xxxi. BLACK PANTHER.
January 30, 2018. | Third Person POV.
New York City, New York.

The morning after the Grammys carried a quiet sense of triumph. The memory of holding two golden trophies gleamed even brighter as sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sedona's suite. Her Grammys had already been shipped to her home, and she couldn't wait to see them displayed when she returned.

Sedona stretched lazily in bed, her muscles still sore from the previous night's excitement. Despite her exhaustion, her heart was full. Kendrick had paid her a visit earlier that morning, and their conversation had lulled her back to sleep.

When she woke again, Kendrick was leaning against the window, scrolling through his phone. He glanced over, a small smile playing on his lips as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"You up for real this time?" He teased, slipping his phone into his pocket.

She smiled back, her voice still groggy. "I've been up, thank you very much. But yeah, I'm good now."

Kendrick crossed the room, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed. "So what's the plan once I'm outta here?"

Shopping," Sedona answered with a grin, her voice light. "I deserve it after last night. Then I've got a flight at noon."

He raised an eyebrow. "Where to?"

"L.A.," She replied, folding a shirt and placing it neatly into her half-packed suitcase. He nodded, his eyes trailing her movements as she moved around the room, collecting last-minute items. There was something magnetic about her—the way she carried herself, confident yet approachable, like she belonged to a world that only a few could ever understand.

Kendrick's expression shifted slightly, a glimmer of surprise in his dark eyes. "You're headed to L.A. too? Let me guess—you're going to the 'Black Panther' premiere?"

She paused, looking up at him. "Yeah, actually. You?"

"Yeah," He said with a low chuckle. "Guess we're both gonna be there."

The coincidence made her laugh softly, shaking her head. "Small world. Or small industry, I guess."

"Guess so," He agreed, the corner of his mouth lifting into a grin. "Don't expect me to sit next to you, though. Gotta keep things professional, right?"

Sedona rolled her eyes playfully. "Right. Because that's exactly what we've been doing so far."

Kendrick's phone buzzed in his pocket, a reminder that it was time to head to the airport. He stood, adjusting his chain as he prepared to leave. Sedona glanced up from her packing, her movements slowing. 

"Hold up," She said softly, closing the gap between them. 

Her steps were deliberate, her gaze steady as she approached him. That familiar glint sparkled in her eyes, reminiscent of the one they'd shared two nights prior before. Without saying a word, she reached out and lightly curled a manicured finger around the chain that hung low from his neck. One of the pendants was a simple cross, it's metal warm against her touch. 

Kendrick's breath hitched as she tugged him just a fraction closer, her eyes flickering from his dark gaze to his lips. Slowly, she leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his mouth. 

When she pulled back, her voice was smooth, almost teasing. "Safe travels, Kenny." She whispered, stepping away as if she hadn't just sent his pulse racing. 

He shook his head, chuckling as he glanced down at her. "You a tease, you know that?" 

"You already knew that when you decided to make it official" She quipped, crossing her arms with a playful smirk. "Now go, or you're gonna miss your flight,"

He lingered for a second longer, taking in the sight of her—confident, poised, and absolutely irresistible—before finally grabbing his bag and heading toward the door. 

As he left, Sedona leaned against the doorframe, watching him disappear down the hallway with Dave. A quiet sigh escaped her lips, but the smile stayed, even as she turned back into the suite. 

—

By mid-morning, Sedona decided to indulge herself with a quick shopping trip before her flight. She was accompanied by Willie, her towering bodyguard, and Monica, her ever-pragmatic manager. The streets of Manhattan were buzzing with activity, but her oversized sunglasses and low-profile outfit helped her blend in as they visited a few high-end boutiques.

Her focus was on the sparkling jewelry displays and rows of designer heels. She picked out a pair of gold-studded stilettos and a delicate bracelet that caught her eye before heading back to the hotel. 

In the car ride back to the hotel, Monica couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "So," She started, her tone casual but laced with intent, "What's the deal with you and Kendrick? The way you two have been slipping in and out lately, it's hard not to notice."

Sedona glanced at Willie, who was pretending not to listen but clearly taking in every word. She sighed, a hint of a smile creeping onto her lips. "We're dating. But we're taking things slow."

Monica's eyebrows shot up. "Really? Sedona, that's a big deal."

"I know," She admitted, her voice soft but firm. "But I really like him, Mo. He gets it—this life, the pressure. And he doesn't make it harder. If anything, he makes it better. Plus him being cute makes it ten times better."

Monica studied her for a moment, then nodded approvingly. "Alright. As long as you're happy and keeping it professional when you need to."

"I always do," Sedona said with a small smirk, crossing her legs. "You know me."

Back in her suite, she finished packing, double-checked her itinerary, and prepared for her flight back to L.A. There was no time to rest—"Push 2 Start" was already making waves, and with the music video and more performances on the horizon, the grind was just beginning. 

—

After a smooth flight into Los Angeles, Sedona spent a few hours resting at her hotel before getting ready for the highly anticipated premiere of Black Panther at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. By 8 PM, she was stepping out of her car, dressed in a luxurious black velvet coat with fur detailing, sleek leather pants, and strappy heels. The oversized sunglasses perched on her face didn't do much to shield her from the flashing lights of the paparazzi, who eagerly snapped her every move. She flashed them a dazzling smile, giving them just enough to take her time on the red carpet, posing gracefully for photographers and soaking in the energy of the premiere. She was stopped by an interviewer eager to get her thoughts on the movie and her involvement with its soundtrack.

"Sedona, you look stunning tonight," The interviewer began, flashing a warm smile. "Tell us, how do you feel about Black Panther and its cultural significance?"

Sedona returned the smile, tilting her head slightly as she considered her words. "How do I feel about the movie? I love how unapologetically Black it is, in my opinion, and how it pays homage to our ancestral homeland, whether it's fictional or not. It's powerful to see our culture represented in a way that's regal, innovative, and so rooted in strength. It makes me proud."

"And speaking of cultural impact," The interviewer continued, "You were involved in the soundtrack, which has been getting a lot of buzz. What was it like working on that project?"

Her face lit up at the mention of the soundtrack. "Working on the soundtrack was an incredible experience. The energy in the studio was unmatched. Everyone involved was so committed to creating something that not only amplified the film's story but also celebrated Black excellence through music. It was a labor of love, and I'm so honored to be part of it. A big shout out to TDE and Kendrick Lamar for this opportunity."

The interviewer nodded enthusiastically. "That's amazing. Last question—what do you hope to see more of when it comes to Black films in the future?"

Sedona's expression grew thoughtful, her voice steady and sincere. "I hope to see more Black films that showcase the full spectrum of our stories—whether it's joy, struggle, triumph, or just our everyday lives. Representation matters, and I think movies like Black Panther remind the world that our stories are universal, valuable, and worth telling. I'd love to see more films that empower us, inspire us, and celebrate the beauty of our cultures."

The interviewer thanked her for her time before she continued down the red carpet, stopping for a few more photos before being ushered inside by security. Though the questions had been brief, she felt fulfilled knowing she could share her thoughts on a project she was so deeply connected to. The night was shaping up to be unforgettable, and her words on the carpet only added to the energy of the moment.

The atmosphere inside was electric. A-list celebrities and industry power players milled around, chatting, posing for photos, and soaking in the celebratory energy. Sedona navigated the crowd effortlessly, mingling with actors, producers, and familiar faces from the music world. Her radiant presence drew compliments and admiration, but she remained grounded, engaging in lighthearted conversations.

As she made her way toward the inner lobby, she turned a corner and nearly bumped into Kendrick.

"I see you with the Cortez," Sedona teased, her lips curling into a playful smile as her gaze dropped to his shoes—Nike Cortez with a clean black-and-white finish. His casual yet confident look, complete with striped track pants and a black hoodie, was so effortlessly him.

He smirked, adjusting the hood slightly. "And I see you shutting it down in that coat. Paparazzi gonna have a field day with you."

She laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Always do."

They exchanged a few more words, keeping their tone light and professional, though the familiarity between them lingered just beneath the surface. It was a delicate dance—remaining poised in public while keeping their personal connection under wraps. After a moment, Kendrick gave her a nod and moved further into the theater, blending seamlessly with the crowd. 

When it was time to find their seats, Sedona grabbed a bag of popcorn and a drink from the concessions stand before making her way into the theater. She noticed Kendrick sitting a few rows ahead and just four seats away from her. Their eyes met briefly, and he offered her a subtle smirk. She returned it with a knowing glance before settling into her seat, mindful of the eyes around them.

As the lights dimmed and the movie began, Sedona quickly became immersed in the world of Wakanda. The visuals were stunning, the story gripping, and the performances deeply moving. The film's themes of legacy, identity, and empowerment resonated with her, leaving her teary-eyed during several pivotal moments. She discreetly dabbed at her eyes with a napkin, not wanting to smudge her makeup.

Despite the intensity of the film, Sedona found herself stealing quick glances in Kendrick's direction. Once or twice, he caught her looking and gave her a brief, reassuring nod as if to say, I feel it too.

By the time the credits rolled, Sedona sat in silence, letting the experience wash over her. The film had been more than just entertainment—it was a cultural moment, one she was proud to witness. As the theater began to buzz with applause and conversation, Sedona stood and adjusted her coat, her mind still spinning with thoughts about the movie's themes and impact.

Kendrick passed by her aisle as he made his way out, their eyes locking once again. He didn't say anything, but the way his lips twitched upward told her he'd noticed how deeply moved she was. Sedona gave him a slight nod in return, their silent exchange speaking volumes amidst the crowd.

The night was far from over, but at that moment, Sedona knew she had witnessed something monumental—and sharing even the smallest, unspoken connection with Kendrick during it made the evening even more unforgettable.

—

Later that night, Sedona was back in the comfort of her home, the glitz and glamour of the Black Panther premiere behind her. The oversized tee she now wore—reading Got Milk?—was a far cry from her earlier red carpet ensemble. Her hair was tucked away neatly in a silk bonnet, and her legs were bare, save for a pair of loose shorts. She stood barefoot in her kitchen, a cutting board in front of her covered with freshly chopped ginger and stalks of lemongrass. The faint scent of citrus and spice filled the air as she prepared a pot of tea.

Her phone propped up against the backsplash lit up with Kendrick's face on FaceTime. He was lounging on his couch, hoodie off now, a simple white T-shirt replacing it. The sound of his deep chuckle echoed through her speaker as she stirred the steaming pot of water.

"You back to domestic life already, huh?" Kendrick teased, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned closer to the camera. "What you whipping up over there?"

"Tea," Sedona said with a small laugh, holding up the plate of ginger for emphasis. "Fresh ginger and lemongrass. It's what I grew up drinking whenever I wanted to wind down or, you know, stay healthy. You should try it sometime."

He tilted his head. "Aight, send me the recipe. Bet it hits better than all that processed junk I'm used to."

She smirked. "I'll think about it. If you play nice."

They both laughed before settling into a comfortable rhythm, the kind that felt more intimate than the hours spent mingling earlier that evening.

"You see how slick we were at the premiere?" Kendrick said, shaking his head with a grin. "Four seats apart, barely a glance. Real professional."

"Professional to a fault," Sedona replied, pouring the steeped tea into her favorite ceramic mug. "But honestly? I refuse to have them paparazzi idiots in my business. Last thing I need is some headline tomorrow talking about 'Sedona and Kendrick's Secret Rendezvous' or some other nonsense."

He laughed at her impression of a tabloid reporter. "Facts. They don't need to know what's going on. Let 'em guess."

Sedona carried her tea over to the couch, settling into the plush cushions with a satisfied sigh. "Exactly. Let them work for their breadcrumbs. Meanwhile, I'll just be over here, minding my business and living my life."

Kendrick chuckled, running a hand over his beard. "You wild. But I get it. Ain't nothing wrong with keeping what's yours to yourself."

She took a sip of her tea and raised her eyebrows. "Exactly. That's the motto: keep 'em guessing."

For a moment, they just sat there on the call, letting the quiet of their respective homes fill the spaces between their words. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence—just the natural rhythm of two people enjoying each other's company, even from miles apart.

Kendrick finally broke it with a sly grin. "So, what's the verdict? You tearing up during the movie tonight or nah?"

Sedona groaned, rolling her eyes. "Don't start with me. That ancestral plane scene hit, okay? I don't care what you say. My emotions were valid."

"Man, you were gone," He teased. "I caught you dabbing at your face with the popcorn napkin."

She threw her head back, laughing. "You were supposed to be four seats away, minding your own business!"

"Couldn't help it," He said, his tone softening. "You were locked in, though. Looked like you really felt it."

She smiled, cradling the warm mug in her hands. "I did. It's just... everything about it—the themes, the representation, the respect for where we come from. It hit close to home, you know?"

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I felt that too. Makes you think about how much more we got to tell our stories. It's inspiring."

The two of them eventually transitioned into a lighter conversation, with Sedona leaning back against the couch cushions. "Okay, random question time," She said, swirling the last bit of her tea in the mug. "What's a random thing about you that no one knows?"

Kendrick raised an eyebrow, his head resting back against the cushion. "That no one knows?" he repeated, thinking for a moment. "Aight, I used to be crazy into Legos as a kid. Like, for real. Could sit for hours building whatever came to mind. My mom used to get mad 'cause I left pieces everywhere. You step on one barefoot, and you gon' feel it in your soul."

Sedona burst into laughter, nearly spilling her tea. "Not the soul-stealing Legos!"

"Man, I'm serious," Kendrick said, chuckling. "But for real, it taught me patience. Lowkey think it helped with my creativity too. Ain't nothing like sitting there trying to figure out how to turn a spaceship into a race car."

"Multitalented even as a kid," Sedona teased, setting her mug down on the coffee table. "I like that."

Kendrick smirked, shaking his head. "Alright, but let me give you something deeper than Legos. Here's a random thing: I was named after Eddie Kendricks. You know, from The Temptations."

Sedona's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what? Like The Eddie Kendricks? 'Just My Imagination' Eddie Kendricks?"

"Exactly," Kendrick said with a proud nod. "My mom was a huge fan of Motown. She loved The Temptations—especially Eddie. She always said his voice was smooth, but it was his humility and the way he carried himself that inspired her. So, when I was born, she figured I needed a name that carried some greatness with it."

"That's wild," Sedona said, leaning forward with genuine fascination. "And here I thought Kendrick was just... Kendrick. But now it's got a whole legacy behind it."

"Yup," he replied, his tone softer now. "I grew up listening to all that music, too—The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder. It's part of the reason I even got into music. There's something about the way they told stories, the soul in every lyric, every note. I wanted to do something that could connect with people the same way."

Sedona nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That's beautiful. And honestly? I see it in you. Your music has that same timeless quality. It makes people feel something, you know?"

"Appreciate that," Kendrick said, his smile warm. "It's all about paying homage, keeping that spirit alive."

Sedona grinned. "Well, shoutout to your mom for the name and the inspiration. Eddie Kendricks would be proud."

"You think so?" He asked with a playful tilt of his head.

"Definitely," She said confidently. "And for the record, your mom has impeccable taste."

Kendrick smiled, his gaze softening. "Your turn. What's something about you that nobody knows?"

Sedona tucked her legs under her, tilting her head in thought. "Hmm, let's see... Not many people know I was in JROTC for all four years of high school. And two years in college."

Kendrick blinked, clearly surprised. "For real? You was out here in uniform and everything?"

"Oh yeah," she said, grinning. "My dad convinced me to join. At first, I hated it—mostly the uniform. But eventually, I got into it. Being on the teams, going to the military balls, learning discipline... it wasn't so bad. Plus, I can proudly say I can knock out some pull-ups like it's nothing. The program definitely did that for me."

Kendrick raised his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, I see you. Pull-ups and everything? Respect."

"But," Sedona continued, laughing softly, "My mom still loved it, though. She has an entire section in the house dedicated to my time in the program—photos, certificates, even my old uniforms. I think she still brags about it to her friends."

"Sounds like she's proud of you," Kendrick said, his voice warm.

"She is."

Kendrick nods before asking. "But why'd you stop after two years in college?"

"Honestly? It just wasn't for me long-term," Sedona said, shrugging. "I learned a lot, and it shaped me in ways I'll always be grateful for, but I knew I wasn't about that military life forever. It was more of a phase than a calling."

Kendrick smiled, clearly impressed. "Man, you full of surprises. I ain't never met someone who can go from JROTC badass to soulful tea maker to music icon all in one lifetime."

Sedona grinned, tilting her head. "Well, what can I say? I'm full of layers. You just gotta stick around to peel 'em back."

"I ain't going nowhere," Kendrick said with a soft smile, the sincerity in his voice unmistakable.

"Glad to hear that," Sedona replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "And looking back, I do kind of appreciate it. Even if I felt like a dork in the uniform back then. I probably looked badass, though. I'll give myself that."

"You probably did," Kendrick said with a chuckle. "I can see it now—little Sedona, walking all serious like she's about to run the place."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up."

The conversation flowed easily, their laughter filling the quiet spaces. It was the kind of exchange that felt natural, intimate, and effortless.

"So, College? What was that like?"

"I had a time." Sedona began slightly raising a brow at the memories of her attending Frat parties and having to sneak back in before curfew. The years 07-09 had no idea what to do with her. "Clark Atlanta University class of '09. Bachelors in Psychology."

Kendrick raised his eyebrows, visibly impressed. "Clark Atlanta? Okay, I see you out here. A whole bachelor's in Psychology? That's dope."

Sedona grinned, leaning back against the couch. "Yep. And I finished too. Had a couple of rough semesters, but I pulled through. Honestly, it was a lot of fun. College taught me more about life than just academics. And now, who knows? I might even aim for my master's at some point."

Kendrick smirked, nodding in approval. "That's a power move. Psychology too? You out here reading people's minds, huh?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Not exactly, but I can analyze the hell out of someone's behavior if I want to. It's kind of fascinating, really—figuring out why people do what they do."

"So, what made you pick Psychology?" Kendrick asked, genuinely curious.

Sedona shrugged, tucking a loose strand of hair back under her bonnet. "Honestly? I've always been curious about how people think. Growing up, I'd watch my parents and wonder why they handled certain situations the way they did. And then, as I got older, I realized I wanted to understand people better—how to communicate, how to help, how to even navigate my own stuff. Plus, my dad always said, 'If you can understand the mind, you can understand the world.'"

Kendrick tilted his head thoughtfully. "That's deep. Makes sense, though. You ever think about practicing? Like therapy or something?"

"Maybe," Sedona admitted. "But I'm not sure yet. Right now, I'm still figuring things out, you know? Music it's my life, but Psychology... it's always gonna be a part of me. Who knows? One day I might surprise everyone and open a practice or something."

Kendrick smiled, his admiration clear. "Whatever you do, I know you'll kill it. You got that drive about you."

"Thank you," Sedona said softly, her smile lingering. "But enough about me. What about you? Did you ever think about going to college?"

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, I thought about it. Even applied to a couple places, but life had other plans. Music kind of took over before I had the chance to really go down that path."

"And look where it's gotten you," she said, tilting her head. "You're changing the game. College or not, you're doing your thing."

"Appreciate that," Kendrick said with a nod. "But I gotta say, it's cool to hear you're thinking about a master's. That's big."

Sedona smirked. "Well, I'll keep you posted. Maybe one day you'll catch me walking across another stage in a cap and gown."

"I'll be there," Kendrick said without hesitation. "Front row, cheering loud as hell."

His sincerity made her laugh, but it also warmed her heart. Their conversation flowed easily, a perfect balance of lighthearted teasing and genuine connection. It was moments like this—real and unfiltered—that reminded Sedona why she valued their bond so much.

By the time the call ended, Sedona was stretched out on the couch, the remnants of her tea forgotten on the table. Her heart felt full, her mind drifting between thoughts of the night's premiere, the way Kendrick made her laugh, and the comfort she found in their connection.

Even as she drifted off to sleep, a small smile played on her lips, the sound of Kendrick's laugh still echoing in her ears. Tonight had been perfect in every way that mattered, and she couldn't wait to see where their story would take them next.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Thirty-one.
— ０１／２２／２５
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Listen, I've just been dumping on this entire chapter just cause why not. They're booed up so expect the given amount of content. Don't you just love yappers.

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

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