lviii. TEST DUMMY.
March 1, 2018. | Third Person POV.
Oslo, Norway.

Sedona sighed as she sank into the plush hotel bed, her body still recovering from the unexpected bout of food poisoning. Oslo's skyline twinkled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city lights shimmering against the deep blue night. She hugged the fluffy blanket closer, feeling its warmth envelop her as she scrolled through TV channels, each more boring than the last.

She tossed the remote aside and groaned, "I'm so bored."

Kendrick looked up from his laptop on the couch across the room, a smirk playing on his lips. "Didn't you say you needed rest?"

"Yeah, well, I've been resting for hours. I need something to do." She huffed, then narrowed her eyes at him. An idea sparked, and a sly grin crept onto her face. "Come here."

His eyebrow arched. "For what?"

"You're gonna be my test dummy," she announced, sitting up with a burst of energy. "I brought some new skincare products that I need to try out."

Kendrick's eyes widened. "Nah, you ain't putting no weird stuff on my face, D."

She pouted, batting her lashes. "C'mon, baby. It's all natural. I promise you'll still look like yourself... just better."

He let out an exaggerated sigh, setting his laptop aside. "Fine, but if I break out, we fightin'."

Sedona's laughter filled the room as she jumped off the bed and rummaged through her suitcase, pulling out a collection of fancy jars and tubes. "Trust me, you'll thank me later."

She set up her makeshift spa station on the bed, patting the space in front of her. "Sit."

Kendrick complied, settling between her legs as she pulled his hair back gently, securing it with a band. The faint sound of Erykah Badu's "On & On" played in the background, creating a soothing ambiance.

Kendrick's expression was immediately skeptical as she pulled out a jar. "Man, c'mon..." 

"Uh-uh, no complaining," She cut him off. "You got real nice skin, and I know you don't be doin' much to maintain it. Let me put you on." 

He sighed, shaking his head but ultimately letting her have her way. "A'ight, but if this some weird shit—" 

"It's just a clay mask," She reassured. "Aztec clay mask. It's refreshing."

Kendrick sat on the stool she pulled up for him, watching as she scooped some of the pale green mask onto her fingers before gently applying it to his face.

He meant to focus on how ridiculous he probably looked, but instead, all he could do was watch her.

She was standing right in front of him, completely focused, her eyes slightly narrowed in concentration as she smoothed the mask over his skin. She was so close he could smell her perfume—a soft but rich scent of vanilla and almond, subtle but intoxicating.

Kendrick felt himself staring, the dreamy haze settling in his eyes as he took in the curve of her lips, the way she absentmindedly chewed on the inside of her cheek as she worked.

Sedona paused for a second, catching his gaze. "What?"

He shook his head slightly, smirking. "Nothin'."

She rolled her eyes but kept going, applying the last of the mask before stepping back to admire her work. "Now we match."

Kendrick finally looked in the mirror and huffed out a laugh. "Man, what the hell..."

Sedona grinned. "You feel it tightening yet?"

He flexed his jaw slightly, frowning when he felt the slight pull on his skin. "Ay, this shit feel kinda funny."

She laughed. "That means it's workin'."

Kendrick sucked his teeth, shifting in his seat. "I'on like that."

"You gotta give it like ten minutes," She assured him, amused. "Can you do that for me?"

He exhaled, shaking his head with a smirk. "Yeah, yeah... I gotchu."

Sedona leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead. "Good. Now sit there and let the self-care do its thing."

Kendrick just chuckled, letting himself relax again. Maybe this self-care thing wasn't too bad after all.

Sedona perched on the arm of the couch, letting the mask dry on her own face as she scrolled through her phone. Every so often, she glanced at Kendrick, amused by the way he kept flexing his jaw and making random expressions like he was testing the mask's limits. 

"Stop doin' all that," She said, biting back a smile. 

"This shit feel like cement, D." He deadpanned, running a hand down his face but stopping himself before touching the mask. "Like my whole face on lockdown." 

She let out a soft laugh. "That's literally the point. It's pulling out all the dirt and oil from your skin." 

Kendrick gave her a look. "So, you tryna say my face dirty?" 

Sedona sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "You makin' me sound mean tonight."

"I'm just sayin', you on my head tough right now," He teased, leaning back on the stool. "First wanting to do my braids, now my skin. What's next? You finna paint my nails?"

She smirked. "Would you let me?"

"Hell nah."

She laughed, setting her phone down. "You know you like this, though. Don't front."

Kendrick gave a nonchalant shrug, rubbing his hands together. "I mean... it ain't that bad."

Sedona raised a brow. "It ain't that bad?"

"A'ight, a'ight." He exhaled, looking off to the side like admitting it pained him. "It's cool or whatever."

"Uh huh," She hummed, satisfied.

For a moment, silence settled between them—comfortable and familiar. Kendrick sat there, letting the mask work, while Sedona scrolled through her phone again. But every so often, he found himself looking at her, something about this whole moment feeling different.

It wasn't extravagant or grand—just them, in a hotel room in Oslo, winding down from the chaos of tour life. But he liked these pockets of quiet, liked how effortless it was to just be with her.

After a few more minutes, Sedona stood up. "Alright, time's up."

Kendrick immediately ran his hands down his face again. "Bet. How I get this shit off?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Come on, I'll show you."

Leading him into the bathroom, she grabbed a warm washcloth and handed it to him. "Wipe down gently, don't scrub too hard."

Kendrick followed her instructions, swiping the mask off bit by bit, occasionally glancing at her to make sure he was doing it right. When he was done, he looked at himself in the mirror, tilting his head slightly.

Sedona grinned, stepping beside him. "Well?"

He rubbed his face, his skin feeling smoother than before. "Damn."

"Told you."

He turned to her, eyeing her own mask that was still drying. "You need help takin' yours off?"

She smirked. "You tryna pamper me now?"

Kendrick shrugged. "Fair is fair, right?"

Sedona let out a soft chuckle, handing him a fresh washcloth. "Be gentle."

He stepped in closer, their bodies almost touching as he carefully wiped the mask away from her skin, his touch light and deliberate. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting him take his time.

When he was done, she looked up at him, meeting his gaze.

Kendrick studied her face—her soft brown skin, the subtle glow that made her look even more beautiful under the dim hotel lights. His thumb brushed over her cheek instinctively.

"You're so pretty," He murmured, almost absentmindedly.

Sedona felt a warmth spread through her chest. "...You tryna make me blush?"

"Nah," He said softly. "Just speakin' facts."

She smiled, leaning into his touch for just a second before stepping back. "Alright, enough of that," She teased, trying to break the intensity of the moment. "Now you gotta put on some toner then moisturize."

Kendrick groaned. "Man, what?"

Sedona laughed, already grabbing her toner. "Just a little, I promise. Since the mask is drying you need to make sure that you're properly moisturized afterwards."

He sighed, shaking his head, but didn't stop her when she dotted the clear liquid onto his skin.

And as much as he fronted, Kendrick knew—if it was Sedona? He'd let her do whatever she wanted.

Sedona gently massaged the toner into his skin, her fingers working in soft, circular motions. Kendrick stood still, watching her through half-lidded eyes, his hands resting loosely at his sides. 

"You real gentle with it," He muttered. 

"'Cause I know what I'm doing," She replied, concentrating as she smoothed the toner over his forehead, then down his cheeks. The whole time, he just stared at her, his eyes lingering on her features—the curve of her lips, the little crease in her brow as she focused, the way her perfume wrapped around him like something warm and familiar.

Kendrick leaned back against her, his shoulders relaxing as she worked the toner into his skin, her fingers moving in slow, deliberate circles. He closed his eyes, letting out a low hum. "Damn, girl... that feel hella good."

Sedona's laugh was soft, her hands never pausing. "See? I told you. You gotta trust me more."

"A'ight, I see you. But don't get too comfortable. I still don't trust all this fancy shit."

She shook her head, a playful smirk on her lips. "You're so dramatic." She reached for another cotton pad dabbing the toner onto it, swiping it across his face with delicate strokes. "I should've recorded this. Big bad Kendrick Lamar letting his girl pamper him like a baby."

"Keep playin', D. You gon' regret that," He teased, cracking one eye open. "Ain't nobody scared of you and your lil' YouTube channel."

Sedona's jaw dropped in mock offense. "Lil' YouTube channel? Wow. That's how you feel?"

He chuckled. "You know I'm playin'. But for real, I don't need the whole world knowin' I'm out here gettin' facials. I got an image to protect."

She scoffed, reaching for the toner. "Whatever. Your image is safe with me." She pulled out a bottle and cream squirted out. "Close your eyes."

Kendrick obeyed, his long lashes brushing his cheeks as he did. "What's that?"

"Moisturizer. It helps fights against the drying effects of the mask."

He frowned, his nose scrunching. "Man, y'all be doin' too much. Back in my day, we just used soap and water."

Sedona rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and that's why your skin's been acting up. All them late nights on tour and not takin' care of yourself."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah, yeah. I hear you. But you better not be puttin' no glittery shit on me."

She burst into laughter, almost dropping the toner. "Why would I put glitter on you?"

"I don't know! Y'all girls be doin' weird shit. I seen them videos. I ain't tryna end up lookin' like a disco ball."

Sedona leaned down, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Relax, Kenny. I got you."

He mumbled under his breath, "Yeah, you better. Can't have nobody clownin' me out here."

She reached for a lightweight serum next, her fingers gliding over his cheekbones and forehead as she worked it in. "This is gonna hydrate your skin. Make you glow, baby."

Kendrick cracked an eye open, his lips curling into a smirk. "I already glow, though."

Sedona playfully flicked his forehead. "You cocky as hell."

"Nah, just real. I know what I'm workin' with." He shot her a wink, making her roll her eyes again.

"Whatever. Just sit still." She continued massaging the serum into his skin, taking her time. Her fingers moved expertly, her touch gentle and soothing.

Kendrick let out a contented sigh, his head leaning back against her. "Man, you got magic hands or somethin'. I might let you do this more often."

"I know that's right." She grabbed a jade roller from her kit, its cool surface gliding over his face. "This'll help with puffiness. It's like a little massage for your face."

"A massage, huh?" He peeked at her, his eyes glinting with mischief. "You know I like when you use them hands on me."

Sedona smacked his shoulder, feigning annoyance. "Boy, behave."

He laughed, his body vibrating against hers. "I'm just sayin'. You got a talent."

"I'll remember that next time you complain about my 'fancy shit.'" She continued rolling the jade stone over his skin, watching his expression soften with each stroke.

Kendrick sighed, his voice dropping to a relaxed murmur. "You right. This ain't so bad. But don't be tellin' nobody I was out here gettin' facials. I still gotta be gangsta out here."

Sedona's laugh was bright, her hands never pausing. "Your secret's safe with me, Mr. Duckworth."

"Yeah, right," He muttered, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "But if you slip up, I'm tellin' everybody you got a crush on Nas."

Her mouth fell open, her hands freezing mid-motion. "I do not!"

Kendrick's eyes snapped open, his grin wicked. "Oh, so you don't be blushin' every time his music come on?"

Sedona's cheeks heated, and she smacked his shoulder. "Shut up, Kendrick."

He cackled, the sound echoing through the room. "Yeah, a'ight. I got you shook."

She huffed, grabbing the moisturizer again and dabbing it onto his face a little rougher than necessary. "You talk too damn much."

Kendrick winced, laughing harder. "Damn, woman. You tryna hurt me?"

"Maybe." She softened her touch, rubbing the moisturizer into his skin. "You lucky I find you cute."

His laughter quieted, his eyes softening as he looked up at her. "I'm the lucky one."

Sedona's heart skipped, her fingers stilling against his jaw. Their eyes met, a tender silence falling between them. Moments like this—so simple yet so profound—reminded her why she fell for him in the first place.

She cleared her throat, breaking the spell. "Alrighty, I'm done. You're all glowy and fresh now."

Kendrick sat up, his hands brushing over his face. "Damn... my skin feel soft as hell."

Sedona beamed with pride. "Told you. You better start listenin' to me more often."

"A'ight, I admit it. You was right." He turned to face her fully, his hands finding her waist. "But don't get used to it. I ain't lettin' you win every argument."

She laughed, looping her arms around his neck. "You always let me win. You just don't know it."

He leaned in, his nose brushing hers. "Whatever you say, baby."

Their lips met in a slow, tender kiss, the world outside their suite fading away.

Sedona pulled back, her fingers playing with the curls at the nape of his neck. "Now that your skin's flawless, let's fix these braids."

Kendrick groaned, his head dropping to her shoulder. "Aw, hell. Here we go..."

"This," She motioned toward his head like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Your braids look chopped and screwed, babe. You out here lookin' crazy. And I can't have my man looking crazy."

He smirked, shaking his head. "Damn, ma. That's how you feel?"

"I'm just being honest," She said, already making her way to her bag, pulling out what she needed. "All I need is grease and a comb. Sit your ass down."

He chuckled under his breath but did as she asked, settling on the floor between her legs while she perched on the couch. The familiarity of it all made him relax instantly. "Okay, but if you yank my scalp, we fightin'."

Sedona ran her fingers through his braids, carefully unraveling each one. "You need to let me do this more often. Your hair is dry as hell. Kendrick Lamar Duckworth—you afraid of grease or sum?."

He scoffed, his shoulders hunching. "Man, you stay tryna clown me."

She laughed, gently detangling a section. "I'm serious. When was the last time you deep-conditioned?"

Kendrick's silence was answer enough. She rolled her eyes. "See? That's why your scalp be flakin'."

"We get it, damn! You ain't gotta roast me like that." He shifted under her touch, his body relaxing as she massaged oil into his scalp. "Mmm... that feel good, though."

Sedona worked with an effortless rhythm, fingers skilled and precise as she unraveled his braids with a gentle touch. She was quick, but careful, her nails occasionally grazing his scalp in a way that sent a lazy warmth through his body.

Kendrick exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment. "Damn... lowkey feel like I'm gettin' pampered."

Sedona laughed softly. "You are. And you deserve it. Now sit still."

He smirked but didn't argue, letting her do her thing. He liked this—liked when she took care of him, even in the smallest ways. It wasn't something he was always used to, but with her, it felt natural.

She grinned, her fingers working with practiced ease. "Yeah? Maybe I should charge you."

Kendrick snorted. "You wild. I ain't payin' for no head massage."

Sedona smirked, twisting his curls around her fingers. "You'd pay if it was at the salon."

He shrugged, his head tilting back slightly. "True. But them girls at the salon don't love me like you do."

She paused, her heart flipping at his words. "You lucky you're cute," She mumbled, trying to hide her smile.

"I know," He teased. "I be usin' it to my advantage, too."

Sedona shook her head, fighting back laughter. "You are somethin' else." She continued to massage his scalp, her fingers dancing through his curls. "I love your hair, though. It's so soft."

He hummed, his eyes slipping shut. "You the only one I let touch it."

"Good," She whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of his head. "I better be."

He chuckled, a lazy sound that made her chest warm. "Ain't nobody else. Just you, baby."

Sedona felt her cheeks heat, a smile breaking across her face. She reached for her spray bottle, spritzing his hair with a mix of water and leave-in conditioner. "Hold still. I'm tryna get this moisture back in here."

Kendrick shivered as the mist hit his scalp. "Damn, that's cold!"

"Stop being a baby." She raked her fingers through his curls, making sure the product was evenly distributed. "You actin' like I'm torturin' you."

He grumbled but stayed put. "Whatever. You heavy-handed as hell, too."

Sedona rolled her eyes, parting his hair with precision. "Quit complainin'. You like when I take care of you."

"Aight, you got me there," He admitted, a sheepish grin on his lips. "But you still heavy-handed."

She playfully tugged on one of his curls. "Keep talkin' and I'ma braid these too tight."

He sucked his teeth, his body tensing. "A'ight, a'ight! Damn, woman. You ain't gotta get violent."

She laughed, her fingers working swiftly as she started the first braid. "That's what I thought."

Kendrick's shoulders relaxed, his body swaying gently as she moved his head from side to side. "You doin' designs or just straight backs?"

Sedona's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "I was thinkin' about doin' hearts on the side. Real cute."

His eyes flew open, his neck craning to look back at her. "Hell nah! You not bout to have me out here lookin' like a damn Valentine's Day card."

She burst into laughter, clutching his shoulders for support. "I'm just playin', Kenny! Damn, you shoulda seen your face!"

He rolled his eyes, his lips twisting into a pout. "That ain't funny."

"It's a little funny," She teased, wiping a tear from her eye. "You really thought I was gonna do that?"

"With you? Hell yeah. You petty as hell."

Sedona laughed again, the sound light and carefree. "I'm just doin' straight backs. You safe... for now."

Kendrick let out a sigh of relief, his body melting back into her. "Good. I can't be out here lookin' goofy."

"Nah, you gotta stay lookin' sexy for the fans, huh?" She teased, her fingers moving swiftly as she continued braiding.

He grinned. "Nah, just for you."

Sedona's heart skipped, her hands momentarily freezing. "You play too much."

Kendrick chuckled, his voice low and smooth. "Ain't nobody playin'. You know how I feel 'bout you."

She swallowed, her fingers resuming their work. "You better."

He leaned back into her, his body instinctively seeking her warmth. His voice dropped to a murmur, tinged with vulnerability that she rarely heard. "You love me, D?"

Sedona's fingers stilled, her heart doing a nervous flip. She focused on the braid she was tightening, trying to steady her breathing. It had been a month—just a month—but it felt like so much longer. Like he'd carved out a space in her life that she didn't even know was empty.

She swallowed, her voice soft. "Of course I do."

Kendrick turned his head slightly, his eyes searching hers, deep and earnest. "Say it again."

Her cheeks flushed, warmth spreading through her chest as his gaze held her in place. She could see the flicker of uncertainty there, the hint of hesitation that he tried to mask with his usual confidence. It made her heart ache, realizing that even someone as bold as Kendrick needed reassurance. That he wanted—needed—to hear the words.

She let her fingers rest on his shoulder, grounding herself as she looked at him. "I love you, Kendrick."

His face softened, the tension leaving his shoulders as her words sank in. His eyes grew tender, the brown depths shimmering with emotion. It was like the walls he kept up so carefully just crumbled, piece by piece, right before her eyes.

A slow, warm smile spread across his lips. "I love you too, baby. Shit, first time I'm saying it out loud."

There was a quiet conviction in his voice, a promise that hung heavy between them. The kind of promise that felt like forever.

Sedona's chest tightened, her pulse quickening as she absorbed his words. It was crazy, wasn't it? To feel this deeply, this fast. But it was real. Every glance, every touch, every laugh—they were real. He was real. And she didn't want to run from it.

She leaned in, her forehead brushing his. "You better mean that."

Kendrick's eyes sparkled with that familiar mischief, his hand coming up to rest on her thigh. "I ain't never said nothin' I didn't mean." His voice was low, gravelly, the weight of his words settling in her bones.

She believed him. She felt it in the way his fingers traced slow circles on her leg, the way his eyes held hers like she was the only thing that mattered.

Her heart swelled, a tender smile curving her lips. "You got me all messed up, you know that?"

He chuckled, his hand tightening on her thigh. "Good. 'Cause you got me feelin' the same way."

They stayed like that for a moment, eyes locked, the air between them buzzing with unspoken feelings. Sedona felt her chest rise and fall in time with his, their hearts beating in sync.

She took a breath, her fingers resuming their gentle work on his braids. "Alright, Romeo. Let me finish this before I leave you with one braid and the rest undone."

Kendrick laughed, the sound warm and rich. "A'ight. Do yo' thing, boss lady." But his head stayed leaned back against her, his body melting into her touch, his smile never fading.

As she continued, her fingers moving with practiced ease, Sedona felt a sense of calm wash over her. Like she was exactly where she was supposed to be. With him.

And for the first time in a long time, that was enough.

She rolled her eyes, securing the end of his braid. "Yeah, yeah. Hold still. I'm almost done."

Kendrick obeyed, his body still as she continued braiding.

Sedona ran her fingers over the fresh braids, inspecting her work with a satisfied grin. "Look at you, all cleaned up." 

Kendrick stretched his neck, his fingers brushing over the neat rows. "Damn, you really do this, huh?" 

"Of course," She replied, reaching for a can of mousse. "But we're not done yet. Gotta lay these down right." 

Kendrick eyed the can suspiciously. "What's that?" 

"Mousse. Keeps the frizz away and makes your braids last longer," She explained, shaking the can before squirting a generous amount into her palms. "Hold still." 

His shoulders tensed as she worked the mousse into his scalp, her fingers moving gently but firmly along each braid. "Damn, that's cold." 

She laughed, smoothing the foam until it disappeared. "Stop bein' dramatic. It's just mousse." 

"I'on know 'bout all this," He mumbled, side-eyeing her. "You sure you know what you doin'?" 

Sedona paused, her hands on her hips. "Excuse me? Who just hooked you up with these perfect braids?" 

He put his hands up in surrender, a smirk on his lips. "A'ight, a'ight. I trust you... for now." 

She playfully swatted his shoulder. "You better." 

Setting the mousse aside, she plugged in the blow dryer. "Gotta let this dry so it sets right." 

Kendrick's eyes widened. "You 'bout to blow dry my hair?" 

She rolled her eyes. "Relax. I'm not tryna give you a blowout. Just settin' the mousse." She attached the diffuser and set the dryer on low heat. "Close your eyes." 

He obeyed, his face scrunching up as the warm air hit his scalp. "This feel weird." 

Sedona laughed, gently moving the diffuser along his braids. "You so extra. I do this all the time. And I bet you do when you're getting your hair done."

"For real? Every time you do your hair?" 

"Yup. Beauty is pain, babe." 

Kendrick grunted, crossing his arms. "This some sorcery. I ain't never had my hair done like this before... to this extent." 

"That's 'cause nobody loves you like I do," She teased, focusing on his edges. 

He smiled, his body relaxing under the warm air. "True that." 

Once the mousse was dry, she turned off the dryer, setting it aside. "Alright, go look." 

Kendrick stood, stretching before walking to the bathroom. Sedona watched from the doorway as he examined his reflection, his fingers grazing the shiny, frizz-free braids. His eyes widened, genuine admiration coloring his features. "Damn. You really did that." 

She leaned against the doorframe, a satisfied grin on her lips. "Told you. I don't play when it comes to hair." 

He turned, his eyes full of affection. "You really put your foot in this one, D." 

"Only the best for you, Mr. Lamar." 

He chuckled, his fingers still exploring his fresh look. "You somethin' else, you know that?" 

She winked. "Yeah, but you love it." 

Kendrick shook his head, still mesmerized by his reflection. "I look fly as hell." 

Sedona laughed, walking over to wrap her arms around his waist. "You always do. I just enhanced it." She reached into her bag, pulling out an extra durag and a satin bonnet. 

He frowned. "Why you got two?" 

She waved the bonnet in his face. "This is for you." 

He took a step back, his eyes narrowing. "Nah. Hell nah. I ain't wearin' no bonnet." 

Sedona's laughter echoed off the bathroom tiles. "Boy, calm down. You actin' like I said put on a dress." 

Kendrick folded his arms, his chin jutting out stubbornly. "Nah, you tryna have me lookin' like somebody auntie." 

She rolled her eyes, unwrapping the durag and slipping it over his head. "This is just to lay it flat." She expertly tied it, smoothing it down with her palms. "But if you wanna keep it frizz-free, you gotta wear the bonnet over it. It's the secret weapon." 

Kendrick looked at the bonnet like it was a snake. "I'on know 'bout all that." 

Sedona placed a hand on her hip. "You want these braids to stay fresh or nah?" 

He hesitated, glancing at himself in the mirror. "You swear ain't nobody gon' find out?" 

Sedona's shoulders shook with laughter. "Boy, we in Norway. Who the hell you worried about?" 

He sighed, snatching the bonnet from her. "You lucky I like you." 

She smiled, watching as he hesitantly slid the bonnet over his durag. "I'm puttin' you onto this bonnet shit." 

Kendrick scowled at his reflection. "This better work. I'm not tryin' to look dumb." 

"You look cute," She teased, wrapping her arms around his waist. 

He gave her a side-eye. "Say that again and I'ma take this shit off." 

Sedona burst out laughing, tugging him toward the bed. "C'mon, tough guy. Let's watch a movie." 

They settled under the blankets, Kendrick propped up against the headboard, his arm around Sedona's shoulders. "What we watchin'?" 

She grabbed the remote, scrolling through the options. "Somethin' funny. I'm not tryin' to cry tonight." 

"A'ight, put on Friday." 

Sedona's eyes lit up. "Perfect choice." 

They laughed through every scene, reciting lines they both knew by heart. Kendrick's deep laugh rumbled through his chest, his body shaking with each joke. Sedona's head rested on his shoulder, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on his chest. 

Halfway through the movie, she felt his breathing even out, his arm slackening around her. She looked up, finding his eyes closed, his lips parted in peaceful slumber. 

She smiled softly, adjusting the blanket to cover him better. "Goodnight, Kenny," She whispered, pressing a kiss to his jaw. 

Kendrick mumbled something incoherent, his body curling into hers. Sedona let herself relax, her eyes fluttering shut as the movie continued to play. 

Safe, warm, and wrapped in each other's arms, they drifted off to sleep, the gentle hum of laughter lingering in the air.

—

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

THE LOVE WORD IS SAID. The way they've been acting you'd think they've been dating for 6+ years.

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