Water (A Sequel to Blood)

Chapter 8

You followed the address and pulled up to Lempo's house very soon. He was outside, sitting on the porch in jeans and an open button up shirt over a tank top. You rolled your window down and waved to him. He beamed and stood, walking to your passenger side. You unlocked the door and he climbed in, putting on his seatbelt.
  “Hey there.” You greeted, beginning to drive again. He looked down at you.
  “Hey, it's good to see you again.” He replied, his eyes drifting to your neck. They furrowed in worry.
   “Are those handprints? Did someone attack you?” He questioned, giving you a nervous look. You nodded slowly.
  “Yes, but it's complicated… Right now he.. He's not himself.. And I'm hoping he gets help…”
  “(Y/N)...” He whispered. You put a hand on his shoulder.
  “I appreciate the worry, really.. But I'll be okay.” You assured him. Lempo smiled softly, flashing you his white teeth.
  “Atta boy!” You cheered, turning on the radio. You could tell he wasn't completely convinced.
  “Look.. He's messed up right now… Once we figure out what happened we'll save him.” You continued. He nodded his head to the music.
  “(Y/N), I understand… I just don't like the thought of anyone putting their hands on you..” Lempo whispered. He had no idea of the things that crept into your mind in hell, the memories and scenarios they'd tortured you with. Nonetheless the thought of him wanting to protect you was nice.
  “I'll be okay..” You assured him, glancing at the rearview mirror. Matt sat in the backseat with a frown on his face. You ignored him as Lempo gave you instructions to a zoo about an hour away, not even acknowledging Matt. The entire drive was filled with talks about food and music. He loved a lot of the same bands you did, and had good taste in food. Lempo was like a dream come true. A part of you would always belong to Castiel, but he couldn't provide stability. He was gone all the time, and was never there when you needed him. There had never been a formal relationship anyway. You'd slept together one time and that was it. He visited you he'd gone to heaven. What you had, if anything, was a brief experience. It was ruined anyway, the way he looked at you seemed shameful. You didn't want to be a burden.. A memory of his suffering. You were going to take a chance on Lempo.
  “Is it a big zoo?” You asked.
  “Yeah, it's a pretty big place. You'll love it.” He assured, giving you the last bit of directions. After a few minutes you parked in a large lot in front of the park gates. Lempo climbed out quickly, running to your side to pull you from your seat. You locked the doors and let him drag you to the ticket booth. He paid for the two of you, insisting it was his treat. You realized that it was officially a date. He smiled so warmly and happily at you, like you brought him true joy. Your stomach knotted as you followed him inside. You felt guilty. You were so angry at Castiel for leaving when you needed him most, but a part of you still longed for him. The two of you had been through so much together. He was your sweet, straightfaced, trenchcoat wearing angel and nothing could change that. Right?
  “Hey, (Y/N)...?” Lempo asked, snapping you from your thoughts. You looked up at him.
  “Y-Yeah?” You asked a little weakly.
  “Why are you crying?” He asked tenderly. You sniffled, quickly wiping at your face. You hadn't known you were crying, but then you broke down.
  “I miss Castiel. I need him to come back!” You sobbed. Lempo looked down, his face emotionless as you fell to your knees. You cried loudly, pleading for Castiel to hear you.
  “I can't keep going! I'd rather go back to hell! Help me!” You screamed. Everyone was staring at you now, but you couldn't stop. Lempo picked you up and carried you back to the car, assuring everyone that you were okay. You continued to sob helplessly. Castiel wouldn't come. Lempo climbed into the vehicle with you in his lap.
  “(Y/N).... Listen to me.” He said softly. You sniffled and looked up at him, still shaking. He wiped your eyes and took your face in his hands.
  “Who Castiel?” Lempo asked. You held back tears.
  “He loved me for a long time.. And I fell for him too… We slept together, but he… He's far away, busy…” You tried to explain. Lempo nodded slowly.
  “I.. I understand..” He said, thinking. You shook harder, ready to collapse and cry more.
  “I want you by my side.. You have a very special place in my heart… Tell me what I have to do… I'll do it.” He promised. You sobbed again.
  “I just want you to be here… To love me.. And not leave..” You begged. Lempo nodded once before kissing you. The thoughts that suddenly took over your mind made your tears stop. Lempo wiped your cheeks, wrapping a strong arm around your waist. The vow was sealed with a kiss.