Author's Note: This will be the placeholder for any future OUAT one-shots. Most will take place in present-day Storybrooke. I may do a sister story for the Enchanted Forest. Not sure yet.

Though these will be mostly Rumbelle focused, other characters will be included, as the muses demand it.

I own nothing except my laptop.

*riiiiiiiiingring* *riiiiiiiiiiiingring*

Rumplestiltskin growled at the annoying device on his bedside table. Flipping it open, he was momentarily blinded, snarling into the phone "What?!"

"Well, good morning to you too." came Sheriff Swan's amused voice "Sorry to bother you, but I've got someone down here who needs some bail. They told me to call you."

"And I don't suppose this could have waited until morning?" A glance at the clock told him it was already after midnight.

"Been a busy night. The cells are full and I need the space." Emma's tone was anything but apologetic.

Another annoyed growl "Then hang the bastards, and send me the bill!" Just before hanging up, he clearly heard Swan talking to someone else. "Sorry Belle, looks like I'll have to call your father… click.

"Deceitful, conniving, devil woman!" Rumplestiltskin cursed as he rose and quickly got dressed. His knee was unhappy about all the movement, and very vehemently let him know. Despite this, ten minutes later he was pulling into the sheriff's office parking lot.

Apparently he wasn't the only one called, as he made his way up the walk David's truck pulled in with someone in the passenger seat. Granny was next, and an unfamiliar car rounded out their group. "Emma, what is going on?" David asked as they entered the room. Rumplestiltskin's eyes immediately fell to Belle in one of the cells, surrounded by other women from Storybrooke. Belle looked up and gave a sheepish grin as Emma started to speak.

"Look, this wasn't how I wanted to spend my night either. I got a call about a fight down at The Tavern, nothing new. But, since someone pulled a knife on someone, they wanted the Sheriff to take care of it." Her gaze turned to the group in the cell. "Imagine my surprise when it's my own mother I have to lock up. And then I find out that they're the one's who started the fight." She handed a long dagger to David "Next time, frisk her before she goes out."

The Prince grinned at his wife. "I think I can manage that."

Emma shuddered, unlocking the cell door. "Glad I've given up sleeping… ever."

Belle slowly walked towards him before wrapping her arms around his neck. Glancing at the others in similar positions, he finally took notice of the other two men: Prince Thomas and Frederick. Though now that he and Abigail were married again, he was technically a prince too.

"Oh this is so not fair!" Ruby pouted "I want a tall, dark, and handsome to come rescue me out of jail."

"If you weren't in jail all the time, maybe you could find one!" Granny groused back, earning another pout and glare.

Hoping to forestall any arguments, Rumplestiltskin turned to Emma. "Sheriff, you mentioned something about bail. Or was that just to get me down here?"

"Oh, right. Everyone else is free to go, except her." She pointed to Belle, "she threw the first punch, so she has to pay. And be released to a responsible party."

"My Belle?!" He asked incredulously.

"Yup. We've got witnesses, video evidence, and a full confession." Swan answered as Snow White spoke for the first time. "It was one hell of a punch too!"

He was about to protest when Belle spoke. "They're right Rumplestiltskin. I did start the fight." Pulling back a bit to see her face, he frowned slightly. "Why Belle?" Blushing, she mumbled, "They were calling you names."

Unable to contain himself, he let loose one of his manic giggles. "Dearie, they've been calling me names since before you were born."

"Not in front of me they haven't." She protested as he grinned. "And doubtless they'll never do so again. Thank you for protecting my honor m'lady."

"Gods that's cute. Why can't I have a man like that?!" Another grumble from Ruby "Don't suppose you'd let me borrow him? Just for the weekend?"

Belle smiled up at him. "Sorry Ruby, but he's mine."

"Damn. That's what they said too." The werewolf pointed at their cohorts.

Finally remembering they weren't alone, Rumplestiltskin scowled at the knowing smiles that filled the room.

"Alright, if you take the sappy stuff somewhere else, she can go free." Emma broke the spell, and everyone headed off to their respective homes.

The entire way back to the library Belle was silent. When he stopped the car she finally asked "Are you angry with me Rumplestiltskin?"

"Of course not Belle." He smiled, getting out of the car before helping her out.

"Would it be alright if I went out again with the girls?"

A soft sigh escaped him "Belle, I'm not your father, nor your master." He said, taking her hands. "I am concerned about your safety, but I'm not going to stop you from having fun."

"Oh good. They asked me to go out again next weekend. And I promise, I will not start any more fights." He smiled, and she continued, "Besides, Cinderella already said it was her turn."

XXXXXXXX

Friday afternoon rolled around, and found Rumplestiltskin at the library, waiting for Belle to get ready. He'd promised to walk her to the Charming's, where the girl's were meeting before heading out. In return, Belle had promised again to not get arrested unless absolutely necessary.

"How do I look?" She asked, emerging from the bathroom to cross where he sat in her kitchen.

"My dear Belle, you would look amazing in nothing at all." He gallantly replied, until he realized what he'd said. "I-I-I mean you would look amazing in anything at all."

She giggled as they left the small caretaker's apartment. Soon they were at Snow's doorstep, and quickly let in. The girls made plans and small talk while he stood off to the side trying not to feel very, very awkward. It wasn't working.

"Rumplestiltskin" David greeted as he stepped closer. "The guys are hanging out here tonight to have a beer and some poker. Would you like to join us?"

For about ten heartbeats the imp just stared at him. "You want me to… hang out?"

"Yeah, that's pretty much it." Charming nodded.

Another hesitation. As a rule he didn't mix with anyone, mostly because no one had wanted him to. But the prince had always been straight with him. And if Belle was making such fast friends with the other princesses, no doubt they would be seeing a lot more of each other.

"Very well…" He replied hesitantly

"Great. And don't worry, we're babysitting Henry tonight, so it won't get too rowdy." David smirked, moving off to another group of men.

Numbly Rumplestiltskin just stood there, wondering what he'd just gotten himself into. All too soon the girls had departed, kissing their men and again promising to stay out of trouble. No sooner had the door closed than David turned to him, the whole place going quiet.

"Rumplestiltskin, I must admit I had other reasons for asking you to stay." David broke the silence "You've been chosen as the next member in The Lucky Bastards, if you agree to join."

He was so startled and confused he asked the first thing that popped into his mind. "The Lucky Bastards?"

Shrugs all around, until Leroy spoke up "Hey, it's what we are. I call it like I see it."

Giving another shrug, David nodded. "He's right. Basically we've all come to the conclusion that we're loved by women we don't deserve. So someone has to put up with our bullshit." He looked at Henry "That's another one you're not supposed to use." The boy grinned and nodded while all eyes turned back to Rumplestiltskin.

"I…I…" For once, he really didn't know what to say. There had been similar groups in the Enchanted forest, clubs for men who deemed one another worthy. But being the coward's son, and then the town coward didn't exactly merit an invitation. "What do I have to do?"

"It's very simple. You only have to answer one question." David promised, picking up a small box from the counter behind him. "What is Belle's favorite flower?"

"Roses" He answered without a thought. Everyone around him clapped and cheered, while David stepped up and pinned a small sliver rose to his lapel. It was then that he noticed similar pins on the other shirts. "But I don't understand. How do you know Belle loves me, rather than being under some sort of spell?" It was a common accusation around Storybrooke, mostly perpetrated by her father.

As everyone stopped to consider that, Henry gave him a look of disbelief that only the young can achieve.

"Dude, she got in a bar fight for you."

I hope you enjoyed my first Once Upon A Time fic. Reviews are loved! :D