lvii. SHE'S BACK.
March 1, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Copenhagen, Denmark.

Sedona was free.

After four days of being confined to bed, battling relentless nausea and fatigue from food poisoning, and being on her period, she was finally free. Her body felt lighter, the haze of sickness lifting as her strength returned. It wasn't until her follow-up with the doctor that she truly believed it. He'd confirmed that she was in the clear, even advising her to steer clear of anything uncooked or undercooked for the foreseeable future. She'd readily agreed, having no desire to relive that miserable experience.

Today marked her first day back on her feet, and she intended to make the most of it. There was a concert tonight in Copenhagen at the Royal Arena—a concert she was meant to be a part of but had to sit out due to her illness. Still, that didn't mean she couldn't show up. She couldn't perform, but she could be there, support Kendrick, and maybe even surprise him.

The decision was made in a heartbeat. After checking in with her label, Dave (who promised not to let Kendrick in on her little surprise), and his label TDE, she booked a last-minute flight from Paris to Copenhagen. It was impulsive and completely reckless, but she didn't care. She missed him, missed the stage, and nothing was stopping her from seeing him tonight.

The flight was quick, and before she knew it, she was in Copenhagen, the chill of the evening air a stark contrast to Paris. The cold breeze kissed her skin, a reminder that she was alive, moving, no longer trapped in a sickbed.

Sedona's heartbeat quickened as the car neared the venue. Her body was still weak from the food poisoning, but nothing was going to stop her from seeing Kendrick tonight. Not after being away from him for so long. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered with anticipation. She glanced at herself in the mirror, touching up her lip gloss before stepping out.

Dave was waiting by the entrance, his eyes lighting up when he saw her.

"You made it."

Sedona grinned, tugging her bag over her shoulder. "Of course. Couldn't let my man perform without me cheering him on."

Dave rolled his eyes playfully. "You're so dramatic. Come on, he's doing soundcheck right now."

They navigated through the backstage corridors, weaving through crew members and equipment cases. The hum of electricity buzzed in the air, the faint vibrations of bass echoing through the walls. Sedona's excitement grew with each step, her heart thudding wildly. She could hear the faint echoes of Kendrick's voice through the walls, the sound sending a warm flutter through her chest.

They reached the side of the stage just as Kendrick was wrapping up his last song. His presence was magnetic, his energy filling every corner of the arena even without the audience present. The way he commanded the space, mic gripped tightly, head nodding to the beat—it was hypnotic. Sedona's breath caught as she watched him, her eyes tracing the familiar lines of his silhouette. He was in his element, confident and powerful, his voice echoing off the walls.

Dave nudged her, his grin wide. "Go ahead. I'll distract him so you can sneak up on him."

Sedona laughed softly, her heart doing somersaults. "You're the best."

Dave walked onto the stage, casually striking up a conversation with Kendrick as Sedona made her move. She crept up behind them, keeping to the shadows, her body practically vibrating with anticipation.

The moment Dave stepped aside, she moved. "Hey, stranger," She called, her voice echoing softly.

Kendrick turned, his eyes widening in shock. For a split second, he looked like he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then his face broke into the biggest smile she'd ever seen. His eyes sparkled, his entire face lighting up as if she'd brought the sun with her.

"Sedona?!" He crossed the distance between them in three strides, his arms wrapping around her tightly. Sedona melted into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent, feeling his warmth seep into her. They stood like that for a moment, holding each other close, neither saying a word.

She pulled back, her eyes sparkling. "Surprise."

He laughed, his gaze sweeping over her like he was trying to memorize every detail. "You gotta be playin'," He murmured, his gaze raking over her. "You real?"

"Of course I'm real—I ain't dead. I thought I might pull up," She confessed, her voice soft. "And I'm feeling better, so I figured... why the fuck not?"

Kendrick shook his head, his grin never faltering. "I'm glad you're here." His voice was softer, more vulnerable, the raw emotion tightening her chest.

Sedona's heart swelled, her hands still resting on his chest. "Me too."

They stayed like that for a beat longer before the sound crew started clearing the stage, signaling the end of soundcheck. Kendrick stepped back, his hand lingering on her waist. "Come on, let's get outta here before they put me to even more work."

They navigated through the hallways, keeping a professional distance around others, but the stolen glances and lingering touches gave them away. It was like a secret dance only they knew the steps to, their connection electric and palpable. Sedona's heart raced with each look, the butterflies in her stomach refusing to settle.

Once they were alone in his dressing room, the facade dropped. Kendrick pulled her into another hug, his lips brushing her forehead. "You really surprised me."

Sedona looked up, her smile soft. "Good. I like keeping you on your toes."

His eyes darkened, a playful smirk curving his lips. "Oh, I'll show you who's on their toes."

Sedona burst out laughing, playfully shoving his chest. "You're so annoying."

"And you love it."

She couldn't deny that. "Whatever."

Kendrick's eyes fell to her outfit, his gaze appreciative. Sedona was wearing a cropped cream top with a green graphic on the front, her toned stomach on full display. Her khaki cargo pants sat low on her hips, perfectly complementing the laid-back vibe of the look. She'd paired it with white sandals, her curly hair framing her face effortlessly.

"You look good," He murmured, his fingers grazing her waist. "Real good."

Sedona's cheeks flushed, her eyes flicking up to meet his. "That I do especially with the week I've had and being on a flavorless ass diet—I better look good. Besides, I wanted to be comfortable... and cute."

"You did both." His fingers played with a curl, his eyes never leaving hers. "You always do."

Sedona sighed, letting herself relax against him. It felt so good to be here, to be with him. The days of sickness and exhaustion felt like a distant memory, replaced by the warmth of his embrace and the steady beat of his heart.

They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, letting the world fade away. For a moment, nothing else mattered—just the two of them, here, together.

And in that moment, Sedona knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.

—

Kendrick leaned against the armrest, his arms draped casually as he watched Sedona with an amused glint in his eye. "You sure you don't want to hop on stage tonight?" 

Sedona's fingers drummed against her thigh, her leg bouncing with barely contained energy. "I'm tempted," She admitted, her eyes drifting toward the door that led to the stage. "It's like I can hear them. I forgot how crazy European crowds get." 

Kendrick laughed. "Yeah, they're wild. But I get it—you wanna save that big return for Oslo, huh?" 

She nodded, her expression firm. "It's damn near the last show of the leg. I want it to be special." Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Plus, the look on their faces is going to be priceless." 

Kendrick's grin widened. "You're evil, you know that?" 

Sedona shrugged, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "Can't help it. The drama is in my blood." 

Kendrick's eyes softened as he watched her, his admiration evident. "I've missed this," He confessed. "Missed you." 

Her teasing demeanor faltered, replaced by a tenderness that made her chest ache. "I missed you too, Kenny." Her gaze swept over him, taking in his outfit—an all-white ensemble that contrasted beautifully against his brown skin. "You look good," She said, her voice dropping a little. "White looks good on you." 

Kendrick's grin turned smug. "Yeah?" He did a slow spin, showing off the tailored jacket that hugged his frame perfectly. "Thought I'd switch it up tonight." 

Sedona's eyes followed his every movement, her lips pursing. "The all-white is clean... but—" She stepped closer, her fingers brushing the frizz peeking out from his braids. "You need to get this fixed." 

Kendrick's brows shot up in mock offense. "Oh, so now you a hair stylist too?" 

Sedona scoffed, folding her arms. "If you'd let me, you'd be walking around looking fresh every day." Her eyes gleamed with challenge. "I could hook you up." 

Kendrick chuckled, his fingers slipping through her curls. "And who's doing yours?" 

She swatted his hand away, laughing. "I've been sick, okay? Don't come for me. Leave me and mines alone."

Kendrick's expression softened, his hand cupping her face gently. "I hated not being there," He admitted, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Hated knowing you were hurting and I couldn't do anything about it." 

Sedona's chest tightened, her fingers curling around his wrist. "I'm better now," She assured him. "And you were there... in every text, every call. I felt you with me." 

Kendrick's eyes darkened, his gaze never leaving hers. "I would've dropped everything and flown out to you if you'd asked." 

"I know," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "That's why I didn't ask. You've got this tour to finish." 

Kendrick sighed, his forehead dropping to hers. "This tour don't mean shit if I don't have you at the end of it." 

Sedona's breath caught, her heart flipping in her chest. The raw vulnerability in his voice made her knees weak. "I'm not going anywhere, Kenny. Believe that." 

His arms tightened around her, his hold protective, possessive. "Damn right, you're not." 

They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other as the noise from the arena grew louder, the anticipation palpable even from backstage. Sedona felt the pull, the itch to be out there, to feel the adrenaline and hear the crowd screaming her name. 

Kendrick's eyes flicked to the door, reading her like an open book. "You miss it, don't you?" 

Sedona exhaled, her fingers tightening around his shirt. "So much it hurts." Her voice softened. "But I want the remaining shows left to be special. I owe them that." 

Kendrick's face softened, his pride evident. "You're something else, D. Always thinking of the fans." 

She smiled, her fingers brushing over his chest. "They're the reason I get to do this. The reason why we even get to share the stage together." 

Kendrick's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "They won't know what hit 'em." 

Sedona grinned, her competitive spirit igniting. "I hope you're ready to share your stage." 

Kendrick's head dropped back in laughter, his eyes crinkling. "Oh, you think you're gonna steal my show?" 

Sedona's chin lifted, her confidence unwavering. "Of course." 

Kendrick shook his head, his eyes alight with challenge. "Alright, superstar. Show me what you got then." 

Sedona's grin was pure mischief. "You better keep up." 

Kendrick's hand slid to the small of her back, his touch possessive. "I don't plan on letting you out of my sight." 

Sedona shivered, her heart racing at the promise in his voice. "Good," She whispered, her eyes locking with his. "I wouldn't have it any other way." 

Before they could get lost in each other again, a loud knock sounded at the door. Dave's voice boomed from the other side. "Yo, Kendrick! It's showtime!" 

Kendrick sighed, his forehead dropping to her shoulder. "Duty calls." 

Sedona laughed, her fingers brushing his cheek. "Go kill it." 

He kissed her softly, his lips lingering. "Stay right here. I'll be back." 

She watched him go, her heart full as she leaned against the doorframe, a smile playing on her lips. It was going to be unforgettable. 

And she couldn't wait to take the stage with him again.

—

As the door closed behind Kendrick, Sedona let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her fingers grazed her lips, still tingling from his kiss. She turned to the monitor in the room, where the live feed showed Kendrick taking the stage, his all-white ensemble glowing under the vibrant lights.

The roar of the crowd was deafening, the energy palpable even through the screen. Her chest tightened, the familiar rush of adrenaline pulsing through her veins. It had only been a few days, but she missed this—missed them. The fans. The music. The stage.

Kendrick stood in the middle of the platform, his presence commanding, his voice cutting through the noise as he opened the show with DNA., his delivery sharp, precise, relentless. The audience chanted his lyrics word for word, their hands raised, faces full of admiration and awe.

Sedona's fingers twitched. She could feel the phantom weight of a mic in her hand, the rhythm thrumming beneath her skin. It took everything in her not to run out there and join him, to let the music carry her, to feel the electricity of the crowd.

But she'd made up her mind—Oslo would be her moment. Her grand return. The fans deserved it. And Kendrick... he deserved his night to shine.

Still, that didn't stop her from mouthing along to every word, her body moving instinctively to the beat. She swayed from side to side, her curls bouncing as she lost herself in the performance. Kendrick flowed effortlessly from one song to the next, his presence magnetic, his voice raw and powerful.

Halfway through the set, he performed LOVE., and Sedona's heart skipped a beat as his eyes found the camera, his voice dropping to a tender, almost reverent tone. The screen zoomed in on his face, his expression vulnerable as he sang, "If I didn't ride blade on curb, would you still love me?"

His gaze lingered on the lens, his lips curving into a knowing smile. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but Sedona felt it—the message meant just for her. Her chest tightened, warmth flooding her as she hugged herself, the distance between them shrinking with every word.

When the song ended, Kendrick's grin turned playful, his voice echoing through the arena. "Copenhagen, y'all still with me?" The roar of the crowd was his answer. "Good. I need all my people in love to put your hands up. All my people riding for their one and only... this one's for you."

The beat for Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe dropped, and the arena exploded. Sedona couldn't help but laugh, her fingers brushing a stray curl from her face. You're so damn extra, she thought, her heart swelling with affection.

The show continued, Kendrick, moving through his setlist with effortless precision. Sedona watched every second, her gaze unwavering, her admiration for him growing with each verse, each breath. He was a master of his craft, a king on his throne.

When the final song echoed through the arena, the crowd's cheers shook the building. Kendrick stood center stage, his chest rising and falling as he soaked in the applause. "Copenhagen!" He shouted, his voice hoarse but full of gratitude. "Thank y'all for rockin' with me tonight! I love y'all!"

He bowed his humility a stark contrast to his larger-than-life presence. The stage went dark, and the screen flickered off, signaling the end of the show.

Sedona's heart raced, her anticipation building. She barely had time to compose herself before the door swung open, and Kendrick strode in, his face glistening with sweat, his braids even more frizzy than before.

She bit back a laugh. "Told you to get that fixed."

Kendrick's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Man, you really gon' roast me after I just gave the performance of my life?"

Sedona's shoulders shook with laughter. "Performance of your life, huh?" She arched a brow. "You were alright."

Kendrick's mouth fell open in mock offense. "Just alright?" He advanced on her, his presence overwhelming, his scent a mix of cologne and sweat. "Stay hating."

"No, I'm not." Before he could say anything, Dave's voice boomed from the hallway. "Yo, Kendrick! We gotta head out!"

Kendrick groaned, his forehead dropping to hers. "Can't catch a break."

Sedona laughed, her fingers tightening on his jacket. "Go. I'll be here when you get back. Ain't like I gotta go anywhere else."

His eyes searched hers, his voice low, vulnerable. "I'll see you then."

She cupped his face, her thumb brushing his jaw. "Go."

His shoulders relaxed, his lips pressing softly to hers, a lingering, tender kiss that sent heat spiraling through her. When he pulled back, his eyes were full of emotion. "I'll hold you to that."

Sedona watched him go, her heart full, her body buzzing with anticipation. She exhaled slowly as the door clicked shut behind him. She was utterly lost in the sauce.

She moved to the couch and sank into the plush cushions, her body still thrumming with the energy from Kendrick's performance. The TV was still on, now showing behind-the-scenes footage from the tour. The camera panned to Kendrick laughing with the crew, his charm on full display. 

Sedona's heart swelled. How did she get so lucky? Especially after swearing, she'd keep a single profile this year. Looks like she broke that promise with ease.

Her fingers absentmindedly toyed with her necklace, her thoughts drifting to the crazy week she'd had but at least she was finally healthy, in a good place mentally, and felt like she could lift a car if willing.

She reached for her phone, this time opening her notes app. Her being the perfectionist she was for the show tomorrow already began jotting down ideas, lyrics swirling in her head. She wanted her comeback to be unforgettable. 

A knock on the door snapped her out of her reverie. She sat up, her heart skipping a beat. For a second, she thought Kendrick had come back, but when the door opened, it was Monica, balancing a tray of food. 

Monica's eyes narrowed playfully. "Well, don't you look chipper." 

Sedona rolled her eyes, tucking her phone away. "I'm feeling better. Must've been all the soup I'd been consuming." 

Monica set the tray down on the table, crossing her arms. "Uh-huh. And I'm sure Kendrick had nothing to do with it?" 

Sedona's cheeks flushed. "Mind your business." 

Monica laughed, dropping onto the couch beside her. "Can't help it. Y'all are cute." 

Sedona shrugged, trying to play it off, but the smile on her face betrayed her. "Yeah... he's alright." 

Monica's jaw dropped. "Just alright?" She shook her head, feigning disbelief. "Girl, you're in love and can't even admit it." 

Sedona's heart stumbled, the words hitting a little too close to home. She opened her mouth to deny it, but nothing came out. Instead, she looked down at her hands, her fingers twisting together. 

Monica's expression softened. "I see the way you look at him, Sedona. It's okay to feel that way, you know?" 

Sedona's shoulders relaxed, her guard dropping. "It's just... it's scary. Feeling this way. I never expected it." 

Her voice wavered, the vulnerability slipping through. Admitting it out loud made it real—tangible in a way she couldn't escape from.

Monica leaned back, a knowing look in her eyes. "The best things usually are." She nudged Sedona's shoulder. "You deserve this. Don't fight it." 

Monica's tone softened even more, her eyes sincere. "I'm glad to see you happy, after the year you've had last year. You're deserving of love, Sedona. Remember that."

Sedona bit her lip, her thoughts drifting back to Kendrick—his smile, his voice, his touch. She exhaled, her heart finally admitting what her mind had been denying. 

"I think... I'm falling for him." 

Monica's face broke into a wide grin. "Took you long enough to say it." 

Sedona laughed, the sound light and free. "Shut up." 

Monica just shook her head, her eyes twinkling. "Girl, I knew before you did." 

They laughed together, the sound filling the room. Sedona felt lighter like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Maybe it was okay to let herself feel this. To let herself fall. 

And as she looked at the screen where Kendrick's face was frozen mid-laugh, she knew she was already in too deep. 

Oslo couldn't come soon enough.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Fifty-seven.
— ０２／２３／２５
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Spam dumping chapters until we reach the long awaited chapter. ;)

Also yes the L-word is mentioned 'cause it's bound to happen. You're bound to fall for someone especially while dating. (Duh). And Sedona falls into that case.

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