The meaning of kindred spirits isn’t always a romantic one. I agree, Neal and Mulan are going to be a platonic relationship but that doesn’t mean because Hook and Emma have been referred to as kindred spirits that their relationship is going to be a platonic one. Hook has definite feelings for Emma and nope, it’s not a fatherly feelings either as Estelle said on the official podcast. Hook and Emma have shared similar experiences that enable them to have an understanding of where the other is coming from.
I remember Emma’s very passionate speech from the season 2 finale, in Granny’s diner:
Emma: We understand each other. Look out for yourself, and you’ll never get hurt, right?
Hook: Worked quite well for me.
Emma: Yeah, until the day that it doesn’t. We’re gonna do this. It might be stupid, it might be crazy, but we’re doing it. So, you can join us and be a part of something, or you can do what you can do best, and be alone.
They also make quite the team 🙂