1. Chapter 1

**The Dance**

_This take places at the end of the episode Conundrum._

__Disclaimer: This story was written solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and is not intended to infringe on any copyrights held by Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.__

**Chapter 1**

_Start of Transcript Episode Conundrum_

_The party was already in full swing when Diego, Felipe, and Don Alejandro walked inside the tavern. The tavern was crowded with joyous people who were dancing to the music. Mendoza greeted Diego when he entered the tavern and grabbed him by the arm. Unnoticed by Mendoza Diego grimaced with pain when Mendoza squeezed his wounded arm. _

"_Zorro was magnificent. You should have been there." _

_Mendoza exclaimed enthusiastically,_

"_So I've heard, Sergeant." said Diego as Mendoza pretended to imitate Zorro's sword fight._

"_Quite a party, huh?" Don Alejandro added joyously as Victoria walked past him._

_Victoria stopped and turned around.
>"And the Alcalde has agreed to pay every centavo."

_de Soto wiped his face with his handkerchief.
>"Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. I think we all need to let off a little steam. You all know how personally close I came to death. "

_When Felipe started to dance with a young woman, Don Alejandro pointed at them and clapped._

_Mendoza added, "Me, too. If it wouldn't have been for Zorro. . ."_

_"Sergeant, if it weren't for Zorro, we wouldn't have come so close to hanging in the first place." _

_Victoria who came up beside de Soto chided him.
>"Oh, come on, Alcalde. It's a celebration. Can't you bury the hatchet with Zorro just for one night?"

_de Soto stuffed his handkerchief up his sleeve.
>"You're quite right, Senorita. This is a joyous occasion. May I have the honor of this dance?"

_Diego quickly came up behind de Soto.
>"Pardon me, alcalde, but the senorita promised this dance to me."

_He went over and lead Victoria out to dance who smiled up at him._

_"The Alcalde will bury the hatchet all right." said Diego as they danced away. _

_"Yes, right on Zorro's head." she replied._

_End of Transcript Episode Conundrum_

Diego felt happy holding Victoria in his arms while he tried to ignore the constant throbbing in his arm. He had bandaged his arm before he came to the party, but because of Mendoza's hard grip the wound had reopened again and he felt blood drizzle along his arm. Victoria's hand lay lightly on his shoulders well above his wound for what he was grateful. They continued to dance and Diego noticed with horror the dark stain that was beginning to show on his jacket. Also Victoria's white blouse was getting red where it was soaking blood from his arm. He started to think frantically. He couldn't let the blood on him be discovered or the alcalde would find out that he was Zorro.

	2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Slowly he started to dance towards the bar so that they were ending their dance there.

"Dancing makes one thirsty," he said and reached for one of the mugs on the bar. Clumsily he tipped over one bottles of wine spilling the red liquid all over Victoria's white blouse and her red skirt.

Shocked Victoria looked down at herself, where the wine was dripping to the floor from her clothes, and then at Diego.

"Diego, what have you done," she exclaimed. "My dress, it is full of red wine. It's ruined!" Tears were standing in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Victoria," Diego said very remorsefully. "It is really a nice dress, but maybe you can save it. I'll get you a new one. But my own suit isn't in a better condition."

He pointed at his suit where splashes of red wine could be seen on his white shirt and his jacket.

Victoria went up the stairs and headed for her room. Quickly she changed her clothes and then she went to her washstand. From the pitcher she poured water into the bowl and reached for her stained blouse. She examined the stains that the wine had left there, when she noticed a difference. Under her left arm there was a dark red patch of fresh blood. She examined her left arm for some hidden scratches but there was nothing.

This wasn't her blood. That got her thinking. Her blouse had been clean so it must have happened during the dance. But how did it get under her arm? Her arm had been supported by Diego's during the dance. This must Diego's blood on her blouse. But why was her blouse soaking blood from his arm and why didn't he say something about such a severe wound? She nearly wouldn't have seen it between dots from the wine if she hadn't looked closely at the stains. The wine nearly concealed it. The wine. It was Diego who had spilled the wine over her and himself. What if he had done it on purpose to hide his bloody arm? To make her change? What did he have to hide that he couldn't admit being injured today?

Slowly she sat down on her bed, staring at the blood stained blouse in her hand and thought of the events of the day. She had seen Diego in the tavern talking with his father and then Diego and Felipe had left together. Alejandro had shown her that infamous letter that Risendo had given him and then there had been the commotion because of Zorro. Zorro had freed Toronado and then he had fought with Risendo on the roof. There had been a shot and Zorro had gone down on the roof and then Risendo had fallen to his death while Zorro had escaped. There was only one person except for Risendo who had been injured today and that was Zorro. If Diego was wounded now then Diego must be Zorro!

Diego! She had to talk to him. She rushed through the door and looked at the gathered crowd searching for Diego. At last she spotted him heading for the door.

"Diego," she shouted through the tavern. "I have to talk to you. Don't you dare leave like this."

Everybody turned their heads to look first at her and then at Diego who had turned around at her call. Surprised he looked at her and headed towards her through the dancers who made space for him.

Victoria went down the stairs. "We'll talk in the kitchen," she said in an angry voice pointing to the curtain. "And the rest of you should better stay out."

The alcalde couldn't hide his gloating when Diego passed him by. "Now you're in for a scolding from the senorita. I wish you luck."

Obediently Diego followed Victoria through the curtain.

"I'm really sorry, Victoria," he started, but she interrupted him.

"Don't say a thing, I know what you have done." She moved closer and pointed at the dark stain on his arm. "That's blood, isn't it?"

He stared at her, thinking what to say, but then he nodded.

"You were shot by a lancer when you freed Toronado today."

"Yes." There wasn't anything else to say. She had looked through his disguise.

"You spilled the wine intentionally over us to hide the blood stains on my blouse."

"I couldn't think of anything else at that moment. Forgive me?" He looked intently in her eyes waiting for her reaction. He remembered the last time when Zorro had been asking her forgiveness after he had robbed her. How would she react now?

"Always," she replied, as she had the last time. And her eyes were full of love.

"It was you." She raised her right arm as if to hit him on the chest, but he intercept her and gripped her by the wrist. "All those years and I never saw you," she whispered.

Tenderly he started to trail the inside of her arm and her neck with kisses and with his other hand he slowly drew her in a tight embrace.

"You should go on with your scolding," he said in a low voice, never breaking eye contact. "Then we won't be disturbed."

"I can't," she whispered to his lips before they kissed.

When the music stopped outside, they broke apart. "I must go and change my suit now, before any one else figures it out."

"Will you come back to the party?"

"Only if you let me hold you in my arms and grant me another dance."

"I can't wait."

When he left the kitchen, Diego tried to look sheepish, which was hard, when he had never felt so happy in his life. Victoria's reactions was not what he had anticipated, and he had to admire her cleverness to draw the right conclusions in such a short time.

"Don't think you're off the hook so easily, Don Diego," Victoria called after him from the kitchen again in an angry voice that would have deceived even him if they hadn't kissed moments before. "You owe me another dance, Don Diego."

A short time later he returned again, this time totally changed in a dark brown suit and another white ruffled caballero shirt. Victoria was surprised he came back so soon, but then she remembered that he must have a lot of experience in quickly changing his clothes.

Diego waited for the music to play a slow tune, until he asked Victoria for her dance.

When he lead her to the dance floor, neither of them said very much. What they wanted to talk about, they couldn't in public, and for the other things they needed no words, only some concealed looks. He held her much tighter than he would have otherwise, bending the borders of propriety as far as it still went unnoticed from the outside.

Victoria put her hand only very lightly on his shoulder, carefully avoiding his hurt arm. He couldn't comment, but squeezed her other hand thankfully for her efforts. Except for this dance Diego danced no more, ignoring the hopeful looks of other potential dance partners.

"I have lost my taste for dancing tonight," he replied, when his father tried to urge him to another dance and pointed out some other women to him. "It is enough that I Victoria is cross with me, I 'd better avoid other incidences." He could hardly tell his father that he had to take care that his injured arm wasn't discovered from anybody else.

He would have liked to dance with Victoria much more, but they had to avoid to attract attention, when Victoria was supposed to be angry with him. She was a better actor than he had thought and kept convincingly to her role for the rest of the evening. So she appeared to be reluctant when he asked her for the last dance for the night.

"Are you still cross with me, Victoria?" he asked her aloud. "I promise I'll get you another dress." Inaudible for the others he added, "White is the color that suits you." She started to blush knowing he was referring to a wedding gown. She was glad that it was a lively dance that put some color in her face.

There was no reason he could linger after the party ended without raising suspicions and he had to accompany his father and Felipe home.

	3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

They only met again the next day when the de la Vegas drove into town with the dead body of Risendo.

Victoria looked concerned when she came over from her porch to meet with them.

_Start of Transcript Episode Discovery_

_Victoria looked over sadly at Don Alejandro.
>"I heard what happened. I'm so sorry."

_Don Alejandro added,
>"It's hard to gain a son and then lose him all in the same hour."

_"Gilberto was suckled on vengeance. I wish I had known him as a brother and not as an enemy." Diego said _

_Victoria looked over at Diego
>"Perhaps if he would had a different life, you could have been proud of him instead, Diego"

_Diego nodded as Don Alejandro. Diego then got a strange look on his face. _

"_There is something I have been meaning to tell you all for quite some time." _

_Victoria looked at him with a confused expression. _

"_Now would seem an appropriate moment. Felipe, with your permission." _

_[Felipe looks at him with worried confusion.] _

"_I. . . I. . . am . . .going to adopt Felipe. He's to be a member of our family." _

_Victoria laughed happily. _

_Don Alejandro smiled broadly.
>"This is wonderful news." He hugged Felipe who grinned. "This is wonderful news." He let go of Felipe. "I now have two sons. The de la Vegas will never be divided. Never."

_Felipe let out a sigh of relief as Victoria giggled. Diego exhaled and smiled. _

_Don Alejandro got a strange look on his face.
>"Diego, there's something that's been gnawing inside of me."

"_Father, there is something I've been meaning to tell you for quite some time. Felipe, Victoria, if you will excuse us for a moment." _

_He held out his hand and lead Don Alejandro away. Victoria went over to stand next to Felipe, who looked worried. Victoria looked over at him and he waved his hands then shrugged. _

"_Do you remember when Gilberto was just about to shoot you, he said he was not only going to kill you, he was going to kill. . . " He stopped and turned to face Diego. "Then he never finished. What do you suppose he was going to say?"_

_End of Transcript Episode Discovery_

Diego started to say something but then he stopped looking around at the people walking across the plaza.

"I think we'd better talk about it when we are back at the hacienda. I want to invite Victoria to dinner, then I don't have to repeat myself." Then he pointed out to the private who had been ordered to take away Risendo's body. "I think you are needed at the wagon, father. Please excuse me, I want to talk to Victoria."

"What happened today?" she asked Diego while Don Alejandro walked over to the wagon. "I heard you were fighting with Risendo and that the alcalde killed him. What else was there?"

She looked at his bloodied arm. "Come to the tavern and I'll have a look at that while you tell me about today."

She led him into the tavern while Alejandro drove Risendo's body to the cuartel. After they entered the tavern, Victoria locked the door behind her, since the tavern was still closed for siesta.

"Remove your shirt, I want to look at that wound." She urged him to sit down at one of the benches while she gathered everything she needed to treat his injury.

Diego was too weary to argue and simply did as she requested. Victoria blanched when she examined his arm. "You have been fighting with that? How can you even move your arm?"

"I didn't fight with that arm. I used my left hand. Luckily my fencing master insisted that I had to be proficient with both hands. My father saw me fighting, he got suspicious about my fencing abilities."

"Anyone would if you were able to beat a good swordsman as Risendo with your left hand only."

He closed his eyes and hissed in pain when Victoria cleaned the wound with alcohol before she bandaged it again. In the meantime she tried to distract him with her questions.

"What about the truce that Risendo offered Zorro? Did you go to the canyon?"

"It was a trap. Risendo had an explosion prepared that caused a landslide."

"But you escaped."

"No, I was buried under it."

Shocked Victoria interrupted her bandaging and looked at him, her face totally white.

"How did you survive?"

"I don't know. I got out with Toronado's help and very much luck. I arrived just in time before Risendo could kill my father. Risendo found out that I was Zorro. I didn't know what to do. If he had survived, he would have revealed it and then I'd be dead. But I knew I couldn't kill him, Risendo was right. Inside me I felt that he was my brother."

He sounded weary and lost.

She braced herself against his naked shoulders when he drew her lips down to his. They kissed hungrily savoring each moment.

"It was a terrible day. I thought I wouldn't make it." He drew her down until she was sitting on his lap and hugged her in a tight embrace. She felt his hot skin through her shirt. "I need to feel you in my arms to know that I'm still alive. We need to talk where we won't be disturbed. Will you come to dinner to the hacienda tonight?"

She nodded her agreement and he continued. "I promised my father to talk to him tonight and I will tell him that I'm Zorro. All that I'll tell him, I want you to know as well. After these last days I cannot go on like before. Maybe the alcalde has finally had an insight and has a turn for the better after he talked to the padre. Then we can leave Zorro buried under that rock and get married."

"I'd like that very much, Diego. I think we have waited long enough." They kissed passionately until they heard Alejandro calling from the back door of the tavern.

"Diego, Victoria, are you in there?"

Alejandro looked surprised when he saw his son standing half dressed in Victoria's tavern buttoning up his shirt.

"Victoria bandaged my arm." Diego explained to his father. "She saved me the visit to Dr. Hernandez."

Alejandro looked unconvinced but didn't comment. "Has Diego invited you to dinner tonight? We'd be happy if you came."

"I'm looking forward to it." Victoria answered. "After all that happened there is much to talk about."

"You're right, Victoria. There will be much to talk about." Alejandro sighed at little. "But we must be on our way now."

"We'll see you at dinner, Victoria," Diego added who had finished with his shirt now. As Victoria looked at him inquiringly, unsure how to act in front of his father, he decided he no longer wanted to act any more when only his family was present.

With a hand he caressed her right cheek while he placed a short and tender kiss on the other. "I'm looking forward to it too."

With his mischievous grin that she knew so well from Zorro, he left the kitchen ignoring his father's bewildered look at this intimate gesture.

"He will have a lot to explain. I hope he is up to it." Alejandro grimaced and followed after his son.

	4. Chapter 4

Epilogue

The evening held many surprises for Alejandro even when he had already guessed that his son was Zorro. The engagement to Victoria was one of those and it brought back a smile on his face that had been gone after he found out about Risendo. Another was the revelation of the secret cave that had been right under his nose and last not least he was happy for Felipe that he could hear and would eventually start talking again.

The day that had nearly ended so horribly for all had finally come to a good end, the family united with the prospect of a marriage in the very near future.

End file.

The Dance by katie1999


Getting Rid of Zorro

Getting Rid of Zorro

by Linda Bindner

A/N: Thanks to mmbrook, Noda2, QueenNaberrie, and yeahsureyoubetcha for beta reading - you're all great!

"Father," Diego said in a voice meant to momentarily wrest Don Alejandro's attention from his lunch at the tavern. Don Alejandro paused to look up at him, his attention successfully diverted. "Have you ever wondered about the man behind Zorro's mask? I mean, seriously wondered?"

"What do you mean, Son?" His fork rested on the plate while he stared.

Thus encouraged, Diego thoughtfully went on. "Have you ever considered what we're all doing to that man?"

Alejandro's face took on the blank expression of someone not understanding. "Doing?"

"Consider." Diego was on a roll now, and had abandoned his own lunch of tamales in extra sauce to continue. "Zorro is just a man like any other. I suppose that he has wants and needs, wishes and desires, just like I do."

Don Alejandro was completely involved in the conversation now. "Wants and needs? Doesn't he want justice?"

"Well, yes," Diego conceded. "But so do I. So do you. But by asking him to continue his fight for justice, aren't we in effect just keeping him chained to the status quo?"

The blankness continued. "The status quo?"

Diego shrugged a nod. "Aren't we just relying on him to solve all our problems for us?"

Don Alejandro lost his vacuous expression as a tolerant one invaded his eyes. "I would say that the Alcalde is more the one responsible for that than we are."

Diego considered. "Maybe. But is the Alcalde the only reason that Zorro rides out all the time? What about the outlaws other than Zorro in the area?"

Alejandro reared back. "Are you saying that you think we should create some kind of armed patrol to scour the countryside for bandits?"

Diego took on a look of amusement. "Isn't that what the Lancers are for?"

Don Alejandro had nothing to say to that, but his nothing said a lot.

So Diego went on with his argument. "What if Zorro just wants to settle down and raise a family, but can't because he's always riding after someone, or fighting unjust taxes?"

Alejandro's gaze traveled instinctively to Victoria when Diego talked about Zorro wanting to settle down. She waited on another table, oblivious to the caballero's conversation.

Diego went in for the main point to his thesis. "He's as trapped by his own overdeveloped sense of justice as we are by the oppression of the government we live under day to day."

Alejandro paused to stare at his son in contemplation. "What do you propose that we do about it?"

Diego leaned across the scarred tabletop to better engage his father. "I suggest we set up some kind of rotating schedule where the caballeros - or whoever wants to be involved - do a kind of patrol around the pueblo meant to keep the peace." His pause was telling. "Since the Lancers can't be bothered to do their jobs, we'll do it for them."

Alejandro smiled the patient smile of all parents. "That sounds like a plan, Diego, but what about the fact that Zorro has skills that none of the rest of us have? He can track a phantom, but can you?"

Diego refused to be waylaid by what he considered insignificant details. "Anyone can learn to read tracks, even me."

Alejandro looked as if he didn't believe him. "And who's going to do all this teaching?"

Diego shrugged. "Zorro, I suppose."

"What if Zorro doesn't want to be bothered? He's a busy man."

"We're all busy men. Has anybody ever asked him?"

Alejandro reared back again, then blustered, "The Alcalde will never allow this."

Diego softened his voice to a conspiratorial murmur. "The Alcalde doesn't have to know."

A look of doubt stole across Alejandro's face. "Perhaps. But what about the Alcalde's taxes? They aren't anything to sneeze at."

Diego's tone rose again to what it was before. "True. But what are there caballeros for but to keep control of overall justice for the pueblo?" His eyes narrowed shrewdly. "Aren't we just a group of wealthy men who are letting another fight our battles for us?"

Affronted, Alejandro spluttered, "But it's Zorro who's keeping us all from the gallows!"

Diego grabbed his father's wrist in a light squeeze to make certain he had his attention. "Or are we ensuring that Zorro has to avoid the gallows all the time just by letting him fight for us?"

That argument made the older man pause. "But de Soto..."

"What about de Soto?" Victoria asked as she rested her serving tray on the table in order to hear Diego out.

But it was Alejandro who spoke. "He's a menace to lasting peace in the pueblo."

"Father! Not so loud!" Diego admonished, sending a furtive glance over to the far table where de Soto was currently embroiled in eating his lunch.

Alejandro complied by lowering his voice, but continued in the same vein. "We still have to contend with him!"

"No we don't, not really," Diego pointed out.

"We try to change his ways!" Victoria complained at the same time. "We're always protesting his cruelty. We've tried everything!"

"Have we, really?" Diego instantly objected. "Has anyone taken things so far as to be hurt or maimed by anything the Alcalde has done?"

This time, both Alejandro and Victoria reared back as if what Diego had said had hurt them, too. "Yes, people have been threatened with flogging, or worse! And it's Zorro who always saves us, always defends us."

"But should we always rely on Zorro? Shouldn't we respond to that kind of cruelty ourselves?"

Alejandro incredulously objected, "What you're suggesting is that we let ourselves be hurt just to prove a point?"

Diego rolled his eyes. "No, of course not. But.."

"It sounds like you want people to be abused in order to put a stop to the problems of the pueblo."

Diego sat back to pointedly stare at them. "Well... Zorro is abused all the time. Why do we think it's alright to abuse him, but not any of us?" When the other two didn't say anything, he added, "That's basically what we're implying each time he brings a bandit to the jail."

"It is not!" Alejandro blustered in righteous indignation.

"Isn't it?" Diego's stare didn't waver.

Just then Felipe hurried over, gesturing that a group of bandits had been spotted on the outskirts of the pueblo, using guns to threaten people, and looting all the farmer's wagons, looking for treasure. His last gesture was an appeal to them all to put a stop to this.

"Zorro will handle those outlaws," Alejandro confidently told Felipe. "You'll see."

"Do you realize what you just did?" Diego stared in baffled amazement at his parent. "Without even thinking, you decided to let another man face those bandits for us while we sit back and watch. What if he gets hurt this time? What if he gets killed?" It was a sobering thought.

Alejandro was compelled to argue, "But you're speaking like you have personal knowledge of his past battles and injuries. There's no way you can know something like that."

Diego cocked his head. "I may not have personal knowledge of his past injuries, but I have to assume that he has them - he's a bandit, after all. If he's going to be a fighter, he must have had broken ribs before, maybe the occasional knife cut through his cape and shirt to scar his chest. Maybe a sword has sliced his leg open. Maybe he's covered in scars."

His two companions looked like they'd never considered this before. They looked sick at just the thought.

Diego didn't want to sicken anyone. "Maybe he's not _covered_ in scars. But you get the point."

However, the damage was done. "Madre de Dios," Victoria whispered. "He could be injured right now, and I wouldn't even know it!"

The conversation was taking a turn that Diego didn't like. "The important thing here is that we're allowing this to happen," he forcefully said in order to get them all back on track. "Should we just sit back while this kind of abuse is going on?" He eyed Alejandro and Victoria.

Astonished to have what he'd thought of as his acceptable behavior called into question by his poetry-loving son, Alejandro asked himself as well as them, "Madre de Dios - how could we have let things get this far?"

Diego ended his argument with the words, "How indeed?"

His father jerked up. "We should put a stop to it! I'm going to call a meeting right now with every caballero in the area. This must end!" He thumped the table in determination.

Diego enthusiastically agreed. "That's the spirit, Father!"

Alejandro paused in his bid for action. "But how can we do this without the Alcalde stopping us?"

Diego had an answer to that as well. "Don't tell Mendoza."

With a giggle and a laugh, the group clandestinely held the first meeting of the movement meant to rid Los Angeles of its hero. And Diego didn't even gloat about starting it... much.

The End

End file.

Getting Rid of Zorro by lbindner


Late Night Visit

**All rights belong to the creators of Zorro, and the sole purpose of this story is for entertainment only.**

**Late Night Visit**

Zorro silently crept along the Tavern roof until he reached her window. Victoria's room was dark and the curtains were drawn shut. He would have come to see her sooner, but the business trip he was on for the past week with his father, took longer than planned. He quietly lifted the window and climbed inside her room. He needed to see that she was safe so he could rest when he rode home. Victoria looked so peaceful when she slept, her even breathing let him know she was in a deep sleep.

"I love you so much Victoria." He whispered as he knelt next to her sleeping form. "Someday we will be together, and live the life we have dreamed of." He lightly kissed her hand. He was careful not to wake her when he lightly lifted her hand to his lips.

Victoria began to stir quietly and rolled over onto her left side. "Zorro I love you too." Victoria moaned in her sleep and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She relaxed into a deeper sleep.

Zorro smiled to himself and slowly stood up. He watched her sleep for a few more minutes. He quietly left her room through the window, and carefully closed the window behind him. He crept along the Tavern roof until he reached Toronado behind the Tavern. He rode home and after he changed, he relaxed into bed and dreamt of the love of his heart.

"Zorro." Victoria woke up the next morning calling for him. She could have sworn he was there and looked around her quiet room. "It must have been a dream, but it felt so real." She sat up confused.

End file.

Late Night Visit by jpaez


The Promise

Disclaimer - I don't own the rights- ZPI does.

One more drabble for the Emmarae challenge. Set right at the end of "The New Broom" where de Soto is riding away from the de la Vega hacienda.

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**The Promise**

How dare that loathsome bandit humiliate me in public like that? And in front of my men too!

You are a menace to society and I will hunt you down even if it takes me the rest of my life to do it. There is nowhere you can hide, no place you can go. I will follow you to the ends of the earth to bring you to justice.

I will see you and all your accomplices hanging from the highest gallows and then I will dance upon your grave.

This is my solemn promise to you Zorro.

End file.

The Promise by CrazyJan57


Warm

Hey, everyone! I've been working on another project, but have hit a bit of a wall on it, and was inspired by all your lovely little drabbles here to write one of my own (thanks for starting this lovely challenge, Emmarae!). This drabble's a bit over the 100 word limit, but I hope you don't mind. It's based off "One Special Night," and was written during a very boring work conference last week. :) Hope you enjoy!

* * *

It was cold in the small space inside the windmill, yet Diego was warm. That growing warmth was curled up against him, pressed against his chest and was spilling through the rest of him. The winds were whistling loudly outside the door with the raging storm, and yet his senses were filled with the scents of roses, sunshine, and clean linen. He knew that scent, and the beautiful skin and hair that they emanated from. _Victoria_.

Diego reached to brush away a tickling sensation at his chin, only to find his fingers moving over a silken head of hair. His eyes popped open as the warmth against him suddenly moved at his touch, and his own body went still. It wasn't a dream. He was really in the windmill where he and Victoria had taken shelter. He looked to the fire, and then to where the bench he'd placed so carefully between them had been. It was gone - and so was Victoria.

"I was cold." Her voice was slightly muffled against his chest, her body still as well, as if the boldness that had motivated her to move the bench and tuck in beside him had suddenly skittered away from her when she realized he was awake.

His smile curled slowly across his lips, and he rested his cheek lightly against her hair as his arms closed around her, his eyes closing in contentment as she relaxed in his embrace and burrowed closer against him. "I was cold too," he whispered. He turned his face into her hair, inhaling deeply as he slowly drifted back to sleep. "But I'm not anymore."

End file.

Warm by LovelyStardust29


The Wedding Drabble

The wedding dress was beautiful in its simplicity. White Spanish Lace covered her black curls, trailing down her back, a wonderful remembrance of her mother.

Standing at the back of the church, he watched them near the altar, paralysed with shock. He struggled to understand her wish to marry her old flame so impulsively, without even consulting him. He shook his head. How could she consult him? She had no idea who he was.

Stumbling at her vows, she shook her head, and stepped back. He could finally move. She couldn't marry the fine man. She loved Zorro too much.

End file.

The Wedding Drabble by Paulsmum2001


Treasured Gift

**Disclaimer: Out of respect to the estate of Johnston McCulley, Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, and Zorro Productions I respect the copyrights held by the groups and names listed. I don't intend on infringing on them. I'm only borrowing them for my own creativity and will return them in the same or better condition as I received them. No money is being made off this story.*

*Author's Note: This fan fiction story was inspired by the episode "Child's Play."*

"Treasured Gift"

It was a cloudy morning in Los Angeles, California as an elderly man; Senor Gregorio Romero worked his small farm. He worked very hard, for very little money, but his granddaughter, Cristina Herrera was also happy. Cristina's birthday was quickly approaching and he knew what she truly wanted in her heart was to be given Don Miguel Martinez's chestnut mare, Firestar when he passed away as a birthday present. But now, Don Miguel's son and heir, Don Pedro has come from Mexico City to claim his inheritance. Cristina was eating breakfast that morning and dreaming of the day when she could own and ride Firestar.

The sound of the front door opening had Cristina looking up to see her grandfather coming into the cottage. Cristina got very excited and leapt up out of her chair. "Do you have her? Where's Firestar?" Gregorio placed his withered, worn, hard-working hands gently on her shoulders and just as gently tried his best to explain the situation to her.

"I'm sorry; there will be no horse for your birthday." Cristina tried very hard not to look brokenhearted, but didn't have the time for the cottage door suddenly swung open and Don Pedro Martinez and his associate entered the room. The young man sneered at the pair of peasants with sheer disdain. "Go outside and feed the livestock."

Cristina returned the man's sneer and bitterly spat out the burning question in her heart. "Where's Firestar? Where's MY horse?" The young man raised his hand as if to strike her.

"Cristina! Please go and tend to the livestock!" Gregorio pleaded. As he watched his granddaughter stand her ground even though she really shouldn't at this time, Gregorio knew things could be very bad for the pair. "I said to go and feed the livestock!"

Don Pedro sneered at the young girl again as he watched her leave the cottage. "Wise decision, old man," he spat out. "I wouldn't want your granddaughter to see me teach you a lesson!" The young man took a menacing step toward the old man just then. "I want you and that terrible, ill-mannered brat of yours off my property by morning!"

Gregorio desperately pleaded with the heir and new owner of the Martinez estate. "I worked for your father, Don Miguel for a very long time! He promised the mare to my granddaughter! Can you find it in your heart to give her the animal?"

Don Pedro sneered even more crudely, "I don't care old man! I want the two of you off property by morning!" Gregorio's face turned red, his facial features tightened and he made a charge toward Don Pedro. Don Pedro easily slid out of the old man's way, allowing the elderly man to stumble into the bunk beds. "As I said old man, be gone by morning!" Gregorio made another attempt at charging the young man. Once again, Don Pedro easily side stepped the old man and allowed his associate to grab him.

"I can't believe you would be so cruel!" Gregorio cried out. "Don't you understand, Cristina loves that mare and you have no use for the animal? Please can't you just give the horse to her?"

"I've had enough of your mouth, old man!" Don Pedro bellowed, his face turning red. He moved to strike Gregorio, as his associate held the elderly man. Pulling back his hand, he struck the old fast and hard across the face.

"That is QUITE ENOUGH!" a deep voiced bellowed from behind. Don Pedro turned to see a tall figure dressed in all black.

"W-who are you?" Don Pedro stammered.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Zorro!" the tall figure announced, introducing himself. Don Pedro exchanged glances with his associate. There was an instant, intense greedy look in their eyes. They knew the large reward placed on the head of this "outlaw", and while Don Pedro really didn't need the money, it was still exciting to get the chance to collect it!

"So, you're the infamous Zorro. I shall have the pleasure of killing you and collecting the reward!" Don Pedro yelled as he withdrew his pistol and pointed it at the taller man. Zorro nodded in acknowledgement, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Are you so certain you've caught me?" Zorro inquired.

Don Pedro cocked the pistol and squeezed the trigger but Zorro simply moved the weapon out of his way and punched the man in the face. His associate moved to attack Zorro from behind and failed. With Gregorio looking on helplessly, a much larger fight ensued right before his very eyes.

Somehow, Zorro escaped their clutches and dashed outside to his faithful stallion, Toronado. As the pair rode away, Don Pedro steadied his pistol and fired a single shot. The musket ball shot out from its home, seeking its target, quickly slicing through the stallion's leg, just above the knee, although it was superficial. Don Pedro and his associate ran to their horses and rode in the opposite direction, leaving Zorro to give chase. As he turned around and tried to catch up to them, the injury to Toronado's leg bothered him. Pulling up the stallion, Zorro dismounted and checked the injury. It wasn't life-threatening but it would prevent any riding for some time. Rather than risking any further damage, Zorro quickly dismounted and checked the injury. "You'll be fine, boy. Unfortunately, no riding for some time," he told the stallion as he undid the cinch and removed the saddle. "I wouldn't want anyone to catch you only to find out who you belong to." He gave the stallion a pat on the rump and told him to go home.

After watching the stallion run off and stashing the tack behind some boulders, Zorro made his way down the road on foot. It was a long way back to the secret cave. At that precise moment, Victoria Escalante was traveling in a wagon along the road. "Ah, how lovely to see you on this fine morning, Senorita!" he greeted her warmly.

"Zorro! What are you doing out here and without a horse?" Victoria Escalante asked, surprised. "Has something happened to Toronado?"

"A mere flesh wound from a young blade's pistol. Nothing to worry about, Senorita." Zorro amused, as he approached her wagon. "Care for some company?"

Victoria was elated! "Oh by all means! I would love it!" She scooted over to make enough room for him to join her on the seat. Once the pair was settled, Victoria signaled the horse to move along the road. "My tavern is filled with people Don Pedro kicked out of their homes and off their lands. While they can't pay, I'll not let them starve or sleep in the streets. That is all I can do for them."

"The strength and depth of your heart is unlimited, dear sweet lady. Sadly, our Alcalde doesn't feel the same way." Zorro observed. As they traveled down the road. The sound of hoof beats caught their attention. "Sargent Mendoza." Glancing quickly at Victoria, "You better not be seen with me. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble." He told her as he jumped down from the seat and ducked under the tarp.

"Morning, Senorita. Have you seen Zorro anywhere near this area?" Sargent Mendoza inquired as he pulled up beside the wagon.

"Zorro, around here? Goodness, no I haven't!" Victoria replied. "Why do you ask?"

"We got a report saying Don Pedro Martinez had a run-in with the outlaw in this area. Oh well, adios, Senorita."

Victoria watched as the soldiers left, before looking down at the tarp, still thinking Zorro was hiding. "You can come out now, they're gone." No response. Victoria tried again. "I said, 'you can come out now.' Zorro? You can..." Throwing back the tarp, she suddenly saw he was nowhere to be found. She slumped against the seat, confused and disappointed.

* * *

Meanwhile, Zorro on foot, ran to the secret, hidden cave. Entering the cave and not seeing Toronado there, Zorro was confused. "Where's Toronado? I sent him home hours ago, he should have been here by now." Felipe looked alarmed. "No, no. Don't worry, you know he'd never let himself by captured. If he hasn't returned, it's for a good reason. Let's get some sleep. There's much to do." They left the cave and went back into the house.

* * *

Toronado was enjoying himself, running free in the desert, despite his injury. Galloping around, feeling the wind blowing through his long mane. He circled through the valley and up the rise, slowing down to a relaxing walk. Sniffing the air, his nostrils quivered with excitement! There was a mare in season somewhere in the area! Seeking the mare out, he ran along the meadow until he came across, an exquisite chestnut mare. Letting out a squeal of delight, Toronado raced to her side. Inquisitively sniffing each other, the pair of horses trotted off together. As he looked around him, Toronado noticed a young girl playing by herself. The girl looked lonely but happy, but also in need of a friend. Intrigued, Toronado slowly descended to get a closer look, he would put on a display of talent, finesse and power to get her attention.

As Toronado galloped in circles, he made sure to snort,whinny and neigh loudly so as to get the girl's attention.

* * *

Cristina walked among the trees, playing with different objects she found in her path. As she did so, the sound of horse's whinny caught her attention. Stopping short, and looking up Cristina was in complete awe of the magnificent sight she saw before her eyes. "Wow! What a horse! He's the most beautiful horse I've ever seen!" she whispered to herself. She crept closer, careful not to frightened the animal. "Here boy, it's okay, don't be afraid." she called gently.

Toronado walked closer, intrigued by the gentle voice. "Your leg, it looks very bad. Let me help you." Cristina stepped closer and bend down to wrap her sash around the great stallion's leg. "There. Now. How does that feel?" she asked after she was done. Toronado apparently nodded in approval. "Good." she said. "How about we go get you settled down some place for the night?" Cristina asked the stallion as she led the him off toward her family's barn.

* * *

Don Diego de la Vega, the alter ego of Zorro, rose the next morning to find Toronado's stall in the cave still empty. He was beginning to worry about the beloved stallion. It wasn't like him to be away for so long. Felipe came running into the cave, he had been trying to find the stallion for hours. "Felipe, I bet he's somewhere near the area where I turned him loose. Go saddle up a horse from the new herd we bought last month." As Felipe ran off to do what he was told, Diego quickly changed into his Zorro outfit. There was no telling what was going on with the treasured stallion.

* * *

Cristina patted the stallion as she tied him in place behind the barn. "You'll be fine here until I can tell grandfather about you. I need to give you a name. I think I'll call you 'Titan'. How do you like that? I think it suits you."

"Cristina! Cristina!" Gregorio shouted from the cottage.

Cristina turned at the sound of the voice. "I have to go in for supper." Cristina ran off toward the house, but turned back to where she had the stallion tied. "I love you, Titan."

Later that night, after supper and chores, Cristina returned to the stallion. "Evening, Titan," she greeted the stallion. "Grandfather went to bed early. I will stay with you tonight." she told the stallion as she laid down a couple of saddle blankets near the animal. "Good night, Titan." she murmured, settling down for the night.

* * *

The early morning hours found Cristina still sleeping near the stallion's stall at that time black cloaked figure approached the pair. "Well, Toronado, you look better, old friend." Zorro said in a low whisper. He bent down to check the bandage around the stallion's leg. "Not bad, not bad at all." He patted the stallion on the shoulder. "I can see and understand why you didn't leave her." Cristina slowly begun to stir from her sleep.

"Hey! Who are you?" Cristina shouted, leaping to her feet. "What are you doing with MY horse?"

Zorro turned calmly to look at the young girl. "Your horse? I'm sorry, I thought this was my stallion."

"Titan is MY horse!" Cristina said fiercely. Zorro was shocked and amused at the same time.

"Titan? Funny, I thought this was my stallion, Toronado." Zorro observed. He stepped away from the great horse. "Tell me something. My stallion comes to me when I whistle. Does yours?"

Thinking for a moment. Cristina responded with a quick, "Yes, he does!"

"Show me."

Cristina tried her best to whistle loudly, but just couldn't do it. "Okay, so I can't whistle like you. But he's still my horse!"

Zorro thought tactfully, before whistling for the stallion. Naturally Toronado walked right up to him. "I know, boy."

Cristina was crestfallen. With shoulders slumped heavy, she looked defeated, sad and heartbroken all in one.

"I'll make you an agreement. How about we come for a visit twice a week? You can even join me for a ride."

Cristina wiped the tears running down her cheeks. Looking up, it took a moment to allow his words to sink. "Oh yes! I would love it!" She rushed to throw her arms around Zorro's neck, leaving the masked man laughing at her antics.

"Let's get back you back to your grandfather." Zorro told her.

* * *

"Cristina! Christina! Where are you?" Gregorio yelled outside the cottage. Searching high and low, Gregorio couldn't locate the little girl. A horse snort drew Gregorio's attention. Looking up, he saw Don Pedro, his associate and several other men on horseback with torches. "Oh no! Please, don't, your honor! Let me find my granddaughter! Please!"

"I told you and that brat of yours to be gone, old man!" Don Pedro shouted sternly. "Now you'll pay for your disobedience!" Several of the men rode had dismounted and started to burn the surrounding property.

Sergeant Mendoza and Victoria came riding up the road (Zorro having alerted Victoria by leaving a note in her room, in which she alerted Mendoza) and immediately intervened. "Don Pedro! You can't do that! These people worked faithfully for your father and they can do the same for you if you treated them with kindness."

"This is MY land and I can do what I want on it and with its people! Stand aside, Senorita! I don't want to hurt you, but I will if I have to!" Don Pedro shouted, his features twisted crudely.

A horse's loud, piercing whinny sounded through the air and silence everyone. Zorro, holding Cristina in the saddle came trotting up to the cottage. "Don Pedro! Leave this family alone!" Zorro yelled as he lifted Cristina from the saddle and placed her on the ground. She ran to her grandfather's side.

"Kill him!" Don Pedro shouted to his men.

"Gentlemen, listen to me. I don't wish to kill or be killed and I know he's threatened your lives and homes. But if you leave now, you'll be spared from this man, that is my promise to you." Zorro declared.

The men shared looks, dropped their torches, and wheeling their horses around, galloped off into the hills. Don Pedro was shocked and angry. "Get back here! All of you! I'll burn your homes!" he shouted to the retreating men.

Zorro withdrew his whip and let the popper snake through the air to wrap around Don Pedro and his associate's arms, forcing them to drop their the two men rode away from the scene with Zorro giving chase.

Racing along the valley trail, Zorro handily catches up to the associate's horse and promptly knocks him off the animal. Quickly running along side Don Pedro's horse, Zorro leaps from the saddle and takes the man out of his. Both men tumbled to the dusty, dry ground, sending up a great cloud of dirt. Once they were on their feet, they each reached for their whips.

Don Pedro smiled evilly as he sent his whip cracking across the dirt; Zorro just smiled and cracked his own whip. Don Pedro sent his whip out to seek Zorro's flesh and failed. Zorro released his whip and expertly connected with the Don's whip holding hand. Dropping the weapon at the instant it stung his hand, Don Pedro looked shocked.

"Now that we have an audience. There's something I'd like you to read." Zorro announced. "Here. Your father's will. Read it, please."

Don Pedro caught the small tied bundle, removed the ribbon and read aloud. "To all those you who have served me, I hereby make them free landowners with two acres each." Everyone cheered excitedly.

"Go on. Read the last few lines, please." Zorro instructed.

"To my devoted and dearest stable hand, Cristina. I leave you my mare, Firestar. Take good care of her and happy birthday, my dear." Don Pedro looked up after he was finished. "How? When?"

Zorro looked at the man and simply said, "Last night. I took it before you could destroy it. You see, Don Pedro, if you showed your people kindness, they'll return the favor."

A snort from Toronado had Cristina approaching him. "Toronado, come on, boy," she told the stallion. Leading him over to his true owner. "Here you go, Zorro. Don't forget our deal."

Zorro offered to shake the young girl's hand. "Of course not!"

* * *

A few months later, Cristina felt like she was on cloud nine, as she loved her rides on Toronado with Zorro. She felt her heart soar along with his sharp hooves as they Cristina was brushing out Firestar's chestnut coat after breakfast when she felt something move against her hand. She moved her hand away from the mare's underbelly and then moved it back. There it was again! Something moved into her hand! Her eyes grew wide at the realization! Firestar was in foal! Cristina was so overjoyed she was about to shout to the world! But wait! Who was the foal's sire? Did Don Miguel breed Firestar and not tell Cristina? No, no, Don Miguel wouldn't do a thing like that and not let Gregorio in on the secret. Cristina slowly approached the mare's head and stroked the lovely blaze running down her face. "Suppose you tell me who you've been visiting with, hmm?" Firestar just snorted and nuzzled the girl's hand. "No, no, you've had plenty to eat."

Cristina left the barn, still walked among the clouds at the thought of a foal out of her lovely and beloved mare. Gregorio looked up as Cristina entered the cottage. "Well, what's that big smile all about, Cristina?" he asked her. Cristina said nothing and went about her chores. Gregorio was now curious, but said nothing to her.

Later that night, after supper, Cristina went out to check on Firestar. She didn't know her grandfather had followed her out to the barn. "How are you feeling tonight, Firestar?" she asked, as she stroked the mare's neck. "How's the foal doing tonight?" Gregorio was taken aback! Firestar was in foal! Why didn't he know about it? And who was the sire? There were too many questions running through his mind as he watched the pair. "Well, girl, I'll let you get your rest now. You take good care of that foal, understand?"

Gregorio left the barn hurriedly before Cristina spotted him. Entering into the cottage, he quickly and quietly closed the door before dashing over to his bed. Cristina came into the cottage just then, happily humming to herself.

* * *

Don Diego was working on a science experiment in his secret lab, when he heard Toronado growing restless in his stall. "What's wrong, boy?" He could see the big black stallion was restless about something, but he didn't know what was the cause of it. "I know, you want to go visiting." he realized. "Well let's go visiting!" He quickly changed into his Zorro outfit as Felipe got the stallion ready.

When the pair arrived at the Romero farm, Cristina was outside lovely doting on Firestar. "Hello there!" she called as she waved. She came jogging over to join the men. "Guess what!"

"You've taken up playing Chess?" Zorro teased.

Cristina shook her head. "No. Firestar is going to have a baby!" Zorro was thrilled.

"Well then, congratulations!" Zorro said grinning happily. "Who's the daddy? One of Don Miguel's stallions?"

Cristina looked perplexed. "No, Don Miguel didn't breed her, but we don't know the answer."

Zorro looked stunned. "Well, either way it's a surprise gift."

"Yes, yes it is, a surprise." Gregorio agreed.

Just then, Firestar let out a loud whinny. Toronado returned the greeting. The big stallion trotted over to the mare and nuzzled her. Everyone watched the exchange between the horses. "Wait a minute, you don't suppose..." Zorro wondered. He looked at the stallion, "Is there something you didn't tell me about when I released you?" Toronado just tossed his elegant head. "A treasured gift!"

Cristina's jaw dropped! So Firestar was carrying Toronado's foal! Oh how wonderfully exciting! "Oh my goodness! This really is the best birthday present ever!" she said joyously. "I don't know who to hug first! Ha ha!" Everyone just laughed. It really was very exciting to say the least.

"How much longer until this special foal makes its debut?" Zorro asked.

"I'm guessing Firestar is six months along, because I can feel the foal kick when touch around her underbelly." Cristina answered. "So five months from now, we'll see a precious little foal," She walked over to the horses then. "and it'll be half of you, boy. Thanks for the gift." She patted the stallion on the smooth neck, followed by wrapping her arms around the stallion in a thankful hug.

* * *

Five months later, Cristina was on her way out to the barn to check on Firestar and possibly help the mare foal. She was just gathering up the supplies when she heard a the cutest little whinny she ever heard! Firestar had foaled all on her own! She cautiously approached Firestar's stall and peeked around the corner. She gasped as the precious chestnut colt with its dark, liquid brown eyes gazed her way. "Oh! Aren't you just adorable!" she squealed with delight. Carefully she approached the colt, holding out her hand, and speaking in low tones, she let the colt sniff her hand. "Wow! you're probably the biggest foal of ever seen!" she remarked as she realized just how tall the colt was. "Let's see, you need a name. Your mother's name is Firestar and your father's name is Toronado. Hmm, both of those have nature elements in their names. How about Starwind?"

The colt playfully headbutted her in the chest. Cristina laughed at the colt's antics and rubbed his ears. "Ok, Starwind it is." At that moment, Cristina began dreaming of what the future held for this great colt of the most exquisite horses she had seen and known.

* * *

A few years went by and now Starwind is now a champion racehorse among the local farmers. Looking up at the sky, she said, "Thank you for allowing me to live this dream and have such a treasured gift." Starwind would go on to become a great stud with many sons, daughters and other progeny to continue the wonderful legacy that all started with the great black stallion, Toronado!

*THE END*

End file.

Treasured Gift by KJSlice


The Body Speaks

**The Body Speaks**

Disclaimer: I don't own this.

"Where have they gone too?" Victoria queried of no one in particular. Felipe and Diego had been sitting at a table in her tavern just a moment ago pouring over a new book that Diego had picked up during a recent trip to Monterrey. But now the duo was nowhere to be seen. Of course the gentlemanly Diego had left more than enough pesos sitting on the table to cover the two plates of enchiladas they had ordered only two minutes prior.

"Boys," she mumbled to herself as she picked up the money and wondered what she was going to do with the food. Should she keep the two plates warm in the kitchen in case they returned or ask around to see if anyone else in the tavern was hungry? Thankfully Sergeant Mendoza was there and quickly made her decision for her.

"Senorita I will happily take the extra food off your hands. I do not think that Don Diego and Felipe will be returning anytime soon. They left in quite a rush. In fact they even forgot that new book that Don Diego was so interested in."

Victoria momentarily wondered what could have prompted the duo to leave the tavern so quickly as she handed the food to Sergeant Mendoza. No doubt Diego had thought of some experiment he wanted to try or a story he wanted to include in the next issue of the Guardian. She smiled at the thought of Felipe and Diego covered in dust from an experiment gone wrong as she made her way back to the kitchen. She was just about to pull over the curtain to the kitchen when she caught sight of the book left abandoned on their table out of he corner of her eye. It was a new book and no doubt they had not had time to finish it. She had better pick it up so she could keep it safe for when they returned.

The unobtrusive book sat innocently on her cupboard the whole day without Victoria giving it any more consideration. But that evening when she was finished closing up the tavern and the last of the ceramic dishes were done and she was just about to head upstairs to bed the book caught her eye. She was not quite ready to sleep yet. It had been an exciting day with Zorro riding into the pueblo to protest the latest produce tax. So she picked up the book with the intention of reading a few pages until she was able to go to sleep.

"_Body Language Interpreted_" she mouthed as she read the title of the book. The title caused her to giggle. The way Diego and Felipe had been so absorbed by the book she would have guessed it's subject to be something much more interesting than about body language of all things. But then again, it was just the kind of scholarly topic that Diego would put way too much thought into. I mean, it didn't take a genius to figure out what a shaking fist or an angry tone meant. Did people really need a book to explain what a person could easily see? But then she was a woman and naturally more in-tune to those things. She prided herself on being an excellent judge of character and quick to realize when a fight or new romance was budding within her tavern walls. But despite her obvious lack of appreciation for the book's subject she picked it up and began reading.

While the book was full of obvious suggestions there were plenty of tidbits about human nature that Victoria had never really thought to think about and she quickly found herself absorbed in the book. She especially enjoyed the description of the dominant male. The dominant male adapted a low voice, a wide based stance, erect shoulders and often held his hands on his hips ready to reach for his weapon. It made her think of Zorro. In fact her fiance was much more dominant in his demeanour than even the examples sketched in the book.

_What's a phallic display?_ she thought in confusion as she read on. The book stated that males often try to assert their dominance with phallic displays. She supposed she would have to ask Diego about it later. But then she saw the following pictures and descriptions which gave her a pretty good idea of what it was exactly. She thanked her lucky stars that she had not been naive enough to ask Diego. At that embarrassing thought she blushed to herself. Then for some reason an image of the impressive sword that Zorro carried popped into her head and she could not prevent herself from giggling into the darkness. But by now it was far to late so she gave up and put the book away to catch a few fleeting hours of sleep before sunrise.

The next few days went by without too much excitement in the pueblo. In fact things had been so calm that she had plenty of time to finish Diego's book. She had to admit if nothing else the book was quite entertaining. Victoria even found herself watching her patrons' private interactions, looking for the small clues the book had talked about. It was remarkable as she was soon able to pick up who was bluffing at a game of poker, who was the most respected person in a group, who was interested in their lunch companion and who wished they could be left alone to eat! It was fascinating.

Having finished the book she was pondering riding to the de la Vega hacienda to return it this afternoon. Normally she would have just waited until Diego showed up on his own but she was concerned since she had not seen him all week after he and Felipe had left in such a hurry. But just as she was wondering if Pillar would be able to handle the tavern for a few hours Don Alejandro walked into her tavern.

For all intents and purposes Don Alejandro was an excellent example of the dominant male. The way he walked into the tavern with his head held high and shoulders erect. Victoria noticed that the few people who wished him hello always broke eye contact with him first. Alejandro would pat his well-wishers on the shoulder but no one dared pat at him in kind. And he wasn't just trying to exert his dominance but was granted it willingly. When the men shook his hand Alejandro always had the upper hand. If she did not know him personally it would not be hard to guess that he was one of the most well-respected and wealthy landowners in the pueblo.

Victoria smiled as she thought that no one could quite measure up to the dominance that Don Alejandro exuded except for Zorro. She wondered who would have the upper hand between those two men? Surely Zorro, with his hand at his hips ready to wield his sword was the alpha male, but perhaps he would grant the upper hand to Alejandro as a sign of respect.

While Victoria was pondering this Diego entered the tavern with Felipe at his side. She noted his hunched shoulders and attempts to make himself smaller than he was. His light airy voice and upturned hands proclaiming his pacifistic attitude. Oh Diego! So unlike his father.

Victoria marvelled at the huge difference between the two men as Pillar prepared their orders. She was picking up their food dishes when a most unwelcome customer entered the tavern.

"What brings you into the tavern this afternoon De Soto?" asked Alejandro, a barely contained undertone of contempt in his question. While Alejandro was still sitting calmly in his seat Victoria was still able to recognize the confrontation stance that had come over the previously relaxed caballero.

"I am merely here to ensure that the senorita is aware of the new food tax. I am being fair Don Alejandro in that I am giving her plenty of warning so that she can change her charging scheme appropriately," announced De Soto.

The two men glared at each other angrily. Neither willing to give up their ground like a bunch of baboons as Diego's book would have said noted Victoria. Alejandro stood up from his seat to properly face the alcalde before continuing.

"I see. Well I hope you realize you run the risk of ruining her business if you make people pay a tax on all their foods. And this is the only place to stay in the whole pueblo for out of towners. People will stop coming to our pueblo because of this ridiculous food tax and the merchants who you tax so heavily will have nothing left to give. Are you purposely trying to run this pueblo into the dirt?"

The alcalde was about to retort when Diego placed himself between the two men.

Victoria thought with some interest that Diego's action was quite aggressive for such a passive man. But as she continued to watch the little drama in front of her she began noticing quite a few things about the passive Diego. First of all he stood like a warrior, with a wide-based stance and one hand on his hip. And that hand was busy clenching and unclenching as if he were preparing to grasp a non-present weapon. Of course those clearly alpha male actions were undermined by the fact that he was not standing at his full height and was not making eye contact with either man. He merely stood slumped between them. But he stood his ground.

"Father we must learn to respect the alcalde's taxes. It could bring in revenue for a new school. And at least he warned Victoria before collecting," said Diego in that airy voice of his. Not at all commanding in word or deed. But Diego staunchly stared at his father until the elder man broke eye contact first.

Victoria did not pay mcuh attention to Alejandro subsequently. He was busy muttering to himself about what made a true de la Vega and his son's repeated inactions. Ranting that Diego would accept any of the alcalde's insane taxes. And it certainly appeared that way to the untrained eye. But Victoria knew better. Diego had pressed his finger against his lips while telling his father they must respect the alcalde's tax. And that, as his book had educated her, was a sure sign a person was lying. Diego had no respect for De Soto's laws. Perhaps this unspoken taunt was why De Soto always seemed annoyed with Diego for no reason. As if Diego were a threat to him.

"Diego I have something for you in the kitchen," she piped up suddenly unsure of why she did it. Perhaps she wanted to extricate Diego from his father's displeasure and De Soto's smug grin. Either way he seemed grateful to be saved from the situation as he meekly followed her into the kitchen.

"Diego you left this book behind earlier in the week. I thought you might want it back," stated Victoria as her mind pondered the scene she had just witnessed. As she handed the book to Diego she studied his face for a sign of the commanding man he could be, but unfortunately his eyes were trained on the book and not on her. It was then that she realized Diego rarely made eye contact with her. A sure sign he was hiding something from her!

"Diego?" she prompted as she held unto the book that he was trying to take from her. This time he looked up into her eyes.

It was only for the briefest of seconds that they held eye contact. But long enough for Victoria to notice it, the barely perceptible dilation of his pupils. The slight blush at the base of his neck. It was obvious if you only knew what to look for. Diego de la Vega was attracted to her. But was that really a surprise? In her deepest heart she already knew that. His body had shown her long ago but she would never let herself believe it. It was too dangerous an admission. Because deep down she knew that her body reacted to him as well. Reacted to him as if he were a powerful man. The kind of man she could respect. The kind of man she could be submissive too if he proved himself worthy.

Victoria panicked at her thoughts. She could not be standing in her kitchen thinking about her attraction to Diego. About how he was anything more than he appeared to be. It was ridiculous. Why would he hide under a coat of incompetence? But the moment silence in the kitchen seemed to stretch on forever so Victoria spoke without thinking to lighten the tension.

"Diego you give yourself away. De Soto and your father are the two most powerful men in this pueblo. And you put yourself between them as if it were nothing. You're not as cowardly as your father thinks if you are willing to diffuse an argument between those hot tempers. You use lame excuses about schools but the whole time your hand is acting as if it wanted to reach for your sabre."

In her panic Victoria barely realized what she had said. But she had gotten Diego's attention whatever it was. Because this time he raised his eyes to hers for more than the fleeting second. She opened her mouth in surprise but managed to suppress the exclamation of wonder that wanted to escape. As Diego stood about her at his full height and full commanding presence it was only too obvious who he really was. His broad jaw and blue eyes practically screamed it.

"You can only mask so much," she finished as if it had been her original discovery and not dumb luck she had stumbled on his secret.

"I will have to be more careful," he whispered huskily as he took the book from her and placed it into his inner coat pocket.

They stared at each other.

"You should go back before they get suspicious," whispered Victoria realizing that she badly needed a moment to calm herself down and process all she had discovered. While her body was urging her to embrace the man across from her, she could hardly risk the action with De Soto and Alejandro sitting in her tavern, on the other side of a flimsy curtain.

"As you wish," he replied, his face falling only slightly. But as he walked away she could tell the sag in his shoulders was not an act, but her doing. He felt rejected.

"Diego, come back later tonight," she whispered as he pulled back the curtain, rejoining his father and Felipe as if everything was still the same.

He made no reply to her words, but he walked just a little bit taller.

The End

End file.

The Body Speaks by Musicat


New Lease on Love Drabble

Zorro was stunned. What had the Sergeant said? Victoria was getting married? How? Who? When? It took a few seconds to recover, and refocus on the job at hand.

The alcalde's pride and joy, the way to finally be rid of Zorro? Just what was the "statue"?

Finally he got his hands on the box. Gazing at the canon, his heart sank. What on earth was deSoto thinking? Shrapnel's invention ensured indiscriminate killing on a massive scale. Half the pueblo massacred for the sake of Zorro? He should feel flattered by deSoto's desperation. Horror shivered through him.

End file.

New Lease on Love Drabble by Paulsmum2001