i don't think the first thing is going to be likely though! since it's going to be a bad and boring writing choice to have louis going through that whole cycle of falling into another abuser's arms again. and the cast and crew have been emphasizing how louis's arc this season is going to be something new and inventive, so i don't see them going down that path again. though i don't know if they'll go for the second route either... my personal guess is that lemuel is going to play a similar role to jonah in s1, someone who louis needs in that moment and whom he had some connection with but not neccessarily a character that is developed enough to 'compete' with the main relationship. like we will learn that they have some kind of relationship/rapport, but the fallout of it is not shown on screen/not dramatic enough for the audience to feel emotionally invested in. now, whether this would be a good writing choice or not i really can't say. there's so much context lacking right now, not to mention that iwtv is the type of show where everything only sinks in after getting the whole picture of the season (sth that i don't think will change now). so... we'll see!