I do believe in fairies. I do! I do!

I’ve always felt Hollow is about Cloud’s regrets after Aerith’s fate. But after finishing the Original Final Fantasy 7 game, I realized the lyrics outright quote and reference things Cloud says about Aerith in Disks 2 & 3.

So if I was convinced before, now I just can’t see the song being about anyone nor anything else.

I’ve been posting my thoughts about it on Twitter the last few days, but I figured it was worth putting everything together in one single post to illustrate just why I feel this way. I’ll divide the post in a few parts:

What we know about the song

Where we hear the song in Remake

The name of the song

The song lyrics and its ties to the OG (and to AC)

Could the song be about multiple people? nope

I’ll illustrate each point with images from the OG and occasionally Advent Children, so beware of spoilers for both! In contrast, there are only a few spoilers from Remake, including one cut-scene from the ending and a scene from Chapter 14.

You would appear, reach out to me

Heal every wound, and make me whole

Was it all a dream? Will I never know?

Foolish and blind, to everything, had I realized, had I thought it through, Would you be here, in my embrace?

Shine bright, once more Guide me, to you

This time, I will never let you go

With your every smile, hiding something more, Dark mysteries, lurking beneath

But I, I know, that you're, long gone

Nomura, one of the creators of Final Fantasy VII, states he doesn’t have “any clue” if Cloud and Tifa are in a relationship after Final Fantasy VII ends:

“For example, I was frequently asked if there had been romantic relationship between Tifa and Cloud for two years, after Final Fantasy VII ended, but I don’t have any clue.” —Nomura; Dorimaga interview; published at Flaregamer; Square Enix

We also know Cloud and Tifa are going through serious problems that prevented them from being in a relationship. Final Fantasy VII creator Nojima speaks of a premise that things “won’t go well" between Cloud and Tifa:

"Episode Tifa” [Case of Tifa] - first off, there’s the premise that things won’t go well between Tifa and Cloud, and that even without Geostigma or Sephiroth this might be the same.“

—Nojima; “On the Way to a Smile” interview; Square Enix

Did you catch that last bit? Even without circumstances such as Geostigma and Sephiroth, things still probably wouldn’t have gone well between Cloud and Tifa. Without Sephiroth, Cloud wouldn’t have PTSD. Therefore, this speaks to the inherent issues that have persisted between Cloud and Tifa since childhood.  

Nojima also says the children –Barret’s daughter, Marlene, and Cloud and Aerith’s spirit child, Denzel– **MIGHT** be able to help Cloud and Tifa sort through their problems:

"After Advent Children Complete, I guess Denzel and Marlene could help them work it out.”

–Nojima; “On the Way to a Smile” interview; Square Enix

Even after Cloud’s Geostigma and guilt is removed, and Sephiroth is defeated, Nojima still isn’t sure Cloud and Tifa will work out.

Nojima, the creator of Final Fantasy VII, has said two very important things:

Cloud and Tifa’s problems likely have nothing to do with Geostigma and Sephiroth, the cause of Cloud’s PTSD.

Even when the issues plaguing Cloud are resolved [his guilt, Geostigma, and Sephiroth] Nojima still isn’t sure Cloud and Tifa will work out. 

Both of these reasons tell us Cloud and Tifa have serious, inherent problems that prevent them from partaking in a healthy, long-lasting relationship.

Unfortunately, nothing between Cloud and Tifa has been shown to be resolved. Barret returns to living with Marlene in Dirge of Cerberus, and Cloud and Tifa’s relationship status is still unknown and in fractured territory.

Of course relationships aren’t always romantic — it’s normal and natural for couples to have problems. But, it is **equally** normal and representative of a real relationship to also have romance and a honeymoon phase. Cloud and Tifa only qualify under the negative aspects of a relationship, whereas Cloud and Aerith qualify under the positive aspects of a relationship.

Other reasons why I do not accept Cloti: 

1. The place Cloud and Tifa reside is home-base for all remaining members of the AVALANCHE family. It isn’t a home they bought together out of love. 

2. Typically, romantic couples sleep in the same room. However, we are shown that Cloud has a bed in his private room. Further — Marlene is said to always sleep with Tifa. 

3. The Seventh Heaven family was formed with Barret and Barret’s daughter, Marlene. Marlene is the one who invites Cloud into her family, a family that includes Barret. Barret also returns to living with Marlene in Dirge of Cerberus:

“Currently he is living with Marlene, the orphaned child of his best friend, however…” ~Dirge of Cerberus Official Complete Guide; p.21; Square Enix

This is a ‘family of friends’ and has zero romantic connotations according to Tifa Lockhart in Case of Tifa:

“Friends were a necessity to me so that I could live on without being suppressed by the sins in my consciousness. Even if they were fellow companions that had the same wounds. Even if they were fellow companions who were burdened with the same sins. We couldn’t live without comforting each other and encouraging each other. Maybe you could call that family. We just had to keep the family together and do our best. Tifa thought she could get over anything while being with friends that she could call her family.” ~Tifa Lockhart; Case of Tifa; Square Enix

4. Denzel’s presence has no relevance towards Cloud and Tifa’s relationship because Cloud believes Aerith brought Denzel to him. If anything, Denzel would be considered Cloud and Aerith’s spirit child. 

Cloud Strife: “Denzel had collapsed in front of Aerith’s church. That’s why I thought Aerith lead him to me.” ~Case of Tifa; Square Enix

5. The official Advent Children relationship chart lists Cloud and Tifa as “childhood friends" *NOT* "romantic partners” or “lovers”. 

6. Tifa explicitly and directly states that she doesn’t know if Cloud loves her in Case of Tifa. If Tifa doesn’t know if Cloud loves her, Cloti’s shouldn’t pretend they know, either. 

7. Tifa states in Advent Children she isn’t a member of a “real” family.

8. Tifa continues to be explicitly jealous of Cloud and Aerith’s relationship in Advent Children. Shouldn’t the supposedly canon high affection Highwind scene be all the confirmation Tifa needs to let her jealousy go? Maybe when Cloud said he wanted to find Aerith in the Promised Land, her jealously started rearing its ugly head again. 

“The thing which she is unable to hide in her irritation towards Cloud is the fact that he isn’t merely dragging the past around, but because that reason might perhaps be related to Aerith. Final Fantasy VII: Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings. Advent Children: Upon knowing that Cloud had been residing in Aerith’s Church after leaving the place they had been living in together, her expression becomes complex.” ~Tifa’s character profile; 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

“Tifa was close to Aerith, who can also be called a love rival. With that point in mind, they were also good friends. Nevertheless, it is not hard to imagine that she carriescomplex feelings as a woman toward Aerith, who had built up a special bond with Cloud that was different from Tifa’s. Tifa’s complicated feelings continue even in Advent Children, two years after Aerith had departed the world.” ~Tifa’s profile;Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Ultimania; pg. 42-47; Square Enix

And finally…

There is ZERO romantic moments shown between Cloud and Tifa after Final Fantasy VII ends.

Yes, I know it’s normal for all couples to have problems. But it’s also normal to have at least a few moments of romance, too. Where was the honeymoon phase!? 

Bottom line is: Cloud and Tifa share zero explicit romantic moments after Final Fantasy VII ends, and they never have a honeymoon phase. Hardly evidence of a romantic “couple”. On the contrary, Cloud and Aerith enjoyed a honeymoon phase during the original game ^.^

As for Aerith being dead… 

Where is the proof Cloud moved on from loving Aerith? Vincent didn’t move on from loving Lucrecia. Yuna didn’t move on from loving Tidus. And Rose in Titanic never stopped loving Jack. Furthermore, Dyne, Barret’s former friend, reunites with his wife, Eleanor, in the lifestream. This is stated in Square Enix’s Maiden of the Planet. If Dyne can reunite with Eleanor in the lifestream, Cloud can also reunite with Aerith in the lifestream.

One of the main themes of Final Fantasy VII is that death isn’t the end of ones journey. Death doesn’t stop love from continuing. 

Despite Aerith’s eventual death, their love transcends traditional boundaries. Cloud associates his Promised Land (his supreme happiness) with Aerith at the end of Final Fantasy VII, and they will one day reunite in the lifestream.

“I think I’m beginning to understand. An answer from the planet…the Promised Land…I think I can meet her… there…” —Cloud Strife; Final Fantasy VII

For information and facts that are PRO-Cloud x Aerith, please go here:

Cloud x Aerith: A Love Story

50 Reasons for Cloud x Aerith

Common Criticisms of Cloud x Aerith debunked

Aerith Gainsborough: The Ultimate Heroine

Here are the 9 non-optional Cloud x Aerith moments:

Love at First Sight:

Cloud Strife: “Here I met a Flower Girl. She’s a girl with impressive eyes. She’s around my age, or elder by one or two years. But the innocent radiance in her eyes simply makes her suddenly look younger. Aerith Gainsborough: ”Excuse me, what happened?” She asked me the question, and then I bought a flower from her, which is rare in Midgar. Maybe she’s pleased that the flower was sold, because the worried look on her face had vanished. If this smile costs only one gil, it is a good purchase.” ~Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

Becoming a Bodyguard for the Price of a Romantic Date:

This is the typical beginning of a classic love story: love at first sight and the hero protecting his heroine [in exchange for a romantic date, nonetheless!]. Afterwards, Cloud and Aerith start developing chemistry together, with Cloud laughing for the first and only time in the game with Aerith. She even convinces Cloud to dress up like a girl!

A Romantic Flashback:

Before this flashback, Cloud thought Aerith’s smile was a “good purchase” and her eyes were “impressive.” He left their initial meeting with a “mysterious feeling.” Shortly after, he agreed to be Aerith’s bodyguard for the price of a romantic date. All of these moments are what triggered Cloud into this flashback. This was no coincidence. 

While Cloud is being taken care of in Aerith’s house, Square Enix decides to throw in a flashback where Cloud’s Mother talks about having an older girlfriend that will take care of him — two things Aerith qualifies under. Cloud wasn’t interested in this until he met the exact woman described by his Mother: Aerith Gainsborough.

Date in the Park:

“Date in the Park: In Scene 04-10, Zack and Aerith have a date in Green Park in the sector 6 slum. An identical situation is seen in “FFVII” as well, which features a scene of Cloud and Aerith on a date in the same park.” ~Crisis Core Ultimania; Square Enix

Cloud and Aerith discuss romantic relationships while on their first of two dates, setting them up as star-crossed lovers. 

Creating an Exclusive World Together:

“The thing which she is unable to hide in her irritation towards Cloud is the fact that he isn’t merely dragging the past around, but because that reason might perhaps be related to Aerith. Final Fantasy VII: Seeing Cloud and Aerith developing their world together before her eyes, she inadvertently lets slip her peevish feelings.” ~Tifa’s character profile; 10th Anniversary Ultimania; Square Enix

Cloud vows to save Aerith from the Shinra headquarters “by all means”.

Once inside, Cloud and Aerith share a romantic exchange. Aerith, very flirtatiously says, “I knew that Cloud would come for me.” Cloud responds with, “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, right?”

Cloud references back to the conversation he and Aerith had in her Church, when Aerith promised Cloud a romantic date in return for his protection.

Aerith picks up on Cloud’s flirtation and responds with, “The deal was for one date, right?”

Cloud and Aerith were very obviously flirting back-and-forth. If Tifa hadn’t been in the jail cell with Cloud, the flirtatious banter between Cloud and Aerith would have most certainly continued. However, because Tifa was in the same room as Cloud, she picks up on this flirtation, which is why she interrupts with, “…………oh, I get it.” and says, “EXCUSE me.” The mutual romance in this scene is so obvious, even Tifa can’t deny it, which is why she let’s slip her “peevish feelings.” 

A Classic Romantic Confession:

Having a character accidentally express feelings for another, and then backtrack from their slip-up, is a common literary device to show romantic attraction from one character to another. Square Enix is using a classic romantic trope during this scene. Cloud’s dialogue in Cosmo Canyon is a subtle (yet obvious) way to show Cloud is falling in love with Aerith. 

A Wedding Prediction:

“Looks good. You are perfect for each other!” “Aerith’s star and Cloud’s star! They show a great future!” “Poor Tifa!” ~Cait Sith, Final Fantasy VII

“After solving the puzzle about Cait Sith’s replaceable body, he tells one last fortune of Cloud and Aerith’s affinity. Cait Sith’s lines, which seem to expect Cloud and Aerith’s wedding, now makes it more painful.” ~Final Fantasy VII Dismantled, Square Enix

Cait Sith’s wedding prediction becomes “more painful” after Aerith’s death. The only way Aerith’s death would make a wedding prediction “more painful” is if Cloud and Aerith had a mutual romance that would have led to a marriage had she not died.

Star-Crossed Lovers:

“It was the sound of Cloud’s heart cracking. It was the cry of his heart that could never be healed of the grief he had towards Aerith’s death, the blame towards himself and the hatred he had for Sephiroth…” ~Maiden of the Planet; Square Enix

Cloud’s heart broke when Aerith died. 

Love Beyond Death:

Despite Aerith’s eventual death, their love transcends traditional boundaries. Cloud associates his Promised Land [his supreme happiness] with Aerith at the end of Final Fantasy VII, and they will one day reunite in the lifestream.

“I think I’m beginning to understand. An answer from the planet…the Promised Land…I think I can meet her… there…” ~Cloud Strife; Final Fantasy VII

Here are the 2 canon Cloud x Aerith moments:

Hoping for Mutual Romance:

“Marlene is a sharp girl - Even though she’s only 4 years old, Marlene is perceptive and well attuned to the woman mind. The scene where she ascertains that Aerith has favor for Cloud and tells him so, then says “I won’t tell Tifa!” demonstrates this grownup behavior.” ~Final Fantasy VII, 25th Anniversary Ultimania, Square Enix

In order for Marlene to say “I won’t tell Tifa,” Cloud is required to say he “hopes” Aerith likes him. Therefore, this is the canon version of this scene:

Marlene: “Guess what? Guess what? Aerith was asking me lots of questions. Like what kind of person Cloud is. I bet she likes you, Cloud!” Cloud: “Let’s hope so.” Marlene: “I won’t tell Tifa.”

A Magical Date:

The Cloud x Aerith Gold Saucer date is confirmed as canon within the compilation:

”#111: The Planet’s largest amusement park is run by Dio. Cloud and company visit this place many times in their battle. They meet Cait Sith here. A promised date [there is only one promised date in the game] that ends in a magical night. In the city of desire that floats above the sands, the light memory of the two people is asleep even now…Aerith: “I think I must have seen him again, in you… But you’re different. Things are different… No, Cloud… I’m searching for you…” ~Final Fantasy Art Collection; Square Enix

“In Aerith’s case, if you play the game normally, the partner that generally comes will be Aerith.” ~Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

“Oh, Cloud…I enjoyed our date at the Gold Saucer. The view from the gondola that night was really beautiful. I’ll never forget it. I’ll never forget you, Cloud…” ~Aerith; Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

Cloud doesn’t date Tifa unless the player chooses to have him do so. In order to get the date with Tifa, the player has to play the game in a way that isn’t considered “normal”.

During this canon date, Aerith realizes she loves Cloud for Cloud (rather than for who he initially reminded her of). And that she actually loves Cloud more than Zack: 

“Although in the beginning Aerith felt close to Cloud because he behaves like Zack, her interest in Cloud himself grows and she is attracted to him.” ~page 31, Final Fantasy VII Ultimania Omega, Square Enix

“At first when I met Cloud, I believed he was similar to Zack. Little actions, the way he spoke… his kindness. But Cloud is Cloud. I, now undoubtedly, love Cloud much more than Zack.” —Aerith’s monologue in Gongaga; Final Fantasy VII Dismantled; Square Enix

Cloud and Aerith’s canon date is also pictured on Square Enix’s “For the One I Love” page:

“Through the long journeys, the love of the protagonists develop. Occasionally they become separated, but the two’s value to one another gives them the great strength to overcome whatever crisis may come.” ~Final Fantasy 20th Anniversary Ultimania; “For the One I Love” page; Square Enix

Lines to remember:

"…the love of the protagonists develop.” “…the two’s value to one another…”

Only the *pictured* and *canon* Cloud x Aerith date can be applied to Square Enix’s “For the One I Love” page.

Square Enix recently named Cloud and Aerith Emperor and Empress in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade. I guess Cait Sith’s wedding prediction came true after-all ^.^

Cloud x Aerith: A Love Story

Dispelling the myth Cloud and Tifa are in a relationship post-FFVII

50 Reasons for Cloud x Aerith

Common Criticisms of Cloud x Aerith debunked

Aerith Gainsborough: The Ultimate Heroine

—Aerith melts Cloud’s “frosty exterior” & helps him “rediscover his past.”

—Real Cloud states he remembers Aerith “a lot.”

—Real Cloud wants to meet Aerith in the Promised Land, something Cloud also desires in Final Fantasy Tactics.

—Real Cloud’s heart breaks at Aerith’s grave (Tifa gets jealous).

—Zack isn’t in the officially described love triangle. Therefore, Cloud feeling bad about Zack’s death isn’t the same as Cloud feeling bad about Aerith’s death.

—Real Cloud is shown seeking Aerith in numerous cameos.

—Aerith states on her Gold Saucer date with Cloud that she initially liked Cloud because of Zack, but has now grown to like Cloud for Cloud.

—Aerith said her and Zack were never serious, that he was a “real lady’s man,” and that she wants to move forward with her life.

—Aerith rejects Zack in the lifestream, stating she will only call him if she gets “really lonely.”

—Aerith states she prefers Cloud’s personality over Zack’s.

—Cloud never transformed 100% into Zack.

—Terra in WoFF states Aerith is the woman Cloud loves.

—Cloud is stated to be Aerith’s “lover.” Why would SE make Aerith out to be a liar?

—Tifa is forever listed as Cloud’s “childhood friend.” She is never upgraded to “wife” or “girlfriend.”

—The Highwind scene has 2 versions. Variable evidence is inherently weaker evidence.

—The Cloud and Aerith Gold Saucer date is stated to be the “normally occurring” date. Nowhere is it stated which Highwind scene is the “normally occurring” version.

—Aerith automatically starts off with more love points than Tifa. If you make anti-Tifa choices, Aerith forever remains in 1st place.

—Tifa says her and Cloud aren’t a “real” family.

—Marlene and Nojima say Cloud and Tifa don’t work out.

—Tifa admits to not knowing if Cloud loves her.

—Barret returns to living with the Seventh Heaven “family of friends.”

—Cloud believes Aerith brought him Denzel.

—Cloud and Tifa have no romantic moments post-AC/C.

—Cloud rides his motorcycle through flower fields stated to represent Aerith at the end of AC/C.

—Aerith was created before Tifa.

—Aerith is the original heroine.

—Cloud and Aerith are the original couple.

—Crisis Core is a retcon.

—Cloud was designed by Sqaresoft to fall in love with Aerith so her death would be that much more painful.

—Cloud and Aerith are a classic star-crossed love story.

TIFA: No more… TIFA: Cloud… You’re scaring me.

CLOUD: What? TIFA: It’s just…you’ve really changed… CLOUD: How? TIFA: I suppose it’s…yeah. Your eyes.

To my followers, whenever you get a dumbass like the one above invading one of your posts and saying this very stupid thing, ask them to explain to everyone what Cloud’s reply “Do I get a say in all this” is even about if it’s not a love confession? 

Either Cloud is saying “do I get a say in all of this” to Aerith’s “you cant fall in love with me” line or he’s saying it to the “its not real” comment--either way, Cloud is telling Aerith that he is choosing to love her and that his feelings ARE real, contrary to what she believes. 

Pick your poison. 

Clotis keep focusing on what Aerith says, and not what Cloud says in response (shocker, they always ignore Cloud’s feelings). It’s HIS comment that makes this a mutual love confession. 

Aerith point-blank tells Cloud to not fall in love with her, and he does not deny that he has feelings for her, he does not act like she’s wrong about her assumption--instead, he turns away with a heartbroken look of “I’ve been caught” mixed with “great, she doesn’t feel the same”... Until she touches him, which his face changes from sad to one of relief and happiness.

Cloud very clearly is expecting some kind of verbal or physical show that she feels the same way as he does as soon as she touches his face. But when she says “it’s not real” and pulls her hand away, what does Cloud do?

He reaches out to hold her hand, to keep her from leaving. Why? Because his first instinct was to prove to her that he does in fact, very genuinely, love her. There’s no other explanation at all for why Cloud chose to reach for her hand/hold her in place if not because he was going to prove her statement (i.e., ”it’s not real”) was wrong. Which is why Cloud makes a “tsk” sound and clenches his fist. He’s MAD that she’s denying his feelings, he’s mad that he can’t hold her. He’s all-around mad that Aerith is just being so stubborn. 

But he doesn’t waver no matter how hard Aerith is trying to push him away. 

Aerith knows what Cloud just said and what he was meaning with his words--that’s why she looks back with a surprised/happy look when he says “I’m coming for you”.

Cloud just told Aerith to let him love her, to let him decide if his feelings are real, and then declared to bring her back to HIS side. It’s a love confession, lol.

Also, guys.

Aerith’s comment: “it’s not real”, has nothing to do with what that idiot is implying (i.e., that Aerith is alleging Cloud’s love isn’t genuinely his own). Nojima already explained in the FF7R Ultimania that this line “But whatever happens, you can’t fall in love with me. Even if you think you have, it’ s not real” is about “what happens to her in FF7”--i.e, HER DEATH. 

————–とくに、CHAPTER 14の夜の花畑でクラウドと会話したときの「でもね、好きにならないで。もしそうなっても、気のせいだよ」というセリフは、原作を知る人にとってはかなり重い意味を感じる言葉でした。

野島: じつは、そのセリフは何度か反対されたんですよ。スタッフのあいだで「上から目線で偉そうに見えるかもしれない」という理由で問題になったらしくて。エアリスが今後どうなるか知っている前提ならグッとくるセリフなんですが、そうでない視点だと全然ちがう解釈になって、そのギャップが興味深かったですね。

Interviewer: Especially during the conversation with Cloud in the flower field during chapter 14, the line “But… but you can’t fall in love with me. If that happens, it’s imaginary/it’s in your head.” That line is quite depressing/sad for those that know of the original story.

Nojima: To be honest, those lines were opposed by several staff members. Some members of the staff worried it would make Aerith look “arrogant and condescending” . But if you know what happened to Aerith later in the story, you will understand what she means immediately, but if you don’t know then you’ll get a completely different interpretation. Those different perspectives made it really interesting.”

I like that it mentions one of Tifa's motivations for joining Avalanche really was revenge, plain and simple. I'm also surprised how much of it is just, showing how much Cloud's and Tifa's relationship does not work.

The novel starts after its end, the rest of it is told through flashback, Cloud has been gone, and Tifa has absolutely no idea where he is, he hasn't contacted her at all. She knows he's still alive just because she has heard from other people who have seen him. ("“I wonder where Cloud is.” Tifa didn’t know and put her hand on her neck. Cloud was in Midgar somewhere. She imagined how the worst could have happened as he was caught in an accident where he went to work or he was being attacked by some monster. But she soon found out that he was still out there on jobs. There were people who had seen him. He just left the house, that’s all. Tifa was trying to convince the children that there were no problems, but she lost her composure and the children soon realized something was wrong.")

Tifa gets mad when Cloud wants to be alone. ("Cloud was drinking alcohol even though he rarely did. He drained his glass. Tifa thought about it before going over and filling his glass. “Shall I join you?” There was something she wanted to talk to him about. “I want to drink alone.” Hearing that, Tifa lost control and said, “Then drink in your room.”)

Marlene notices Tifa and Cloud aren't getting along... ("As Marlene wondered if Tifa was listening or not, she told Barret in a sad voice, “Cloud and Tifa aren’t getting along very well.”)

Even though Tifa makes an effort to hide it from Marlene and forces herself to talk to Cloud. ("Tifa forced herself to talk to Cloud. When Marlene was near, she would pick something positive, something that wouldn’t turn the conversation into a serious matter.")

This deserves repeating, Tifa, forces herself to talk to Cloud!

Cloud doesn't answer at all when Tifa asks about him feeling like the family they have in 7th heaven "isn't enough". ("“Even though we’ve been together for some time?” “Maybe that just isn’t enough.” “Even we aren’t enough for you?” Cloud didn’t answer. “Sorry for asking some strange things.” “Don’t apologize. It’s my problem.” Cloud closed his eyes. “Let’s work hard together.” Tifa waited for his answer, though she couldn’t hear it even if she waited until the morning.")

Cloud went to Aerith's church and assumed Tifa would be mad, so he hid it from her. ("Cloud was making a face like a kid who thought he would get scolded. “Tell me. I’ll decide whether I’m angry or not after I listen.” Cloud nodded and continued. “Denzel had collapsed in front of Aerith’s church. That’s why I thought Aerith lead him to me.” Saying all that in one breath, Cloud looked away. “You went to the church.” “I didn’t intend to hide it from you.” “You did hide it.” “I’m sorry.”)

Cloud was also embarrassed to tell Tifa that he thinks Aerith brought Denzel to him. To which Tifa says Aerith brought Denzel to their home.

Cloud leaves 7th heaven/their home after this conversation.

Reader and Tifa are left wondering was Cloud's smile to Tifa fake. ("Aerith brought Denzel to our home.” Cloud gazed at Tifa and finally smiled. Days after having that conversation, Cloud left. Tifa wondered if that smile he showed her was an illusion.")