Neal wouldn’t want to be 14 again anyway because of Henry. Thanks for answering Eala, but how do you explain Hook’s sulkiness when Emma told BOTH him and Neal that the person she would choose is Henry. I agree Hook was right when he said Emma had to choose (It wouldn’t be fair for either man to be strung along)yet it did seem like he assumed Emma would end up picking him over Neal especially when he uses phrases like “When I win” and “I will win” Also Hook’s behaviour towards Neal was very offish considering Hook is supposed to “care” for Neal. It seemed like Hook was constantly trying to assert his dominance over Neal and prove to Emma that he was the “better man” but not in the good way. It’s like Hook was trying to prove his manliness to Emma. Hook with his attitude and behaviour this episode reminded me of Gaston from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. What are your thoughts, Eala?
I know that your question is directed at Eala (who gives AWESOME answers, btw) , but I thought I’d give my opinion. I think Hook’s “assumption” that Emma would choose him over Neal was nothing more than innocent confidence. Hook cares for Emma deeply and sees her as an equal. He would never (nor COULD he ever) force her to do anything. He’s very perceptive when it comes to her and could see that she is becoming more open to him, so that gave him the confidence to make those statements. I don’t see Hook as a Gaston because Gaston is VERY self-centered, and we have seen that Hook is the complete opposite of that so far this season.
In regards to Neal, I think Hook cares for him a lot! However, there is so much going on in Neverland right now and not a lot of time to process complex emotions. Hook wasn’t expecting Neal to be alive either. His mission so far has been save Henry first, then pursue Emma. But when they heard about Neal being alive, that added another element that he wasn’t expecting. It might have been too much for him to process at the moment. Neal is older and doesn’t want to be known as “Bae” anymore, so maybe it’s hard for Hook to see him as that young boy he cared so much for. Still, I think Neal does mean something to Hook and I think we’ll get to some nice moments between them in the future, even if it seems weird right now.