My Heart has no Strings attached (Marionette X reader) DISCONTINUED

3. Friends?

Upon entering the prize corner you saw a small crowd of children sat down around a large red certain and mini stage that was set up in the spot where the Puppet's box should be, you ran over unable to contain your excitement dragging Salem with you to find a spot to sit while Mrs.Harrington and your parents went to the other side of the room where a few other parents and have taken their seats and grabbed folding chairs for themselves

while you and Salem walked into the audience of other children and found a good spot closest to the front once you sat you and patted the spot next to you for Salem to which he happily obliged, "what kind of show do you think the puppet will put on for us this time?" you asked Salem with a excited glee "I don't know but it looks like its going to be awesome" Salem grinned. all of a sudden the lights in the room went dim except for the bright stage lights around the small stage that changed colors in a specific pattern, upbeat musicbox like music played, the red curtain drew and there stood the Puppet tall and proud entirely outside his box, a loud series of claps and shouts from the small group of children sounded

"Hahaha! Hello my dearest children! Welcome to the puppet show!" the Puppet Greeted his normal voice had reached a new octave giving him a playful yet slightly goofy tone of voice that was like honey to your young ears. The children continue to cheer loudly prompting the puppet to chuckle just loud enough for you to hear over the children sitting in front "Alright settle down now children" the puppet urged gesturing with a nearly perfect fluid movement, the noises of the children gradually died down until it was quiet.

" Today I have a very special treat for you all" the Puppet continued and he did a slight pose looking like he was about to leap into the air before different music began to play, then Puppet gracefully leaped and swooped in almost ballerina like fashion, Puppet was Dancing, leaping and twirling to the pace of the music and changing whenever the music changed seemingly mixing acrobatics with dance. You and Salem watched on with complete awe, you never though the puppet could move the way he was now, you always thought he was your typical jack-in-the-box like character, always confined to his box, not being able to move so freely. the puppet then gracefully twirled to a stop the music also winded back down to a more slower pace, you see a person suddenly sit themselves down next to you at the corner of your eye you turned to see Gilbert at you with a strange smirk on his face. you looked incredulously at him not expecting him to want to see the Puppet

"Hey (y/n) mind if I sit here too?" he asked "sure but you missed the cool parts" "I am sure there will be more cool things the Puppet will do" Gilbert said cooly then he seem to glance past your head "hey isn't that your Boyfriend you invited to the party?" he asked this time with a smug amused grin, You nearly yelled only to remember your in the middle of a show "n-n-no! ew! he's just a friend!" you whisper-yelled at your cousin who sniggered teasingly at you "yhea but he is a friend..who happens to be a boy." Gilbert retorted you face turned red at this and Gilbert took this as his personal victory for the day, you looked at Salem worriedly hoping he didn't catch the little exchange fortunately his focus was busied entirely on the Puppet onstage allowing you to breath a bit then gave Gilbert an annoyed glance that told him he should just shut up and watch the show.

You sat there with a slight pout "why do boys Gilbert's age think relationships are so funny anyway? his own mom and dad love each other and no one laughs at or teases them" you pondered this to yourself before returning your attention to the Puppet's stage where he was preparing the final act of his performance, the puppet stood there as the music gained tempo the crowd was dead silent and watching inventively as the puppet then sprang up and twirled from ceiling the children gasped in awe, confetti flew as the puppet landed gracefully back onto the stage and bowed earning cheers even louder than when the show began.

you and Salem rose to stand joining the other children clapping wildly "Thank you my lovelies! thank you! I appreciate you all coming here" the puppet declared, he then gave one final bow and was closed off by red curtain. "That was awesome!" Salem exclaimed shooting his arms in the air, his bright smile and enthusiasm was infectious you couldn't help but bounce around in place just as He was. To think a little while ago this Boy was having a sob-filled break down in this very room, and it was all because of you that he was smiling and now feeling more confident and riding on a sweet sugary cloud of happiness.

You too had also had felt happier than usual now that you were with someone to share the experience it made you warm and fuzzy inside, "Come on y/n! we have to leave go say good bye to your aunt and uncle!" you father called out waving for your attention "Ok! coming!" you replied turning to where your parents are you were about to jog over until someone grabbed the sleeve of your dress. Salem looked at you with large questioning eyes that held a bit of sadness in them "y/n.." Salem started "y/n.. I know I only met you today but today.. the things you did for me..they were really nice and I wanted to say thanks.." You smiled "no problem Salem I would have done it for anybody who was having a bad day really.." Salem smiled back shyly and then held out his hand "I also kinda wanted to ask you... c-can we be friends?" You stared with wide eyes and Salem seemed nervous that you didn't respond right away.

But then you beamed at the boy again "Friends!" you grabbed his held out hand and gave it a caring squeeze.