The idea who deserves love is really subjective. This is my own personal view so take it as such: no one “deserves” love outside of the love a parent has for a child. That always needs to be a given. But other than that, no. Love must be earned
I agree about who “deserves” love is subjective. You could say Archie “deserves” love because he’s been good and kind and hasn’t hurt a fly. You can say Rumple “deserves” love because he had a really hard time of it in season 3. You can say Hook “deserves” love because he actually helped Emma and co in 3B without trying to double-cross them, etc etc. Everyone has their own ideas about why a certain character “deserves” love.
However, I kind of disagree on the notion that love must be earned. You can earn someone’s trust but you can’t earn their love. Love is something that has to be given freely. Just because Hook helped Emma doesn’t automatically mean he “earned” her love. She gave him her love of her own free will. Likewise with RumBelle, Belle chooses to love Rumple even when Rumple screws up. Rumple is constantly astounded that Belle chooses to give him her love because he often viewed himself as unlovable. Love is not a prize that can be won or earned, it is a gift that has to be given from one person to another.
All magic comes with a price!
Keeper of Felix