Leather "
By: Patia Zoei, Chief Counselor, [PC]
Giuseppe Silvio, Chief Engineer, [RNPC]

Stardate: 58205.19 1500

Silvio and Patia finished their lunch and then he went back to his quarters to get our of his uniform. He quickly changed into more casual clothing and sat down at a computer. "Computer, display known information on the name Fonz in reference to the Smithsonian Museum of American History."

Silvio turned on his console and scanned through the data. "This is a fictional character," he said out loud.

"Affirmative," replied the computer. "Arthur Fonzarelli was a character on the situation comedy Happy Days. He was played by actor Henry Winkler--"

"Computer, display all information about Arthur Fonzarelli and the fictional show called Happy Days at this station."

The computer complied with Silvio's request. Silvio skimmed the data and then saved it fir further study. He then left for the holodeck

Patia rested on the bench on the Washington Mall, watching the people walk by. Fathers carrying small children, mothers pushing strollers, couples walking hand in hand walked by. The warmth of the sun gradually seeped through her shirt and warmed her skin.

Silvio entered the holodeck and looked around. Several people walked around enjoying the sights and sounds of Washington D.C. He noticed Patia sitting on a bench and headed in her direction. "Hi there," he said, when he reached her.

"Hello there," Patia patted the bench next to her. "Have a seat, I am people watching before I go looking for Fonzie's jacket," she smiled.

Silvio smiled, "I did some quick research, this Fonzie, he is a fictional character from a comedy show." Silvio sat down on the bench next to Patia.

Patia nodded. "He was an icon back then. I can't believe they have been able to preserve an article of his clothing this long without it completely disintegrating."

Silvio nodded, "Have you seen anything interesting yet?"

"Just people. Sometimes they can be more interesting than anything else. Ready to go?" Patia stood up slowly and brushed her faded denim jeans as she straightened. She scuffed the toe of one white sneaker against the asphalt path and she hugged her arms around herself. She cocked her eyebrow and tilted her head slightly as an unspoken question mark.

Silvio paused to silently admire the counselor before getting up himself. “Sure thing, let’s go.” Silvio put his arm around Patia’s waist as they walked into the American History Museum.

Patia nestled herself against Silvio’s side. The steady rhythm of his heart could be felt thrumming against her arm. His body heat contrasted sharply with the environmentally controlled atmosphere of the old building. She tilted her head slightly backwards and raised her eyes as she asked, “Is there a particular area you would like to avoid first.”

Silvio laughed. He looked around and noticed an exhibit of dresses. This would be a good one to avoid, he thought. “Why don’t we avoid those dresses over there first,” he said gesturing towards the exhibit.

Patia’s eyes followed the direction of Silvio’s hand. The long line of life sized mannequins garbed in elaborate ball gowns snaked out of sight. “That is a wonderful choice,” Patia said as she turned slightly on her heal toward the display. Her upper arm brushed lightly against his chest as she tuned toward him. Together they walked to the display. “look at the craftsmanship. Can you imagine the countless hours someone must have put into sewing, by hand, the seed pearls on this gown.” Patia flicked her hand, gesturing from the top to the bottom of the gown.

Silvio looked at the dress, “Yeah, it is very pretty.” There were sure a lot of dresses, thought Silvio. He let his hand slip from around Patia’s waist, choosing instead to hold her hand as they walked along the exhibit. Silvio read the names of various women who had worn them. “Seems rather extravagant to me.”

Patia’s laugh tinkled softly, “For such a ladies’ man, you have a lot to learn about women Giuseppe. In almost all animal species on earth, males have bold flashy colors. They draw attention to themselves with beautiful feathers and bright colored markings,” Patia swept her hand to take in the display from one end to the other. “This is the human female equivalent.”

It was Silvio’s turn to laugh, “Patia, male animals are flashy and ornate in order to attract a female for the purpose of mating,” Silvio gestured to the dress worn by Nancy Reagan, “Is the purpose of this dress to tempt her husband to mate?” Silvio flashed her a grin.

Patia rolled her eyes, “Men, it’s all about mating rituals for you guys.”

Silvio spun Patia around by the hand he held and then dipped her. “But of course,” he said before bringing her back to her feet, their faces almost touching.

Patia took a breathless step back; her eyes locked on his. Gently, she shook her head and smiled. The silence between them stretched like silken treads. Their intangible connection was apparent to anyone who saw them. One museum visitor, a white haired lady with slightly stooped shoulders clasped the hand of the equally white haired man beside her. She nudged him slightly with her elbow and nodded at the couple before them, “Oh to be young and in love again David.”

The old man twirled her by their clasped hand and drew her close to his chest, dropping a soft kiss on her hair, he said, “Is it so bad to be old and in love.” Gently, he touched her chin and raised her face so he could look into her beautiful brown eyes.

Slowly Patia turned her head and saw the adoring couple mere feet from them, “Oh Silvio, to have an enduring love like theirs.” She sighed slightly, wistfully.

As they resumed their walk Patia paused next to the older couple and said, “I hope you two enjoy your visit today.” Patia flashed them a brilliant smile just before she continued on.

Silvio and Patia continued along in silence, until recently he had never given much thought to having someone to love and grow old with. He looked at Patia, he had fought the idea that he was falling in love with her, because, he never thought something like that would happen to him. Miranda had all but beaten him over the head with that fact but still he denied it. He finally had to admit it to himself, he was in love with the counselor. "So, where to next," he asked.

"Ayyyyyyyyy, where else?" she winked. "Time for you to meet the man you wish you had never heard of, or at least his jacket," she giggled.

Silvio smiled, "Ok then, let's go meet Fonzie's leather coat."