The kiss heard ’round the world! Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth finally delivered the romantic reward fans have been eagerly anticipating since the time Tifa and Cloud were children in Nibelheim. But getting to that iconic moment was a journey filled with emotional turmoil, heart-pounding action, and a few near misses where true love was concerned. Let’s break down their epic journey from childhood sweethearts to a couple that can finally face the future together.
Struggles and Shared Roots
Tifa and Cloud, despite their iconic status, are both deeply flawed and damaged individuals. They both lost their hometown in a tragic fire, which left them burdened with guilt and unspoken fears.
Cloud, a withdrawn and often cynical ex-SOLDIER, masks his insecurities behind a façade of aloofness. Haunted by failures and a murky past, his self-doubt forms a huge barrier between him and the genuine connections he craves.
Tifa, warm and outwardly strong, has her own wounds. She hides her doubts about confronting the powerful Shinra corporation, and struggles to reconcile her gentle nature with the necessity of violence. Yet, she has an unshakeable belief in Cloud, even when he doubts himself.
The thought of Cloud very regularly going and sitting right outside Tifa’s window as a kid in the hopes of getting a glimpse of her and then being too shy and embarrassed to acknowledge her wave like this is making me crazy #FF7R #FF7Rspoilers #Cloti pic.twitter.com/bKRpGnDo7M
— Howling & Hollow 🦋 (@cIoudsmiIes) February 29, 2024
Connecting Through Shared Pain
The heart of their bond lies in their shared history. They both carry the scars of Nibelheim, a constant reminder of what they lost and the paths they had to walk, forging them with a sense of understanding that few others can comprehend.
Their journeys often parallel, both fighting against a tyrannical corporation, both seeking to avenge lost loved ones. There’s a comforting kind of poetry that they always end up fighting for the same cause, even when their paths might initially diverge.
Tension & Unresolved Feelings
The “will-they-won’t-they” tension simmered for years, fuelled by Cloud’s emotional distance and the looming presence of the bubbly and outgoing Aerith. Awkwardness and unresolved feelings bubbled beneath the surface. Every act of kindness, every stolen glance between them added another layer of unspoken longing.
Despite this, Tifa’s patience and resilience were remarkable. She never gave up on Cloud, always offering unwavering support and understanding. She sees beyond his stoic exterior to the vulnerability within, recognizing the hero he struggles to believe himself to be.
Breaking Down Walls
The journey of Tifa and Cloud together forces Cloud to face his demons. As he gradually unlocks fragmented memories, his carefully constructed façade crumbles. Tifa becomes his anchor, a constant reminder of his connection to something real and precious. As the layers peel back, Cloud begins to understand how much she sacrificed to help him through his darkest hours.
Meanwhile, Tifa gains a deeper understanding of Cloud’s pain, and through this empathy, her love solidifies. She becomes not only fiercely protective, but determined to show him the love and warmth he craves but can’t bring himself to ask for.
after 27 years Cloud and Tifa are finally part of the Final Fantasy couples that kiss🥹 #FF7Rspoilers #FF7Rebirthspoilers #FF7R pic.twitter.com/a4G4UoNFPZ
— keks – FF7Rspoilers (@teefbeef1) February 28, 2024
Roadblocks: Inner-Turmoil and Big Baddies
The path for Tifa and Cloud wasn’t without setbacks. Cloud’s fear of commitment battled against his growing love for Tifa. The return of a certain spiky-haired Sephiroth also put a serious damper on any burgeoning romance, as saving the planet tends to get in the way of tender moments.
Yet, each encounter with danger, each moment of vulnerability, brought them closer. It was in these moments of crisis that the full scope of their feelings was revealed, culminating in their long-awaited (and much fantasized about) kiss.
Tifa and Cloud: Journey Ahead
The kiss between Tifa and Cloud was a triumph of both personal growth and their undeniable connection. They had to learn to love themselves before they could fully love each other. While their journey is far from over, seeing them face the future together is incredibly satisfying. Even in the face of world-ending threats and a lot of emotional baggage, it’s a testament to the power of unwavering love, even in the face of world-ending threats.
