Since that morning, Emma hadn't managed to get a moment with Regina alone, and was kicking herself for chickening out earlier. Being so close to the girl, she was finding it impossible to dampen down her feelings. She needed to know if she stood a chance with Regina. All the signs were there, but she had to be sure.
"I get the feeling I interrupted something this morning," said Ruby as she sat down next to Emma.
The blonde was quick to tear her eyes off of Regina, where her gaze had been lingering. The group had decided to go swimming in a deep pool only a little way upstream. On arriving, Regina had promptly stripped down to her swim suit, a backless one piece, leaving Emma practically having a heart attack at the sight. "It was nothing."
"I don't think that's quite true," said Ruby. "The glares I was getting from her over breakfast said otherwise. Look, she's not the easiest person in the world, but she's worth it." She looked over at Regina, who was blissfully unaware, floating on her back, enjoying the sun. "I'm going to tell you a couple of things she'd kill me if she found out. I don't know about your dating history, but Regina, she doesn't have one. She acts tough, but underneath it, she's a hopeless romantic, always waiting for the right person." They looked up at the sound of Regina giving a loud shriek. Katheryn and Frederick had clearly snuck up on her, splashing her mercilessly. "She likes you. Just don't hurt her, I'd hate to have to hate you for it."
Grinning, Emma stood. "Don't worry. I know when someone is way outta my league. I get a real chance with her, I'll do everything I can not to screw it up!" Taking off towards the pool, she slipped easily under the water, swimming until she was between Regina and her 'attackers' before coming back to the surface. Her back to Katheryn and Frederick, she smiled at Regina as she acted as her human shield against the worst of the splashing.
Ruby watched the scene with a wide smile on her face.
"What did you tell her?" asked Belle, coming to lay on the grass next to her.
"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you," smirked Ruby. "If Regina finds out I'm dead anyway."
"I'm good at keeping secrets," grinned Belle, nudging the brunette next to her. "Come on, at least tell me it was all good?"
The sound of Regina's carefree laughter carrying over the pool brought Belle a better answer than Ruby could ever have given.