The ending scene of the battle with Bahamut, the scene where Aerith reaches out her hand, is homage to the last scene from a previous production. It was Tetsuya (Nomura)’s idea. —Nojima; pg. 113; Reunion Files; Square Enix

I think I’m beginning to understand. An answer from the planet…the Promised Land…I think I can meet her… there…

You came, even though you’re about to break.

“An answer from the planet. I think I can meet her there.”

I’m glad I met you, Cloud. I really am. I’m grateful for all the words we’ve shared. For all the moments and the memories. You’ve made me more happy than you know. And I’ll always cherish what you’ve given me. But… But whatever happens, you can’t fall in love with me.

“Tifa thought she could get over anything while being with friends that she could call her family.” ~Case of Tifa

“Tifa turns away, disappointed. “I guess that only works for real families.“ ~Case of Tifa

“Marlene, who had always slept with Tifa, slept with her foster father Barret the night before he left.”  ~Case of Tifa

“Denzel had collapsed in front of Aerith’s Church. That’s why I thought Aerith lead him to me.” ~Case of Tifa

“…there’s a premise that things won’t go well between Tifa and Cloud, and that even without geostigma or Sephiroth, this might be the same.” ~Kazushige Nojima

“…she told Barret in a sad voice, “Cloud and Tifa aren’t getting along very well.” ~Case of Tifa

“Do you love me?”

Cloud opened his eyes. He looked perplexed.

“Hey, Cloud. Do you love Marlene?” 

~Case of Tifa

“Barret turned round and shouted, “Do your best!” His voice was a little shaky. “Unite the family’s strength and keep at it!” ~Case of Tifa

“Upon finding out that Edge was under attack during the midst of his travels, he rushed over towards the crisis faced by his family and companions.” ~10th Anniversary Ultimania

“Both of them share feelings for Cloud — 

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 carries complex 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.” ~10th Anniversary Ultimania

“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.” ~10th Anniversary Ultimania

“Cloud’s childhood friend and a master of martial arts.” ~Tifa Lockhart DoC description 

“Currently he is living with Marlene, the orphaned child of his best friend…” ~DoC Official Complete Guide

BUT... I LET YOU DIE.

エアリス：来ちゃったね エアリス：自分が壊れそうなのに　ね エアリス：きっと　いいことだよ エアリス：質問 エアリス：どうして来たのかな？ クラウド：俺は・・・許されたいんだと思う クラウド：うん　俺は許されたい エアリス：誰に～？

“Cloud was the woman’s friend, her lover—a symbol of everything precious, and an existence she must protect.”