Zidane and Dagger, my favorite FF pairing.

[Darth Ultor]

I feel that in the entire FF series, which has given us some great romances, Zidane and Garnet/Dagger was the best. Other than them being just plain adorable together, their relationship felt the most natural in its development, other than the whole Princess/Peasant thing. It starts out with flirting, some awkwardness, a little bickering, but then they grow to care deeply for each other, learn from one another, etc., and finally fall in love at least by the beginning of disc 3. One dialogue exchange that always makes me laugh is,

Steiner: Is that Beatrix?

Beatrix: *kicks ass and takes numbers*

Zidane: Quite a woman you fell for, eh Rusty?

Steiner: You're one to talk.

Dagger: Wait, Steiner, what exactly do you mean by that?

Anyway, what are your thought on them as a couple? My favorite video game couple will always be Fei and Elly, but in the FF series, it's Zidane and Dagger.

 

[Dionysos]

I could always buy it. When I first played FFIX it seemed like a fairly believable romance rather than a forced one, though I was very young at the time. They took their time developing it and it never seemed to be a cheesy romance story, but I haven't played the game in a while. I might have a different opinion now that I'm older and envious.

Later on in life I started to reflect on the fact that both characters are only sixteen years old... Despite Zidane's flirty, playful behaviour they seem to be very mature for their ages... Then again, this is Final Fantasy.

 

[bandokanon]

I think my favorite thing about Dagger & Zidane is how, as demonstrated in OP, Steiner fits into the mix as kind of Garnet's surrogate guardian figure, at first disapproving aggressively of thee very idea that Zidane would be anywhere near Garnet, but then later showing signs of acceptance and even support for them as a couple.

And I guess another thing I liked was that one time Zidane got so smashed he started acting overdramatic and depressive about being separated from Garnet. As a kid I actually had experience with depressive drunks (I guess that's not something to be proud of...) so I was always able to recognize and appreciate the scene for what it was.

 

[MVP]

Let's be real, Zidane and Garnet are my fav couple, but Squal and Rinoa was the best story couple, but Tidus and Yuna take the cake.

 

[Miko]

While FFIX is my favorite gem of a FF game I think Garnet & Zidane and Cecil & Rosa from FFIV are in close competition for me. I didn't beat FFIV till late last year so I'll be interested to play FFIX again here soon to see if I can form a more concise opinion about it. I enjoyed Cecil & Rosa because they essentially already had a romance established... but I like Garnet & Zidane because you can see romance progress somewhat naturally. I've still got some FF games to catch up on though!

Also, honorable mention to the Moogle couple in Gizamaluke's Grotto. Wait, no, I change my mind - they totally are my favorite couple!

Later on in life I started to reflect on the fact that both characters are only sixteen years old... Despite Zidane's flirty, playful behaviour they seem to be very mature for their ages... Then again, this is Final Fantasy.

I think about this a lot when I think about the game or when I play it. I guess I pegged them at 18 or 19, which really is only 2-3 year difference, but I was equally as dumb at all those ages, sooooo

I'm sure that could be a topic in and of itself.

And I guess another thing I liked was that one time Zidane got so smashed he started acting overdramatic and depressive about being separated from Garnet.

I don't know why but this really seemed to gloss over me in previous runs with the game, even as an adult, so I'm really glad I read this. I guess I always thought it was weird with how dramatic he was being during that scene but I attributed it to his character growth with being a bit selfish and immature in the earlier part of the game.

 

[bandokanon]

I don't know why but this really seemed to gloss over me in previous runs with the game, even as an adult, so I'm really glad I read this. I guess I always thought it was weird with how dramatic he was being during that scene but I attributed it to his character growth with being a bit selfish and immature in the earlier part of the game.

Ha, well it doesn't help that translators covered up the alcoholic drinks with names like 'root beer'. Not that root beer can't be alcoholic too...

I do agree tho, Zidane was always immature and selfish at the start-- but drinking tends to only exaggerate a person's worst (and sometimes, rarely, their best) qualities to the point of ridiculousness. I guess it helps to connect this reasoning to the idea that, deep down, Zidane is almost (if not just) as theatrical and over-the-top as Kuja.

At least that's what I believe.

 

[Duhemsounds]

I love how the love story of Zidane and Garnets builds through the game and it comes with each characters having their stories.
This is the power of FF IX, you really dive in a whole universe.
First time I played it i was around 14 yo. At this age you don't catch the whole beauty of it but later I've really appreaciated it fully.
Sure FF VII is the very well known one with Sephiroth, meteor and the goddam tea of Cid but with time I'm growing a favorite for FF IX whiwh has a more intense story and depth

 

[Mitsuki]

Now that I think about it, I do feel that the romance for Zidane and Garnet were naturally built up, one that the younger generation can probably relate closely to due to the way it was handled. It was sweet and flirtatious, light and giddy... so when it was deep, it hits the right spot. Garnet's maturity next to Zidane's colorful personality was a great match for me. It was almost like she was oblivious that she was slowly falling in love with him.

Ah to be young like that again.