I think it’s important to remember that, though Neal will always be a part of Emma’s life due to his connection with Henry, they don’t need to end up together. They can have a friendly relationship. Emma and Neal may try to give it a go, for Henry’s sake, but ultimately they are not the same people they were when they first met. A lot has happened since then. People change and what seems like true love turns out not to be.
First love does not always mean true love. Just ask Rumple. He loved Milah and Cora but it is Belle who is his true love. Characters may ship SwanFire in show because then it would tie everything up in a neat little package, but real life is not like that. Tamara may not have truly compared to Emma in Neal’s eyes, but there will be someone who will.
Hook cares about both Emma and Neal so he’s not going to rub Neal’s face in it that he ended up with Emma and Neal didn’t. Hook isn’t going to try and replace Neal in Henry’s life.
I am really enjoying watching Hook on screen this series. Emma’s “wouldn’t you like to know?” is definite flirty behaviour compared to how she reacted to him last season. Hook’s proven himself to Emma this season and whilst he will pursue Emma romantically, I think he knows when not to push his luck.
From someone who started out absolutely hating CaptainSwan, I must say this ship has grown on me to the point where I quite like it.
All magic comes with a price!
Keeper of Felix