The Butterfly Effect | Levi x Reader

Chapter 1

"Hey miss, another round!"

"Two more over here as well."

"Be with you in just a second," you tossed casually over your shoulder as you filled yet another martini glass to the brim. The warmth of the bodies crowding the bar and softness of the dimmed light enveloped your body as you worked, while loud music and chatter floated around you and up to the ceiling as you continued pouring and mixing tirelessly. This night felt as if it would never end.

Make no mistake, you loved working nights at the local pub – you were one hell of a bartender – but there were some nights where your shift seemed to drag on and on.

After what seemed like an eternity, you enviously watched the final remaining couples saunter out into the gusty October night; their flushed faces boasting hues of satisfying liquor and cuisine. You sighed and averted your gaze from their silhouettes huddled together as the front door slammed shut behind them and glared at your distorted face in the glass you were currently polishing, suddenly feeling an unwanted emptiness creep into your heart.

"Leave that to me Kat. You need to go home and get your rest," Natalie appeared behind you, nearly causing you to drop the glass in your hands. Your co-worker and close friend snickered at your clumsiness and snatched the glass and towel from your hands, all but pushing you out the door.

"Thanks Nat, I'm exhausted," you smiled gratefully at her and proceeded to the kitchen to say goodnight to the chef; as was good restaurant etiquette. "Have a good night Joseph!" you waved at him and threw the back door open, finally free.

"Be careful! Drive safe!" he called after you, his voice faintly travelling through the already closing door behind you.

"Always am," you muttered to no one in particular as you made your way to the car. The cold, harsh northern climate made you regret leaving your cozy bar, the wind tearing through your jeans and thin shirt.

'Almost there', you thought to yourself as your feet dragged on through the final stretch to your car in the far lot. Had you not have had your head downcast and hood shielding your face from the wind, you might have noticed the figure slouched against the fence to your right.

"Fuck," you cursed as your boot caught something and you stumbled forwards, nearly steadying your footing in time before falling completely. "What the hell?" you exclaimed quietly as you turned to investigate what had caused you to trip, only to find a man sitting slumped, unconscious against the parking lot fence. "Hey, buddy," you lightly nudged the end of his tall boot with the toe of your own. "Come on, I don't have time for this. Do you want me to call you a cab?" you said coldly, having been fed up with dealing with drunks for one night. "Seriously, wake up. You're gonna freeze out here." You informed, eyeing his thin clothes and . . . cape? Examining his attire more thoroughly, you realized just how strangely this man was dressed. Still not receiving a response, you decided to pat him down to check and see if he had a wallet or phone, or at least something that could help identify him. You gasped aloud when you felt a hand dart out and grasp your wrist with a surprising amount of force.

"What do you think you're doing?" a deep, monotone voice questioned.

"I'm just trying to help. Do you have someone you can call?" you asked. The figure in front of you offered no response but the grip on your wrist did not loosen. You were suddenly very aware of the fact that you were in an unlit parking lot alone with a complete stranger. "Look, it's two in the morning and I don't know what you're doing passed out in a parking lot, but can you at least tell me where you live or the name of someone – "

"Who the hell are you?"

"My name's Katarina. I don't see why that matters. Now, if you could just –"