Diego hovered over Felipe's bed for the next day, after being told with gestures where to find the potions. It was rather complicated, and hidden away behind the library fireplace.

The cave was a place that filled him with an emotion he couldn't place. He spent only moments there, worried about the teenager. He told himself that, to hide other feelings - confusion, doubt and some fear. Fear of his memories, and what the cave represented. It was in the hacienda afterall, within arms reach.

The wound was deep enough to cause concern, but it could be managed without much fuss. Once Diego started treating it, he found himself more than equal to the task. His patient was resting peacefully most of the time and the wound wasn't that dangerous with a good clean and a few well placed stitches. There was still the possibility of a dangerous fever, but under Diego's cautious care, it wasn't likely.

Alejandro found his son in Felipe's room, after searching for him most of the morning.

"He's unwell," Alejandro asked. He scanned the room for any sign of anything serious, but the room was clear of all evidence of blood and bandages. The arm was under the covers.

"Riding accident," Diego said, glancing up from his reading. "He hurt his arm."

"Riding accident?" Alejandro's face grew concerned. "I'll get the doctor."

"I think it wasn't that bad," Diego said. "I made up a potion for him, and he's resting properly."

Alejandro stared at Diego and nodded briefly. Then he left the room.

Zzz

Alejandro stood outside the door he had just closed. Riding accident? Was that how the pair had covered over small injuries on Zorro's part? What had happened to Felipe? Why was Diego acting so unconcerned, when he was obviously worried? When had Diego remembered about his potions?

So many questions, and in the past he would have dismissed them all with a shake of the head. He was in the process of adopting the teenager, and having the pair of them as sons was going to be tough. Though he'd had them for five years doing things he was both proud of and horrified about without him knowing.

Alejandro thought about charging back into the room and demanding answers, but realised the soft approach had brought about more results than the angry approach. The de la Vega temper existed in his son, and Alejandro's anger would only be met with angry defiance or outright debate. Questions could wait, Alejandro told himself. Keep the tension down, watch and wait.

Zzz

Victoria was told by Alejandro about Felipe's 'accident' and she gave Diego space until mid afternoon.

"Diego, how is he?" She asked at the door to Felipe's room. "Is he any better?"

Diego glanced up at her from the chair. "He's resting well, and there doesn't seem to be many real injuries. A few scrapes and knocks."

"Do you want company? I can get something from the kitchen," Victoria asked, knowing that Diego hadn't eaten all day. "I'm sure they can prepare some pollo and rice for you."

"Oh, I forgot to eat lunch," Diego said, ruffling his hair distractly. "Can you sit with me for a while? I can eat later."

"I'll get the food and then I will sit with you," Victoria said with a smile.

Diego smiled back, and nodded. "Good plan."

Zzz

Diego watched her leave the room, and felt a yearning in his heart. He knew he loved her, that had been one of the lasting memories, but there was another tug there. A strange feeling that he had kissed her, passionately, relentlessly, and she had responded equally to his advances. When did that happen? She didn't even seem to feel that way about him. She was treating him the way she had always treated him. Like a sister fussing over a loved brother.

Would she mention it? It wasn't one of his firming up memories, it was vague, like a lot of others, but some were coming back. The healing potions were his, the recipes taught to him by a friend in the Indian village. He had skills there, his hands following half remembered instructions, and he had been relieved. Felipe could have died, maybe. It was a comfort that he could help his friend.

He wondered why such a stallion would let a boy ride him, let alone a complete stranger like himself. It had been a strange feeling riding Toronado. It had felt that the horse completely trusted him, and he felt no fear at all. Not even a moment, and spirited horses could be feisty with unfamiliar riders. He knew horses, it was one thing his father had insisted on in his early days. He doubted he was that great a horseman to ride a spirited stallion without some problems, but none had surfaced.

That thinking brought more thinking, and he sighed. The headache was sitting right there, and it would intensify if he continued. It felt so simple, but he couldn't reason through the pain that would exhaust him.

He thought about the potion that he had given his friend. It would help him sleep, and ease the pain, but he didn't want to keep resting when there was so much to remember. He would leave the potion until the pain really hit. Then he would sleep.

"Here you are, they saved your lunch and reheated it," Victoria said, presenting his lunch on a tray.

"Thank you, Victoria," Diego said. "I appreciate it."

Diego felt a little flushed as their hands brushed against each other. Victoria raised an eyebrow, but Diego looked down.

"I am glad to help. You are a good friend, Diego."

Diego's heart flipped strangely in his chest. A good friend. He glanced up at her to nod, and their eyes met.

Electricity filled the air, like a storm was approaching. She leant forward, and soon their lips touched. Diego reacted despite himself. He held her to him, and lengthened the kiss, until they were both breathless. They parted with reluctance of both parties, and stood staring at each other for several moments.

"I...I...I'm sorry Diego."

"It wasn't your fault. I shouldn't have taken advantage of you like that, I am the one that needs to apologise."

Victoria started to laugh, a giggle at first, and then a full laugh. She covered her mouth, in an effort to stop, but found she couldn't.

Diego grew concerned after a couple of minutes. Hysteria, he reasoned.

"Drink some water," he ordered firmly. "It will pass."

"I'm sorry."

"As I said, it was my fault."

"No," she said, after a gulp of water had quelled her laughing. "Not at all. I was the one who kissed you. Do you remember? I kissed you under the patio about a year ago."

"Well, I am sure I could have stopped you," Diego said, confused. It was one of his forgotten memories. "It was still my fault."

"It was my fault for starting it, and yours for continuing it, so neither of us is innocent."

Diego shrugged and nodded.

"And it is the same today," she said softly. "It was my fault…"

"And mine for continuing."

Victoria smiled a little.

"How many times have we kissed, Victoria?"

She flushed, and glanced away.

"I thought...I thought you loved Zorro," Diego said softly.

"I do," she whispered. He stared at her with concern.

"Then why?"

She was silent, gazing at her hands.

"I'm sorry, I can't do this. I have to go," Victoria said, a sob breaking the silence.

Stunned, Diego watched her go. He thought about following her and insisting on the full facts, but he remained where he was. He stared down at Felipe for a few moments, and sighed. I must remember, they are depending on me. They need me for something, and they are waiting for me to work it out.

Zzz

Alejandro found Victoria sitting outside Felipe's room, sobbing in a chair.

"What's wrong? What has happened?"

"I don't think he will ever remember. I've lost him. He can't even reason it out."

Alejandro crouched down next to her, making eye contact with her.

"I know he loves you. I can see it in his eyes everytime he looks at you."

"He's forgotten all about Zorro. Diego is too cautious, I need Zorro."

"We will keep hoping and praying, Victoria. We will be patient. It hasn't been that long. He is coming along with his memory. We must be patient."

"I don't know how long I can bear it. It would have been easier not to know he was Zorro. Then I could just worry about Diego - not both of them."