Author's Note: I wound up not changing it. Some minor changes, so don't blame Marla if I left a mistake, but I forgot Juan has some screen time in Moonlight. My idea will go there. I hope you enjoy the end of this story which was supposed to be 3,000 words.

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"Victoria Escalante is my friend. In the absence of her brothers, I feel it my duty to call you out. Just what did you think you were doing?"

"You are not her brother. She asked you to leave this morning."

Juan saw Diego clench his fist, but didn't care. He stalked up to the caballero and stood toe-to-toe with the taller man. "I'm glad I didn't." He chuckled dryly. "And you said I was rude this morning."

"You were. You're still being rude. Don't try to start any rumors, either, because Victoria has consented to be my wife. What we do is nobody's concern, especially yours."

Juan stepped back to look around Diego at Victoria. He began to reach for her and Diego stepped in front of him, grabbing his arm hard.

Juan backed up, rubbing the pain away and reassessing the man standing in front of him. "Never lay hands on an officer again."

"Don't dare to touch my betrothed again," Diego growled.

Juan crossed his arms. "Did you notice that your betrothed is crying?" Juan spat. "We grew up together. Don't expect me to leave her alone with you after what I just walked in on."

Victoria turned to face them, and Diego did see her wipe at her eyes. "Victoria, are you alright?" Diego put a hand to her cheek, but she didn't shy away from his touch. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

Victoria shook her head, resting her hands on his waist and her forehead on his shoulder. "It's alright." She lifted her head to look at him, her fingers tracing the mustache she should have recognized. "I'm scared," she whispered. "It wasn't real, hiding in the kitchen where no one bothered us. I couldn't bear it if something happened to you."

Juan grew tired of being ignored. "Why are you afraid?"

Diego rounded on Juan. "This is a private conversation, and we asked you to leave."

"And I said no." Juan held Diego's glare for a moment, then glanced down at Victoria, who pulled away from Diego. "Is this man bothering you, Victoria?"

"I'm fine, Juan." Victoria forced a smile, then distracted herself by walking over and picking up Diego's jacket. She held it out for a confused Diego, then tugged the apron from his waist as she faced Juan. "Go sit down, I'll bring you something to eat."

Juan crossed his arms and didn't move. "An hour ago I asked you to marry me." Victoria's hands rubbed at her chilled arms as she glanced back at Diego. Juan softened his voice, but still couldn't contain his anger. "You said you loved another. This outlaw, Zorro. Now I come back and you're letting this…" Juan gestured at Victoria's friend. "…this man put his hands on you."

Victoria stepped to the side, blocking Diego when he tried to advance on Juan. She reached back to grab his hands and pull them around her waist. Diego needed to remember he wasn't wearing a mask right now. This man was a soldier, even if he wasn't stationed in Los Angeles. She turned to face Diego, tugging his jacket into place and making him presentable, trying to make him look like harmless Diego again. "Go home, Diego, please."

Diego let her push him back, staring down at her in confusion. "What? Why?"

Victoria put her hand to his cheek, but didn't know what to say to get him away from a soldier who could arrest him if Diego kept acting like this.

"Yes, why?" Juan asked, stepping up behind her. "Don't leave on my account, unless you'd like to step into the street for a moment."

Victoria turned, making sure to keep hold of Diego, who still seemed to want to tear Juan apart. "Stop it. Diego owns a big ranch. He has a lot to do, he shouldn't be wasting his time here helping me."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize. Please don't let me keep you," Juan sneered, his voice dripping with false sympathy. He glanced at Victoria again, wondering what had changed in such a short amount of time. Earlier, he thought he still had a chance. Now…

"Diego de la Vega?"

"Yes." Diego stopped trying to get around Victoria and held her tighter. She was his, and Victoria didn't seem to want him to tear the boy to shreds. He didn't have to hit him. This time. "Maybe you've heard of me. Being in the military, you use our lanterns, our lighters. De la Vega steel. Drink De la Vega wine. The navy protects our trading ships." Diego lifted his chin from Victoria's shoulder and smiled, nodding gracefully. "Thank you."

Diego oomphed when Victoria elbowed him.

"Diego de la Vega," Juan repeated. "Yes, I think I have heard of you."

Victoria turned around and pushed Diego toward the curtain again, not stopping as Juan continued to poke the tiger. Get him in front of people and he'd calm down, stay safe.

Juan continued thinking out loud as he followed the couple out of the kitchen. "Funny, I heard Alejandro de la Vega's son was a weakling. Always buried in books, not trying to seduce the local taverness."

Victoria snapped around and crossed her arms, but once again found herself trying to control Diego. "Diego, please!" Victoria's eyes widened as the people in the tavern fell silent, curious at the show.

"Yes, Diego, please!" Juan mocked, grinning as Victoria hung on the taller man to keep Diego moving toward the door. "I heard he wasn't a fighter…but it appears everyone might be mistaken."

Diego stepped into Juan's personal space, ignoring Victoria's persistent tugging on his arm. "I'm not a fighter."

"Are you sure?" Juan interrupted.

Diego clenched his jaw and began again. "I'm not a fighter, but if you continue to insult me and my betrothed, you will not like the results."

Juan smiled up at Diego, glad he had an audience as more people noticed the caballero showing his true colors.

"There was another rumor." Juan watched a muscle tick in Diego's jaw, and now he did back up as he drew his sword. "A rumor I heard in Madrid."

Diego took Victoria's shoulders and firmly pushed her to the side, not letting her get in the way any longer. "You're pretty brave drawing on an unarmed man."

Juan shrugged and raised his sword. "From what I hear, the mighty Zorro is good at escaping. There's the door. You can try to run away. I'll still catch you. I'll be promoted again for capturing Zorro. Rumor has it you're uncatchable." Juan grinned confidently as Sergeant Mendoza stood in case he was needed. "Consider yourself caught."

"I don't care for rumors." Diego glanced at Mendoza, but the sergeant was watching Juan with suspicion, apparently ready to defend his friend Diego. How long would that last if Juan kept talking?

"Or nicknames? How about California Cockerel? That ring a bell?" Juan grinned when he saw he struck home. "In Madrid it seemed to be a right of passage to cross swords with the California Cockerel. How disappointed I was to find you'd left for home last time I visited Madrid. Tell me, did you really defeat Sir Edmund?"

Diego glanced around the tavern, a sinking feeling in his chest as he saw everyone silently hanging on every word. Victoria pushed in front of Diego again, and Diego was relieved when Juan took care that she didn't get hurt.

"Mendoza, amigo," Diego began as he took Victoria's shoulders again and pushed her toward the confused sergeant. "Be kind enough to take Victoria into the kitchen and keep her there." He couldn't help but grin as he watched Mendoza try to control Victoria, who naturally protested being pushed to the side. He loved her spirit. Mendoza wasn't getting very far trying to drag her into the other room, but at least he was keeping her out of the way.

Diego stepped toward Juan again. "Be careful. Know who you are dealing with before you go around insinuating things."

Juan grinned as he leveled his sword at Diego's chest. "I do know who I'm dealing with. You are under arrest, Zorro."

A few of his men in the corner stood, but Diego shook his head slightly and no one else moved. Diego forced his body to relax, his smile to be friendly. "So now you think I'm Zorro? Didn't you call me a weakling not two minutes ago?"

Juan's hand tightened around his sword. "It's an act. You may have everyone here fooled, but I can see you for who you really are."

"Zorro," Diego mocked, and he grinned when someone laughed. "Now why would I play at being a hero? Sounds exhausting. So does getting arrested." Diego narrowed his eyes. "I'm not in the mood today."

Juan held his ground as Diego stepped toward him. "I didn't ask your reasons. I don't care. You're wanted by the Spanish crown for treason, and I'm placing you under arrest. You will come with me to the cuartel immediately."

Juan felt Diego's chest touch the tip of his sword and felt a tremor of fear at the look he was getting from the caballero.

"I am Diego de la Vega. You would try to arrest the grandson of the viceroy?" Diego grinned when Juan paled. "Yes, he is stationed in Monterey, isn't he? Your transfer papers might have even come from him."

Juan swallowed dryly. "It doesn't matter. There's a price on your head. You're wanted for treason."

"Oh really? A De la Vega is wanted by the Spanish crown?"

Juan growled. "Zorro. You are Zorro, and you are under arrest."

"How can you say I'm Zorro? Where's your proof? You have evidence?" Diego crossed his arms, grinning at the look of shock as the indifferent motion pushed Juan's sword out of the way. Diego let that sink in for a moment, chancing a glance back at Victoria. Mendoza was busy controlling his fiancé, but he was listening carefully. What would be the backlash from this? He'd been so happy a few minutes ago. That damned nickname…

He took another step toward the officer, ignoring the sword. "On the other hand, I do have proof that I am Diego de la Vega." Diego glanced up as he put a hand to his chin to think. "King Ferdinand is my grandfather's cousin? No…wait…I know this… My father's uncle? I'm sorry, I can't put my finger on it right now. We could ask my father. Or the viceroy. I never was big into politics."

Diego saw Juan's sword tremble, and before he could react Diego twisted the man's wrist and put him on the ground. Diego held up Juan's sword and looked down at the officer before he went on as if nothing had happened. "You know the queen makes excellent queso manchego. I ate at the palace quite often when I was in Madrid."

Diego glanced around at his audience and wondered if everything was over. Victoria had stopped struggling, and he was the center of attention. Diego's stomach flipped over as he saw Mendoza's wide eyes taking in the disarmed officer cradling his hand on the floor at Diego's feet. Mendoza appeared to be the only soldier present, but the tavern was full. This wasn't going away.

Diego reached a hand down to help Juan to his feet. Juan eyed his sword resting on Diego's shoulder and eventually took the offer of help. "I am not Zorro. I suggest you don't tell anyone about any of this. Do we understand each other?"

Juan looked up at Diego, and suddenly nothing seemed to matter. Victoria didn't love him anymore. This man clearly loved her, and would fight for her. Diego would ruin him before he could even try to find evidence the man was Zorro.

"I am sorry for any misunderstanding, Don Diego." Juan took his sword when Diego offered it, and tried not to wince too much as he struggled to put his sword away with his wrist barely working. "I'll be on my way to Monterey now. I doubt I will have time to speak to anyone before I leave."

"I think that's a good plan."

Diego followed Juan out and watched him walk around the corner, hopefully toward the stables. Several minutes later the man came out on his horse. "You'll take care of her?"

"I will." Diego crossed his arms, glad Juan was leaving…but the man was an officer and Victoria's friend. If he showed up to a new command with a painful (embarrassing) injury, he might change his mind. "Stop by my hacienda on your way. Talk to Felipe. He will give you some of our ice and wrap your wrist for you."

Juan's horse danced to be off, Juan saluted, and he was gone. Diego watched until he left the town, but the tavern behind him was still silent. Stay or go? Who was in the tavern? Mendoza was enough… Small towns gossiped. He stumbled forward when Victoria ran into his back, her arms tight around his waist. He smiled down at her worried expression.

"See? He's gone. Nothing to worry about."

"Diego, nothing to worry about?"

Victoria gasped and stepped in front of Diego when she saw Mendoza exit the tavern. "Señorita Escalante, we are getting very hungry."

Victoria protested when Diego moved her behind him. She glared at the back of his head with her arms crossed, but then grew distracted. He must be incredibly strong… she shook her head and bent around Diego's arm to look at Mendoza.

"What?"

"We are all waiting for our food! It smells wonderful. We are hungry," Mendoza patted his stomach and grinned at Diego.

"Sergeant…about what just happened…"

Mendoza put a hand on Diego's shoulder, shaking his head sadly. "I am sorry, amigo. I could not hear what happened over Victoria's shouting. She is very loud." Mendoza narrowed his eyes at Victoria as he rubbed a sore spot on his arm. "She is also very mean."

Victoria and Diego shared a look, and Victoria stepped up to Mendoza and put a gentle hand over his. Victoria could be loud, but she hadn't been yelling today. The tavern had never been so silent. "Mendoza, are you saying…"

Mendoza interrupted, taking her elbow and pulling her toward the tavern. "I am saying we are hungry."

Victoria stood in the tavern and glanced over Mendoza's head at Diego, who shrugged.

"Go on, we'll be fine," Diego assured her.

Mendoza turned to Diego, but was interrupted when a burly man and his friends tried to pass on their way out. Diego stepped to the side, warily watching Mendoza on the other side of the doorway. Each man didn't simply walk out, though. They all took his hand one at a time, shaking it vigorously.

"Gracias, señor."

For what? More chairs scraped against the floor as another table stood to leave, and they did the same thing. Where was everyone going? Finally, an overeager old man broke from the norm and said "Gracias, Señor Zorro." His friend slapped his hat off his head and the man apologized before he left the tavern, too. Every man grinned at him, every man thanked him and shook his hand.

Maybe the town could keep his secret? Zorro had helped a lot of people. He didn't know everyone, but it seemed these men were believers now. Diego watched the lunch crowd mount their horses or walk away in disbelief. He turned back to the tavern to find it nearly empty. Mendoza met his eyes briefly, then they both turned to look at the final occupied table.

One of the men stood to leave, but his friend protested. The first helped the man to his feet and dragged him out the door, once again shaking Diego's hand and thanking him. Diego looked at his hand and rubbed it. Some of the villagers had strong grips. "What just happened?"

Mendoza slapped him on the back. "I do not know. I imagine such a thing might happen if people had the chance to thank Zorro." Mendoza headed toward the kitchen. "But I do not understand why they would leave without eating first."

"Mendoza…"

Mendoza turned and watched Diego for several moments. "You saved my life, amigo." The sergeant fiddled with his uniform, still proud of his position. "Sometimes people in power make mistakes. Someone has to be there to help us make the right choices. When the people are oppressed, there must always be hope. Heroes are important. I am proud to call you my friend. If you ever need anything, know that I am here for you."

Diego felt a little dizzy as he dared to hope. He walked up behind Mendoza and they entered the kitchen arm and arm. "Mendoza gets whatever he wants. He is the hero this day."

Victoria eventually smiled, hoping Diego was right that Zorro would remain a secret. She filled a tray with all of Mendoza's favorites, and lifted it to follow the sergeant back into the tavern. She caught Diego's gaze, and they both stood there frozen as they watched each other.

Mendoza glanced at his friends, and suddenly felt like he was intruding. He took the tray from Victoria. "I will take this back to the office. I have paperwork to do."

"Mendoza, you don't have to leave."

Mendoza shrugged. "A soldier's work is never done."

Diego and Victoria stared at each other a long time after he left. "So we finally have some time alone." Diego took a few steps toward his betrothed, his grin almost becoming a leer.

Victoria put a hand on her hip. "And what do you think that means?"

Diego put his hands on her hips, pulling her close and breathing in her scent. "Means we can pick up where we left off."

Victoria shook her head, reached over and shoved a large piece of apple into his mouth. "Shouldn't you eat so you can get back to your work? Make more lanterns and steel for the navy?"

"There is no other place I'd rather be than right here." Victoria smiled and blushed prettily, and his hand came up to cradle her face, his thumb tracing over her lip. "Earlier I found the most delicious dessert. I'm hungry."

Victoria leaned back. "What if I prefer to eat food like a normal person?"

Diego smiled, undeterred. "Victoria, we will never be normal." He picked up a piece of apple, and lifted it to her lips more gently than she had. "And everyone is gone. We can have our private lunch."

Victoria chewed slowly, then glanced at the juice on his fingers. She didn't mean to ruin the mood, but how could he be so calm after all that had just happened?

When she didn't play, Diego felt bad for pushing her and stepped away. Victoria grabbed his hand before he got far, and licked what little juice was left off his fingers. She pulled his arms back around her back. "I'm sorry. Maybe I should go talk to Mendoza. It can't be this easy."

"Can't we just have the rest of this afternoon? Finally spend some time together?"

Victoria smiled. "We've spent the last two hours together at least. Cooking food which is apparently going to be wasted since you scared away my customers."

"I didn't scare them away. They obviously wanted us to have some privacy. And I wouldn't say wasted. What would you like?" Diego glanced down at the table, pushed into her to reach for something on her side. He held a small empanada to her lips and ate some himself, carefully brushing at crumbs which fell in interesting places. "I don't think these are bad at all. You should be proud of me." Diego grinned.

Victoria laughed. "What did you do?"

He held up another pastry, showing her the fancy edges he had fiddled with while Victoria did the hard work. Victoria nodded indulgently. "They're very pretty."

"Not as beautiful as you." Diego bent to her lips again, more interested in kissing her than eating. He pulled the tie from her hair so his fingers could play as he angled her head to savor her taste. Her hand came up to his cheek, and Diego felt free when her fingers threaded into his hair in the absence of a mask. He pulled back when he remembered they were alone…no one to interfere, hopefully no one to interrupt. He didn't want to lose control again, but she smelled so wonderful, and her skin was so soft. "Will you marry me? Today?"

Victoria blushed as he pulled her closer, finding herself fascinated with his tie. It came undone so easily with only the slightest tug. Her face grew warmer, but Diego was so hot, and she could feel his heart racing beneath the skin of his neck.

Diego's fingers clenched against her when she stroked his neck again, her soft fingers branding him as she traced his skin. "Magdalena can take care of the tavern. Come to dinner tonight, but stay…as my wife."

Victoria couldn't catch her breath, could hardly remember there was a world outside of this tiny space where he held her so tightly. She reached for more fruit, and Diego bit into the orange slice instead of taking it whole. Juice raced down her hand, but Diego caught it, his tongue tracing over her skin and muddling Victoria's mind further. She never thought her palm could be so sensitive, was never so aware of another human being. She traced a finger over his chin to collect more juice and Diego captured her finger again, sucking it into the heat of his mouth and stroking over the sensitive skin with his tongue. She smiled at the heat in his eyes, licked her lips in anticipation when she saw him bend toward her lips again.

Instead, she jumped back as a cascade of water hit Diego and plastered his hair to his head. She gasped and turned to see Alejandro setting an empty cup down before he crossed his arms to glare at them. She tried to step away, but Diego snagged her arm and tucked her close as he easily untied her apron and used it to wipe his face.

"Does anyone else get to eat?" Alejandro frowned when Diego handed her something for her hair and Diego tried to hide his undone tie. "Off a plate?"

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Author's Note 2: Hope it's alright :) Remember though we do have information in the episodes and movies, sometimes I have to invent things. Not super important to this story, but I hope it doesn't bug anybody. I decided I liked Juan, so I might come back to him this summer.

Having a rough time this semester, so if you did enjoy, please drop me a note. Or come join the FB group, though I often don't have time to check it. Even though I'm busy, it is such a wonderful thing to come see your reviews and see people talking about Zorro, to give me a break from disease and medicine and bad grades. Hope you all have a terrific week!