@TimeSpacer wrote:
Since the first two aren’t going to happen, we must see number three. If Emma is to believe Gold, it can’t be just a casual denial and apology for what he said. He will have to prove to her that he is not a threat. Obviously, if Neal turns out to be Bae, that could do it since we know enough about Rumple to know that he would not try to kill his own grandson. Even if Bae is not Neal, the writers could concoct some events that will give Emma the assurance she needs. But it will have to be a powerful assurance.
I think that Emma’s gonna have a very unique experience out in the real world with Rumple. She’s gonna see him as a scared, desperate, mortal man, which is something no other SBer (except Hook) has ever witnessed. In the promo for the next ep there's that bit where they're at airport security, and he looks unsure and unsteady on his feet, and she's behind him, looking concerned, with her arms out as if to catch him if he stumbles. He's a far cry from the menacing Mr Gold and Rumple in that scene.
I think that seeing him in this light and in this environment that’s so strange to him, will give her a whole new understanding of him. She’ll also be able to appreciate and relate to the emotions he’s going through over going to find his long lost son. There’s plenty for them to bond over, and I think that ultimately she’ll realise this…
@Josephine wrote:
He’s hurting and heartbroken and not used to people doing things without an ulterior motive. He has no real friends. His threat is the only way he knows to ask, “Hey, will you look after Belle and make sure she’s fine while I’m away.”
Exactly!
Of course, if Neal ends up being Bae then there’s also the familial connection which would stop him from hurting the Charmings, but even without that added element, I think it’s entirely possible for Emma to come to an understanding that his threat was essentially empty, and just something said out of fear.