Although Killian clearly is attracted to Emma, I agree that the scene in fact helped to establish a good friendship for Emma and Killian. If they’re ever going to grow closer, romantically or platonically, then they need a firm foundation other than flirtation upon which to build a relationship.
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"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