A/N: I must confess, I never watched OUATIW, so I knew next to nothing about Will Scarlet before he showed up on OUAT. I'd heard that his character was going to cross over, so I was expecting him, but that's about it. I have to say though, it took me less than 2 minutes (i.e., the approximate length of his first scene in Rocky Road) to fall completely in love with him. I immediately had to know everything I could about him, and have since devoured the whole Wonderland series. I love him even more now. And so, without any further ado, may I present the culmination of my love for the Knave: this story. Enjoy! And remember, reviews=love (and will solicit more chapters. ;) )

Oh yeah, one last thing: to the best of my ability, this story follows the current Once storyline. This story is also in the format of in-between scenes; that is, what might have happened in between the times we see Will on the show. Chapters may seem a little disjointed, but that is intentional. You fill in the blanks with what you know happened on Once (and by using your imagination ;) ).

Now, on with the show!

Thick as Thieves

"Brought you some company, Scarlet," The female sheriff quipped, as she escorted Laurel into one of two adjacent cells along the back wall of the station.

Laurel looked to see who she was talking to and saw a man in the other cell, sitting on his cot, his elbows on his knees, his hands loosely clasped. He said nothing, but his high cheekbones became more pronounced as he pursed his lips, clearly holding back a snide comment.

"Try not to be too charming." The male sheriff added, giving the man a pointed look.

"Well, I can't really help it now, can I?" The man responded automatically, and Laurel was surprised to hear a heavy English accent. Intrigued, she tried to take him in as the female sheriff undid her cuffs and moved to close the cell door. He looked back at her curiously as she appraised him.

Though he sat, she could tell he was tall, and lean. His hair was dark, and cut shorter on the sides than on top. His brows and eyes were dark too, and prominent: the foremost features of his sculpted face. Beneath one of his eyes was a smattering of red and purple: a bruise that continued over the bridge of his pointed nose. His ears stuck out a little, but his jawline was strong.

He wore dark colors, blues and blacks: a leather jacket over a long-sleeved shirt, and dark-wash jeans with a leather belt and leather boots. He had an air of pride and mystery, and at first glance Laurel didn't know whether to be afraid of him, or attracted to him.

Maybe a little of both.

"Yeah well, maybe you can charm some answers out of her." The female sheriff said, locking the cell with a flourish. "Just let me know when you're ready to do some explaining," She said to Laurel, "Otherwise, I hope you're comfortable." And with that, both sheriffs left, leaving Laurel and the man in the other cell all alone.

Laurel settled onto her cot, rubbing her hands on her thighs, very aware of the other inmate's eyes still on her. She met his gaze, and he smirked.

"Well now, aren't you a pretty little thin'?"

Laurel didn't respond, though inwardly she felt flushed. Who was this guy, and who did he think he was to be calling her pretty? She looked away from him, despite how nice he was to look at. Maybe if she ignored him he'd leave her alone.

"And quiet, too, eh?"

She could hear the amusement in his voice. He had a great voice, she'd give him that, but she wasn't about to open up to him.

"That's all right," He continued, "I can talk enough for the both of us." Laurel kept her gaze resolutely in the other direction, but she heard him stand up and move to the bars dividing their cells. "So," The man said, "What are ya in for?... Armed robbery? Reckless endangerment? Public indecency?" He said the last word as if it tasted good.

Laurel folded her arms over her chest.

"I see," He said, "Not goin' to trust me?" Laurel continued not to acknowledge him. After a pause, he seemed to make a realization. "Well, where are me manners?" He exclaimed. "I haven't introduced meself!"

Impulsively, Laurel glanced at him. She couldn't help it - she did want to know who he was.

"My name's Will Scarlet." He grinned at her, his arms slung lazily through the cell bars. He seemed satisfied that she'd looked at him. "And what do they call you?"

Looking at him was one thing - he was quite handsome, especially when he smiled, so really it was unreasonable not to - but talking to him was another. She was not going to answer him.

"They call me Goldilocks," Laurel said, the words escaping her without volition. Mentally, she kicked herself.

"Goldilocks, eh? Well, innit that fittin'?" Will continued to grin, cocking his head to the side as his eyes moved over her long, golden curls.

"That's what they call me," Laurel responded, "But my name is Laurel. Laurel Gold." At that, Will's handsome smile faded into a look of contemplation.

"Gold, eh? Any relation to a Mr. Gold?"

Laurel had no idea who he was talking about, and Will could tell from her expression.

"Guess not," He added, his smirk returning.

Laurel unfolded her arms and placed her hands in her lap, looking at them. Looking at Will was too hard. The combination of his voice, his looks, his attitude... He was too charming. Two minutes of conversation and she was already starting to like him.

"Sleeping," She said quietly.

"What now?" Will asked.

"That's what I'm in for," Laurel answered. "Sleeping. In a bed. That wasn't mine. In a house, that also wasn't mine."

Will chuckled, "We have that in common, then."

Laurel looked back up at him.

"Well, not in a bed, but they caught me sleepin', too. In a library. That I'd broken into." He elaborated.

"Why were you sleeping in a library?" Laurel couldn't help herself. She'd always been too curious for her own good.

Will chuckled, "To be honest, I don't really know. I was little drunk, you see. All I remember is breakin' in. Next thin' I know, I'm wakin' up in this cell with a splittin' head and that bleedin' sheriff woman barkin' at me..."