xxxviii. WELCOME TO DUBLIN.
February 7, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Dublin, Ireland.

@SZA replied to your story ⃗
ughhh leaving me 🙄.

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—

Tour season had officially kicked off, and Sedona was practically vibrating with excitement as she strutted onto the flight from LAX to Dublin. Opening for Kendrick Lamar on the European leg of the DAMN. tour? Insane. This wasn't just a career move—it was a whole flex. New audiences, new cities, and a chance to prove she wasn't just some viral moment but a real force on stage. Plus, she hadn't performed outside of the U.S. in forever, so yeah, she was feeling herself a little.

Settling into her seat next to Kendrick, Sedona shot him a sly grin. "You ready to be stuck with me for ten hours straight?"

Kendrick, already scrolling through his phone, smirked but didn't look up. "Ain't got much of a choice, huh?"

"You really don't," She teased, buckling her seatbelt with exaggerated flair. "I talk in my sleep, by the way. And snore. Like, real aggressively."

Kendrick finally glanced at her, deadpan. "Good to know. Lemme go ahead and request another seat."

She gasped, clutching her chest like he'd just delivered a Shakespearean betrayal. "Wow. After everything we've been through? Cold world."

Kendrick shook his head, but the quiet chuckle he tried to suppress gave him away. That was the thing about him—he had this chill, almost mysterious aura, but when he let loose, he was goofy as hell. You just had to catch it in real-time.

Sedona eventually stretched her legs out and leaned back, the green under-eye mask she'd slapped on mid-flight making her look like a sleep-deprived superhero. Kendrick hadn't said much about it yet, but every now and then, she'd catch him sneaking a glance, a small smirk tugging at his lips. 

"Go 'head, say what you wanna say," She prompted, lowering her gaze at him.

He glanced at her, all casual. "I ain't sayin' nothin'." 

"You're thinking something," She pressed. 

He let a slow grin spread across his face. "Just tryna figure out if you fight crime in your sleep or if that's strictly a daytime gig." 

She gasped, hand over her chest. "Wow. So you're really hating on my self-care routine right now?" 

"Never that," He chuckled, shaking his head. "I respect the dedication. Just wonderin' if the mask gives you superpowers or if it's just for dramatic effect." 

"Both," She quipped. "And I will remember this slander when you wake up looking like you fought a pillow and lost." 

Kendrick just shook his head, amused, before scrolling through his phone. Somewhere between Sedona quizzing him on weird food preferences and roasting his suspiciously neat travel bag, she asked, "What's one food you'd never eat again?" The easy banter between them made the hours pass faster, and Sedona, always a talker liked asking questions.

Kendrick didn't even have to think about it. "Raisins in potato salad." 

Sedona's head snapped toward him. "Boy what in the hell?—you had to experience that once to say never again. I have so many questions." 

Kendrick sighed, rubbing his temple like the memory itself gave him a headache. "A barbecue in '03. I was young. I was hopeful. I trusted too easily. The aunt that made that is still banned from bringing any kind of food at the cookout."

She threw her head back, cackling. "Damn, she really betrayed you like that?" 

"Life-changing levels of betrayal." 

Sedona shook her head, wiping tears from her eyes. "Okay, but if someone you trust put raisins in it—like, what if it was made with love?" 

"Love don't belong in that situation," Kendrick deadpanned. "I can forgive a lot, but not that." 

Somewhere mid-conversation, Sedona dozed off, the green mask still firmly in place as she instinctively leaned into his shoulder. Kendrick didn't move, just kept scrolling through his phone, occasionally glancing down at her, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of it all—but still letting her stay right there. Their relationship was easy, natural—just the way they liked it.

—

By the time they landed in Dublin, Sedona felt like she'd gone ten rounds with jet lag. Her entire body was dragging, but she was determined to power through. After settling into her hotel room and catching a quick nap, she felt slightly human again.

A knock at the door pulled her out of her post-nap haze. She opened it to find Kendrick leaning casually against the frame.

"You trying to hit the gym?" He asked, already dressed in workout gear.

She grinned, grabbing her gym bag. "You know it. Gotta stay tour-ready."

—

The FlyeFit gym on Macken Street was buzzing with energy when they arrived. Kendrick dove straight into his routine—biceps and back today—while Sedona focused on her usual mix of yoga, cardio, and strength. Her brief years of gymnastics training made her movements fluid and precise, and she drew more than a few stares from gym-goers as she moved through challenging poses with ease.

"Girl, how are you even doing that?" Monica asked, watching in awe as Sedona casually transitioned into a one-armed handstand.

Sedona smirked. "Years of practice—and a little trauma," She joked, holding the pose a moment longer before lowering herself gracefully.

Meanwhile, Kendrick was entirely in his zone, glancing over occasionally to watch Sedona out of the corner of his eye. There was an unspoken pride in the way he observed her—appreciating not just her discipline but the way she made it all look effortless.

After wrapping up her routine, Sedona challenged Kendrick to a push-up competition. "Think you can keep up?" She teased, dropping into position before he could answer.

Kendrick chuckled, shaking his head as he joined her. "You sure you want to lose in front of everybody?"

By the time Sedona hit 43 push-ups, her arms were shaking, but she refused to stop until he hit 83, leaving her no choice but to concede.

"Alright, alright, you win," She admitted, standing and stretching her sore arms. "But don't act like I didn't make you work for it."

Kendrick smirked, tapping her shoulder lightly. "You did good. For a beginner."

"Beginner my ass." She rolled her eyes, laughing as they wrapped up their session and headed back to the hotel.

—

After showering and changing, Sedona made her way to the 3Arena for soundcheck, dressed in a sleek black crop top and olive-green wide-leg trousers that flowed effortlessly with her every step. Her hair was tied back neatly, and her in-ear monitors were secure as she stepped onto the stage.

The massive venue, empty for now, felt alive with potential. Sedona's perfectionism kicked in immediately. Every note, every movement, every lighting cue needed to be flawless. This was her first impression, and she intended to make it count.

Her set began with "Distraction," her sultry ballad. She practiced hitting each note with precision while walking the stage with confidence. Next came "Kiss It Better," where she perfected her transitions and timed the spotlight cues just right. Just performing her much older songs, even from the mixtape era filled her with a lot of pride and nostalgia to see where she was now compared to then.

By the time she got to "Push 2 Start," her newest track that was steadily climbing the charts, Sedona's energy had shifted into full performance mode. The choreography was sharp and fluid, each movement a testament to her training and dedication. She ran the song twice, then a third time, until it felt just right.

Somewhere near the edge of the stage, she noticed Kendrick watching her. He stood casually, arms crossed, just out of the spotlight. His expression was unreadable at first, but as her eyes lingered on him, a small smirk curved his lips.

Her heart skipped, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she raised an eyebrow at him in silent acknowledgment, a subtle smile playing on her lips before she turned back to her team. "Alright, let's run it one more time," She suggests, clapping her hands together.

The music started again, and with Kendrick watching, Sedona pushed even harder, delivering every note and movement with razor-sharp precision. When the run-through ended, she glanced back toward where he'd been standing, only to find him gone.

Later, as she cooled down backstage, Kendrick reappeared, handing her a bottle of water. "You were locked in out there," He said, his voice low but warm.

"Gotta be," She replied, taking a sip and meeting his gaze.

He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping even lower. "You're ready for this. You know that, right?"

Her lips curved into a small smile. "I know."

And in that moment, Sedona felt it—not just his belief in her, but her own belief in herself. This was her time, and she wasn't going to waste it.

—

Night descended upon Dublin faster than Sedona had anticipated, and the once-quiet 3Arena was now alive with the electric energy of 12,644 fans, all eagerly waiting for the headlining act: Kendrick Lamar. Sedona, as the opening act, felt the weight of her moment and the honor of stepping out onto a stage this big. But even with her confidence, a touch of nervous energy buzzed in her chest.

Her outfit—a vibrant ensemble of tropical hues that popped against her warm skin—was as bold as her spirit. She took one last steadying breath, rolling her shoulders as the stage crew gave the final checks. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Kendrick leaning casually against a stack of sound equipment, watching her. The sight of him, steady and composed, sent a wave of calm through her.

She walked over, her steps quick but subtle enough not to draw too much attention. "I'm nervous as shit," She admitted, her voice low enough for only him to hear.

Kendrick glanced down at her, his lips curving into the faintest smirk as he placed a reassuring hand on her lower back, the touch grounding but fleeting. "You've done this a hundred times, D. It's just another crowd. Go out there and show them why they're lucky to see you."

His words sank into her like warmth on a cold night, and she nodded, her lips curling into a smile. "Thanks," She whispered before slipping away and making her way back to her team.

Before taking the stage, Sedona huddled with her dancers and band, her hands squeezing theirs as she led a quick prayer. "Let's have fun tonight," she said with a grin that drew cheers and laughs from her team.

The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted. Sedona stepped into the spotlight, gripping the mic with the kind of poise that could command any room. "Dia duit, Baile Átha Cliath!" she greeted, her imperfect Irish accent earning a mix of cheers and laughter.

"I'm Sedona," She continued, her voice brimming with excitement, "And I just want y'all to vibe with me tonight. That cool with you?"

The crowd's roar gave her the green light, and as the band struck the first chord, she dove into her set with ease. Sedona's voice wrapped around each note like silk, and her movements radiated with the vibrant energy of someone who belonged on that stage.

By the time she reached her closing number, Push 2 Start, the energy in the arena reached its peak. Her dancers spun and leaped in perfectly synchronized, carnival-inspired choreography, their vibrant outfits matching the dynamic beat. Even those unfamiliar with her music couldn't help but clap, cheer, and sway along.

When the final note hit, Sedona stood center stage, her chest heaving with exhilaration. "Thank you, Dublin! I love y'all!" She shouted, bowing deeply as the audience erupted into applause.

Backstage, Monica and Dave were the first to meet her with hugs and praise. She accepted their compliments graciously, but her eyes sought someone else.

Kendrick was leaning against the wall near the entrance to the green room, his arms crossed as he watched her. The faintest smile played on his lips as she approached, the energy from her performance still radiating off her.

"You did your thing out there," He said simply, his voice low enough for only her to hear as his arm casually slid around her waist for a brief second.

She laughed softly, still catching her breath. "Thanks. You sure you're not just biased?"

"Maybe," He teased, his smirk widening. "But I know what I saw."

His hand lingered on her back for a moment longer than necessary before slipping away as they heard someone approaching. Sedona took a long sip of water, fighting the smile that threatened to give her away.

It was Kendrick's turn to take the stage next. As he stepped forward, Sedona reached out, her hand brushing his. "Break a leg, Kenny," She said, her voice playful but warm.

"Thanks," He replied, his gaze lingering on her before he disappeared into the frenzy of crew and stage lights.

Rather than return to her dressing room, Sedona found a quiet spot near the catering area where she could watch Kendrick's set on the VR monitor set up backstage. She perched on a stool, legs crossed, sipping her water as the familiar beats of DNA. rattled through the speakers.

Watching him perform never got old. Kendrick commanded the crowd with a raw, magnetic energy that seemed to electrify the room. His movements were precise, his lyrics sharp and unrelenting. Sedona couldn't help but admire the way he connected with every single person in that massive crowd as if his words were meant just for them.

She leaned back, a small smile tugging at her lips. Kendrick wasn't just a rapper; he was an artist, a storyteller, a force of nature. And watching him reminded her not only why she was on this journey but why she wanted to keep walking it, one stage at a time—with him quietly cheering her on from the sidelines.

As his set rolled on, the cheers growing louder with every song, Sedona let herself drift in the moment. The night was far from over, but in her heart, it already felt like a win—for both of them.

The roar of the crowd was still ringing in Sedona's ears as she waited backstage, her adrenaline slowly settling. The rest of Kendrick's set had been nothing short of legendary, and when he finally walked off the stage, a wave of excitement and congratulations swept through the green room. 

His team was first to approach, offering handshakes and words of praise, but Sedona hung back, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and an easy smile on her face. When their eyes finally met, Kendrick strode over to her with his signature calm demeanor, but the faint glint in his eyes betrayed his own excitement. 

"Look at you," Sedona teased, holding up her bottle of water like she was making a toast. "The man of the hour." 

Kendrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, that was you earlier. I just kept the energy going." 

She raised a brow, stepping closer so the others around them wouldn't overhear. "Kept it going? Kenny, you did your shit. That was incredible." 

He smirked, giving her a small nod before murmuring, "Appreciate that, D." 

As the team celebrated around them, Monica and Dave pulled Sedona aside for a quick conversation. The night had been a massive success for her first tour stop, and she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you for everything," She said sincerely, hugging both of them. "Seriously, you guys made this possible." 

"It's all you, girl," Monica said, grinning. "You've got the talent. We're just here to help the world see it." 

The celebration winded down as the crew began packing up, and soon, Sedona and Kendrick slipped out a back exit to head to their car. The cool night air of Dublin greeted them, refreshing after the heat of the stage lights. 

Inside the car, Sedona leaned back against the seat, finally letting herself exhale. Kendrick settled beside her, glancing her way as the city lights blurred past. "So," He began, breaking the comfortable silence, "What do you think of Dublin? And the crowd?" 

Sedona tilted her head, a playful smile creeping across her lips. "Dublin's beautiful. Feels like it's got history in every corner, you know? And the crowd..." She let out a low whistle. "They were insane. In the best way. They made me feel like I belong here." 

Kendrick nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he looked out the window. "Yeah, Dublin's got a vibe. Crowd's always wild here. But you handled it like a pro." 

"Coming from you, that means a lot," She said softly, her voice carrying a hint of vulnerability she rarely showed. 

As the car turned down a quieter street, Sedona leaned forward, rummaging through her bag. She pulled out a small camera and turned to Kendrick, grinning mischievously. "Okay, I need you to do me a favor." 

He raised a brow, eyeing the camera. "What kind of favor?" 

"Pictures. For memories," She said, holding it up. "I snagged this before the trip because I knew I'd regret not capturing some of this. So come on, cooperate." 

Kendrick sighed, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Alright, fine. But you're taking some too." 

She beamed and immediately started snapping pictures of him, catching his relaxed expression and a rare, easy smile as the dim city lights filtered into the car. Then she handed him the camera and leaned toward him. "Your turn." 

Kendrick shook his head but didn't argue, holding the camera up and snapping a few shots of her laughing, her face glowing with post-performance pride. She leaned closer, nudging him with her shoulder. "One more. Together this time." 

He smirked but obliged, turning the camera around for a selfie. As Sedona leaned against him, their faces close and their smiles genuine, the shutter clicked, freezing the moment in time. 

The car ride was quiet, the adrenaline from the show still buzzing through them. Sedona popped a grape into her mouth, leaning back against the seat. "Did you know that Prince played twenty-seven instruments on his debut album?"

Kendrick smirked, glancing at her. "You just be sittin' on facts like this?"

She shrugged, tossing another grape up and catching it with ease. "Listen you're talking to a former musical prodigy. Let me feed you with facts."

He nodded, waiting for whatever random fact was coming next.

"Also, Luther Vandross started as a background singer. Ain't that crazy?"

"Mm-hmm."

"And—" She paused, thinking. "Oh! You know Anita Baker was unsigned when she recorded Rapture? That's legendary."

Kendrick just shook his head, amused. "You a whole encyclopedia tonight."

Sedona ignored him, grabbing another grape. "And—" She started, but the word stretched out in her unmistakable Southern drawl.

Kendrick grinned instantly. "Nahhh, say that again."

She frowned. "Say what again?"

"That and—sounded country as hell."

She rolled her eyes. "Now, I know you ain't doin' this again, Duckworth."

"I'm not doin' nothin'," He said, voice dipping low, teasing. "It's just cute, Baptiste."

Sedona huffed, looking away as warmth crept up her face.

Kendrick just chuckled, reaching over to steal a grape. "Three-month rule still in effect?"

She side-eyed him but couldn't fight the smile creeping onto her lips. "Damn right."

He smirked, popping the grape into his mouth. "Aight. I'll be nice."

—

By the time they arrived at the airport to prepare for their flight to Birmingham, both of them were quieter, the rush of the night finally settling into exhaustion. As they walked through the terminal, Kendrick glanced down at Sedona, his voice low. "You ready for the next one?" 

She looked up at him, her eyes steady and confident. "Always." 

And with that, they boarded the plane, their minds already shifting to the next stage, the next crowd, and the next memory waiting to be made.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Thirty-eight.
— ０２／０１／２５
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When will WATTPAD fix its issue because it's been days now and I still can't see the bottom of my texts in order for me to update. It's annoying and it's bothering me. FIX IT GODDAMN.

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH TO ALL MY BLACK PEOPLE!!!!!!

Edit: "boring" or not my work of art is still getting love. Like not every character is going to sleep with each other within the first two days. Let me cook guys.

The 3-month rule. Do you think either will survive because if we're being honest it will test them both in ways like never before. Do you honestly have faith in Sedona? Kendrick?

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

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