Her gloved fingers are still curled over her cheek. It smarts a little but not half as much as his accusations and once the shock fades off Cagalli wants to hit him, to grab him by the shoulders and demand what right he has to say such things to her because if there's one thing Cagalli Yula Athha is good at its anger. Anger straightens her spine, clenches her hand into a fist or her fingers around a gun. Makes it easier to ignore the tears burning at her eyes, because anger only leaves room for righteousness and that's just what she needs to fuel her, to give her purpose.
But Ahmed is dead and it's so hard to feel righteous just then with Kira's gaze boring into her, with his words echoing loudly in her head: What the hell can you protect with just your feelings?
There's a lump rising in her throat. Cagalli angrily swallows it back. Takes in a measured breath before turning on her heel, stomping away from Kira and his eyes that accuse her of things she isn't willing to admit, least of all to herself.
