This debate has raged on since 1997: Did Cloud love Tifa or Aerith in Final Fantasy VII? The game’s creators never outright confirmed either pairing, but a pile of evidence — spanning the original game, its movie follow-ups, tie-in novels, and even the Remake — strongly hints that Cloud’s heart belonged to Aerith.

This style of tragic love, where two people never fully confess before one dies, is typical in Japanese storytelling.

Meanwhile, Tifa obviously harbors feelings for Cloud, quite possibly because he rescued her in Nibelheim and they were childhood friends. Yet Cloud’s devotion to Aerith permeates the entire narrative. Below, I’ve compiled six key arguments from the original game, three from Advent Children, one from the novels, and three from the Remake to show why Aerith and Cloud truly had something special.

In-Game Evidence (Original FFVII)

1. Gold Saucer Date

If Aerith’s affection is high, Cloud takes her on a moonlit gondola ride in Gold Saucer — a scene brimming with romantic energy. As they drift above the glowing theme park, Aerith compares Cloud to her first love Zack, then clarifies that Cloud is “different” and she wants to meet the real him. Their dialogue goes like this:
Aerith: “Two completely different people, but look exactly the same… I think I must have seen him again, in you… But you’re different. Things are different… Cloud… I’m searching for you… I want to meet you.”
Cloud: “…But I’m right here.”
Aerith: “I know, I know… what I mean is… I want to meet… you.”

After they disembark, Aerith eagerly proposes another outing, asking if Cloud dislikes being with her. Cloud denies it, and Aerith beams. This playful exchange underscores a deep emotional bond — Square Enix even cited the Gold Saucer date as the moment “the love of the protagonists grow.” It’s hard to ignore the sparkling chemistry here, with Aerith unabashedly confessing interest in Cloud, and Cloud tacitly returning her affection.

Oh and if you go on a gondola date with Tifa, Cloud basically ignores her the whole time.

2. Cloud’s Reaction to Aerith’s Death

At the Forgotten City, Sephiroth fatally stabs Aerith, and Cloud’s raw grief explodes. Holding her collapsing body, he pleads, “This can’t be real!” He then rails at Sephiroth:
“Shut up. The cycle of nature and your stupid plan don’t mean a thing. Aerith is gone. Aeris will no longer talk, no longer laugh, cry…… or get angry…… What about us…… What are WE supposed to do? My fingers are tingling. My mouth is dry. My eyes are burning!”
This emotional outburst reveals how deeply Aerith’s loss cuts him — not as a mere comrade, but as someone whose death shatters his personal world.

Cloud tenderly lays Aerith to rest in the lake, offering a silent, final goodbye. Not Tifa, not Barret. Cloud. The way he does it reminds me of Tidus’ and Yuna’s kiss scene, except, well… you know. Later, he vows never to forgive Sephiroth for killing her. Such visceral despair and vow for revenge clearly surpass the usual “fallen ally” sorrow. It shows Aerith held a uniquely precious place in Cloud’s heart, and her death drives much of his later resolve.

3. “One Date” Promise in Sector 5 Church

Cloud literally crashes into Aerith’s life via the Sector 5 church roof. After she hires him as a bodyguard, she offers “one date” as payment instead of gil. It’s a casual but telling gesture: Aerith is bold, Cloud is flustered, and he accepts the arrangement despite his “I’m not interested in girls nature” (He even tells his mom in the backstory). The fact that Cloud agrees without bargaining for money shows immediate intrigue in Aerith.

They soon escape Shinra’s Turks together, with Aerith playfully teasing Cloud about his plans. Usually cold and withdrawn, Cloud warms up to her rapidly. This “date promise” threads through the game, reappearing at pivotal moments (like Shinra HQ), signifying their growing closeness and the shared future they plan to have — even if they keep getting interrupted by crises.

4. Sector 6 Park — Aerith’s Jealous Curiosity

On the way to rescue Tifa in Wall Market, Aerith sees Tifa riding off on a chocobo carriage. She bluntly asks if Tifa is Cloud’s girlfriend. If you choose “No way!” Aerith giggles, obviously relieved. If you say Tifa’s your girlfriend, Aerith replies politely, “Oh… how nice,” but with a hint of disappointment.

Either route reveals Aerith’s personal interest in whether Cloud is taken. She’s prodding to see if he’s available, which underscores her budding feelings. Cloud’s flustered denial about Tifa as a romantic partner suggests he wants Aerith to know he isn’t attached. It’s a brief scene, but it resonates with the vibe of two people curious about each other’s hearts.

5. Marlene’s Observation

After Sector 7 collapses, Barret’s daughter Marlene is sheltered by Aerith. When Cloud meets Marlene at Aerith’s home, Marlene drops a childlike bombshell: “Guess what? Aeris was asking me lots of questions about you… I bet she likes you, Cloud!” If Cloud chooses the romantic response, he says, “Let’s hope so,” prompting Marlene to giggle and promise not to tell Tifa.

This dialogue is forced if Aerith’s affection points are high — meaning it’s part of the canonical route reinforcing Cloud/Aerith’s bond. Even a little girl perceives that Aerith admires Cloud. The official 25th Anniversary Ultimania describes Marlene as “ascertaining” Aerith’s affection, which Cloud implicitly welcomes. The scene also draws Tifa out of the loop, as Marlene vows to keep it hidden from her, emphasizing Cloud’s special dynamic with Aerith.

6. Shinra Headquarters Jail — The Date Promise Again

In Shinra HQ, the party is captured and imprisoned. Cloud checks on Aerith in her cell, softly reminding her he’s her bodyguard. She responds with, “The deal was for one date, right?” Tifa overhears this exchange and mutters, “…oh, I get it,” clearly recognizing the intimate nature of their conversation.

This short jail scene highlights how that initial “one date” promise has evolved into a deeper, more personal arrangement between Cloud and Aerith — enough that Tifa immediately sees herself as the outsider. Aerith’s playful but warm tone when she brings it up signals her genuine excitement about spending personal time with Cloud. Meanwhile, Cloud seems content to honor the promise, leaving Tifa visibly uneasy.

Advent Children Movie Evidence

1. Cloud Living in Aerith’s Church

Post-FFVII, Cloud briefly stays with Tifa, Marlene, and Denzel in Edge, but in Advent Children, we learn he’s basically moved into the abandoned Sector 5 church — Aerith’s old haunt. Tifa and Marlene stumble upon Cloud’s bedroll and bandages, confirming he’s chosen Aerith’s memory over cohabiting with Tifa. It highlights that Cloud finds comfort in Aerith’s space, not by Tifa’s side.

2. Ignoring Tifa’s Calls

Early in the film, Tifa tries calling Cloud to ask how he’s doing. He shuts off his phone mid-voicemail, effectively dodging her. Tifa later rebukes him for hiding away. This profound contrast between Cloud’s attention to Aerith’s memory and his avoidance of Tifa implies his emotional world still revolves around Aerith’s loss. He’s too consumed by love, guilt, and sorrow about Aerith to maintain any real closeness with Tifa.

3. Guilt and Aerith’s “Presence”

A pivotal scene sees Tifa confronting Cloud: “Which is it? A memory, or us?” Cloud, however, only anguishes over letting Aerith die. Aerith’s voice appears, gently prodding him to move on (“Dilly-dally, shilly-shally”). This demonstrates that Cloud’s biggest pain is failing Aerith, overshadowing his relationship with Tifa. Ultimately, he finds redemption through Aerith’s forgiving presence — underscoring that it’s Aerith, not Tifa, who brings him spiritual peace.

Novel Evidence

1. Tifa’s Lament (Case of Tifa)

In the novella bridging FFVII and Advent Children, Tifa admits that Cloud constantly seeks Aerith’s presence, emotionally distancing himself from Tifa and the family. He literally “would go anywhere at any time… to meet her,” leaving Tifa helpless. Tifa can only watch, confirming Cloud’s heart remains tied to Aerith’s memory rather than forging a deeper romantic bond with Tifa.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

1. Zack Asks Marlene

In the FFVII Remake timeline, Zack Fair — Aerith’s first love — meets Marlene. Searching for answers about Aerith’s new feelings, he bluntly asks if Aerith likes Cloud. Marlene responds with an unequivocal “Yes,” surprising Zack. It’s even more evident in the Japanese version, where the word “suki” has a deeper meaning of romantically liking or loving someone. Marlene adds that he “wasn’t around,” implying Aerith has moved on.

2. Marlene’s Future Insight

The Remake presents Marlene as almost eerily perceptive, probably thanks to time spent with Aerith. Her confirmation to Zack that Aerith “likes Cloud” is presented as fact. Zack’s shocked reaction further cements the notion that Aerith’s romantic focus shifted to Cloud, reinforcing what we saw in the original game — and that even an outside observer can tell.

3. Aerith’s Feelings on Screen

From playful banter to deep concern, Aerith’s interactions with Cloud in Remake Part 1 overflow with chemistry. She openly calls Cloud her “boyfriend” as part of a ruse and gets visibly emotional when parting ways. The Remake, if anything, amps up Aerith’s affection and clarifies Cloud’s reciprocal interest. However, it’s hard to know the direction the developers will take, as a lot of things have changed in the remake, as they allow you to freely choose who you want to pursue romantically, with Cloud and Tifa sharing a kiss in the gondola date this time. If you take Aerith, however, they almost kiss only to awkwardly back away.

All in Favor of Aerith

The only alleged “romantic” moment between Cloud and Tifa in the entire original game is the Highwind scene just before facing Sephiroth. Even that moment is ambiguous: Tifa rests on Cloud’s shoulder, and the camera fades to black. Official references never confirm they did anything more than share a quiet night leaning on each other for comfort — no kisses, no confessions, no big romantic payoff.

Considering all these points from all these sources, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates Cloud had deeper romantic feelings for Aerith. Tifa’s love for Cloud is undeniable, but Cloud’s actions consistently reveal he’s most emotionally attached to Aerith. From the tragic gondola date to his unrelenting grief after her death, from living in her church to ignoring Tifa’s calls, Cloud’s heart appears locked onto Aerith’s memory.

So, while Tifa cherishes Cloud, it’s all one-sided. In the end, it’s Aerith who truly reached him, even in death. And that, for many fans, settles the debate: Cloud and Aerith loved each other — quietly, powerfully, and forever changed by fate’s cruelties.

The remake seems to be taking a different direction, with Zack and Aerith probably coming back to life. This will most likely end in a Tifa/Cloud and Aerith/Zack romance.

Maybe they can all take turns with each other.

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