Sitting in her room backstage at the stadium, Dinah was trying and failing to compose a new song. The fact that she couldn't hold Axle properly with her damn arm in a sling wasn't helping. Her agent had had kittens when she had found out. Dinah had to get her costume off by herself and pack it away, by herself all while her shoulder had been throbbing and then make it look like she'd slipped in the damn shower and popped it back in herself. The press had a field day. And she was having a problem finding a guitar player she liked at each stop on her tour. She wanted to play herself. But she couldn't without drowning herself in pain killers. And there was no way she was going to do that. She'd actually cut herself off (against her band mates and doctor's wishes) just so she wouldn't get addicted. And it sucked. So hard. But now she was in Star City. And she had her best friend in the whole world coming. She knew Laurel wouldn't let her down. Maybe she could even convince her to go on the last leg of the tour.

'You and me, we do this dance. a yelling, screaming, fighting match' she scribbled down in her lyrics notebook. She liked going old school, pen and paper to write her songs. It flowed more quickly out the end of a pen than in front of a keyboard. 'There are holes in the walls from your 911' she scratched out the last word and wrote fist right above it. She frowned. Why the hell would she write down a gun? That gun? His gun? She sighed and tossed the pen across the room. God, this song was going to suck. She would not, would not be writing a song about his pain in the ass. She should just scrap the whole thing.

"You and me we're two people where a 'hey you' and a 'f*ck you' are exactly the same thing, aren't we? Oh...f*ck that's a good one." She pulled another pen from her hair and wrote that down somewhere off to the side. She looked up at the top of the page, noting the working title. "Rough and Tumble Serenade". Yeah she was gonna have to change that. But for right then, it wasn't too bad. 

I heard you had a voice like an angel

It'd taken quite a bit of convincing for Laurel to finally come away from her room. Hell, she'd even locked herself away in the Queen Estate, something that she hadn't done in quite some time. But her parents had been so understanding, once they had heard the entire situation. Occasionally, she'd hear little Lilla on the other side of the door singing to her. The song, unfortunately, tended to 'Do you want to build a snowman' so, clearly, Laurel was quite literally Elsa those days. The singing was much appreciated though. She had rarely let anyone into the room, outside of her father and that tended to only be when he was bringing her food. But as a few days turned into a few weeks, even Laurel began to understand that she couldn't keep doing this. She was a Queen. She needed to be strong, she needed to be brave, come out of it all, stop being this... this... whatever she was.

The news that Dinah had a show in Star City was probably what really got her out of her room. If there was one person in the world who could help her forget everything that happened over the last year, anyone who could just help her be who she really was again, it was that pretty bird. She remembered getting the message from Dinah and, well, she couldn't say no of course! From there, Laurel had pretty much took it upon herself to make sure she got plans set into motion that would help get her back stage. As if that was really much of an issue. She wasn't dressed all too spectacularly for it, she had tried to put together an outfit that looked somewhat nice, though she knew that it was probably stupid. She supposed she was trying too hard to look nice because, on the inside, way deep down, she felt horrendous.

She'd gotten teased when she had left, her father making comments about the rare unicorn finally leaving her room. Lilla had attacked her with hugs before she'd actually left. It didn't take long for her to get to the stadium and, when she did, she talked to a few people to be let back. She didn't need much of an escort, moving through the halls that lead to the backstage area expertly. It wasn't really all that hard to find the room that Dinah was in other and, as she listened in, she hesitated. She could hear her saying something, or was she singing it, she wasn't entirely sure. Lyrics, that she could tell, but they were unfamiliar to her. Probably a new song, but who for? Something like that sounded like it came together with a purpose. She shook the thought out of her head. It didn't really matter that much. She took a few deep breathes before trying to fake a smile. She knocked lightly on the door. "Oh Diiiiiinahmiiiiiiite. There's a pretty bird wishing to see you," she said, well, half-sang. She then wrapped her fingers loosely around the knob to open up and let herself in. "I really hope I'm not late. Would you believe the traffic in this city? Lived here most of my life and I still can't get a handle on it."

546	Dinah Grayson
I know that this post is pretty much shite and i am sooooo sorry about that  >_<

Blinded by the light shining from your own halo

✿

Upon hearing her nickname as only person could say it (with such a melodiious voice), Dinah unfolded herself from the couch and let out a small, girlish squeal of excitement as the door opened. Her notebook was tossed carelessly aside as she tottered over barefoot to her best friend, gathering up the smaller blonde with her one good arm in the biggest hug she could manage. She would have picked her up and spun her around if she could have at that moment. Alas, she was resigned to squeezing Laurel as tight as she could, hoping it was very evident she was happy to see her best friend. She felt like she was a teenager again, full of energy and excitement, wanting to take on the world. Or burn it all down, whichever really suited their mood.

"Hello pretty bird!!! I'm so glad you could make it. It's never good to stop in Star City and not see you. Jinxes the whole rest of the tour." She let go of the hug, putting her arm around Laurel instead, still wanting to maintain contact with her. Bats and Arrows usually got along famously or infamously it seemed, and Dinah was so glad that her and Laurel were smarter than the boys and quite enjoyed each other's company. And she knew, now more than ever, Laurel needed a friend, and possibly an excuse for getting out of the house. But what she really needed was an awesome road trip. Go see new and unfamiliar things with familiar people and make new memories. Dinah also needed a lead guitar player, but even if Laurel didn't want that job, she'd still insist she come along just to get away, take a vacation.

"And you're never late, I'll just make everyone else wait. You're more important anyway," she grinned. "Come come, sit. I've got water...water...and ummm, lemme see, water. If you want anything else I'll get someone to go get it. Hell, I'd lay the world at your feet, Queenie, you'd just have to ask." Dinah really would do anything for Laurel. Especially after all the bullsh*t that had been going on with doppelgängers and such. She pulled Laurel close and kissed the top of her head. "I really would. All you'd have to do is ask."

I heard you had a voice like an angel

Laurel wouldn't lie, her best friend's excitement made her feel a bit at ease, and that small smile slowly became a bit more genuine, albeit a bit sad. Of everyone in her life, outside of her parents, and kind of Lilla, Dinah was the only person who knew everything. At least everything that had happened to her. She remembered crying her eyes out over the phone just talking to her. Or, well, being talked at by her until Laurel finally found herself spilling it all. And even then, she had left out a few bits. She still had some scars and marks, nothing that she couldn't cover up, though, thankfully.

She leaned gratefully into the hug, hugging her back tightly after a moment. Her strength wanted to falter a moment but she refused to let it. She had to be strong, just had to. For everyone. "Well we wouldn't want to jinx your tour, that's for sure," she teased, keeping up her act. She just needed some girl time, some time to relax. She needed this outing more than she would probably ever admit. And she was pretty happy that her doppleganger hadn't done something to Dinah that might have ruined this relationship they had. She wouldn't lie, it was one worry she had. Priorities, right?

She let go of Dinah a bit hesitantly, leaning into her a bit for comfort still as an arm stayed around her. The fact that one of Dinah's arms were hurt hadn't completely registered yet, too distracted by all too hot rock goddess standing beside her. She shook her head with a light laugh at what was said, though. "Oh please, Dinah, I'm definitely not more important than your fans. Wouldn't wanna keep that hoard waiting on me," she said, trying to keep her tone light. What probably hurt was the fact that she believed her own words. She needed to stop that, though. Pull herself back together. Dinah was good for that, good for reminding her just who she was again. She did go and take a seat, though, shaking her head and waving her hands dismissively at her. "Oh stop that, I'm fine with just some water, D."

She felt her smile wane a little, the corners of her lips twitched as she tried to keep it there but she turned her head to look away from dinah after the red head kissed her forehead. "I'm fine, Dinah, really. Don't need the world laid out at my feet," she said softly. Clearing her throat, she looked back up at her, getting her smile perfect again. "I've got all i need already in this room? How could i ever ask for more?"

xxx	Dinah Grayson
huzzah!

Blinded by the light shining from your own halo

✿

"Shush your face! You're more important than all the fans in all the world. You're my best f*cking friend. And I wouldn't be standing here today if it weren't for you." She knew Laurel was having a rough go of it after everything, and she could see through the act Laurel was trying to put on. They had been friends for years, Dinah could always tell when Laurel was putting on a brave face. But she let her, at least for the moment. She was making strides just getting out of the damn house. So Dinah wasn't about to push the issue just yet. And come hell or high water, she would get a genuine smile out of the blonde.

"Oh I dunno about all you need. But if you're not gonna ask for more, I got a question for ya. If you haven't noticed I'm kind of unable to hold a guitar. My manager just loves it. But I know you play guitar, and since you look like you need a vacation, how would you like to be my guitarist for the last leg of my tour? We'll start you out on base tonight, then get more practice in on the way to Central City. It'll be fun, I promise. Also...we do a killer duet and you know it, pretty bird." Dinah wandered over and picked up Axel, her beloved guitar, and held it out to Laurel. She had back ups that she'd interviewed already, just in case Laurel said no. But Laurel was still going to enjoy herself tonight even if Dinah had to find her some man candy to take a bite out of.

I heard you had a voice like an angel

Laurel gave a somewhat quizzical look before putting her hands up in front of her. It seemed almost impossible to not smile for her friend and, while abrasive, the sentiment of her words were warming as always, even if the truth behind them was a bit depressing. Goddess, how many lows had she seen with her? The problems always went back and forth, but no matter what, they were always there for each other. It was nice to have a friend like that. "Okay, okay! Maybe I'm a little more important that your fans. But just a little," she said. A little of a lot, she knew, but in her heart she still didn't feel too important, too special, she wasn't worth such troubles, not really.

The offer came as somewhat of a surprise and she didn't know what to say at first. Join her for her tour? She wasn't sure if she could really do that, if she could handle it. At first she thought more so in terms of 'what if something happened at home?' but they soon turned to 'what if she became a burden on her friend?' or 'what if she brought something bad down on them?' She didn't want to cause her any trouble, she really didn't. But as Dinah grabbed Axel and held it out to her, Laurel almost felt like she couldn't say no. Besides, she was sure her parents would be a whole lot happier if she left for a bit anyway. She reached out, taking the guitar and holding it out in front of her, staring at it for a moment before looking over to her friend. "Hell yeah i'll join you! How could i ever pass up this kind of opportunity?" she said, that sad smile of hers broadening a bit as she shifted to hold the guitar properly and strum a few chords.

xxx	Dinah Grayson
sorry it's a bit short :/

Blinded by the light shining from your own halo

✿

"Oh thank God," Dinah let out a relieved sigh and smiled at Laurel as she collapsed next to her on the couch, mindful of her shoulder. "I already have all your stuff in my tour bus. Your dad dropped it off. Now I don't have to think of ways to kidnap you." she beamed at her favorite blonde as she began to strum on Axel. She had concocted several plans over the course of the day to get Laurel on that bus, most in the hopes that she wouldn't need them. And luckily she didn't. Dinah just needed her best friend. And it looked like Laurel needed her too. She had been there for Dinah in some of her darkest moments, helped her get back on her own two feet. Now it was time to return the favor.

On some level, Dinah knew it wasn't her fault; that what Laurel had been through was not something she could have foreseen or prevented. But still it nagged at her that she had never noticed the switch. She felt horrible about it. She felt like a bad friend. And she was going to make it up to her starting right now.

"Right, so I suppose you'll need a set list. Lucky for you, I have one handy. If you want, if you are not comfortable playing lead, you can be on base. Rodney can take up lead guitar duties for one night. We've got a few hours to see how rusty you are but, knowing you, you're all shiny and chrome."

Over the next few hours, besides practicing, Dinah filled Laurel in on another reason to have her along. To keep her in check. After everything, her emotions were running high, and she had noticed in her singing, she'd been projecting onto the audience perhaps a bit too much. By the time she got to the song she'd written for her mom, the entire audience was usually right there with her, wiping their faces to clear away the tears. And while that wasn't necessarily bad, it could be.

When the time came for them to go on stage, Dinah was fussing over Laurel; fixing her hair, adjusting her outfit, making sure she had water and that everyone else knew to go easy tonight. She wanted Laurel to have fun, to feel the amazing rush of people cheering for you. There were times Dinah thought that's all she needed to subsist on, it was so powerful. And she hoped, at the very least, it would list her friend's spirits.

She grinned at Laurel, already feeling the buzz of excitement coming from the audience. "You ready, Queeine?"

I heard you had a voice like an angel

Now, it really shouldn't have surprised the blonde when Dinah said that Ollie had already dropped bags off to the tour bus, that everything was already, well, ready for them to go. She paused a moment in her strumming to give the girl, as if trying to figure out if she was serious or not. Well, of course she was serious! Laurel was quiet for a moment before she started to laugh. "Damn, you had this all figured out, huh?" she asked with a chuckle. "F*ckin' father is such a traitor," she added as an after thought, shaking her head lightly.

She went back to strumming on the guitar, testing a few chords and the like to make sure she still remembered everything. Luckily, it was almost like riding a bicycle, everything came flooding back rather easily. Her head turned slightly to look at Dinah, listening to her. "Please, D, i think i can handle the lead. Besides, I'm a Queen, we just thrive in the limelight," she teased. While she wasn't really her normal self yet, that would take a while she was sure, she was already starting to enjoy herself. Coming here had definitely been a good idea, even if she ended up getting kidnapped by the redhead beside her.

The next few hours seemed to go by in a flash. Picking up what she had to play rather quickly. True, there were a couple of hiccups here and there, for the most part she did pretty well. Where she did have troubles, Dinah was able to easily help her get over them. Getting a run down of the other reason she was there, she nodded, completely understanding. She promised to help keep her in check, even came up with a few signals for Dinah to tone it down. For half a second, she wished she could just have telepathy or something. That would make giving Dinah signs a lot easier but oh well. They would get through this.

She could barely believe it when the time actually came for them to play. She had to bat at her friend's hand when she wouldn't stop fussing over how Laurel looked. In all honesty, she wished she had worn something else but she hopped this would work well enough. She was sure it would, and it wasn't like what she wore was terrible. It was just... perhaps it wouldn't fit with what the rock goddess with her wore. She couldn't let that thought bother her. Not as they got on stage.

Laurel could feel the excitement buzzing from the crowd and she couldn't help but grin herself, her eyes sliding over to Dinah. "Damn straight I'm ready. Let's rock!"

###	Dinah Grayson
NOTES

Blinded by the light shining from your own halo

✿

Grinning, Dinah wrapped her good arm around Laurel's shoulders and pulled her in close, giving her a quick kiss on her temple and a fierce hug, trying to imbue all the love and protectiveness she had into it. Then she snagged a mic from the sound guy as he was walking by, waiting for her intro to finish up. Her outfit was simpler than normal today, to accommodate her sling, but she was still going to be running around stage in heels. The costume department always seemed to have her in some sort of heel and she had gotten used to it by now.

Once the introduction was done, she strode out on stage like she owned it, which was part of the rockstar package, she supposed. Exuding confidence came with the leather hot pants and thigh high boots. "How you doin' tonight, Star City?!" Then she took a moment to take it all it. The screams and shouts of thousands of people hitting her like a physical wall of sound. This was what she lived for, this was what got her up day after day. This was better than any high she'd ever had. There were times where she would, against the doctor's orders, play shows when she was sick just to feel alive. And now she wanted Laurel to feel all that, limelight loving Queen or no.

"I want to introduce you to a very special friend of mine tonight. My best friend actually. She will be playing lead guitar, since, as you can see, I'm unable to at the moment. I want a big fucking round of applause for her, your own native daughter, and second best guitarist I know, LAUREL QUEEN!" The second wave of screams and applause was more deafening than the first and Dinah stood there for a moment, just looking over at Laurel, beaming at her like she was the best thing since sliced bread. Then she gave the signal to start the first song. Which they tore through, the audience singing along with every word. They tore through the first set, Dinah playing to the crowd, letting them sing the chorus now and again, just generally feeling like she was on top of the world with her best friend. She had even grabbed another mic on a stand and plopped it down for Laurel to sing along with her, like they always used to when they were kids

It was during a water break that they wheeled out the piano, (which they weren't supposed to with Dinah's shoulder causing problems), that Dinah made a decision.

She took off her sling, tossing it to the side, much to the dismay of some of her band mates (and her manager, jumping around like an idiot offstage), and sat down at the piano. She adjusted the mic in front of her and looked out at the audience, wanting to put on a real show.

"Now, some of you may have heard this song before, but I don't normally play it live. So, we're going to take a minute here to slow it down, let my beautiful blonde bestie get some water while I sing you a little song called, 'Dear Daughter'." Dinah's hands hovered over the keys for a moment as she stared down at the piano, steeling herself for the song. And then, she simply began to play. She got through the first part and the chorus without much of a problem, but halfway through the second, she started to put more emotion than intended behind her words.

Dear daughter
Don't change for any man,
Even if he promises you the stars
And takes you by the hand

Life throws you in
To the unknown
And you feel like you're
Out there all alone.

As soon as she hit the chorus again, she could tell something was off, her voice was trying to crack with all the emotion she had, but she kept going, looking out and seeing the audience starting to cry for her. There was a reason she didn't like doing this song live, it wasn't controlled and it wasn't something she could start over if something went wrong. But her manager loved it. He always wanted to put it on the set list. Though he never forced her to do it.

She'd written it for her mom a long time ago, but she had to wait to ever record it or even sing it out loud until after she was sober, after she was more in control. And moments like now would be why.