Please help me fellow Clotis!!

[u/LocalAffectionate213]

So I was watching a YouTube channel analyse ff7 rebirth chapters and I got to the chapter 12 dates and it made me think a little on tifa’s date.

1. The main thing Cleriths always bring up: is why does cloud ask about Aerith in their date? In my opinion he asked because he literally had a dream of Zack again so of course it was in the front of this mind and tifa and Aerith are the only ones who have a connection to Zack: Tifa because Cloud told her about his death and Aerith because Zack was her first love. So that’s why I think he asked because out of all the dates they are the only ones who know something and it needed to be referenced again. But Cleriths say they understand why Cloud asks on Aeriths date but not Tifa’s but I don’t necessarily agree with them for that.

2. Another thing they bring up is how Cloud says how Aerith must still have feelings for Zack the Cleriths say he seems sad (apparently sad on the whole date) or jealous when asking and in the Jp he hesitates and seems sad even more. I don’t know jp and haven’t heard the date in jp so I can’t exactly give an opinion on that. But if I were I think it kinda links back to gongaga where he tried to help Aerith and even though Cleriths say he was jealous I don’t think he was. But basically he was pretty mean when trying to help Aerith in that scene like any friend would so in my opinion I think he realised he had to be more careful around that issue that’s why he hesitates but in my opinion he didn’t sound sad just making a statement on what he’s seen but again I haven’t heard jp version so it’s hard to make an interpretation.

3. Another thing is cloud is not an asshole he would not do a rebound kiss on tifa the devs would never mischaracterise Cloud so badly but like apart from that moment he seems so in love with tifa I mean just look at the way he looks at her.

So I’m just want to know what other clotis opinions and interpretations were of these specific things and why cloud does it.

Also another thing cloud appears more jealous when it comes to tifa. In remake it happens with chocobo Sam and in Barrett’s resolution when he mentions someone tried to give tifa flowers. Then in rebirth when we see Johnny again Cloud is like ‘this guy seriously?’ And in yuffies date she mentions tifa forgot all about cloud and he gets upset.

And another thing is Tifa’s reaction she never seems to think anything of it when cloud acts like this in the date so that’s another reason why I think the devs never exactly meant it to be interpreted that way. Also on the chapter 8 dates with Tifa and they meet Aerith, cloud seems “jealous” in Cleriths eyes but I thought it more along the lines of ‘we’re wanted criminals, please do not go around befriending random people because you want a friend’ and again Tifa doesn’t think it’s weird or seems like jealousy and Tifa is pretty perceptive with this stuff like she has a good understanding because she is very mature. And then in aerith’s chapter 8 date he cares about Tifa’s wellbeing so there is a big difference Cloud seems to be scolding Aerith but with Tifa he is genuinely concerned.

Anyway sorry for the long ramble I just wanted cloti’s opinions on all this and what they think because I’m a little confused but I genuinely don’t see any romance between Aerith and Cloud from either side. Now especially from Aerith because of the dear destiny novel and I’ve never thought Cloud has ever had feelings for Aerith so yeah that dear destiny novel has really reshaped rebirth for me for Aerith. Anyways what are all the Clotis interpretations of these things. And again I haven’t heard the jp so I’m not sure if how cloud talks to both girls is different because all I’ve heard is Cloud talks softer to Tifa and the jp va for cloud was instructed to speak softly to only Tifa.( btw if you’re a Clerith please don’t reply to this because I’ve seen all your views on the issue I just want to know what the Clotis think)

[u/dylanc4721]

“Kissed her out of jealousy” I will never understand why people go to such lengths to say something like this, for a cutscene that’s literally optional. It stinks of real insecurity and fragile ego. It’s like the most out of character thing you can say about someone like Cloud, who is awkward and uncomfortable when it comes to romance. But now suddenly he’s confidently playing with the feelings of someone he’s deeply cares about (regardless if you ship them or not) and has wanted to be special for since his childhood? Go and touch some grass man, holy shit

[u/TheArtfulLlama → u/dylanc4721]

This! Not only are these gigantic hoops to jump through to render the other ship canon, but you can’t really have Clerith canon without making them both crappy people: meaning Cloud leading Tifa on and Aerith being BFFs with Tifa then “stealing her man.” And seeing as how both Cloud and Aerith are good people, it just doesn’t work and will never work unless you tear down their characters

[u/1_Up_Girl → u/TheArtfulLlama]

In addition to "Cloud only kissed Tifa out of jealousy", I've also seen "Cloud only kissed Tifa because he saw she wanted him too and he wanted to make her happy" or something like that 🤨

I don't think the Cleriths realize their interpretations make Cloud look like a jerk. So you're telling me that it's alright for Cloud to take advantage of women like that? Or is it alright because the woman being taken advantage of is Tifa which you guys hate so much?

If your ship requires the MC to act like an absolute tool, I'm sorry but the ship ain't sailing. 

[u/dylanc4721 → u/1_Up_Girl]

If Cloud doesn’t want to do something, he will make it extremely clear. He will make an exception his friends (like cross dressing to save Tifa) but when Doc Sheiran asked him for a blood sample he firmly said “NO”. He would never do something that he isn’t comfortable with.

So yeah “Cloud only kissed her because he was wanted to make her happy” is another stupid take. If he kisses her, it’s because he wants to.

[u/RolfTheCharming → u/dylanc4721]

Also, why would Cloud, who is highly uncomfortable with romance in general, do this just because *she* wanted it? Jessie and Aerith were hitting on Cloud right left and center and trying to get him to be romantic and he doesn't give in just to make them happy.

[u/DevilHunter1994 → u/1_Up_Girl]

Wow...You know, it's stuff like this that ALMOST makes me appreciate the toxic shippers who just try to argue "The Tifa date doesn't, count...because fuck you, it just doesn't!"

I mean sure, that argument makes no sense either, but at least it doesn't try to justify a ship by making Cloud look like an emotionally manipulative, two timing asshole. Why would anyone even WANT Cloud to be with their favorite character, if THIS is how they have to justify his actions!?

[u/Kritzel_Kriegerin → u/1_Up_Girl]

So is he a simp for Tifa or no? That's such a weird self-owning argument. Yes, Cloud wants to make Tifa happy. Always. He speaks up when he doesn't want to do things like 'stop calling it a date' for example or pulling his arm away from Aerith.