply, he swooped her up effortlessly, one arm under her knees and the other around her back. 

"Kendrick!" Sedona yelped, clutching at his shoulders. 

"Relax," He said, a teasing grin on his face. "You can barely walk, let alone crawl. Let me do my good deed for the day." 

Sedona sighed but didn't fight him, secretly grateful to be off her feet. As they reached her room, Kendrick shifted her weight to unlock the door before carrying her inside. He gently placed her on the bed, and Sedona collapsed against the pillows with a groan, her legs dangling off the edge. 

"These shoes might've been a mistake," Sedona muttered, glaring at the offending heels she'd kicked off. "But they're so cute."

Kendrick sat down beside her, shaking his head. "Nah, they were fire. But next time, maybe wear somethin' a little kinder to your feet." 

He gestured toward her legs. "Bring 'em up." 

Sedona raised a brow, but when he nodded toward her feet again, she complied, swinging her legs onto his lap. Without hesitation, he began to knead the soles of her feet, his thumbs expertly working out the tension. 

A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips, and her head fell back against the pillows. "Oh my God. Where did you learn how to do that?" 

Kendrick chuckled, his hands never stopping their work. "Just natural talent, I guess. Are you sure you weren't exaggerating about how bad they hurt?" 

She peeked at him through half-lidded eyes. "Nope. Your hands are magic. You could probably start a side hustle as a masseuse." 

He laughed, his deep voice rumbling through the room. "Nah, I'll leave that to the pros. But I got you anytime you need this." 

After a few more minutes of pure relief, Sedona sat up slightly, still savoring the feeling in her feet. "Okay, I might actually survive now. Thanks, Kenny." 

He leaned back against the headboard, his legs stretched out as he grabbed the room service menu from the nightstand. "You hungry?" 

"Starving," She admitted, shifting to sit cross-legged beside him. 

They skimmed the menu together, eventually ordering a spread of pasta, sliders, and fries. While they waited, their conversation drifted naturally into more personal territory. 

"What's your favorite movie?" Sedona asked, propping her chin in her hand. 

"Favorite? That's tough," Kendrick replied, rubbing his jaw. "Probably 'Training Day.' What about you?" 

"'The Devil Wears Prada,'" she answered without hesitation. 

He gave her a look. "That's the most random choice I've ever heard." 

"Don't knock it till you've seen it," Sedona shrugged, grinning. 

The food arrived shortly after, and they ate on the bed, laughing and tossing fries at each other between bites. The conversation shifted again, this time to sports. 

"You a basketball fan?" He asked, popping a fry into his mouth. 

"Not necessarily. Like yeah I'll attend a game but that doesn't mean I know everything. Baseball was more my thing," Sedona admits casually. 

"Baseball? Who you root for?" 

"The Dodgers," She said, narrowing her eyes at his smirk. 

"Oh, so you just hopped on the bandwagon recently, huh?" 

Sedona scoffed, setting her food down. "Excuse me? I've been a Dodgers fan since I was a kid. My dad used to take me to games all the time." 

Kendrick leaned back, crossing his arms. "Okay, so if you're such a fan, tell me their best year." 

She didn't miss a beat. "1988. Kirk Gibson's walk-off home run in Game 1 of the World Series against the A's. The Dodgers went on to win the series in five games. You need me to keep going?" 

Kendrick's jaw dropped slightly before he recovered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Alright, you got it. You know your shit, Sedona." 

She leaned back smugly. "I told you." 

Their banter continued late into the night, the easy rhythm of their conversation making time feel irrelevant. Both Dave and Monica, their respective managers, had long suspected that there was something deeper brewing between the two, but they chose not to interfere. 

As Kendrick leaned back against the headboard, his arm brushing hers, Sedona couldn't help but smile. The night had started with exhaustion but ended with laughter, connection, and the realization that, with Kendrick, she felt something she hadn't felt in a long time: comfortable. 

For the first time in what felt like forever, she didn't feel like the rising superstar or the Grammy-winning artist. She was just Sedona, and Kendrick, with his warm smile and easy charm, seemed to like her just as she was. 

Her journey was far from over, and with him by her side—both as a partner and a friend—she felt ready for whatever came next. 

Her world was shifting, her star rising higher than ever. And she was ready to shine.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Thirty.
— ０１／２０／２５
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They're booed up yes gawd. Also Sedona making Kendrick her personal photographer and masseuse is a vibe itself. Moving forward I'm so excited and can't wait to bless you guys with more chapters.

Also happy MLK day and may he continue to rest in power.

Thoughts on the chapter? And what do you expect for the next one?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
- shea