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From exquisitelyfortunate:
Underrated Captain Swan Moment #2
“You alright there, Swan?”
This screenshot is Emma’s expression after she says “I’m fine, looks like you’re right, they’re just a bunch of pictures.” The thing is at first I didn’t really look into this much, but then I noticed that she doesn’t immediately turn away from Hook and it struck me as a vital entity. I’ve always found Jennifer Morrison’s meticulous choices in expressions to be undoubtedly telling of what Emma’s actually feeling; therefore, in this particular shot, we can see the empathy she has for Hook. I feel as though I can safely state she realizes just how much Hook not only cares for her, but how broken he truly is. Emma’s already figured out that Gold’s taken Milah’s life, and she knows how much Neal means to Hook as well, but here, she’s seeing his selflessness. He’s clearly saddened by memories, yet he automatically focuses on her. He looks her in the eyes as he genuinely wants to know how she’s doing, and she sees this. Because she’s someone who’s not used to much attention, and she keeps things bottled up, this is a moment where she grasps that someone other than her family is wholeheartedly concerned for her well being. She’s intuitively seen Hook as her equal throughout their journey in Neverland, but since her mind is so focused on Henry, and she isn’t aware of how to react, giving him this look is momentarily enough. This scene is absolutely gorgeous because by looking him in the eyes as he does with her, it’s as though she’s both silently thanking him and trying to comfort him. This expression alone is a nice depiction of her concern and understanding of his character. He’s her person, and there’s this exceptionally magnetic connection within their souls that allows them to feel for each other in such exquisite ways.
[adrotate group="5"]Keeper of Captain Swan's first kiss
The way he can make her smile, and believe, and hope is everything. That, to me, is what’s so special and important about this moment. There’s so many facets about it to love, but primarily it’s another instance of Hook adding to Emma’s life and showing her how amazing she is. It’s about him being the friend and teammate she needs to have her back, to listen to her, to encourage her and understand her. He does so selflessly and genuinely and wholeheartedly as a simple, unthinking reflex of his love and admiration for her, and in doing so, as has been discussed much, makes her the best version of herself (just as she does for him).
Think about it: she’s just been put through the wringer (again). Pan has manipulated her, exploited her insecurities, and taunted her about her kidnapped son all as a way of playing a twisted mind game with her [to say nothing of Rumple’s discouragement (“You will fail.”) and the huge fight she had to mediate before they even got off the boat] – yet she rose to the challenge and essentially won her first victory against him. That in itself is something she is proud of, but then she keeps her cool with Regina and acts effortlessly as a leader, bringing everyone together (“Go ahead [and disagree], but I think you know our best chance is together”); and who is there (when it could have been anyone) to stand by her and reinforce to her just how remarkable she is? Hook. (“Excellent show of patience love.”)
Believing you’ve triumphed over a challenge yourself is a wonderful thing, but let’s be honest, to have somebody else there recognizing your achievements, your victories, your talent, your work, your abilities and encouraging you in them is even better. Moreover, this is Hook, who not only knows what it’s like to captain a ship and crew (that undoubtedly doesn’t always get along), but he is also the one who Emma knows is all too familiar with Pan’s methods and mind-bending brand of grade-A evil. The same man who just described Pan as “a bloody demon” gives her unmistakable confirmation that her continued patience, outstanding leadership, and brilliance have beautifully one-upped one of the vilest people he ever met and will continue to do so: “And that’s what defeats a nasty little boy.” His reaction is emphatic and sincere and real. He’s not exaggerating because he fancies her and wants to win her favour. He is impressed by her and proud of her and there is simply no other option but to tell her so – to uplift her – to let her know, in all honesty, how extraordinary she is. It’s what you do for your teammate. It’s what you do for your friend. And it’s certainly what you do when you love someone.
The best part though is her reaction to him, which says everything that needs to be said about what he brings to her life. She isn’t just happy. By my estimation her voice is absolutely beaming when she looks down, with that big smile on her face, and she responds, “I hope so.” (Seriously, go listen to it again. It’s wonderful and I love it because I’m pretty certain it’s the most outright joyful I have ever heard her sound in Neverland.) It’s not in the least dejected or harboring a shred of self-doubt. In fact, it almost seems like she’s on the verge of laughter because she’s so happy and hopeful (only the root of all happy endings in this show). She made a huge step forward towards Henry, she is proud of that in the first place, and here is Hook, her cheerleader, having her back, complimenting her, and reiterating to her in so many words that she has won the battle and she’ll win the war. She’s bolstered by him. She’s reminded of her strength and her capability and her brilliance, and for the time being she knows she will get Henry back. It’s not until things get a bit more intimate (“Perhaps I would.”) that the fear (unrelated to the above) arises and the protective instincts kick in, sobering her and throwing the walls back up, making for an entirely different element of their relationship to examine. (via swarley)
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Keeper of Captain Swan's first kiss
