Emma + Baelfire = Swanfire

[Slurpeez]

 My money is on 314, just for the sake of matchy-ness with Manhattan, the ep where they met again, having been 214. Putting off an Emma centric until 314 is probably within the realm of possibility. They could show flashbacks of her getting out of jail and still having hope of finding him again, and over the course of a couple of flashbacks we could see that hope dwindling. And they could parallel that with hope for them being rekindled, (this will be the ep titled Phoenix, of course ), in the present day.

That would be an excellent parallel between Emma searching for Neal in the past and then rekindling that love with him in the present day. *SF prayer circle *

And I really hope they’re reunited in 306. It may not be matchy to 206 with a city name title, but it is the first (and only that we know of so far) S3 ep with a 1 word title, and that 1 word is still a name, even if not the name of a city. (I know that’s a stretch, but I’m feeling overly analytical at the moment, so just go with it. )

I have faith that we’ll get a SF reunion, though I expect it will be full of unresolved drama. There is a reason that A&E decided to write 3×6, because they love writing the angst-filled, page-turning episodes. But that’s okay by me since we know what lays at the heart of SF angst: true love. Also, I think A&E are purposefully drawing a parallel between Ariel overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to be with Eric,  much the same way that Neal is crossing worlds and overcoming emotional barriers to be with Emma. Likewise, Emma searching for Neal in present-day NL would parallel Ariel searching for a way to be with Eric in the present-day. And even though Ariel saves Snow from drowning, Joanna Garcia (who plays Eric) said in an interview that she also saves Eric from a shipwreck. So Emma saving Neal in NL would parallel Ariel saving both Snow and Eric.

[kfchimera]

I know one thing for sure, there will be lots of “parallels” that people read in diametrically opposed ways between whatever is happening with Ariel in the past, and Hook/Emma/Neal in the present.

The logical part of me says “Ariel” as  a city is merely a coincidence, but the shipper spin side hopes it is not! I will say this, we all thought it was unusual they would name an episode after a character this way.   With our masters at multiple meanings writing the episode, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that they actually did sort of know of the city, and its reputation as well (a place of much conflict and contention, very appropriate for a reunion in the midst of “triangle drama” with two countries fighting over the same bit of land).

 

 

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” -- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

[RumplesGirl]

I know one thing for sure, there will be lots of “parallels” that people read in diametrically opposed ways between whatever is happening with Ariel in the past, and Hook/Emma/Neal in the present.

Aren’t there always 🙂

The logical part of me says “Ariel” as a city is merely a coincidence, but the shipper spin side hopes it is not! I will say this, we all thought it was unusual they would name an episode after a character this way.

It’s the first they’ve ever done it. If they want a story to be about the character, Cora for instance, they pick another name. Something that signifies that character without actually naming it after them: The Stable Boy, The Stranger, The Crocodile, Queen of Hearts, Tiny, and The Miller’s Daughter being perfect examples.

 

"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"

[Slurpeez]

Another wonderful GIF set from S3.

  

Emma and Neal love each other today and everyday.

"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

[lunatiger]

All great thoughts and theory. Especially about Wendy! (can’t wait till we see that!)
I just want to jump in here and post my thoughts on what’s been floating around the web. Sorry if this is repeated, but just want to lay it out there. The kiss really put everyone into a tailspin. I guess since it was spicy and hyped up so much by the media. But I really can’t imagine Emma falling for Hook even after that kiss. The whole episode felt a bit off since we barely got to mutual respect between Emma and Hook and all of a sudden Hook leers at Emma trying to catch her eye oh-so obviously. I just can’t buy it. There was no gradual build up, and yet I hear CS shippers claim it was there since Tallahassee. Perhaps on Hooks part (but he was basically doing that to all the ladies) but certainly not Emma. She barely tolerated him back then. (She bashed him over the head with a trash can for crying out loud) She is starting to respect him now but falling in love? Hell no. It’s waayyy to soon for that.

Another thing I’ve been commonly seeing is that people argue Neal just up and left Emma, abandoning her completely, for his own reasons. Never searched for her and never cared for her since he got engaged so quickly with Tamara. So “he can’t possibly be Emma’s TRUE LOVE~!” or so they claim. While I do think the whole jail part was a bit iffy, I don’t think he completely abandoned her.

1.) Neal REALLY did think it was best to let her fulfil her destiny. The guy is a heavy believer given all that he saw with his father and possibly Neverland. I think in Neal’s mindset you don’t screw around with destiny. August also left him without many options. And knowing Neal’s character he’s the hero type. Like Snow and Charming, he’s the type to sacrifice to save lives. Funny how everyone lays the blame mostly on Neal but none on the Charmings who pretty much did the same thing.

2.) Neal wanted Emma to find her family. FAMILY is very important to Neal. He’s been searching for that he’s whole life. He’s brief stint with the Darlings was pretty much the happiest he’s ever been since he wanted Hook to take him back to them. They are both one in the same when it comes to being orphans. A lost boy and a lost girl. He knows Emma has been searching for her parents as well. The grief there is strong when you’ve been alone most of your life. So giving Emma the chance to find her family is more important than keeping her all to himself.

3.) He left her the car and money to get back on her feet with. He left EVERYTHING to her, saved nothing for himself. (Though August took the money, darn it August!) I believed if Emma saw the money it might have soften the blow a bit. (I don’t claim that it still ok for him to leave her nor do I believe Emma should feel any less hurt) $20,000 is A LOT to help get back on her feet with and take care of herself. It could have made Emma’s thinking more along the lines of WHY DID HE LEAVE? More then WHY DIDN’T HE LOVE ME? Since she wouldn’t have thought he just used her to get the watches and get the money. Why would he use her just to give her back the money again?

 

Biggest complaint from CS is that Neal didn’t sought Emma out. But according to Adam and Eddy “It’s been so long that he thought that his chance with Emma has past. And that she would never forgive him.” That makes Neal very human, to be afraid and to make mistakes. People forget that he’s ALSO been ABANDONED and rejected. Not just Emma. (Will no one think of Neal?) He was abandoned not once, not twice, but THREE times. By his mother, father, AND Hook. And it wasn’t out of love like the Charmings. Each one of those times that he was rejected was because of self-serving reason. (His mother running away with another man. His father choosing power over him. And Hook, not liking his answer to keep him on the ship.) I guess having Emma (The Love of his life) potentially reject him as well, would be too much to bear. How could Emma possibly forgive him, if he didn’t think he could forgive himself? But! He actually said ALOUD how sorry he was. He actually apologizes for the one wrong thing he actually did to another human being, As much as people talk about Emma’s walls being up, Neal also had he walls up. Afraid of Emma saying the one thing he dreads, never loving him and never wanting to see him again aloud to his face. And if Emma sought comfort from Hook. Neal sought comfort from Tamara to make being alone less painful. (Again a very human thing to do). He had no idea that he would see Emma or his father again.

We see Neal even vocalize that not seeking Emma out was the biggest mistake he’s even made. He’s shown he’s repenting, which is more than I can say for Hook who has not once mentioned how sorry he was for a SINGLE CRIME HE’S COMMITED. (His talk about honor was what I laughed at most at during the episode.) If Hook had said, “Sorry for stealing the bean and leaving you all to die.” Then perhaps I wouldn’t feel so antagonize by Hook.

 

My wishlist is to see a Nealfire centric episode. I don’t really count Nasty Habits because it was more of Rumple’s struggle then Bae’s. I’m not sure if there was any spoilers on this, but I desperately want a Nealfire story with NO Rumple in it. Perhaps his stint in Neverland or aftermath when he escaped. Everyone else got their centric episodes. I want Nealfire to get his.

I’m also anxiously waiting for Neal and Hook’s confrontation. How will they both react to one another after all these years? We know it’s bound to happen. I just hope the writers make it epic.

[Slurpeez]

Welcome to the SF thread, lunatiger! I couldn’t agree more with what you wrote from Neal unfairly getting blamed for everything and Hook getting no blame from a lot of die-hard CS fans. Also, like you, I find Neal to be a very sympathetic and very human character, despite the mistakes he’s made. All of the characters have made mistakes, even Snow and Charming. So many fans sympathize with Emma for being alone her entire life, but not as many sympathize with Neal. He’s a victim too, of both his father’s dark one curse and the dark curse his father created to locate him since he lost out on having family with Emma and Henry. And yet, both Emma and Neal at their core are good people simply searching for a family. My hope is that they get a second chance at making a life together.

Here is another GIF set I found on Tumblr which so accurately demonstrates that both Neal and Emma must deal with their own abandonment issues from their parents. Bae was a lost boy and Emma was a lost girl, and part of their initial draw I believe was they found shelter and love from each other in a way they hadn’t experienced in a long time, if ever, in Emma’s case.

 

 

 

 

 

Those poor babies How can anyone not want them to find their happy ending together and form the home they always dreamt of together? *SF feels*

My wishlist is to see a Nealfire centric episode. I don’t really count Nasty Habits because it was more of Rumple’s struggle then Bae’s. I’m not sure if there was any spoilers on this, but I desperately want a Nealfire story with NO Rumple in it. Perhaps his stint in Neverland or aftermath when he escaped. Everyone else got their centric episodes. I want Nealfire to get his

Well, there  are some hints you may get your wish! Not only is it rumored that Dylan Schmid was filming more flashbacks of Bae’s time in NL in 3×7 and/or3x8, but it’s also been rumored that we’ll get flashbacks of Neal Cassidy, either before he met Emma or after he left her for Canada. .

I’m also anxiously waiting for Neal and Hook’s confrontation. How will they both react to one another after all these years? We know it’s bound to happen. I just hope the writers make it epic.

Again, I think you’ll get your wish. Jennifer Morrison said it would happen it a way we’d never suppose. There was also a hint that it will come in a “surprising” way.

"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

[lunatiger]

Welcome to the SF thread, lunatiger! I couldn’t agree more with what you wrote from Neal unfairly getting blamed for everything and Hook getting no blame from a lot of die-hard CS fans. Also, like you, I find Neal to be a very sympathetic and very human character, despite the mistakes he’s made.

 

Thanks! Slurpeez108! 🙂 I don’t post as much but after seeing soooo much hate against Neal, I really need to lend my support to that character. I feel a lot of the hate is pretty unjust and hypocritical (though that’s my opinion). I’ve loved Neal since Tallahassee and he didn’t disappoint in Nasty Habits. It was a surprise that he actually exceeded my expectations given how much I admired him before. Those GIFs are amazing! They perfectly illustrate what I’ve been saying all along. Emma and Neal are both two halves of a whole. They know what each other struggles with abandonment more then anyone.

 

Well, there are some hints you may get your wish!

Again, I think you’ll get your wish. Jennifer Morrison said it would happen it a way we’d never suppose. There was also a hint that it will come in a “surprising” way.

Can I give a WHOOP! in the air? I’m hyperventilating right now. That’s awesome to hear!!! Thanks for sharing that. A shame that I have to wait an extra week! I must keep my fangirling on the down low until then. @_@

[runaroundmacy]

Sorry if this is repeated, but just want to lay it out there. The kiss really put everyone into a tailspin. I guess since it was spicy and hyped up so much by the media. But I really can’t imagine Emma falling for Hook even after that kiss. The whole episode felt a bit off since we barely got to mutual respect between Emma and Hook and all of a sudden Hook leers at Emma trying to catch her eye oh-so obviously. I just can’t buy it. There was no gradual build up, and yet I hear CS shippers claim it was there since Tallahassee. Perhaps on Hooks part (but he was basically doing that to all the ladies) but certainly not Emma. She barely tolerated him back then. (She bashed him over the head with a trash can for crying out loud) She is starting to respect him now but falling in love? Hell no. It’s waayyy to soon for that. 

 

I don’t post very often anymore either but this is EXACTLY what I felt after the last episode. I was SO looking forward to Hook’s back story, and it honestly kind of fell flat for me. It seemed like there was an episode missing in regards to character growth for all the characters. Suddenly, Emma wasn’t just rolling her eyes at Hook’s comments, but enjoying them. There was no “gradual build up” as there usually is with romantic moments like this. And suddenly, Regina and Emma are referring to Henry as “he’s our son, and we love him and we’ll do whatever it takes.” And Charming, lying to his family about the poison, and suddenly he’s giving Hook the credit for saving him? I honestly felt like I’d missed something! I’ve rewatched a couple times since and it’s no longer a shock, but it still seems out of joint for all these characters to change their stance so soon on things from one episode to another, like there should have been something in between to show them changing towards each other. There had been moments, for sure, but nothing to lead me to believe that these were genuine feelings for all of them.

Biggest complaint from CS is that Neal didn’t sought Emma out. But according to Adam and Eddy “It’s been so long that he thought that his chance with Emma has past. And that she would never forgive him.” That makes Neal very human, to be afraid and to make mistakes. People forget that he’s ALSO been ABANDONED and rejected. Not just Emma. (Will no one think of Neal?) He was abandoned not once, not twice, but THREE times. By his mother, father, AND Hook. And it wasn’t out of love like the Charmings. Each one of those times that he was rejected was because of self-serving reason. (His mother running away with another man. His father choosing power over him. And Hook, not liking his answer to keep him on the ship.) I guess having Emma (The Love of his life) potentially reject him as well, would be too much to bear. How could Emma possibly forgive him, if he didn’t think he could forgive himself?

 

The abandonment issues here between both characters are what makes this such an amazingly romantic story for me. It reminds me of the quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower: “We accept the love we think we deserve”. I don’t think Neal ever thought he deserved Emma, always half expected that she would leave him (a la Rumple and Belle) and thus never thought she’d forgive him, and didn’t go after her. He accepted Tamara, because he felt like she could be his last hope for happiness, even if it wasn’t what he truly wanted.

 

My wishlist is to see a Nealfire centric episode. I don’t really count Nasty Habits because it was more of Rumple’s struggle then Bae’s. I’m not sure if there was any spoilers on this, but I desperately want a Nealfire story with NO Rumple in it. Perhaps his stint in Neverland or aftermath when he escaped. Everyone else got their centric episodes. I want Nealfire to get his. I’m also anxiously waiting for Neal and Hook’s confrontation. How will they both react to one another after all these years? We know it’s bound to happen. I just hope the writers make it epic.

 

THIS! One of the many CS arguments that SF isn’t true love, is that Neal is simply a plot device for all the other characters since he has no story of his own. All the other characters have had their own story lines without him, or about/for him, so he obviously must not be important except to stand in the way of other characters happiness. I see this in quite the opposite way:  His story is *central* to all the other characters, he is the one that brings them all together! And without him, we wouldn’t have this show. Rumple wouldn’t have become the Dark One, he wouldn’t have manipulated Regina into being the Evil Queen and casting the curse, which led to Snow and Charming sending Emma through the wardrobe, to Emma being in the foster care system, and eventually finding Neal to fall in love with and having Henry. How can anyone say he’s not important? And I think that being in Neverland and having to face his past will prove to everyone how important he is, and how strong of a person he truly is. He’s facing all of his fears in order to find Emma, even if she doesn’t accept him. I can not see how his story wouldn’t have a happy ending, when all he ever wanted was a happy ending for everyone he’s ever known.

Keeper of the Cheshire Cat’s smile, Baelfire’s sword, Snow’s backpack, Robin Hood’s bow, Ariel’s purse, Ariel’s smile, Henry’s heart, Belle’s shoe collection

[RumplesGirl]

It reminds me of the quote from The Perks of Being a Wallflower: “We accept the love we think we deserve”. I don’t think Neal ever thought he deserved Emma, always half expected that she would leave him (a la Rumple and Belle) and thus never thought she’d forgive him, and didn’t go after her. He accepted Tamara, because he felt like she could be his last hope for happiness, even if it wasn’t what he truly wanted.

BEAUTIFUL sentiment. (also, LOVE that book)

Gorgeous GIF set, Slurpeez. 🙂

 

 

"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"

[astrawoid]

I just don’t understand how some people hate Neal so much.  How can Neal be expected to forgive his dad when all he’s ever known from him is heartache and selfishness?  Just because we as the audience feel that Rumple really truly wanted to help keep Henry safe and meant it, how could Neal believe that after how he has seen his father act?  I do hope that they start to mend their relationship, tho. Because once Neal learns to forgive and accept his father, he and Emma will have their chance for forgiveness and their Tallahassee.  And I too cannot wait for a Neal-centric episode.

"We were happy."
"Because... it was born out of true love."

[Author]

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