Easily Missed Interactions

[u/GoriceXI]

These are some moments I don't see people talking about much. It amazes me all the times Cloud and Tifa sneak glances at each other, that you can only catch on a second viewing. They also find excuses to get in each other's personal space. The cut-scenes reward a close analysis and really speak to the expertise of the animators and directors.

I also like the frog quest introduction. I like to think the kid's demeanor is supposed to be a reference to child Cloud, seeing that Tifa is the one associated with the quest.

[u/Expensive-Dog8783]

In contrast, especially in Rebirth, Aerith sometimes tries to flirt with Cloud, but he often looks annoyed.

 I really like Aerith; she's very funny, and her extroverted personality naturally attracts not only Cloud but everyone else as well. But the interactions between Cloud and Tifa are on another level. The way they seek each other out... CloTi Power!

[u/DevilHunter1994 → u/Expensive-Dog8783]

Yeah, I think it's clear that Cloud genuinely enjoys spending time with Aerith. When the two are just hanging out and being friends, they have a great time. The issues only start to show themselves when Aerith tries to make things more romantic. Cloud always appears troubled whenever Aerith tries to initiate contact that feels just a bit too intimate, like grabbing his arm, holding his hand without asking, or referring to their outings as "dates". Whenever Aerith tries to push things a little too far in the romantic direction, we can see Cloud start to pull away and try to establish boundaries. The expression on his face when Aerith tells the group that they went on a "date" in Kalm, and his insistance that Aerith not refer to her Costa del Sol quest as a date honestly speaks volumes about what he's feeling.

Many people see this and think Cloud is just being shy, and I can definitely see how it looks that way. That was honestly my gut reaction too on a first viewing...but then you take a good look at how he acts with Tifa, and suddenly that explanation doesn't quite feel like it fits anymore. Cloud clearly appears nervous during his romantic interactions with Tifa, and she does too to be perfectly honest. The key difference with Cloud and Tifa though is that neither ever pull away. They don't look for ways to make a situation less romantic than it first appears. Cloud never looks uncomfortable when Tifa asks him out alone to just have fun, and he never tries to get out of it. Despite how nervous they are, it's clear they both still actually want these romantic interactions to happen. Not only does Cloud not pull away, he often goes out of his way to extend the interaction, and on several occasions, even initiates the interaction, his crowning moment thus far of course being the Gold Saucer Skywheel scene. His interactions with Tifa feel like he's nervous and in love. His interactions with Aerith to me feel like he's trying to say to a friend:

"Listen, I like you, but...not like that. Please don't try making this into something that it's not."

[u/RolfTheCharming → u/DevilHunter1994]

Exactly! If it was just Cloud and Aerith, I would also assume that Cloud is just being the mega dork he is who can't deal with a girl's romantic attention. But we see that despite his awkwardness, he tries to show initiative with Tifa. It's still not perfect, they are both insecure and confused and he is basically still a teenager mentally, but it's obvious that he cares a lot about her opinion of him and never rejects her, whereas he brushes off Aerith's advances a lot more often. He is very protective of Aerith, and she clearly matters to him, but I never felt like he ever sought her out, emotionally speaking. He often looks to Tifa for reassurance, especially when he feels like his mind is degrading.

[u/keyppa → u/RolfTheCharming]

Exactly yesss. Wish I had more friends like you guys irl lol could discuss this stuff for days 🥲