Board Thread:Character Discussion/@comment-28162607-20170103120839/@comment-25926288-20170103135608

Since I dislike big quotes,

1. The writers are really going with the idea that Emma was 17 when she was with Neal. The writers, as Lily said, don't do math very well. So, that's more on the writers than anything else.

Also, Baelfire had an American accent, not a British one. It doesn't take long to figure out somethings via the power of plot magic. There's nothing to say that he didn't take 5 years to learn all that.

2. Emma could have said no. Neal clearly did the threat in jest, because he would have been locked up as well (which Emma realized). Emma didn't have to pursue a relationship with him, even if you believe he manipulated her into the first date. Second, Emma looks back on the relationship fondly and often mentions it to Henry.

ABC. I'm not going to argue age of consent because in the US, it's 16 to 18 which means it is pointless to argue legality. If we did, then all the characters are in prison because they are all murderers.

Emma was seen to be happy beyond the first encounter and even in that same encounter, she clearly wasn't afraid for her life and well-being by him. You act as though it was a scene from a PSA. Emma was startled that she stole someone's car with that someone in it. Anyone would be. Neal and Emma then have banter and then Neal covers for Emma when police come.

But to not get off-track, Emma was still 17. Neal was ??. Neal and Emma have a happy relationship until he sets her up for a crime. Emma's age is a non-issue. Neal's age is unknown. The flyer is insignificant.