Even if you choose the "mean" options for the Loveless meeting between Cloud and Aerith, it's still not bad.

We were told that Aerith gradually melts Cloud's cold heart, and we see that very clearly in their destined encounter.

(Thread)

#Clerith #FF7R

In the above screenshots, Cloud first sees Aerith frantic and steps closer in her direction. He did this out of *concern*. Sephiroth appears and says the menacing words "You're too weak to save anyone" as he stood near Aerith.

This automatically sets the tone of the scene.

Cloud was trying to keep Aerith safe. Hence pushing her away and keeping things short with her. It wasn't because he was genuinely irritated by her. We can determine this because when Aerith offers him a real flower FOR FREE, Cloud refuses and offers 2 gil anyway.

Why?

He doesn't accept "free shit", that makes sense, but he doesn't *have* to accept the flower at all either, but he does regardless of options.

When Aerith is teasingly insulted by the 2 gil offer, Cloud continues to raise the price for her. Even though she was giving it to him for free. Flowers are rare in Midgar, surely Cloud knows that she's underselling herself.

Then comes the part where Aerith finds out that Cloud *is* trying to get her on her way already. Cuz he just saw Seph remind him he can't keep anyone safe--the thing is, Cloud isn't just pushing her away, he's offering

to give her money for a flower he didn't want... a flower she was going to give him for free. It doesn't make sense that Cloud's doing any of this with irritation or malice. He's being a bit rough on the edges, sure--but he's still treating her with a unique kindness.

So why is Cloud "trying to get rid of her" but at the same time doing all this minor stuff to prolong her time near him? Why is he going out of his way to entertain even taking the flower, let alone paying for it when she already said she was giving it to him for free?

After his 5 gil offer, Aerith tells him that he can't get rid of her so easily.

"Lovers used to give these when they were reunited"

She places the flower over his heart and instantly his demeanor and the mood of the scene changes.

Cloud starts to tell her how dangerous it is for her to be near him, and to keep her distance.

But why won't he just leave? Why is he staying there to entertain her? To accept her flower, and to pay her for the flower she was giving to him for free?

As always, Aerith sees through to Cloud--she tells him that despite whatever fears are going through his head, to relax: "No one's going to attack you. I promise"

Cloud's demeanor changes again, he looks at her for a moment, bewildered by how she knew. Then he stands tall and

says again that a Mako reactor just blew up and she shouldn't be out... *because it's dangerous*. Another show of concern he has for a total stranger.

After the Whispers show up, Aerith flees the scene and Cloud drops his guard--turning away from the enemies and back at Aerith to watch her run away, even shouting for her to "wait". Cloud the merc, the ex-SOLDIER dropped his "persona" and his guard just to try and protect her.

Throughout this whole encounter, Cloud is clearly rough around the edges, but his concern was constantly on her well-being.

Let's recap:

1. He was going to assist Aerith before Sephiroth taunted him with "You're too weak to save anyone". He only stops because Seph appears and the headache strikes.

2. After Seph appears, Cloud heeds his "threat" and walks past Aerith. The only reason for this is because he's scared that Seph is right.

3. Aerith offers to give him a flower for free, he could have accepted it and been on his way, but instead, he offers money in exchange.

He does this twice. For no reason. When just accepting the flower would have resulted in the whole conversation happening faster. She tells him flowers were what lovers would give each other upon reunion and Cloud goes back to his "I'm dangerous" defense.

4. When it comes to finally part with her, Cloud not only steps up to protect her--but he pleads with her to stay by his side.

At no point in this exchange was Cloud ever rude. He was merely pretending to be to protect a sweet flower girl.

The rudest thing Cloud could have done was ignore her and walk by, accept the flower begrudgingly just to get the conversation over with. He didn't do that. He kept the convo going just as much as Aerith did. In fact, he's the one that kept it going, even more than her.

So I don't believe at all or consider even THIS version to be "bad"--it still carries a tenderness that is unique and even sweet. People just have to pay attention to pick up on it. Best of all?

It's proof that Cloud was always "real" Cloud with Aerith. Had he been "fake" like CTs claim, he wouldn't be so rough with her, nor would he be disguising his concern.

Cloud's initial coldness is what proves he's real around her.