Do you think Ash and Michael are soulmates?

Absolutely. I do think an aspect of being soulmates is an intangible connection communicated through physicality, which the two of them have because when they gaze at each other, it really feels as if they’re accessing hidden parts of each other

and they can still each other, communicate with touch

but then of course there’s also the character of their relationship.

I think a really interesting aspect of Ashburn is how fundamentally similar they are and how that creates a connection to one another that then fosters spiritual healing, growth and comfort.

For instance, in 1x07, this is Michael’s observation of Ash

and not only does she admire his fortitude in his compassion, it also provides her a safe space

his optimism in 1x06 is how their connection begins at all because it’s how she can get to Sarek and it’s how the trust between them forms. 

Comparatively, in 1x15 this is what Ash has to say about Michael:

and we see throughout the season how her empathy and her affection provided him with tranquility:

and we continue to see that in season 2.

While they’re both generous with their emotions, they also have a tendency to shoulder burdens tight-lipped, which Ash pointed out in the latest episode:

but that revelation, that communication deepens Michael’s show of support which in turn deepens their intimacy:

when two episodes before, Michael was shouldering her burden and took the emotion of that out on Ash because she instinctively felt safe doing so (which Ash, know Michael and understanding their bond, points out) subconsciously knowing that he wouldn’t hold it against her and when she goes to Ash to apologize, he doesn’t even allow her to, he instead confirms her instinctive trust by showing support:

and love

which compels her vulnerability

to which Ash reciprocates

Their emotional chemistry and intimacy comes naturally and organically to them while also taking on a cosmic quality.

On top of that they share the similarities in their liminality: Michael, a human raised on Vulcan struggling between logic and emotion and Ash, a fusion of human and Klingon, both of which are conditions steeped in traumatic events, and in season one they helped each other navigate that

and in season 2 I feel like it’s less navigation and more just being in the home their time helping each other navigate these contrasts built if that makes sense.

This is all to say, that I believe that’s some soulmate love.

bonus:

I think it’s worth mentioning that even when their relationship is fractured, Michael indirectly states that she still loves Ash

Thanks to @cuddlybitch @chidis-eleanor @lespenseesdepandee @neryskiras for the gifs.