Lampwick and the No Strings Friend by CD Rachels

What if Pinocchio saved Lampwick from his dark fate? What if, years later, the two reunited and became more than best friends?

That puppet boy saved me from a life as an ass—literally.
And I swore I’d do anything to repay him, his Papa, and all the people I wronged. So now here I am, a decade later, back to work for Geppetto. I need to make up for the sins of my childhood. I’m not that obnoxious kid anymore, roaming the streets for fun.
But Pinocchio has grown up, too. He’s all man, no strings, no wood, and he’s welcomed me back into his life with open arms. Growing close to him is scary and thrilling, but could someone so loyal, brave, and true want to pursue a future with the likes of me?
My conscience is telling me the former puppet could do a lot better than a fool like me. But years ago, I got a second chance at a real life, and now, as a man, I know what my heart is wishing for. I’m falling for my childhood best friend, with all the strings attached, and I need to do what it takes to convince him I’m the real deal.