xxxix. ONWARD!
February 8, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Birmingham, England.

The hum of the private jet vibrated beneath Sedona's fingertips as she leaned back against the plush leather seat, her head resting lightly against the window. Outside, the early evening sky was painted in hues of burnt orange and deep indigo as they made their descent into Birmingham, England. She exhaled, feeling a quiet excitement settle in her chest.

Tour life had been a whirlwind—city after city, stage after stage—but tonight felt different. The energy in the air was electric, a slow-building current of anticipation she couldn't quite put her finger on. Maybe it was the fact that she'd been killing it every night, or maybe it was just that she felt... free.

Dressed in a sheer, long-sleeved patterned dress that clung to her in all the right places, Sedona stretched her legs out, adjusting the sleek bun at the nape of her neck. The outfit was one of her favorites—effortlessly sexy but comfortable, something that made her feel like herself. Across from her, Kendrick sat, nodding along to whatever was playing through his noise-canceling headphones, his fingers tapping against his knee in rhythm.

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she pulled out her phone, flipping through her music until she landed on something that fit the moment.

Sade. Kiss of Life.

As soon as the familiar, dreamy melody filtered through the cabin, she started humming, then singing softly.

"There must have been an angel by my side..."

Kendrick glanced up, one earbud popping out as he eyed her. "You on your Sade shit again?"

Sedona grinned, undeterred. "And what about it?" She closed her eyes and swayed slightly in her seat, fully immersed. "You can never get tired of Sadé."

Kendrick shook his head with an amused chuckle, but there was something about the way his eyes lingered on her that made her chest feel warm. He liked seeing her like this—unguarded, lost in her own little world.

By the time she reached the chorus, she had fully committed, dramatically pressing a hand to her heart.

"You gave me the kiss of life... kiss of life..."

Kendrick rubbed a hand over his face, trying—and failing—to suppress his laughter. "You need help."

"You need better taste in music," She shot back playfully.

"Better taste?" He scoffed. "Don't do that."

"Don't do what?" She batted her lashes innocently. "Tell the truth?"

He shook his head again, but the smile remained.

—

Once they landed, the crisp English air hit Sedona as she stepped off the jet, her heels clicking against the pavement. The city stretched before them, alive with movement, headlights flickering against the damp roads.

As they slid into the black Sprinter van waiting for them, Dave, being the type to take footage of content, wasted no time pulling out Sedona's mini cam that she'd brought for the duration of the tour. "Alright, Syd," He started, adjusting the focus. "What's today's message for the fans?"

Sedona adjusted her posture dramatically, flashing a sultry grin at the camera. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have officially touched down in Birmingham." She glanced over at Kendrick, who was scrolling through his phone. "And my esteemed colleague here has promised me that he can out-rap me today."

Kendrick barely looked up. "That's a lie."

Sedona gasped in mock offense. "Are you backing out?"

"I never agreed."

"But you are backing out." She turned to Dave and Monica. "You heard that, right? That's fear in his voice."

Dave cackled. "I did hear a little hesitation, bro."

"So did I." Monica quickly looked up from her phone before looking back down.

Kendrick sighed, sliding his phone into his pocket. "You know what? Fine. Let's do it."

That was all she needed.

—

The instrumental for NY State of Mind started playing from Dave's speaker, the unmistakable piano loop setting the stage. Sedona immediately started bopping her head, feeling the beat sink into her bones.

She took the first shot, voice dripping with playfulness.

"Check it, I ain't a rapper but I can spit sum.
Tell me what's the difference between a nigga and his plus one?"

Kendrick let out a low "Aight" under his breath, leaning forward with interest.

Sedona kept going.

"One get the spotlight, the other in the backseat, Tryna play it cool but he salty as a damn sea."

Dave let out a loud "Damn!" from behind the camera.

"Mmmkay Sedona."

Kendrick chuckled, rubbing his jaw. "Aight, bet." He leaned forward, eyes locked onto hers. He wasn't taking it serious, neither was her—if he was it would've been a different story.

"Look—lil' Miss R&B think she a battle rapper, Step into my ring, I'ma make this moment shatter."

Sedona feigned shock, placing a hand over her chest. "Oh, so we doing personals now?"

Kendrick smirked. "You started it."

Not one to back down, she leaned forward, eyes glinting.

"Boy, don't play, you know I be writing my own shit, Ain't no Quentin Miller, this that Grammy-nominated hit."

Kendrick's head snapped back with a loud laugh. "Oh, you wild."

Sedona shrugged. "I said what I said."

Dave kept recording, loving every second of it.

Kendrick lifted a brow. "Aight, last round. Let's see what you got."

She nodded, rolling her shoulders. Then, with a smirk:

"Heard he rap real good, got the whole world shook, But tell me why his girl still the coldest in the room?"

The van erupted in laughter. Even Kendrick had to admit that was fire.

"You got it," He conceded, shaking his head. "I ain't even gon' argue."

Sedona threw her arms up in victory. "And that's exactly why you my man. You smart."

Kendrick could only smile, shaking his head as the van rolled through the streets of Birmingham, the city lights flickering outside.

Tonight was already shaping up to be unforgettable.

The playful energy in the van lingered as they weaved through the streets of Birmingham, the laughter and remnants of the rap battle still thick in the air. Sedona leaned her head back against the seat, her breath steadying after all the excitement. She caught Kendrick watching her from the corner of his eye, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"What?" She asked, still slightly breathless.

He shook his head. "Nothin'. Just didn't know my girl had bars like that."

Sedona scoffed. "Boy, please. You know I got a little sum' in my bag."

Kendrick hummed in agreement, resting his chin on his fist. "That 'coldest in the room' line? That was disrespectful."

She grinned. "And yet, you ain't deny it."

Dave laughed from behind the camera. "Sedona, you are unhinged."

Sedona playfully rolled her eyes, then stretched her arms over her head. The energy was still buzzing in her body, but it was shifting—settling into something more reflective. She let her gaze drift out the window, taking in the unfamiliar streets.

Birmingham felt different. Not just because it was a new city, but because she felt different.

This tour had given her a sense of freedom she hadn't realized she needed. Every night on stage, she got to be fully herself—raw, unfiltered, electric. And the fact that Kendrick was here, witnessing her at her peak, made it even more special.

She reached over and laced her fingers with his, giving his hand a small squeeze.

—

The van finally pulled up to their hotel, a sleek high-rise overlooking the city. A few fans had already gathered outside, cameras flashing as soon as the van doors slid open.

Sedona tightened her coat around herself and stepped out, flashing a quick smile before security guided them inside. The hotel lobby was quiet, the air thick with expensive cologne and fresh lilies arranged in tall glass vases.

As soon as they got to their suite, Sedona wasted no time kicking off her shoes. "Finally," She sighed, rolling her shoulders.

Kendrick chuckled as he set his bags down. "Already tired?"

"Not tired, just—" She hesitated, trying to find the right words. "It's like... I gave so much energy earlier, and now my body is catching up."

Kendrick nodded knowingly. "Performance high. You be givin' everything on that stage."

She smirked. "It's 'cause I'm a professional."

"Mmhm." He sat on the edge of the bed, stretching out his legs. "So what's the move? Room service? Or you tryna step out for a bit?"

Sedona pursed her lips in thought. "Honestly? I kinda just wanna chill for a second."

Kendrick didn't argue. He knew her well enough to understand when she needed to ride out the adrenaline.

She made her way to the mini-fridge, pulling out a cold bottle of water before collapsing onto the couch. Her dress shimmered under the soft hotel lighting, the intricate patterns hugging her frame just right.

Kendrick was watching her again.

She tilted her head. "What now?"

He shrugged. "Nothin'. Just admiring my girl."

Sedona narrowed her eyes. "You real smooth, you know that?"

"Only for you."

She rolled her eyes, but she couldn't fight the warmth creeping up her neck.

—

An hour later, the room was dimly lit, the TV playing some random British reality show neither of them was actually watching. Sedona sat with her legs tucked under her, absentmindedly flipping through her phone.

"You ever think about what's next?" She asked suddenly.

Kendrick glanced up. "What you mean?"

"Like... after the tour. After all the crazy stuff. What's next for us?"

It wasn't a question she'd planned to ask, but now that it was out there, she realized she really wanted to know.

Kendrick leaned back against the pillows, considering. "I mean... we still got a lot to do. More music. More moves to make." He studied her. "You feelin' like you need a break?"

Sedona exhaled, running a hand over her slicked-back bun. "Oh no. Not a break, just... I don't know. I've been moving non-stop. Sometimes I wonder what it'd feel like to just be for a minute."

Kendrick nodded, understanding. "I get it. Shit get crazy fast." He reached out, tracing lazy circles on her knee. "But you ain't gotta figure it all out tonight."

She gave him a small smile. "I know. Just thinking out loud."

Silence settled between them, comfortable and warm.

Then Kendrick smirked. "You know, if this whole R&B superstar thing don't work out, you might have a future in battle rap."

Sedona laughed, shoving his shoulder. "Shut up."

"I'm serious. That plus one line? Legendary."

She shook her head, grinning. "You just mad I cooked you."

Kendrick chuckled, pulling her closer. "Yeah, yeah. Keep talkin'."

And with that, the day stretched on, filled with quiet laughter, soft touches, and the kind of moments that made everything feel right.

—

After lounging around in the suite for a while, Sedona stretched her arms above her head and let out a deep breath. The performance high had settled, but the restless energy still lingered.

"I need to move," She announced, glancing at Kendrick. "Let's go do something."

Kendrick smirked. "Like what? You tryna go back on stage?"

She rolled her eyes. "Funny, but I'm saving it for tomorrow. Let's go down to the lounge. I saw they had a pool table earlier."

Kendrick raised an eyebrow. "You play?"

Sedona stood up and smoothed out her dress, the fabric clinging to her in all the right places. "I mean... I'm decent."

Kendrick chuckled, shaking his head. "Aight, let's see what you got."

—

The hotel lounge had a low-lit, intimate atmosphere, with plush seating, warm amber lighting, and a small bar tucked in the corner. A few guests were scattered around, some nursing drinks, others engaged in hushed conversation. But Sedona's eyes locked onto the sleek, green-felted pool table near the back.

Kendrick grabbed a cue stick, spinning it between his fingers. "You sure you wanna do this?"

Sedona smirked, stepping up to the table. "Oh, I know I wanna do this."

She grabbed her own cue, giving it a twirl before chalking the tip. The way she moved—calm, confident—made Kendrick raise an eyebrow.

"You tryna act like you don't know what you're doing," He observed.

She laughed. "I said I was decent."

"Mmhm. We'll see."

They flipped a coin to decide who broke. Kendrick won. He leaned over the table, lining up his shot, and with a smooth crack of the cue ball, the game was on. Two solids sank immediately.

Sedona whistled. "Aight, okay, I see you."

Kendrick grinned. "Don't be scared now."

Sedona rolled her shoulders before stepping up to take her turn. She bent over the table, her stance precise as she lined up her shot. With a sharp clack, she sank a striped ball in the corner pocket.

Kendrick raised both eyebrows. "Ohhh, okay. You really play."

She smirked. "I said I was decent."

As the game went on, the competitive banter grew. Sedona playfully bumped Kendrick's shoulder after sinking a tricky shot.

"Go 'head, admit it," She teased. "You underestimated me."

Kendrick chuckled. "Nah, I just like watchin' you work."

Sedona shook her head, laughing as she moved around the table for her next shot. But when she missed, Kendrick smirked.

"Finally," He muttered. "My turn."

He took his time, sinking another shot with precision. Then another. Then another. Sedona groaned dramatically.

"Alright, we get it, you cold with it."

Kendrick just shrugged. "I ain't even warmed up yet."

Sedona rolled her eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. The game continued, both of them matching each other shot for shot. But when it came down to the final ball—the eight-ball—Sedona leaned over, lined it up perfectly... and missed by a hair.

She gasped. "Ain't no way."

Kendrick cackled. "Damn, that's crazy."

Sedona straightened up, narrowing her eyes. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

He smirked. "I don't know what you talkin' bout."

She folded her arms, watching as Kendrick took his shot—and of course, he sank the eight-ball effortlessly, winning the game.

Sedona groaned, tossing her cue stick on the table. "You're annoying."

Kendrick grinned, stepping closer. "I mean, you put up a fight. I respect it."

She eyed him. "You respect it?"

"Yeah." He leaned down slightly, voice dropping. "You look good playin' too."

Sedona huffed, but her cheeks warmed. "You just tryna butter me up 'cause you won."

Kendrick laughed. "Maybe."

Sedona shook her head but smiled anyway. "Whatever. Next time, I'm winning."

"Sure you are," Kendrick teased, draping an arm around her shoulders as they made their way toward the bar.

The night was far from over.

—

After their spirited pool match, Sedona and Kendrick settled into a cozy corner of the hotel lounge, the ambient hum of conversations and clinking glasses creating a relaxed atmosphere. Sedona sipped her drink, a simple coke and lime a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

"You know," She began, "It's been a minute since we had a night out, just the two of us."

Kendrick nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, tour life's been hectic as it usually is. You got something in mind?"

She smiled, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "I heard Birmingham has a pretty dope nightlife scene. How about we check out some spots? Dip before anyone realizes."

Kendrick raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm down. What's the move?"

Sedona pulled out her phone, quickly searching for local hotspots. "There's this place called Digbeth Dining Club. It's like a big street food festival with live music and performers. Sounds fun, right?"

Kendrick grinned. "Food and music? Say less."

—

Bundled up against the chilly night air, the couple made their way to Digbeth, a vibrant district known for its creative energy and eclectic venues. The streets were alive with colorful murals, and the distant sounds of laughter and music guided them toward their destination.

As they approached the Digbeth Dining Club, the enticing aroma of various cuisines filled the air. Stalls offering everything from gourmet burgers to exotic dishes lined the area, each more tempting than the last.

Sedona's eyes lit up. "This place is amazing! Where do we start?"

Kendrick chuckled. "Let's just dive in and see what catches our eye."

They spent the next hour sampling an array of dishes, sharing bites and exchanging opinions on their favorites. The lively atmosphere was infectious, and Sedona found herself relaxing more with each passing moment.

After satisfying their appetites, they wandered toward a stage where a local band was setting up. The lead singer's soulful voice soon captivated the audience, and Sedona swayed to the rhythm, feeling the music wash over her.

Kendrick watched her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "You look happy."

She turned to him, her eyes sparkling. "I am. This is exactly what I needed."

—

The night was alive with energy, the hum of conversation and soft clinking of glasses filling the intimate lounge. Sedona sat next to Kendrick, a glass of red wine in her hand, as they enjoyed the warm ambiance of the Birmingham spot. The dim lighting cast a golden glow over the room, and a small jazz band played in the corner, setting the perfect mood. 

Then, the event's host stepped onto the stage, flashing a charming smile as he grabbed the mic. "Alright, beautiful people, it's time for something special—our open mic session. We welcome any and all talent to bless the stage tonight. Who's feeling bold?" 

Kendrick nudged Sedona with his elbow. "Go up there." 

She scoffed, shaking her head. "Absolutely not." 

"Come on," He urged, his voice low and coaxing. "You in a room full of strangers—no pressure, just vibes." 

Sedona gave him a side-eye. "Why don't you go up there?" 

"I ain't the singer in this relationship, ma," Kendrick said with a smirk. "And the people deserve to hear you." 

She sighed, swirling the wine in her glass, debating it. The thought of an impromptu performance was nerve-wracking, but at the same time... exciting. It had been a while since she'd sung in such an intimate space, with no grand production, no backup singers—just her and the music. 

"Alright, fine," She relented, setting down her glass and standing up.  She hated how he knew exactly how to push her buttons. She let out a slow breath, contemplating before finally rolling her eyes. "You owe me for this, Kenny."

With that, she stood, the hem of her silky dress catching the dim lighting as she made her way toward the piano. The chatter in the lounge softened as people turned their attention to her, curious. The host welcomed her, handing over the mic. 

Sedona looked out at the crowd, flashing a charming yet coy smile. "Hey, y'all," She greeted, her voice smooth as silk. "My name's Sedona... but you can just call me Syd." 

There were some murmurs of recognition in the audience—some people knew exactly who she was, but she liked the casualness of this moment. She wasn't the Sedona, Grammy-winning artist. She was just Syd, a woman who loved music. 

Her fingers ghosted over the piano keys before she sat down. "I think I'll take y'all back a bit," she murmured into the mic. "This one's a classic—one of my favorites."

She let her fingers dance over the keys, easing into the gentle, dreamy melody of Orange Moon by Erykah Badu. As soon as she opened her mouth to sing, the entire lounge fell silent. 

"I'm an orange moon, I'm an orange moon. Reflecting the light of the sun.."

Her voice was honeyed and rich, laced with warmth and nostalgia. The song carried effortlessly, wrapping around the audience like a soothing embrace. She let herself feel it, letting each note breathe, each lyric settle into the air like magic. 

From his seat, Kendrick was entranced. He leaned forward slightly, elbow propped on the table, chin resting on his knuckles. He had always known Sedona was incredible, but watching her like this—completely in her element, lost in the music—was something different. It was raw. It was beautiful. 

He watched the way her fingers moved over the piano keys, the subtle rise and fall of her shoulders as she poured herself into the performance. She wasn't just singing—she was feeling. 

As she reached the end of the song, the last note hanging in the air like the final stroke of a masterpiece, the crowd erupted into applause. Sedona chuckled softly, crowing a bit shy as she looked out at the sea of smiling faces. 

"Thank you."

"Damn, Syd," Kendrick called from his seat, smirking. "That was smooth as hell." 

She bit her lip, eyes twinkling. "Appreciate you." 

The host stepped back onto the stage. "That was beautiful. Give it up for Sedona!" 

—

As Sedona stepped off the stage, a small wave of attendees immediately swarmed her, faces lit up with admiration.

"That was beautiful," One woman gushed, holding out her phone for a quick selfie.

"You killed that," Another man added, shaking his head in disbelief. "That was some real, raw talent right there."

Sedona, still basking in the lingering adrenaline, chuckled softly, posing for a few pictures and exchanging warm thanks. The initial nervousness she'd felt about performing had completely dissolved, replaced by the familiar rush of being on stage—no lights, no flashy production, just music.

Kendrick stayed close, watching as she gracefully handled the attention, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. He knew this moment meant more to her than she let on.

After a few minutes, they managed to slip away, stepping outside where the crisp night air hit them like a cooling balm. They walked side by side, their hands brushing against each other in unspoken intimacy as they made their way back to the hotel.

"You were incredible up there," Kendrick finally broke the silence, voice low but firm, the sincerity in his tone unmistakable.

Sedona smirked, shaking her head. "It was incredible. If you hadn't been running your mouth, I wouldn't have even gone up there."

He let out a soft chuckle, pulling her closer by the hand. "No need to gas me up on that one."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the warmth spreading through her chest. "Mm, I guess," She teased.

As they entered the hotel lobby, they barely made it to the elevators before running straight into Monica, who stood with her arms crossed and a knowing grin on her face.

"Now, where did you two run off to?" She asked, brow raised. "Me and Dave were just talking about you two."

Sedona exchanged a quick glance with Kendrick before casually brushing past her toward the elevator. "Out," She tossed over her shoulder.

Monica snorted, clearly amused, before shaking her head. "Y'all are somethin' else."

The elevator doors slid open, and the couple stepped inside. As soon as they were alone, Sedona let out a deep breath, finally allowing herself to unwind.

"You really had me up there, huh?" She mused, leaning against the mirrored wall.

Kendrick gave her a pointed look. "Like I said, I knew you had it in you."

Sedona bit her lip before glancing at him. "Besides JROTC, my mom had me in a program for young and gifted musical prodigies. I played everything—mainly the piano, but also the guitar."

Kendrick's brows lifted slightly, intrigued. "Damn. So you've been in this music shit for real, for real."

She nodded, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. "Hell yeah. It wasn't just about singing for me. I wanted to understand music, feel it from every angle. I guess that's why I get so lost in it sometimes."

Kendrick studied her for a moment, taking in her words, the weight behind them. Then, with a small smirk, he leaned in closer. "That's why you different, D. It's not just talent—it's in you."

The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten, but instead of responding, she simply nudged him with her hip, a quiet smile playing on her lips.

As the elevator reached their floor and the doors slid open, she sighed dramatically. "Alright, now you gotta carry me. Scouts honor."

Kendrick laughed, shaking his head. "Ain't no way."

But before she could argue, he effortlessly scooped her up bridal-style, making her squeal.

"See? This is why we go together," She giggled as he carried her down the hallway.

"Yeah, yeah," He muttered, smirking. "Don't get used to this."

But they both knew she absolutely would.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Thirty-nine.
— ０２／０３／２５
———————

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. BRO IT'S BEEN DAYS WHEN ARE YOU GUYS GOING TO FIX IT????

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

And an even bigger congratulations to Doechii, SZA, Beyonce', Kendrick, Muni Long, and various other BLACK artists for sweeping at the Grammys last night. I'm truly proud of all.

Deserved!!! Go argue with ya mama.

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

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