The term ‘shipping’ is used quite loosely. The way in which I personally read their relationship around A Clash of Kings (or Series 2) is more as a great friendship with the potential for something more when they grow up. It’s very sweet and meaningful while Arya’s still young. It’s not wrong to ‘ship’ them in that sort of way because it’s not a romantic ship (at least, not until they’re both older.) It’s more appreciating how well the two characters gel together and their positive dynamic.
In the books the age difference is not quite as pronounced as in the television adaption. Gendry is only five years older than Arya - this is too great a difference while they’re still young, but once Arya reaches adulthood it’s perfectly acceptable for a romantic ship.
While they’re still young, they’re just friends. Whenever I think about them in a romantic way, time has passed and they’re aged up. This doesn’t mean that they can’t be your OTP, though.
(Source: diretrouts)
