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i think he was pretty 'anti-yuffie'

It was a creepy love triangle, and Yuffie wasn't in it. I think Yuffie liked Cloud, but it's not really shown. Tifa REALLY likes Cloud, but tries to hide it. Aeris kinda liked Cloud, but she's...Err...Pushing up posies. And Cloud, well, he loved Aeris, that's why that is shown in: FF7, KH, KH2, and FF:AC. I'm sure it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out!

aeris is the obvios choice cuz the quiet, peaceful typ 3nodding an always brot the gud out of her friends mrgreen . to bad she was kild by seph mad evil stressed scream . at least tifa has al the time in the world to get tgther with him sweatdrop .

ahem let me tell this to all the clotis:
did you know that cloti does not exist eek
wow what a shocker! tetsuya nomura even stated that he didnt realize that there was a cloti! because in Japan there really is no love triangle
as seen through the eyes of square and the japanese people
cloud loves aerith and tifa loves cloud but she knows that he isnt going to return that love
there is so much proof to this and I shall explain later
the only reason that cloti ever came to be was when final fantasy 7 was presented to the western world...the western culture
as you know eastern culture and western culture are completely different
and that means their forms of love are different
in most asain--and lets just talk about the japanese culture love has many forms spirtual physcial blah blah
and the spirtual bond is very well known
hmm..I wonder where we have seen this?
as you know square is japanese! noduhnoduh
so obviously their culture is going to heavily influence their game and love intersts that they choose to present!
through symbolism and words square has shown us all who the true couple of ffvii is and its cloud and aerith!! now for the truth!

As stated before, there is no conclusive demonstration or declaration of love as seen from a Western perspective in Final Fantasy VII. However, it must be remembered that relationships in general, as well as love relationships, are guarded by strict social mores in Japan. Japan is still a country where any display of emotion is somewhat taboo. This is changing rapidly with the younger generations, but many older people will still become very embarrassed at the sight of public displays of emotion.

Japanese men and women do not engage in the kind of public physical contact that we are accustomed to in Western culture due to stricter social mores. As a rule, the Japanese do not show signs of affection or emotion in public. Young couples may be seen holding hands, but it is embarrassing to see spouses kiss in public. Even casual forms of physical contact, such as a pat on the back, are not customarily used in Japan.

As for relationships with the opposite sex, outside of the biggest cities, you will find a youth who, for the most part, appear very naïve when it comes to the opposite sex. One possible reason for this could be the fact that they are brought up in an environment where family members do not kiss or hug, and where emotions are rarely voiced. Therefore, even the many young people who do have boyfriends or girlfriends in Japan do not appear to be as emotionally or physically close as young couples in the Western Hemisphere.



Courting behavior is quite different in Japan than it is in other countries. Around the world it is generally known that the Japanese are not allowed to freely show affection in a physical way, unless it is between adults and their very small children, mothers and daughters or young couples traveling away from home. Even so, there is a more restrained affection shown. Here is a picture of a young couple having lunch together in a public area in Japan. It may look as if they are touching, but there is actually no physical contact whatsoever.

In the American culture, the kiss is a step taken very early in the relationship, like after a casual date to the movies. After an initial intimacy, kissing is a natural step in Western cultures. Usually, it takes awhile for kissing to turn into full physical intimacy and sleeping together. In the Japanese culture, however, the kiss comes almost at the end of the courting period. After the kiss, the relationship turns fully physical as the next step.

The Japanese don't say "I love you" as often as Western people do, because of cultural differences. Some Japanese say they have never used this expression in their entire life. The Japanese feel that when you explicitly express your love, it should only be said on special occasions. They feel that the more you repeat these words, the cheaper it becomes. These words are too serious to be repeated many times. Even between a couple, the words "I love you" have a much wider meaning. The Japanese believe that love is much better expressed by manners or action, rather than by words.

Cloud never says “I love you” to Aerith within the course of Final Fantasy VII because the Japanese feel that it’s better to show your affection for someone rather than to say it. There are many scenes in which we see Cloud demonstrate his affection for Aerith in his manner and actions towards her. Here are just a few examples:

In Jail ~ the Shinra Building:
(The camera moves over to show Aerith's cell. She is lying on her cot.)
Aerith "Cloud, are you there?"
Cloud "Aerith!? You safe?"
Aerith "Yeah, I'm all right."
(She swings her legs over the side of the cot.)
Aerith "I knew that Cloud would come for me."
Cloud "Hey, I'm your bodyguard, right?"

As Cloud leaves Elmyra’s house:
(On the way out of the city, Cloud runs into Aerith. He looks startled.)
Aerith "You're up bright and early."
Cloud "How could I ask you to go along when I knew it would be dangerous?"

In Wall Market:

Aerith "Hey, this looks like the Don's mansion. I'll go take a look.
I'll tell Tifa about you."
Cloud "No!! You can't!!"
Aerith "Why?"
Cloud "You DO know... what kind of... place this is, don't you?"
Aerith "Then, what am I supposed to do? You want to go in with me?"
Cloud "Well being a man, that'll be pretty hard. Besides if I bust in there,
it'll cause too much commotion."
(Aerith is giggling.)
Cloud "But, I just can't let you go in alone... Oh, man..."

In Don Corneo’s mansion:
(Aerith turns.)
Aerith "Sorry... but I overheard... If you know the three girls,
there's no problem, right?"
Tifa "I guess so, but..."
Aerith "We have two here, right?"
Cloud "No, Aerith! I can't have you get involved."
Aerith "Oh? So it's all right for Tifa to be in danger?"
Cloud "No, I don't want Tifa in...."

There are many other examples in the dialogue of the story similar to these where Cloud demonstrates his affection for Aerith. Many people in the Western audience argue, however, that scenes like these are not conclusive examples of Cloud’s love for Aerith, since the same passages could be interpreted to mean that Cloud only cares for Aerith as a friend.

Given all this insight about how emotions are expressed in Japan, how the Japanese rarely say, “I love you”, and the nature of love relationships in Japan, it becomes clear why there is no actual demonstration or declaration of love seen in Final Fantasy VII between Cloud and Aerith. The Western audience looks for behaviors and words typically used between lovers in the Western Hemisphere when gauging the amount of love between Cloud and Aerith. As we have just learned, however, the love between them can not be judged in this way. Instead, we need to view their relationship from the cultural standpoint of the Japanese.

Given this fact, it is easy to see that Cloud and Aerith may very well be in love even though there is no scene where they tell each other they love one another, and even though there is no scene where they hug or kiss, because this is normal behavior for a couple in Japan. Where can we look for evidence that they are actually in love, then? Before we look at that, there is another facet of relationships to consider

it is also quite possible that Cloud and Aerith had sexual relations. In the Cloud and Aerith date scene, we see this exchange:

Aerith: "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."

To interpret this scene accurately, I asked a Japanese language and cultural expert online at AllExperts.com whether the phrase, “I want to meet you” has a colloquial meaning in Japan. Here is my question and his answer:

Question
I'm wondering if the phrase, "I want to meet you" has a colloquial meaning to the Japanese along romantic lines? I've seen it used a number of times in English translations of Japanese songs and poems, and it seems to imply a romantic (or sexual?) encounter. Does it have that meaning colloquially?

Answer
You are absolutely right. The Japanese being very often obtuse in their use of language do use this expression to mean a romantic interest and it is found very often in pop songs. It is used most predictably in the speech of people from Tokyo but I have also heard it used in Osaka.

From Matt, at: AllExperts.com

So we have established that Aerith was actually asking Cloud for a romantic, and possibly, a sexual relationship on the night of their date. Remember that even though Cloud did not respond to her at that moment and said very little to her that night, this is quite typical behavior for a Japanese male, and does not mean that Cloud wasn’t interested. Again, we are looking for the wrong indications of a love relationship between them. So what *does* indicate that Cloud and Aerith were actually in love with one another?

SYMBOLS

The first symbol that we see of Cloud and Aerith’s love for one another is that she wears a ribbon in her hair. As in many Asian cultures, Japanese folklore says that future lovers are connected at birth by a red ribbon, and that lovers are destined to be with one another. This ribbon, of course, is invisible to humans, but spirits and gods can observe the interconnections between fated pairs. Any match ups between two people not connected by the ribbon are destined to fail. A euphemism for "to break up" is "ito wo kiru", meaning "to cut the thread".
The tradition of a red ribbon symbolizing predestined love in a couple continues further in the belief that individuals who have found true love are actually connected by a ribbon, string, or thread. True loves are soulmates who have been tied together by a red ribbon of fate. This connection of true love enables the couple to know when one of them is in trouble and to even hear their voice. This kind of symbolism is shown in Japanese anime quite often.

Some Westerners may object that Aerith is wearing a pink ribbon, not a red one. The Japanese, in contrast with Westerners, grasp colors on an intuitively horizontal plane, and pay little heed to the influences of light. Colors, whether intense or soft, are identified not so much on the basis of reflected light or shadow, but in terms of the meaning or feeling associated with them. As a result, pink is actually considered a shade of red in Japan.

This connection of true love is actually enacted between Cloud and Aerith shortly before her death. First we see Cloud wake up in the middle of the night knowing that Aerith is in danger, and then Cloud hears Aerith’s voice coming from a distant building in the Forgotten City. Here is that excerpt from the script:
(They all rest for the night. The scene shifts to later that night. Cloud is awake, and standing
away from the others. He looks up.)
Cloud "I feel it..."
(The others come in. Cloud must have woken them up.)
Cid "Do you know what TIME it is!?"
(Cloud turns to them.)
Cloud "Aerith is here.
...and so is Sephiroth."
Cid "Wa, wa, wait a minute. You serious!?"
Tifa "But how can you tell?"
Cloud "...It's not an excuse. I feel it in my soul."
Cid "s**t, Cloud, we can't be sittin' around on our asses."
Cloud "...right. Let's hurry and find Aerith."
(They leave the house.)
(Reaching the intersection near the entrance of the Forgotten City, Cloud looks to the north.)
Cloud "Aerith's voice...... Coming from there?"
(He rushes north. Passing through a tunnel, he reaches a secluded, calm, mirrorlike pool. Sunlight shines from above, though it is still midnight. He continues. He enters a small, spiral-shaped building. Taking a long, glass stairway there, he reaches a huge, elegant, crystalline city, suspended in space. Continuing on, he finds a small shrine. Aerith is kneeling inside it.)
Cloud "Aerith?"

Not only does Aerith wear a red ribbon, which is symbolic of predestined love to the Japanese, but a connection of true love in the Japanese tradition is seen to exist between Cloud and Aerith. Japanese and Asian folklore says that individuals who have found true love are connected by a string, ribbon, or thread which enables the couple to know when one of them is in trouble as well as to hear their voice at a distance. The Anime Primer: Japanese Culture in Anime Squaresoft actually enacted this symbolism of the ribbon in the scene above, which means that true love exists between Cloud and Aerith. This same connection of true love would also explain how Cloud and Aerith were able to communicate with one another in the Sleeping Forest scene when Aerith leaves for the Forgotten City.

(The scene fades in... a calm green forest. Aerith pokes her head around one tree.)
Aerith "Cloud, can you hear me?"
(Cloud speaks, though he does not appear on screen.)
Cloud "Yeah, I hear you. Sorry for what happened."

Again, we see the connection of true love in the Japanese tradition occurring between Cloud and Aerith, since he is able to hear her and communicate with her even though she is not physically present. Once again, the symbolism of a red thread of predestined love is enacted by Squaresoft to show a connection of true love existing between Cloud and Aerith



Then Aerith is taken from Cloud by a cruel act of Fate at the hands of Sephiroth. Although Aerith’s ribbon, the symbol of their love, is seen falling from her hair in the FMV of her death, it actually remains on her, as you can see in the picture above. Aerith is still wearing her ribbon when seen in her final picture at the end of the game, as well. This can only mean that, although Aerith has been separated from Cloud in life, the connection of their love continues after her death.

Related to this idea of a ribbon connecting two lovers is the corresponding idea that a relationship between two people not connected by a ribbon is destined to fail. Since Tifa wears no ribbon, then a love relationship between she and Cloud would be destined to fail

In the final FMV, we do indeed see a potential relationship between Cloud and Tifa fail when he says, “I think I can meet her… there”, meaning that Cloud wants to go to Aerith. From Tifa’s initial reaction to Cloud’s words, it’s clear she realizes that Cloud wants to be with Aerith, and that Aerith will always be first in his heart



The colors that Aerith and Tifa wear are also culturally significant to the Japanese. Aerith wears different shades of red. (Remember that pink is actually considered a shade of red to the Japanese). There is a word in Japanese, “ko itten”, which means "touch of scarlet." The phrase is used as an affectionate term for women, especially Geisha girls. The use of the color red in dress and makeup is very significant to Japanese society. Red is denoted as a color of beauty and happiness. Red is also thought to be erotic to men. It is considered to be a sensual color, and can be associated with man's most profound urges and impulses.

Compare this to Tifa, who wears different shades of black, since gray would be considered a shade of black in Japan. To the Japanese, black can stand for mourning as well as for cheerless occasions. For example, traditional garb for a funeral is black and white, with black representing the loss. When used by itself, black can represent bad luck or misfortune.

We’ve seen that the cultural differences between Japanese and Western society have influenced the portrayal of Cloud’s love for Aerith, and that their love was shown symbolically in a manner drawn from Japanese tradition. The portrayal of love relationships by Squaresoft became more Westernized in subsequent games, perhaps due to the confusion demonstrated by Western audiences over the Love Triangle in Final Fantasy VII. From comments made by the director of the Final Fantasy cast in Kingdom Hearts, we can see that Squaresoft was very aware of the confusion in the Western audience generated by their use of symbolism to portray Cloud and Aerith’s love. There is, however, a second factor, besides cultural differences, that would have contributed to a decision by Squaresoft to show Cloud and Aerith’s love symbolically rather than by overt expression of it within the game before Aerith’s death

Many of the themes commonly found in Japanese romances portrayed in literature and film can be found within Final Fantasy VII. Foremost in Japanese romance as evidenced in cinema and popular culture is the idea of fukano na, or the impossible. Cinema in Japan is rife with this sub theme. Another central theme in Japanese romance is perseverance, or gambare. So to persevere in the impossible, way beyond any rational or realistic expectation, is a very strong theme in Japanese stories of romance. (From Japanese cultural and language expert Matt at All Experts.com

Given that this theme is so common within Japanese romance, it becomes clear that Cloud does indeed intend to go back to Aerith when he says, “I think I can meet her… there”, in the final FMV. Some in the Western audience protest that Cloud would be pursuing the impossible by planning to be with Aerith after her death. However, this kind of perseverance to do the impossible out of love for someone is commonly found in the tragic love stories of Japan, even if the goal is beyond rational or realistic expectation.

Another argument heard among Westerners is that Cloud would choose to move on and enjoy life with Tifa rather than remain in love with Aerith’s spirit. Some even say that Cloud would have to die in order to have a relationship with Aerith after her death. Again, these are arguments based on Western cultural ideas, and the Japanese perspective is different. If we go on to examine the common themes of tragic love stories in Japan, we learn that committing seppuku, or ritual suicide, for the sake of love is a common idea.

In Japan the majority of Shintoists are also Buddhists, to one degree or another, so the Shinto religion is compatible with different beliefs and opinions of an afterlife. Of those who are Shinto, but not Buddhist, one fairly common view is that when one dies, one's spiritual energy, or soul, maintains its distinct form for a period of time. The specific number of years varies, but it's roughly two human generations. During this time, one's family and friends can "call" on the deceased for advice and assistance, or even "just to chat". After two generations, the deceased's spiritual energy loses much of its distinctiveness and "merges" with the spiritual energy of other family ancestors to become a kind of "collective ancestral kami". This is not the only view, of course, because Shinto is not particularly dogmatic in these matters. However, spirit energy is generally considered to be eternal, and therefore it must continue in one form or another.

In Japanese culture, the body and the soul are forever connected, even in death. The afterlife is not just that of the soul, but of the body and soul. The two cannot be separated.

According to Shinto belief, every person after death becomes a kami, a supernatural being who continues to have a part in the life of the community, nation, and family, while existing in another state or dimension.

From a Japanese standpoint, the “soul” or “spirit” of the deceased maintains a distinct form for roughly two human generations before merging with the collective spiritual energy of others who have passed away. The concept of the Lifestream is quite similar to this view of spirit energy being eternal and capable of merging with the spirit energy of others who have passed away. Aerith’s spirit has maintained a distinct form within the Lifestream, which we see in her picture at the end of the game. Would Aerith be accessible to Cloud within the Lifestream?

TO END IT ALL

The ending scene, a tangled riddle on it's own. It can lead through several different perspectives, several different views, several different interpretations. Yet, no matter how much you twist it, bend it and squeeze it, there is only one conclusion...Several paths, one destination....



It can be seen right here, Aerith's hand reaching out for Cloud… Cloud in turn reaching out for hers. Separated by fate and by death… yet this moment alone shows how even Death is powerless in the face of Cloud and Aerith’s desire to be together again, even if it's impossible...

As stated earlier: “Foremost in Japanese romance as evidenced in cinema and popular culture is the idea of fukano na, or the impossible. Cinema in Japan is rife with this sub theme. Another central theme in Japanese romance is perseverance, or gambare. So to persevere in the impossible, way beyond any rational or realistic expectation, is a very strong theme in Japanese stories of romance.” (From Matt, at All Experts.com)

Going against the impossible… a riddle within a riddle.
An answer from the Planet…
the Promised Land…
I think I can meet her… there

…but what of Tifa? What part did she actually play in that scene and those statements? She is an integral part of the Love Triangle discussion and should not be overlooked in this analysis. To fully elaborate, we need to look at how important Cloud is to Tifa. Remember the first time Tifa found Cloud in a comatose state, look carefully at what she gives up in order to be at his side...

Tifa: “I don’t care about anything else, only Cloud…”
(She turns to face them.)
Tifa: I… want to be by his side…”
Cid: “Yeah. Right. Hang in there, Tifa.”
Barrett: “Yeah, that’s probably best…”
“For Cloud… an’ for you…”
(She nods, but doesn’t bring her head back up, looking at the floor.)
Tifa: “I’m sorry, everyone… At a time like this…”

This scene alone shows that Tifa will do anything for Cloud, no matter what the cost. This is what Tifa does for Cloud. She is an unselfish individual who will give everything for him to be happy.

for him to be happy...
There is something in her quick agreement to meet Aerith that just isn't right for someone who has taken place as Cloud's new love interest. She believes him without even questioning why Cloud suddenly says, “I think I can meet her… there”. No questions asked, no doubt in her words..........acceptance

We still don't know what the Promised Land truly is, but we do know that it does provide supreme happiness to those who reach it. Whatever it is, Cloud wanted to meet her there... because with Aerith, Cloud is truly happy. Tifa finally understood what it meant… and at that point, Tifa makes a sacrifice which rivals Aerith's own sacrifice. Her own happiness… for Cloud.

Let’s examine more closely Tifa’s reaction to Cloud in the final FMV at the moment he chooses to meet Aerith. Some people claim that Tifa snuggles up to Cloud and smiles during the scene where they are hanging off the ledge. In actuality, Tifa makes a gesture of this sort only in the scene below, which is before Cloud says, “I think I can meet her… there”.

Once Cloud makes his choice to go to Aerith, Tifa makes no more movements of this sort. Instead, you can see her initial response to Cloud’s words in the picture below. Her reaction is obviously one of dismay and shock, rather than pleasure. At this point, Tifa realizes that Cloud will return to Aerith, and that Aerith will always be first in his heart



Even if Tifa were smiling here, a smile is not necessarily an indication of pleasure or happiness for the Japanese. The smile can often be an expression that conceals embarrassment, pain, or anguish. In an uncomfortable situation it is not uncommon for the Japanese to give a nervous laugh or awkward smile to conceal the true emotion.

Tifa’s last response to Cloud is to bow her head in submission and resignation. Tifa does not snuggle against Cloud as she does this, although some people say that she does. Instead, she simply lowers her head, which is a gesture equivalent to a bow in Japanese society when made to a person with whom you are familiar. Besides, Tifa is unable to bow anything but her head as they are hanging in mid-air off the ledge. In the tradition of the Japanese, a bow represents humility and the desire to honor and respect another person. As Tifa says, “Yeah, let’s go meet her”, she is honoring Cloud’s wish to go to Aerith.



Again, we are seeing the element of self-sacrifice here, and one that demonstrates Tifa’s love for Cloud. As discussed earlier, the karmic balance of the world is such that nothing is gained without something else being lost, according to the Japanese. In shoujo and bishoujo stories, a sacrifice can be something as extreme as death, or giving up on your own hopes and dreams so that someone else can accomplish theirs. Symbolism in Anime: Love and Friendship Out of her love for Cloud, Tifa sacrifices her own happiness so that Cloud may follow his own dream… to be with Aerith, his light.


We'll always be together
No matter what the time
Because you're by my side
The light known as "you" finds me
In the middle of the night
-Utada Hikaru, Hikari (Light)
Kingdom Hearts


and if you're still stupid and disagree...you know what! I dont care actually like any couple you want! quistis and seifer seymour and lulu! but you know that doesnt change who square intended for the true couples to be
so if you dont like it get over it! because that is HOW IT IS

Cloud heart Aeris
I sorta think that after she died, he moved on and started heart ing Tifa

Despite what you have said, Pink, you fail to miss an important point.

Just because something is or isn't canon, doesn't mean that people can not enjoy it. Ever seen Yuffintine? xd It isn't really my cup of tea, and the only evidence that could actually support ANY kind of relationship between the two would only suggest a one sided YuffiexVincent. HOWEVER, that does not give me the incentive to say "Because there is nothing canon to support your pairing, then you are not allowed to have it! CANON ONLY!"

Cloti DOES INDEED EXIST. There IS a love triangle, and most of what you presented was really one sided evidence. I personally don't give a damn WHO Cloud ends up with. I can see him with either Tifa OR Aerith, which is fine by me.

However, do not say another pairing does not exist when it so obviously does. A pairing does NOT have to be canon to be supported, as many Aeriseph, Valenwind, and Reffie fans will be more than happy to tell you.

You've provided a lot of information, but you seem to be forgetting something.

Cloud and Tifa, as a romantic couple, CAN exist. IF CloudxAerith was such a canon couple, then why should Cloud be allowed to date other characters?

This is not the same thing with Tidus and Yuna, in which Tidus can have either Lulu or Rikku ride with him to Macalania Temple or have them hand him his blitzball for his final Overdrive.

I'll say this again: I don't care who Cloud ends up with. I can see him with Aerith just as easily as I can see him with Tifa. However, do NOT go about saying that a pairing does not exist in canon when it most certainly DOES.

Just because Nomura may have preferred the CloudxAerith pairing does not make it absolutely canon. He didn't write the actual story for Final Fantasy VII, the last time I checked, although he did have some involvement with it.

CloudxAerith AND CloudxTifa are BOTH CANON. Quit labeling another pairing as 'fanon' when they have canon facts to support them. I'm not talking about those crappy untrue ones like "OMG, Cloud and Tifa were childhood friends!"

Quit bringing up biased, one sided information that is flawed (because I highly doubt that Tifa would steal anything from her two dearest friends, or that Nomura is a 'god' descended from a video game character he himself designed), and then others might be able to take your argument a bit more seriously. Almost everything from that website you supplied was bull.

Please note that this warning about information also applies to any CloudxTifa fans out there as well.

I like CloudxAerith, and I also like CloudxTifa. Neither one is superior to the other.

In addition, PLEASE stop double posting. Just clump it all together in one big post. I understand that you have considerable amounts of information, but making multiple posts for them is unnecessary. That's what we have the edit button for.

This site is beyond ridiculous!!!! Platonic love, my foot. There is no one that can tell for sure who Cloud loves. There is no kissing and hugging or more lovy-dovy stuff like that in any of the scenes in the movie! All of the facts that have been given in the site are based on one opinion only, which cannot guarantee any impartiality at all. Therefore an announcement such as: "Cloud has always loved Aeris" are absolutely IMPROBABLE. Not to mention the fact that five minutes in a flower field with Aeris, where the whole time all she and Cloud did was to talk, could as well as be called platonic. Plus, there should be no wonder that Cloud looks so confused when he sees Aeris at the end of the movie - she is supposed to be dead FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!! I mean, how would you react if all of a sudden you noticed a dead friend of yours - I am sure it would be the same way... So noo, I can't agree with any of this nonsense!