Chapter 2

A/N – This chapter contains some dialogue from the episode.

Diego was travel weary as the stagecoach rumbled into the plaza, he had been travelling almost non-stop for three months and he longed to be home, to sleep in his own bed, to eat good food. He missed his father and Felipe and most importantly, his missed Victoria. More than anything else his holiday to France had made him realise how much a part of his life, she was. He never realised how often he went to the tavern just for a glimpse of the woman he loved, until now. Yes, he had met some very attractive and beautiful women on his journey but none could compare to his Victoria. He missed seeing her, missed being in her company, her natural beauty and even her occasional temper.

Finally the stagecoach came to a halt and as he stepped out, he couldn't stop the large smile from appearing on his face when he saw both Felipe and Victoria on the steps of the tavern. He almost pulled Felipe into a fierce embrace but at the last moment, he decided not to embarrass the youth and clapped his arms instead, while Victoria greeted him in French.

"Bonjour monsieur."

He grinned and shook his head, "Oh no, please Victoria, no more French."

She grinned, "Then Buenos dias senor," she replied as she gazed intently at him, "You must be hungry after your long journey, why don't you come inside and I'll prepare you a nice lunch," she paused as she touched Felipe's arm, "Would you like some lunch too, Felipe?"

Felipe smiled and nodded.

Diego felt somewhat uneasy by her scrutiny, "You're very kind, Victoria, gracias." he replied, as he watched her turn and re-enter the tavern. Perhaps she thought he was looking thinner than when he left. He had noticed a small weight loss, not surprising after what he had been through. Not to mention the food, which wasn't always the best when travelling.

Felipe motioned to him and he turned his attention back to the young man, "Thank you Felipe, it's a pleasure to be back home," he paused as Felipe signed, "Well, my vacation wasn't exactly relaxing. You can say one thing about the French, they're far from dull."

Felipe grinned and made a small z sign.

Diego nodded, "You were absolutely right to pack Zorro's things," he replied, "But I'm afraid we'll have to get a new hat." He added as he guided Felipe towards to entrance of the tavern.

"Diego!" Don Alejandro called out in happiness at seeing his son.

Diego turned around and grinned, "Father." He said as he watched the older man alight from the carriage.

"Welcome back," Don Alejandro said as he strode up the steps and pulled his son into a fierce embrace, "I've missed you."

Diego returned the embrace with the same warmth and love, "I've missed you too, father."

Don Alejandro pulled back and gazed at his tall son, "You're looking a little thinner. Didn't you take care of yourself?"

Diego grinned, "I did but you know what food is like when you are travelling."

"I do indeed," Don Alejandro replied understandingly as the three of them entered the tavern, "I've had some bad experiences over the years, especially in the army. But I'm sure some of Victoria's good cooking will make you feel better."

"Victoria is already arranging my lunch, father." he replied as they made their way over to a vacant table in the far corner.

"Has she indeed," Don Alejandro said with a gleam in his eyes as they sat down, "Diego, if you play your cards right, you could finally give me those grandbabies I've been wanting for a long time."

Diego frowned, "What do you mean?"

Don Alejandro grinned, "Well, I wasn't the only one who missed you, son," he replied, "And I'm not talking about Felipe here either." he added as he glanced over to the bar, where Victoria was serving a customer.

Diego followed his father's gaze, "You mean that Victoria...missed me?" he asked confusedly, "Well, I missed her too. I mean we're friends after all."

Don Alejandro snorted, "It's more than that son," he replied, "The senorita has been missing you far more than what I would expect from just a friend. And since Zorro hasn't been around, except for some vague sightings over the last several months, I think she might be looking for a -" he paused as he saw Victoria making their way over to them and he lowered his voice, "Carp diem, Diego. You may never get another chance."

"Father, I don't know what you are -" Diego stopped as Victoria came up to them, carrying a tray with two steaming bowls.

"I have some Albondigas soup for you both," she said warmly as she placed the bowls in front of Diego and Felipe, "I hope you enjoy it." She added as she handed over several wooden spoons.

"I'm sure we will, Victoria, gracias." Diego replied.

Don Alejandro smiled, "Diego enjoys your Albondigas soup more than our cook's," he commented, causing Diego to flick confused looked at him, "Do you have any more, Victoria?"

Victoria nodded, "Si, I do. Would you like some too, Don Alejandro?"

"That would be wonderful, gracias Victoria," Don Alejandro replied, "And perhaps you would like to join us. I'm sure you want to know all about Diego's holiday, just as we are."

She beamed with pleasure, while Diego tried not to choke on the soup, "I would love to hear about your travels, Diego," she replied as she gazed intently at the man sitting in front of her, "But I'm busy with the lunch meals. And besides I wouldn't want to intrude on a family reunion."

"Nonsense, Victoria, you wouldn't be intruding, you're like part of our family. Perhaps you could come out to the hacienda when you have a free moment, even today during siesta time," Don Alejandro suggested before he turned to his son, "Don't you agree, Diego. It'll be two friends catching up on news."

Diego flicked another glance at his father, not believing the innocent look on the older man's face. Just what was he up to, he wondered, "I would be pleased to tell you about my holiday to France, Victoria."

She smiled, "Gracias Diego, I would enjoy it. I've always wondered what it would be like to travel. I've only be as far south as San Diego or north to Santa Barbara. So I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to travel by ship across the oceans."

Don Alejandro slapped his knee, "Well, then that's agreed," he said, somewhat eagerly. A little to eager for Diego's taste, "Just come to the hacienda any time."

She nodded, "I'll just do that, gracias Don Alejandro," she replied as she turned to go but not before she gave one last glance at Diego.