Somebody's Baby

I try to shut my eyes but I can't get her out of my sight

I know I'm gonna know her but I gotta get over my fright

Well, I'm just gonna walk up to her

I'm gonna talk to her tonight

The little bell tinkled as the door to the pizzeria opened, the bubbly redhead breezing through. She brought in the chill of the night air with her, but that was easily dissipated by her radiant smile.

"Hey Johnny!"

"Whoa, close that door, will ya Red? It's cold!"

"Oops! Sorry!" She backed up and swung the door closed with her foot.

"Thanks! So, what'll it be tonight? The usual?" The burly man smiled at her, brushing some flour absentmindedly off of his forearm.

"Am I that predictable?" She mock pouted, taking up a seat at the counter.

"Well let's see, you're in here every Friday night, you always order a pepperoni slice, crust well done, and an orange soda."

She laughed heartily. He had her there. She knew it wasn't the healthiest dinner but Johnny's pizza was to die for, and she just had to have it at least once a week. Besides, there were other things in that pizzeria that intrigued her...

"Looks like I'm not the only predictable one." And she nodded her head in the direction of a man sitting alone at the counter facing the window. He had his back to her, and she studied the strong outline of it, how it curved to broad shoulders. He had shaggy blond hair that looked like he cut it himself, with a blunt blade.

"Oh yeah," Johnny nodded, having followed her gaze to the patron in question, "He's here every Friday, same as you."

"What's his story, anyway?" She asked, curiousity burning a hole in her head. She was a naturally friendly person, and whenever she met someone who was less so it intrigued her. Every time she came to the pizzeria she would smile at everyone she saw and they would all smile back at her. Every one, except him.

"Not much to tell, really. He keeps to himself. Doesn't talk to anyone. Nice enough guy, I guess. Figure he's just a loner. Not everyone can be as chipper as you, ya know." Johnny winked good-naturedly at the redhead, and she scoffed at him.

"Come on, Johnny! Give me something!" She pleaded.

"Alright! Alright!" Johnny threw his hands up into the air. "I think he's new to the city, I mean, he keeps to himself like I said, but he still holds doors open for people, says please and thank you, actually looks you in the eye when he's talking to you. Seems pretty close to his family, heard him talking on the phone to his mom a few times. He has a big old dog that he sometimes brings with him, think I heard him call it 'Sven'. I mean, the guy is really rough around the edges, but he's probably just a big softie."

The redhead smiled. She was glad someone else thought the exact same thing that she did. There was something about the blond that she liked, she just couldn't quite put a finger on it. He seemed gruff, and he looked grumpy all the time, and he just seemed wary of people in general. But instead of putting her off, all those qualities just wanted to make her unlock his secrets.

Johnny suddenly cleared his throat, "Lemme get that pizza for you." And he disappeared into the back. There was an awkward cough, and she turned to see the blond standing in front of her.

"Uh," Cough. "Hi." Cough. "Kristoff." Cough. "I'm Kristoff."

The redhead grinned from ear to ear, the smile brightening her entire face.

"It's nice to meet you Kristoff. I'm Anna."