Zorro stuck to the shadows as he returned to the newspaper office to change back into the regular clothes of Diego. He almost wished he'd used up some of the pent up frustration in a fight with the men, even though the sound of sword clashes or shots would have brought the soldiers to the tavern. He wished he had drunk the chocolate, eaten at least one of the churros that Victoria had spent time cooking. He hadn't even kissed his beloved, and he had acted insecure and emotional, spoiling what little time they had together.

He shook his head, shifting from his black shirt to his white. Esperanza had rested all day, and it was time for a decent gallop along the deserted road. With wind in his hair, hopefully, the uncertainties building up would blow away behind him as he left town. He glanced at his pocket watch with curiosity, and realised it was very late at night. It would be just after 1am when he returned home.

Diego mounted Esperanza fluidly, and turned her head towards home. She wanted the comfort of her own stable, and was open to the thought of a gallop. Her movements were smooth and certain, and he leaned into the ride. The scenery flew by, and anyone watching would be amazed at Diego's horsemanship and daring. The speed was not a comfortable or very safe one, but both rider and steed seemed to need it. The two seemed to melt into one unit, and all thoughts were banished in the challenge of beating Diego's personal time record.

When Diego slipped from the saddle at the hacienda, a sleepy groom took the bridle and looked over the tired and perspiring mare. "I'll give her a good rub down, Don Diego," he said, with a little concealed admiration. He knew the standard of the de la Vega horses, and if one was sweating there had been some effort involved.

Diego nodded, aware that he was also perspiring. He was comfortably tired, the gallop taking some of the tension out of his body. He entered the hacienda slowly and quietly.

His father was reading in the library, with the lights on. Diego tried to move as silently as he could, but his father glanced up at him with curiosity.

"What time would you call this, Diego?"

"I am a grown man, Father. You wouldn't be waiting up for me?" Diego responded tiredly.

"The newspaper wouldn't take all this time," Alejandro said, suggestively.

"I did have other errands to attend to," Diego said, a little dismissively. "Can we discuss this in the morning? I've had rather a difficult day."

"What has happened?" Alejandro said, his expression changing. "Is it something I could help you with?"

"You don't really need to be concerned. I have a few pressing issues to deal with, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"I'm your father. You are meant to come to me for advice, for help at times. Has our relationship deteriorated so much that you won't trust me?"

Diego was concerned. He approached the library, instead of standing in the hallway.

"What has brought this up?"

"I have noticed that we spend less and less time together. I should be showing you how to manage the estates, in case...well. No one lives forever."

"Are you ill, Father?"

"No, Diego. Are you?"

Diego frowned. "I haven't been ill for months, Father."

"You are deliberately avoiding me," Alejandro said, closing the open book in his lap.

"We have both been busy, Father. As arranged, I am assisting you tomorrow and you can show me anything you wish. I have been distracted, that's all."

Alejandro raised his eyebrows with curiosity.

"Courting a young lady, perhaps?"

Diego flushed despite himself. "Really Father…"

"Well, sleep well. Tomorrow will be a busy day."

Zzz

Diego slept poorly, despite his tiredness. After a nightmare that he forgot as soon as he woke, with his body covered in a cold sweat, he gave up on the idea of sleep altogether. Swinging his legs out of the bed, he crossed over to the basin of water, splashing cold water over his face to fully wake up.

He changed into his everyday brown suit, combing his hair by smoothing it with his hands, and gazed at himself in the mirror. He looked just as he always looked, calm and 'put together' but he felt anything but. At least he wasn't likely to see anyone except the workmen and his father that morning. Hopefully the rest of the day would be taken up with activities around the hacienda. He adjusted the ruffles around his neckline and his cuffs of his sleeves.

The sandalwood scent could be left on the shelf. He was glad of it. He could try to be himself at least for a few hours of hard work. Shrugging himself into his brown jacket, he checked the fit as usual before shaking his head with a tired grin. He had nothing to prove as far as looks, at least not today. The men would doubt his endurance and strength in tasks, and for once, he wanted to prove that he was capable of whatever they presented to him.

He made his way out to the stables, surprised that the sun had yet to rise. He would take his coffee with the stable hands, and see to the horses as they directed. If they dared to direct him... He sighed. Sometimes it would be nice to be a man who worked hard and expected little - a man who could be respected by his deeds, not his name and wealth.

"Don Diego," Pablo said, glancing up from the polishing of the leatherwork. "What are you doing up so early? Are you well?"

"Perfectly well," he assured him. "Couldn't sleep…"

"A young lady on your mind?"

Diego flushed with surprise. "Really, Pablo?"

"You are the right age, and there are the usual signs," Pablo said with a shrug. He went back to the leatherwork.

"Could you pass me something to do?" Diego asked softly. Pablo raised an eyebrow.

"You did show me how to do most of what you do, Pablo. You know I can do as well as you. You made sure of it."

Pablo smiled. "I doubt you have had much practice, Senor."

Diego held out his hand anyway, and Pablo handed him a bridle to polish, gesturing the jar of beeswax. Diego got to work quietly and committedly.

After ten minutes had silently passed between the two men, Pablo rose and prepared two mugs of coffee. Diego had progressed from the first bridle to several others, raising a high shine from all of them. A lot of the tension in his shoulders had lessened with the concentration in his work, and he felt quite pleased with himself.

"Just as good as I ever was," Diego said, taking his mug from the older man. Pablo nodded silently, examining his employer's hard work with a tinge of admiration.

"You're welcome to help out anytime you want," Pablo said, glancing thoughtfully at Diego as both men sipped their coffee. Diego nodded, placing the leatherwork with the rest.