Although it will be interesting to see their proper interactions as adults, how they learn from each other how to be parents for Henry and what they learn about each other. Because they only know teens themselves, not adults selves.
KFC’s post covers the other points you made so well that I’m just gonna respond to this bit, and say that yes, they definitely need to learn about each other again now that they’re both adults. They each still have a base understanding of where the other came from, and their younger selves are still a part of who they are, they just need to discover fully how the other has grown.
I tend to think that Neal has quietly been in awe over how truely awesome his Emma has become. His father caused this Curse to happen, and she came along to set things right. She hasn’t had much time to accept all the magic stuff, but she’s still thrown herself right into it and is learning to understand this whole new world. It’s the world that he came from, and for all the hurt that it caused that they’d come from that same place, on the other hand, it means that they ultimately fit together really well. When she does come to a place where she understands him completely, there’ll be nothing at all that he’ll need to hide about his past. They never could have had that kinda closeness if Emma was someone from our world.
And the way that Neal stepped right up to want to be a parent to Henry is surely something that Emma admires. It’s something she couldn’t do herself, but Neal has thrown himself right into it. The last she knew of him, she thought he was incredibly irresponsible, he was a criminal who left her to go to jail and all. But as soon as he was over the initial shock of Henry, he embraced the new responsibility, not just to be in Henry’s life for the sake of knowing him, but taking on the responsibility of stopping the cycle of abandonment. That shows some serious growth and maturity from the guy that Emma knew back in the day. Emma struggled with accepting any sort of parental role, and even decided to leave SB at one point. But the guy who ran away from her, he unquestioningly stayed for Henry.
So I think they each already have a bit of a sense of how the other has grown. There may be much more to learn, but I think they’ve already started down that track.
2) Watched Manhattan tonight. Had this thought: the Seer says there are two types of futures, what can be and what will be. Rumple sees the future and ships SwanFire like mad. I think this means he knows it will be and he wants his son to have his happy ending.
I think that even if he hadn’t “seen” it, he’d still ship it, purely because he’s witnessed them being brought back together even though they didn’t seek each other out, and Rumple is all about believing in things being destined like that.
I don’t think Neal treated her awfully though, sure he was no charming prince, but she was no princess either. It was a complicated situation.
Your whole post was fabulous! Really great analysis of how they interacted.
All I really have to add is that I think people who don’t ship it tend to see their general, snarky way of speaking to each other as being belittling each other, in particular when Neal’s the one doing the talking. As a shipper, I just love their sassy banter. Here’s a little vid that celebrates it…
As shown in that vid, these two have had the snark since the moment they met. This was their very first conversation ever…
Neal: Impressive. But really, you could’ve just asked me for the keys. Just drive. It’s fine.
Emma: I just stole your car. Your life could be in danger.
Neal: Neal Cassidy.
Emma: Yeah, I’m not telling you my name.
Neal: No, I don’t need it to have you arrested when the robbery’s in progress.
Emma: Emma. Swan.
Neal: Good name.
Emma: So, do you just live in here, or are you just waiting for the car to be stolen?
Neal: Why don’t I tell you over drinks?
Emma: Excuse me?
Neal: Hey. Eyes on the road.
(Emma runs a stop sign.)
Emma: I am not having drinks with you. You might be a pervert.
Neal: I might be a pervert, but you’re definitely a car thief.
Emma: I said I was sorry.
Neal: You didn’t, actually.
(A police car turns on the siren and begins to follow them.)
Neal: Oh…
Emma: Damn it.
Neal: That’s why I said ‘eyes on the road’.
(They pull over, but Neal notices the screwdriver still in the transmission.)
Neal: Screwdriver.
(He quickly pulls it out and replaces the screwdriver with the keys. A cop approaches the window.)
Cop: License and registration.
Emma: Hi.
Neal: Terribly sorry officer, but this is actually my car. I’m… I’m trying to, uh, teach my girlfriend how to drive stick.
Cop: She’s got a lot to learn.
Neal: I know. But, you know… Women.
Cop: Alright, I hear you. It’s a warning…this time.
Neal: Yeah. Thank you so much.
(The cop leaves and Neal gets in the front seat.)
Emma: What are you, some sort of a misogynist?
Neal: You’re welcome. Oh, go. We got lucky.
Emma: We? This isn’t your car either, is it? I stole a stolen car?
Neal: Now, how about that drink?
Neal being snarky with her in SB is nothing new. It’s part of his charm that grabbed her from the moment they met.