Raise the Curtain | Willowmoore

[Deleted]

February 2026

Xen was never a very mischievous person, but today, she had an ulterior motive. She had made such a big deal to her dad about wanting to go see this show with him for her birthday, that he had finally given in and she was able to go home for the weekend (with the help of her step-mom, who picked her up and signed her out) and her dad agreed to take her to the show. She hadn’t mentioned how she found out about the show or who she knew in the cast. She wasn’t really sure how her dad would react when he found out Xan was in it. They didn’t really talk about her sister or mother very often, she knew it was a sore spot for her dad. But Xen wanted to see Xan and support her. And she wanted to try to help bridge the gap between two of the most important people in the world to her. And this was one of the ways she could think to do it.

They arrived at the venue and Xen took the program they were offered at the door; her dad couldn’t look through it and see Xan’s photo in the cast listing. She didn’t want to ruin the surprise too early, a part of her thought that if he found out why she wanted to come so bad, he might want to leave before the show started. She always wondered why there was such a disconnect between the two of them. They didn’t like to talk about it. She knew inviting Xan to the house was out of the question as she was a muggle and couldn’t know about their world, but since they already knew about hers, why couldn’t they do more things that were in her realm of knowledge? Why did there have to be such a vast separation all the time. “I’m so excited, this looks incredible! Thanks so much for bringing me.” Xen said in her ever cheerful tone as they entered into the building, tickets in hand and headed over towards the usher.

@xenon

[Deleted]

Hogsmeade Weekends were something that Zee had become accustomed to and would often look forward to. These weekends were sacred times he was granted a small amount of spend time with his daughter Xen while she was away at school. Zee wasn’t able to take time off often, but his kids and wife birthday, and Hogsmeade weekends where Xen wished to see him were no brainers. This weekend, instead of lunch or taking her home for a few hours, Xen requested tickets for a new show in London that recently opened to celebrate her birthday. Since it was something she specifically asked for, and it was her birthday, it was a no brainer. Zee loved to spoil his kids rotten. He knew that money wouldn’t buy their love but it certainly sweetened the deal and he enjoyed seeing them happy. It also numbed his guilt for abandoning his first daughter, Xantha, who he did a less than mediocre job providing for.

As Zee and Xen made their way into the large theatre, she grabbed both of the programs from the usher, which he found a little odd, but he wasn’t in the mood to flip through that anyways. He wanted to relax, though admittedly, theatre wasn’t his preferred leisurely activity but he was willing to make the sacrifice for his daughter. She thanked him again him for taking her to the show when they found their seats in the orchestra section. Zee smiled, ”You’re welcome, Darling. Happy Birthday.” he told her as he settled into seat, arm draping behind her chair to give her a kiss on the cheek. ”When summer holiday rolls around Aimee and I wanted to take you traveling anywhere of your choice, so you should start thinking of somewhere you would like to go.” he told her with a smile, a show wouldn’t be her only gift, their family had a way of overcompensating for his own conscience for obvious reasons.

@xena
@xantha (no taggy just brief mention haha)

[Deleted]

Perfect. She had managed to get her dad into the theatre and sitting down before the show started without him suspecting anything. She was pretty sure she was in the clear at this point so she relaxed a little more into her seat after he kissed her on the cheek and wished her happy birthday again. She was g;ad that she had her dad to do things like this for her, and it made her all the more sad that Xan didn’t. Especially when he brought up that he and Aimee were going to take her traveling this summer anywhere that she wanted to go and suggested that she start thinking of a place now. As much as she loved that idea, she hoped there wasn’t some way that Xan could hear that from the dressing room. “yeah, that sounds great.” Xen nodded. “I’ll definitely think about it.” she agreed. The lights began to dim and Xen turned forward. “Oh, looks like it’s gonna start.” she pointed out.

@xenon and then maybe Xan?

[Deleted]

Zee smiled adoringly when his daughter agreed that she would think of places she would like to visit on holiday. He always looked forward to a getaway, of any sort. Zee found it hard to relax most days, or until about the third day of vacation, but he always returned refreshed and ready to work. Hopefully no new babies this time around.

The lights dimmed and the curtain raised with an uplifting dance number. As dancers weaved on and off the stage, Zee couldn't help but notice a certain blonde female move across the stage.

It didn't take him long notice Xantha. 

Zee inhaled through his nostrils, eyes following her on stage before turning to Xen with his eyebrows threaded and his eyes narrowed at her. "Hey...is that...." he grabbed her arm, not in an aggressive way but to get her attention and to look at him. "That's...Xan..." he whispered in disbelief, eyes widening as he said the words. "Is this show that Xantha is casted in Xena?" he asked her quickly, a pained look on his face. She didn't have to answer he already knew. He wasn't sure if he should be happy or scared.

Damn it, Xena. What the hell was she up to?

@xena
@xantha (if ya wanna strut ya stuff)

[Deleted]

Work was a safe haven for Xantha. It was somewhere she could disappear into the music and dance the night away. It was where she didn't have to worry about rent or bills. She had no thoughts about her mothers failing health, not her father coming back into her life. She didn't need to worry about anything while on stage, only the music and the ensemble she was part of moving as one. And they did, perfectly. Every step rehersed endlessly and to perfection.

Xantha knew she didn't stand out to most, except perhaps those that knew her. As background dancer standing out was not a good thing. It was blending in perfectly so that the picture was complete that mattered. This particular show was due to end by June, meaning she'd be out of a job. Well, time for the next job. At least she had a resume with some experience in the field now.

But tonight Xantha just enjoyed the moment, dancing a rather perfect show. She didn't notice any errors, not from herself or those around her. It was like walking on clouds when things went this well. Xantha wished it could last forever, to dance until her body failed her and to fade along with the music. Yet it was not to be, eventually the show would end, and reality would come back. But noy yet. For now the dream was still very much alive.

@xena
@xenon