I think Rumple is trying to keep Henry at arm’s length for both their sakes. He’s trying to push Henry away and not care for him. However, ultimately Rumple loves his little family- Belle, Bae and now Henry are part of that family, and he would do anything to protect them.
I completely agree. The second he realized Henry was his grandson, the only child of his long lost son, it was like “well he’s untouchable now…” But that doesn’t mean he wants to become best friends with Henry, like David has been bonding with Henry. The child still might be his undoing so love him, but from a safe well protected (both psychically and emotionally) distance.
I think Hook may pull a Lion King. With Hook taking on the role of Scar and Henry being Simba. Rumple would sort of be Mufasa. Hook would put Henry in a position where Rumple would have to save him with the hope that Rumple will be killed in the process.
I would love some tongue in cheek reference to the Lion King. And this would be an interesting scenario. But do they really want to make Hook the guy who would do that to a child? I think they really want to redeem Hook (and I think they are going to have to because right now his character is driven by one thing and one thing only and it could get old real fast).