A/N: Just a short piece of where I think August might be during this seasons events.
It's hours later when the thought comes to her. He's still wooden. She had been sitting dozily on the couch, staring at the door and the lock came into focus. The one he had installed to keep Regina out of the apartment.
The memory of August turning into a solid puppet makes the dinner Snow had cooked roll around in her stomach. He was one of the only friends she had, who supported, believed in her and she forgot him.
Quickly jumping off the couch, she runs to grab her coat. James and Snow-it's still weird calling them that-give her a confused glance from the kitchen.
"I have to go find Au-someone. Can you two watch Henry, I'll be back in an hour."
But she already knows her son is upstairs asleep, considering the time. She doesn't want to leave her son and family after finally getting them back, but her mind won't settle until she knows August is alright.
Snow gives her a small smile, somehow knowing, and nods before Charming can interrupt.
"Of course, just be careful."
Emma silently thanked her mother for not prying and gives them both a wave before exiting the apartment, closing the door softly behind her. She runs all the way to the Bed and Breakfast, heart pounding and hair flying wild.
He's fine. He has to be, I broke the curse to save Henry and him...
Racing up the steps and inside, she barely gives Ruby-Red a second glance before making her way up the stairs to door number two and wrenches the door open. Only to be disappointed.
He's gone. Dammit.
Hand falling to her side, she takes a deep breath. This is just great. He has to be okay, wherever he is, but is he still a puppet? Where would he have gone? August...
Leaning against the door frame for a moment, Emma gathers her bearings, trying to fight the knot growing in her stomach.
Where would he go? Wait. His father...Gepetto!
The kind old man comes to mind, and just as quick as the thought came to her, she's running down the street, halting at Marco-Gepetto's-garage. She stands frozen for a moment, watching the older man while he works away at the wooden piece in his hands. Alone.
August isn't there.
Running a hand through her hair, she paces on the sidewalk, trying to think of anywhere or anyone else he would go to. There's only one other person in town that he would find,, an old friend.
Her legs are aching by the time she knocks on the door. A dog barks in the background and she hears him unlock the door before opening it.
Archie stands in front of her, a confused, yet not unwelcoming look on his face. Pushing his glasses higher up on his nose, he greets her.
"Emma, your majesty, what brings you here so late?"
"Arch-" she shakes her head, the names are staring to get on her nerves- "Jiminy, I'm looking for someone and you're the only one left who I thought he would go to."
He opens his mouth to answer, but a recognizable voice comes from deeper within the house.
"You were correct."
August walks stiffly over beside his friend and gives her a sad smile that turns out looking like a grimace.
"Long time no see Princess."
He is still wooden. Her face falls.