>>53337592Misty is good for Ash specifically because she doesn't worship him. She keeps him in check and pushes him to be a better man than he already is.
Ash is good for Misty because he can handle her prickly nature and strike right back, and he sees through her bullshit, making sure she doesn't get too full of herself either.
Two powerful trainers with similar but slightly different goals that bring out passion and healthy drive in each other. Two long time friends that have been through a lot and require growth to even work out. That's why I like the pairing, it represents growth, not stagnation. Misty didn’t just love Ash right away, it was a slow buildup with lots of obstacles including the literal obstacle of time and distance that sets this ship apart. It compels the viewer to seek resolution because the tension and near-miss of the situation. It’s the best way to handle a tsundere.
I’m rooting for Misty to be forthcoming with her feelings because that would show real growth in her (not to mention it would mean the resolution of a 20 year old cocktease). Ash doesn’t even need to say yes, I just want Misty to surpass the person she was in the past and be honest with her feelings.
