A lot could be said about Diego, but Victoria sincerely had to put her annoyance of him aside and just be impressed as the promised storm swept over the hacienda.
Diego had been absolutely right, it had seemed like no time at all before the weather had turned. The sky had darkened, stormy winds grabbed any trees in its path, rain fell down and landed harshly on the ground, and as a thunder strike came it lightened up the sky, only for the ground to rumble a few seconds after as the boom errupted.
Victoria wasn't the only one impressed though, Alejandro was stunned into silence as he looked out of the window at the storm. "Well son, when you're right you're right." he admitted in a stunned voice. "If you hadn't warned me about this, there could have been severe losses. Good job son."
Diego smiled, clearly appreciating the praise. "Any time father." he replied then turned to Victoria. "Are you okay?"
"Yes i'm fine." Victoria assured. "I just hope my Tavern will be okay."
"I'm sure it will be." Diego assured as he stepped towards her and stood in front of her. "And if there's any damages, just say the word and we'll help you fix it." he said in assuring smile.
"What? Are you offering to fix the roof if it breaks?" Victoria asked jokingly. "Careful you don't fall down and break your neck."
Diego chuckled a rather strained chuckle and then exhaled as he turned away
Alejandro shook his head. "Victoria, my son may not be a carpenter, and quite honestly neither am I. But we are here to help." he assured.
"I know, thank you Don Alejandro." Victoria smiled lightly. "Oh! And thank you Diego!" she added turning to Diego. Then she blushed slightly. "You know, after this storm has settled. If it does tomorrow, I think I might want to take you up on the offer." she commented glancing nervously at him. "I could use your keen eye to make sure there's no damages." she commented trying to hide her smile.
Diego how-ever beamed. "I would be delighted Victoria!" he stated.
Victoria smiled, happy by the thought of Diego following her home and helping her… Then suddenly her eyes widened and she shook her head. Oh god no not this again! She could not have a crush on Diego! She had just been confusing Diego with Zorro that was all! It was the fever talking, she could not have a crush on Diego!
In the same moment a man burst in through the hacienda and they all turned to the entrance to see a young man soaked to the absolute bone, his hair plastered to his face and he gasped for air.
"Don Fernando!" Alejandro gasped in recognition. "Don't tell me you got caught in this terrible storm."
"No, I wasn't! I mean!" Don Fernando shook his head. "Don Alejandro it's terrible! The dam! It's collapsing! The south area of Los Angeles is going to be floated, we need as many men we can get to evacuate the people living there and try to contain the water!"
At ones both Alejandro and Diego stood rigid, Victorias eyes as well widened.
"I understand, i'm collecting all capable men I have! At ones." Alejandro exclaimed.
And then as if he was a snake, Diego walked backwards, as if he was trying to sneak away, disappear. He didn't quite manage though as Alejandro grabbed him by the arm. "Oh no you don't!" Alejandro demanded. "You need to step up!"
"But father!" Diego wined.
"Don't you father me!" Alejandro huffed. "You're going to help me collect the men!"
"Father please!" Diego hissed suddenly sounding impatient and annoyed, just as annoyed as Alejandro clearly was.
Astounded Victoria looked at the two men, both so caught up in emotions and immiedate concerns that neither of them seemed to be able to read each other.
Victoria looked at Diego, why wouldn't he just do what Alejandro had asked him to do? He had looked genuinely concerned, ready to jump into action even… He still looked like that, now he looked so annoyed and angry as if Alejandro was just keeping him back.
Could it be….
Victoria swallowed as she gasped for breath, she heard the muffled voices of the men but couldn't make out the words, it was like time had slowed down and Victoria only saw, her mind trying to fit the pieces together and then she acted without even thinking. "Don Alejandro." she spoke reaching out a hand touching Alejandros shoulder.
Surprised Alejandro turned towards her, looking stunned at her.
"Let Diego go." Victoria then asked.
That made both men halt and stunned they looked at her, Alejandro looking confused and so did Diego.
"You're both busy right?" Victoria asked. "Let it go. I'm sure Diego has a plan." she commented glancing up at Diego whom wide-eyed looked at her. "Perhaps… he wants to inspect the dam. See if he can slow down the collapse. He has a brilliant mind after-all."
Diegos mouth fell open, then it closed again and he swallowed.
Alejandro blinked then turned to Diego. "You want to go examine the dam?" he asked. "Alone?"
Diego blinked, then nodded slowly. "I'm sorry Father, in these kinds of situations. Seconds can be the thing making the difference. I… I'll see you later." he stated as he turned around and ran, then he was gone from sight.
Alejandro swallowed then he shook his head. "please excuse me Victoria, go relax i'm afraid i'll have to go." he stated walking the other direction.
"Wait, i'll come with you." Victoria said. "I can help."
"Victoria! You're sick." Alejandro tried to reason. "You are going to freeze out there."
"I'm fine Don Alejandro." Victoria assured. "I'm going to come whether you like it or not, you know that right?"
And Alejandro exhaled deeply. "Fine." he finally grumbled. "At least stay close to me then." he asked.
"Of course." Victoria nodded and followed Alejandro…. It was an odd sensation in Victoria, somehow she was so sure. Her and Alejandro, they would ride out there to help the evacuation and then Zorro would show up... Diego no-where to be seen but Zorro coming to give it all he had, then they would return home and as Zorro vanished Diego would pop up with some lame excuse of why they hadn't seen him…
That's how it always had been, and that's how it was going to be now. Victoria felt it, but had to be sure, this time. She would pay close attention!
AN:
First of all, thank you for all the reviews! I am reading all of them and it is really giving me motivation to go on. I really do like to write these kind of alternative revelation stories, trying to look at NWZ from a bit of a different ankle.
Secondly, heh. Sorry if my updates are both short and kind of delayed these days. A friend of mine gave me the game "Stardew Valley." ... That Game is addictive as shit! It's like Farmville but a thousand times better. It's really bad for me, I think i'm just going to play for half and hour and then suddenly it's been like three hours... damn.