Quote:
On Aeris Being Interested in Cloud For The “Zack” In Him by Carlatta
Now another argument I commonly hear against the Cloud x Aeris supporters is that Aeris was only interested in Cloud for the “Zack” in him. Now it is very understandable to believe this once the game progresses a bit, but in the end it is found this is not the case for two reasons:
1. Aeris realizes that Cloud and Zack are two very different people
We know Aeris definitely sees that Cloud is not Zack and how the two really contrast greatly in character (refer to my last post concerning this issue, I believe on page 46?) but once this is discovered does that mean Aeris is no longer interested in Cloud? The answer is no, which leads into the second reason:
2. Aeris and Zack’s relationship was either not as strong or not as important to Aeris as most gamers take it to be
This is controversial among gamers but there is actual evidence to finally support this idea.
Let’s start with number two because it will be easier to show that their relationship was not that big and then lead into why she didn’t see Cloud for the “Zack” in him. To begin Zack is first mentioned while Aeris and Cloud are sitting on top of the cat slide in sector six talking to one another. Zack was not mentioned by name but by his relation to Aeris. Here is the conversation.
Aeris "What rank were you?"
Cloud "Rank?"
Aeris "You know, in SOLDIER."
Cloud "Oh, I was...First Class."
Aeris "Just the same as him."
Cloud "The same as who?"
Aeris "My first boyfriend."
Cloud "You were... serious?"
Aeris "No. But I liked him for a while."
Cloud "I probably knew him. What was his name?"
Aeris "It doesn't really matter."
Like I said before this is the first time Zack is brought into the game and this little conversation tells a lot about her present feelings at the time. When Aeris first asks what rank Cloud is, it shows how she has already noticed some similarity between the two considering the question came a bit out of nowhere and also when looking at her response to his answer.
Aeris "Just the same as him."
It shows how she is making a comparison between the two and remembering certain things about Zack through Cloud. Cloud then goes on to ask who she is speaking of.
Aeris "My first boyfriend."
This is the first time we find out that Aeris and Zack were a pair (couple) at some time before the game actually begins. We however are not given much information on it such as how long it lasted and since she seems to speak so openly about it, her personality and mood during this period kind of shows that the whole discussion is more or less everyday conversation. Aeris is a very emotional character, so if this relationship was so serious why wouldn’t she show more emotion instead of just sitting on the slide and talking like it was just one of many memories. Wait? Was it serious?
(Continued)
Aeris "No. But I liked him for a while."
Cloud asks openly if her and Zack’s relationship “really” meant something to her and she flat out says no. Kind of a personal question, but her answer doesn’t make it seem so. She even shakes her head quickly as if to emphasis this. Actions and words both speak loud in this case. Cloud then continues seeing she isn’t deeply hurt in discussing the topic.
Cloud "I probably knew him. What was his name?"
This part I find most interesting. If Aeris was so obsessed with Zack, wouldn’t she go crazy at hearing this? Cloud might have known him, he says. Now at this point in the game we as the gamer don’t know what is to come, so all we really know, along with Aeris, is that Cloud could very well know this mysterious SOLDIER. So therefore if Cloud may know him than he also might be able to tell what happened to him, what they had done together in SOLDIER (if they happened to be old buddies), and above all else to Aeris WHERE ZACK MIGHT BE!!! Yes we later find out Zack died, but Aeris does not know this and I don’t think it is even found out on disk one at that. So shouldn’t Aeris be jumping for joy with this new hope of finding her love again? But, what’s this? What does she say?
Aeris "It doesn't really matter."
Funny, how Aeris could have told Cloud Zack’s name and perhaps with his help found Zack so she could be with him. Remember again that Aeris doesn’t know that Zack is dead and that Cloud (at this point in the game, work with me! doesn’t know him. Doesn’t she even want to try? Doesn’t seem like it, does it? So does this mean that Zack didn’t mean as much to Aeris in a romantic way as we thought he did?
Not enough for some people to believe? Alright, let’s continue on in the game. The next scene in which Aeris openly talks about Zack with Cloud is at Gongaga, should you choose to have her in your party. Zack’s parents, if you go in to their house, talk about Zack (kind of unimportant) than later ask Aeris if she was this girlfriend Zack talked about in one of his letters. She leaves without saying anything and Cloud has the option to go and speak with her. Here is a part of there conversation.
(They speak about Zack and how he was Aeris’s boyfriend and all)
Cloud "Strange, there aren't that many who make First Class, but I've never heard of him."
Aeris "That's all right. It's all in the past now. I was just worried because I heard he's been missing."
That’s all in the past now. Doesn’t this confirm what I’ve said before? Right there in that statement Aeris states she has moved on from whatever her and Zack had had. The dialogue continues.
Cloud "Missing?"
Aeris "I think it was 5 years ago. He went out on a job, and never came back. He loved women, a real lady's man. He probably found someone else...”
Aeris "Hey? What's wrong?"
Now after saying this if Aeris was indeed very depressed over the whole Zack thing wouldn’t she have been quiet afterward or shown some sort of emotion? But instead she asks Cloud what’s wrong, indicating how nothing should be upsetting after having this conversation. Kind of funny how she bounces back so quickly after being very depressed over Zack. Anyway, the conversation continues.
Choice Poor guy
(jealous... envious...) [========={If you pick this one all Aeris does is tease Cloud for being jealous of Zack. Doesn’t this show how she distinguishes between the two and doesn’t see them as being the same? Just a thought, but that is not the focus so we will choose the option in Cloud x Tifa favor just for kicks}
(Continued)
Aeris "I don't really mind that I haven't heard from him. But I feel for his parents."
But if she was in love with him, wouldn’t she mind? This confirms what I have said before. Good ol` Aeris always feeling for others. She feels bad that his parents have been suffering over their son being missing, she doesn’t feel bad that she is not able to be with him because he is missing. Yes Aeris is worried about his well being, but this shows more of a friendship type relationship (if even that) that she most likely now holds toward Zack.
The big question concerning all that’s been said is probably why doesn’t Aeris find or think that it matters, as she has said a couple of times now. The answer is simple. She doesn’t find it important to dwell in the past. I remember once reading an interview with Hironobou Sakaguchi in which he said Aeris is basically the symbolism of life and living for the future. This is pretty apparent, what does Aeris always talk about? The future. She says one day she will get out of Midgar, listen to the planet and go find her promised land. Aeris tells about how much she would like to take a ride on the highwind sometime. In the temple of the ancients, she says that later the group will look back at all these hard times and laugh. Lastly, she says she would come back when it was all over. In the game, whose main theme is LIFE, the personification of it is displayed through Aeris. It’s the way the developers personally start to involve the player with the theme. Many complain about Aeris’s personality being too happy and lively but her personality was designed this way because of the life and hope for the future she displays. Zack represents the past and death. Aeris character which always looks toward the future would be breaking her symbolism by dwelling in the past and clinging to Zack.
Now I can FINALLY move onto reason number 1, but don’t worry, it won’t be quite that long. Okay so Aeris realizes Cloud and Zack are not the same person. In the beginning it is logical to believe that Aeris was initially attracted to Cloud because his gestures and SOLDIER background reminded her of Zack. This however does not mean she was obsessed with Zack, that happens to be far from the truth (as I have already explained). It was something that caught her attention, most likely reminded her of Zack, which led to wonder and curiosity. It resulted in her wanting to know more about Cloud. I remember one Cloud x Tifa supporter had said that Aeris never shows interest in getting to know Cloud. Sure she does! Think back to Cloud’s explanation of the Nibelheim incident that happened five years ago and when he goes into his old home where his mother lives.
(Continued)
Cloud "This is... my house. It has nothing to do with that incident five years ago."
Barret "Yo wait, I wanna hear."
Aeris "Me too! It's been a long time, right?"
True, Barret shows interest in Cloud’s personal past and the rest of the group perhaps does as well. Aeris, in this scene, shows a great interest in Cloud’s (not Zack’s) past. She gets excited (“Me too!”) and kind of pushes him on to discuss it (“It’s been a long time, right?”). Another example can be taken from what Marlene tells Cloud in Aeris’s house after Aeris is kidnapped.
Marlene "Guess what? Guess what? Aeris was asking me lots of questions. Like what kind of person Cloud is. I bet she likes you, Cloud!"
Aeris wants to know what kind of character he (Cloud not Zack) has. It’s apparent she has an interest in Cloud at this point and wants to know him more. Why else would she ask Marlene about him? If she thought he was Zack or whatever that concept is, wouldn’t she already know Zack good enough therefore there being no need to ask what kind of person he is? So how do we know for sure that Aeris sees Cloud and not Zack? The answer is clearly stated in this last scene I post which occurs in the gondola on Cloud and Aeris’s date.
Aeris ".........first off, it bothered me how you looked exactly alike. Two completely different people, but look exactly the same. The way you walk, gesture...I think I must have seen him again, in you..."
Aeris "But you're different."
Aeris "Things are different..."
Aeris "Cloud...I'm searching for you..."
Cloud "............?"
Aeris "I want to meet you."
Cloud "But I'm right here."
Aeris (I know, I know... what I mean is...) "I want to meet..... you."
Just like she said, she wanted to meet him....Cloud.
END ESSAY
And for the other one...
Cloud Did Not Become Zack by Carlatta
I never did understand the argument about Cloud in disk one not being the "real" Cloud and that during this time period he was more or less Zack.
Many Cloud x Tifa supporters use the fact that Cloud had his past mixed up all the while he knew Aeris and because of this Cloud was not allowed to be true to himself. The funny thing about this argument however is that memories and character are two very different aspects of a person. Character makes a person who they are and Cloud confused his memories with Zack, not his character. Proof? Zack was more of an outgoing and caring character when you see him in the few scenes of Nibelheim and him and Cloud's escape to Midgar. Zack, for example, directly gave friendship to Cloud in which Zack talked to him, kind of joked with him, and helped him when Cloud was hurt (Escape from Midgar Sequence). Cloud's character is one completely different from that shown by Zack.
Cloud, when the player first meets him in the beginning of the game, is perceived as a cold, antisocial, and uncaring person who only wants money and worries about the well-being of no one. Zack also is described by Aeris in Gongaga as being and I quote her in saying, "he loved women, a real ladies man." Cloud seems to be particularly uninterested in this specific area which can be shown from his less than enthusiastic responses to his mother's discussion concerning him getting a girlfriend in his flashback of the visit he had with her in Nibelheim. As shown in the truck on the way to Nibeheim in the real flashback sequence, Zack was talkative and caring asking how everyone was doing and if Cloud was alright with his motion sickness. Cloud in the beginning of the game basically only says what needs to be and holds a overall, "I don't care" and "It's not my problem" attitude.
If ANYTHING what only can be seen is that Cloud and Zack's personalities are almost completely contrasting. Cloud and Zack's personalities are in no way anything alike when compared with what information is given to us in the game. So then it can be concluded that the only thing that Cloud has inherited from Zack was some of his memories and gestures as well. So then the real reason most see Cloud before he "finds himself" in the lifestream as the "fake" Cloud is because his memories are mixed up and confused. This in itself brings up an interesting topic, that being does the past really make us who we are? This can be answered more by opinions but the answer to this question doesn't quite address the real issue. This issue being that just because Cloud did not know the truth about a certain part of his past does that mean he was truly incapable of loving another. Remember Cloud only had a certain part of his past mixed up, that being the Nibelheim experience five years ago and his involvement in SOLDIER. He remembered he was born in Nibelheim and not Gongaga like Zack was and Cloud also remembered bits and pieces of some conversations he had with his mother in Nibelheim.
Because of this I fail to see how Cloud's past in SOLDIER and the Nibelheim incident five years ago can affect his relationship that he had with Aeris. This was the past which had nothing to do with Aeris, she was the present. Tifa however was a part of this mixed up past. If that in itself holds a deeper meaning who's to say, that's more of the gamer's opinion.
Holy crap, that sure was long. Hope it doesn't intimidate you.
Quote:
Last Night Under the Highwind: High Affection Version by Perceivence
An analysis of the Last Night scene should begin with Cloud’s speech in the preceding scene when he tells everyone to go find what they’re fighting for. Let’s take a closer look at that moment:
Cloud "What are we all fighting for? I want us all to understand that."
Cloud "Save the planet... for the future of the planet... Sure, that's all fine."
Cloud "But really, is that really how it is?"
Cloud "For me, this is a personal feud."
Cloud "I want to beat Sephiroth. And settle my past."
Cloud "Saving the planet just happens to be a part of that."
Cloud "I've been thinking."
….
Cloud "I think we all are fighting for ourselves."
Cloud "For ourselves... and that someone... something... whatever it is, that's important to us."
Cloud "That's what we're fighting for."
Cloud "That's why we keep up this battle for the planet."
…..
Cloud "I know why I'm fighting."
Cloud "I'm fighting to save the planet, and that's that."
Cloud "But besides that, there's something personal too..."
Cloud "A very personal memory that I have."
Cloud "What about you all?"
This is a very interesting speech that Cloud makes to the others before he tells them to leave the Highwind. During this speech, Cloud says that they are all fighting for that someone… something… whatever it is, that’s important to each of them. Then Cloud tells us why he is fighting. He says that he is fighting for a “very personal memory” that he has. Is that “very personal memory” more likely to be Aerith or Tifa?
Tifa is standing right there on the bridge of the Highwind as he is saying this to everyone, so she is not a memory. This also means that Tifa is not that special someone or something that is important to him. What is important to Cloud is this “very personal memory” of his. It becomes even clearer that Tifa is not this special someone who is important to Cloud in the next few lines.
Scene 136 - Understanding –
(The scene fades in to show Cloud and Tifa alone on the bridge.)
(Tifa is still watching the clouds go by.)
Cloud "What are you going to do, Tifa?"
(She turns to him)
Tifa "Did you forget?"
Tifa "I'm... all alone. I don't have anywhere to go."
If Tifa is that special someone or something that Cloud is fighting for, then why does he forget that she has no place to go? Cloud is obviously not even expecting Tifa to stay around. He’s expecting her to go elsewhere. Wouldn’t Cloud be expecting her to stay with him if there was anything personal going on between them, or if he had interest in a relationship with her?
It should also be noted that the name of this scene is “Understanding”, which is a rather odd title for a supposedly romantic scene.
Tifa "Everyone's gone..."
Cloud "Yeah, we don't have anywhere or anyone to go home to."
(She looks down.)
Tifa "You're right..."
Cloud generalizes the first part with “we”, which includes him and Tifa. Cloud also says that they don’t have “anyone” to go home to, which is another indication that Cloud doesn’t consider Tifa to be special to him. If Tifa were that special someone Cloud is fighting for, or if he was actually interested in a relationship with her, wouldn’t he be feeling that his home is with her?
Tifa responds first with movement - she looks down. Clearly, this has an impact on her. Does she take it as a confession from Cloud that he doesn’t have anyone to go to, including her? The ellipsis at the end of “You’re right…” would also signify that Tifa hasn’t said all that she intended to say, that there is added thought behind her statement, and/or it’s not precisely what she meant.
(A pause.)
(She looks up and straightens her hair with one hand.)
Tifa "But... I'm sure someday... they'll come back, don't you think?"
(He crosses his arms)
Cloud "Hmm... I wonder...?"
Cloud "Everyone has an irreplaceable something they're holding on to..."
Cloud "But this time, our opponent..."
(A long pause.)
(The sound of the wind fades. Tifa nods)
Cloud’s line, “But this time, our opponent… ”, seems slightly out of place to me, especially if you are trying to interpret this as a romantic scene. Cloud has just said that everyone has an irreplaceable something they’re holding on to. If Tifa is that “irreplaceable something” for Cloud, then why does he switch topic and start talking about their opponent?
Tifa "Hmm... But that's all right, even if no one comes back."
Tifa "As long as I'm with you... As long as you're by my side... I won't give up even if I'm scared."
Why this sudden confession from Tifa? Why did Tifa suddenly blurt this out? Is she prompting a response from Cloud? Is she fed up with Cloud not confirming whether he has kept his yearning for her affection as an adult?
(He uncrosses his arms and looks at Tifa.)
Cloud "... Tifa..."
(She moves her arms behind her.)
Cloud’s response is just her name flanked by ellipsis. Why? Why doesn’t he say “me too”? Tifa is being rather bold about this whole issue and is apparently trying to prompt a response from him. If Cloud loves her, then why doesn’t he say it? Isn’t this his best chance to say it? There’s a pretty good chance that they won’t survive the battle with Sephiroth. Surely he realizes that… Tifa certainly does… yet he doesn’t take this opportunity to go along with the conversation and admit it. Would he rather just bring it up out of the blue?
Tifa "No matter how close we are... We were far apart... before this."
Tifa "But when we were in the Lifestream surrounded by all those screams of anguish, I thought I heard your voice..."
(She closes her eyes, crying softly. Her arms fall to her sides and she bows her head.)
Tifa "...sniff... you probably don't remember this..."
Tifa "But deep in my heart I heard you calling my name... Or at least I thought I did..."
The third and fourth lines that Tifa says are clearly prompted by her thinking that Cloud may not remember this for some reason. Why? Probably an important hint as to why she says this is her “sniff”. Is she crying because she believes Cloud has forgotten it for some reason? What is it?
(Cloud looks away and puts a hand to his face)
Cloud "Yeah... At that time I heard you calling me."
Cloud "You were calling me back in from the stream of consciousness in the Lifestream."
(He lowers his hand. He nods)
Cloud "After all, I promised. That if anything were to ever happen to you, I would come to help."
Why the hand to his face?
Cloud puts to rest her doubts that he heard her with the “Yeah...at that time I heard you calling me”. Then he proceeds to say what the purpose of her calling was: “You were calling me back in from … the Lifestream.” Cloud follows this comment with a nod of affirmation. An affirmation of what? Tifa isn’t even looking at him at this point. Is he affirming to himself that this is what he truly remembers? That what he says after is the best thing to say next?
Cloud goes on to further explain why she heard his voice. Not leaving any doubts, eh Cloud? Interestingly, though, the reason does not involve anything about love or his closeness to her. It only has to do with keeping the childhood promise. Does he save this confession for later on?
(Tifa opens her eyes and looks up.)
Tifa "Cloud...? Do you think the stars can hear us?"
(She gazes off to one side)
Tifa "Do you think they see how hard we're fighting for them?"
Tifa changes the conversation without Cloud having said anything that resembles her “As long as I'm with you” line in either structure or meaning.
(Cloud looks up at the sky.)
Cloud "I dunno... But..."
Cloud "Whether they are or not, we still have to do what we can. And believe in ourselves..."
Cloud "Someday we'll find the answer. Right, Tifa?"
Cloud "That's what I learned from you when I was in the Lifestream."
Then Cloud’s quasi-philosophical response to her question - that they must believe in themselves, which is a theme often portrayed in anime and RPG’s. He follows this with the “Someday we’ll find the answer. Right, Tifa?” line. The answer to what? Tifa’s question? Perhaps… but that is apparently not what he’s referring to. He’s apparently referring to an answer within themselves, which is supported by his following line about learning that from the Lifestream. This is also clearly a more useful issue to find the answer to than whether or not the stars can see how hard they’re being fought for.
(She nods)
Tifa "Yeah... that's right..."
Nothing more than a tentative affirmation of what Cloud said….
Now for the most enigmatic part of this scene.
(Cloud stares off into the distance. He turns away from her slightly and lowers his head.)
Cloud "Hey, Tifa... I... There are a lot of things I wanted to talk to you about."
(He shakes his head slowly.)
To what is Cloud referring to with “a lot of things”? And when did he want to talk to her about these things? “Wanted” is in the past tense. It signifies that, at some point in the past and NOT in the present, he wanted to talk to Tifa about a lot of things (not just one thing). But when is he referring to?
If one considers this part of the dialogue to be a continuation of the previous part about the Lifestream Event, then Cloud would be referring to any time related to that Event. This would include his childhood, the time period from his childhood to the Reunion, or while he was comatose from overexposure to the Lifestream. It may also be referring to what actually took place within the Lifestream Event, as well as what happened afterwards, a time when there would be sudden revelations and questions about it.
1. The childhood time period is very plausible - as a child with no friends, Cloud would obviously have wanted to tell the girl he had a crush on, if ever he got to be her friend, a lot of the things he thought in general etc. It makes sense for Cloud to tell her these things now: there may still be childhood experiences he wishes to share and perhaps how he felt about her at that time.
2. Referring to the period during which he was comatose and those childhood memories would not fit unless they were in relation to the events within the Lifestream Incident. This would make sense if relating his actions to what happened in that scene. The problem with this, however, would be that all these things could fall into the next point: things he wanted to say immediately after the scene.
3. Shortly after the Lifestream Incident may be the most logical one, since it’s very likely that he’s had further thoughts about what happened during that time.
Cloud "But now that we're together like this, I don't know what I really wanted to say..."
Cloud "I guess nothing's changed at all... Kind of makes you want to laugh..."
Now many Cloud x Tifa supporters take this part to be hinting at a confession of love. It doesn’t appear to fit, though: he just had the opportunity to shamelessly confess it earlier when Tifa went all mushy about being alright at his side. Plus, Cloud would surely know what he wanted to say, if that were the case, although maybe not how to say it.
If one believes that Cloud is referring to thoughts he had about her in childhood, it can make sense - he wants to tell Tifa about his childhoood and things he wanted to tell her back then. This seems unlikely, though, because these things are age old and it would appear that he has cleared what misconceptions he had then. Besides, Cloud already discussed those past feelings with her during the Lifestream Event.
Even if Cloud is referring to his past feelings for her, we saw in the Lifestream Event that his most predominant feeling from childhood regarding Tifa was his guilt over letting her fall at the bridge. Is he perhaps wanting to make a proper apology for that?
The third possibility would appear the most supported - he wants to talk to Tifa about his thoughts after the Lifestream Event. After all, it fits in with the context of the conversation they’ve been having. It makes perfect sense that he would want to talk to Tifa more about their experience in the Lifestream, and natural that he’d have further questions about it. That also agrees with the plural “things” that we see here. The “Love Confession Theory” proposes that he’s talking about his love for her, but would that not be only one thing?
(Tifa shakes her head)
Tifa "Cloud... Words aren't the only thing that tell people what you're thinking..."
The infamous line. Clearly, Tifa has arrived at a conclusion based on what Cloud didn’t say.. But to what is she alluding? Some people jump to say that she’s saying that Cloud has confessed his love for her without those words being spoken. This doesn’t seem to follow, though, since Cloud’s dialogue here would have confirmed that this is not the case. Cloud hasn’t taken any of the opportunities to show reciprocation of his love for her and has offered alternate reasons for things that Tifa, apparently, thought were signs of his love for her.
This is the scene where Tifa confesses her love for Cloud. It is also, apparently, the scene where Tifa tries to get a similar confession from him… yet, she doesn’t. Is this absence of a confession what she’s referring to? Is she also referring to the lack of change in Cloud’s attitude towards her after the Lifestream event, a change showing that he has returned to his childhood feelings towards her?
What is not said is at times more telling than what is said… and what is not done more significant than that which is.
(Cloud looks at her. She continues to stare past the player, into space. She straightens her hair again with one hand.)
Cloud “........”
Tifa is evidently concealing her feelings now (she was crying before, but shows no such thing now), so we don’t really know what effect anything Cloud has said, or not said, has had on her.
And Cloud uses what is apparently one of his favorite responses. Cloud has nothing to say to Tifa’s statement… but why? If indeed Tifa was referring to him not expressing feelings of romantic love to her in any form and he realizes this, then it can be seen as a silent affirmation of what she says.
If Tifa is referring to him loving her and showing it, then we have a silence that is apparently out of place - why would Cloud remain silent and motionless if she’s referring to such a love? Is there anything that can be conclusively interpreted from his silence?
(She closes her eyes. The camera pans up, past her, to the sky, as the scene fades to black.)
Then Tifa closes her eyes in…what? Closes her eyes in relief? Closes her eyes in sorrow? In despair?
In relief: This is unlikely. Tifa is open here - she confesses love for Cloud as blatantly as one can without saying “I love you”. If it were relief that he did love her, then why stop there? Why not continue in this air of openness and approach him? Or open her eyes in relief?
In sorrow: this is very plausible. Cloud has not responded to Tifa in any way to show that he still has the childhood crush that he had for her when he was younger. He has not shown her that he loves her romantically now. She has tried coercing him with subtleties and blatancies in dialogue, yet he doesn’t respond. There is much reason for someone in love with another to be sad after realizing that her feelings aren’t reciprocated.
In despair: basically the same as in sorrow but slightly deeper. ‘Tis what is very possibly the final night that they will live, yet there has been no confession from Cloud of love for her. What is she to think?
Scene 137 - Last Morning -
(The scene fades in once more to the grassy hill. It is still mostly dark out, but the hint of a sun is glowing beyond the horizon. Cloud and Tifa are seated on a small rise in the ground. Tifa is resting her head on his shoulder; both are dozing. Cloud lifts his head slightly.)
Cloud "...It's almost dawn..."
Tifa "H, huh...?"
(He lifts his head further, just enough so that he can look at her.)
Cloud "Sorry. Did I wake you...? It's almost dawn, Tifa."
(She lifts her head off his shoulder and looks around sleepily.)
Tifa "Umm... G, good morning... Cloud."
Now, isn’t it unusual that Tifa stutters? If she had spent a night in Cloud’s loving embrace, as some people speculate, then why would she be stuttering? If there was mutual love reciprocated between them the night before, it’s far more likely that she would be lovingly gazing into his eyes rather than stuttering.
Tifa "Give me a little longer... Just a little bit longer..."
(She rests her head on his shoulder again.)
Tifa "This day will never come again... So let me have this moment..."
Possible interpretations:
1. They had sex.
2. They spent the night in a loving embrace. This is unlikely, however, since Cloud isn’t touching her now, and Tifa is stuttering.
3. Tifa is referring to their upcoming fight with Sephiroth. Since they may die, she isn’t in a hurry to get there.
4. She knows that she’ll never have an opportunity to be with Cloud like this again.
(He nods)
Cloud "Yeah... okay."
(He lowers his head again.)
Cloud “This is probably the last time we'll have together..."
Cloud agrees and supports her statement. Cloud/Tifa supporters see this as an indication that they love each other. Yet, Cloud’s behavior doesn’t indicate it. Wouldn’t Cloud say the same thing if they had gained a better understanding of one another during the evening, and had become closer friends in the process? And wouldn’t that interpretation fit with the title of the previous scene, which is “Understanding”?
I’ve included part of the scene from the following morning, the part that pertains to this scene and gives some insight as to what followed it. The next passage doesn’t reveal anything unusual.
(The scene fades in to show the Highwind hovering in the bright morning sky. The camera pans back down to the hill. Cloud is still sitting down; Tifa has risen and is gazing up at the Highwind, her hands behind her back. After a few moments, she drops her hands and shakes her head.)
Tifa “....”
(Cloud stands.)
Cloud "We'd better go."
(She turns to him and makes a pleading gesture.)
Tifa "But, I still...!?"
(He turns to face her, shaking his head.)
Cloud "It's all right, Tifa. You said so yourself yesterday."
Cloud "At least we don't have to go on alone."
(A pause. Tifa nods)
Tifa"Yes... That's right!"
(He nods)
Cloud "Okay! Let's go!"
(They walk together toward the Highwind.
It begins to lower to the ground as the scene fades.
It fades back in to show the walkway to the bridge.
Tifa is following Cloud.)
Scene 138 - We Shall Fight Together -
Tifa "The airship is too big for just the two of us."
Tifa "Yeah, it's a little lonely without everyone."
This strikes me as an awfully strange thing for Tifa to say IF she and Cloud had actually had a romantic encounter the night before. Why would someone who has just spent a romantic night and discovered love with another the preceding night be feeling lonely with him? If anything, a person in such a situation would want to be finding time alone with their new partner.
(Cloud turns around to face her.)
Cloud "Don't worry. It'll be okay."
(He does his squat-thrusts.)
Cloud "I'll make a big enough ruckus for everyone."
(He stops and straightens his hair.)
Cloud “Besides, I'm the pilot."
Cloud "No more flying around casually like before."
Cloud "We won't have time to feel lonely."
Now Cloud is talking about both of them feeling lonely without the others around. Again, isn’t this an awfully strange thing for two people to be saying IF they had actually discovered their love for one another the night before?
(She nods. A long pause. Suddenly, the entire Highwind shakes as the engines fire up.)
Tifa "Huh!?"
(She looks around.)
Cloud "It's moving..."
(They dash to the bridge. They find Cait Sith dozing in one corner. They run past him and find Barret and Cid working with the pilot's controls.)
Cloud "Barret! Cid!"
(Barret turns and looks at Cloud, then at Tifa, then back to Cloud)
Barret "O, oh... is that okay with you?"
(He looks at Cloud...then at Tifa...then back at Cloud, then asks Cloud if "that" is okay with him. This "that" is most certainly the moving Highwind (nothing else it can be).
(Red XIII runs up to them from offscreen.)
Cloud "Red XIII!"
(Cloud and Tifa look back to Barret.)
Tifa "Why didn't you tell me!?"
Tell her what? That they decided to return and continue their quest, it would appear.
(Red XIII looks at Cid, who still is operating the controls.)
Red XIII "But, you know, Cid."
(He looks at Cloud. Cid leaves the controls and stares at Red XIII.)
Cid "Hey, Red XIII."
Cid "If you butt in now, you never know what they'll say later..."
Tifa "...Were you watching?"
(They watch her as she runs away, clutches her head and falls to the floor in embarrassment. Vincent enters the bridge. All except Tifa turn to see him enter.)
Now this part is odd. Watching what? Butt into what? Why be so enigmatic?
This is apparently the part that has some people thinking that Cloud and Tifa had sex...but why, exactly? The vagueness of their dialogue is one fairly good reason to think that that's the reason...but why is the dialogue vague? Society tends to make multiple synonyms for things or terms that it feels uncomfortable or embarrassed about. We also refer to embarrassing things solely with pronouns to remove their embarrassment level. It would appear that this is what is happening here - Cid is trying to reduce the embarrassment of this scene by only hinting to it...but what is he hinting to?
Let's consider why she may be embarrassed:
1. Sex - The most popularly believed reason. I don't think that this is it because it just doesn't seem to fit. Tifa is visibly quite embarrassed, while Cloud does nothing. Also, judging from the dialogue before the night ended this doesn't appear a likely ending to the scenario.
2. Tears - Tifa, realizing that Cloud doesn't love her as she does him, breaks down in tears. Cloud comforts her.
These are the most likely reasons for her embarrassment. Why would she be embarrassed if there was mutual love displayed between them the night before? If that were the case, then Cloud would be supportive… but he is not. If that were the case, there would be no reason for embarrassment.
Absolutely nothing conclusive has been shown in these scenes. Any conclusions made by the player are made totally by inference. Cloud has made no commitment to Tifa. His response of “………” to Tifa’s statement of “Words aren’t the only thing that tell people what you’re thinking” is open to the interpretation of the player. There are several reasons why Tifa could be embarrassed the next morning, including embarrassment over being upset when Cloud turns her down.
It must also be remembered that other versions of this scene exist, since the outcome of this scene is governed by Tifa’s affection rating with Cloud. Regardless of how it is played, these scenes show absolutely no conclusive evidence of Cloud’s affection for Tifa.
