I think the single one reason why I prefer Neal for Emma over Hook is that Neal has RESPECT for other women that AREN’T EMMA. Two come to mind: Belle and Tinkerbell
Yes! And may I also add Wendy into the mix of women whom Neal/Bae has treated well? This is the girl for whom he was willing to sacrifice himself to save her brothers, so that they wouldn’t have to pay the price of magic! Wendy, the girl who took him in, fed him and housed him, had become like a sister to him. They touched each others’ lives so much in the brief time they were together. Wendy and her brothers then came in search of him, which seemed like a bad idea, since Wendy knew what PP does to those who oppose him, but she was willing to do it so that “Bae would have a family.” That is how much Wendy loves him as a brother! Eventually, Neal got Wendy back to her brothers. Neal is a hero! Remember this scene in which Emma realized how much Wendy loves Neal. From Tumblr
I just wish Emma could have gotten to hear the entire backstory of what Neal did for Wendy and her brothers. Hopefully, someday, she will, even if it’s off-screen.
I also suspect that Nealfire will be very caring and protective of his step-mama, Belle. She just lost the love of her life, and Neal is the only connection she has left to Rumple. I’d love to see Rumple and Belle form a family unit where she is like a sister figure to him. I could see them teaming up to help save Rumple in the second half of S3.
ETA: More wonderful SwanFire family goodness! 😀
"That’s how you know you’ve really got a home. When you leave it, there’s this feeling that you can’t shake. You just miss it." Neal Cassidy