[ Surprise flickers across Kakashi's features. He hadn't expected that Naruto would have been upset like this. Hadn't been ready for Naruto to want to really know what it is he hides under the surface. To dig between the covers.

Kakashi's not even sure he's ready for this.

A part of him has always known that Naruto isn't a kid anymore, and can be trusted, but he still treats him like he's just his student. Still tries his best to be strong for him, because it's what Naruto needs -- or so he tells himself.

It's why he keeps himself so carefully guarded.

He didn't think Naruto would've seen the cracks.

For a long moment, Kakashi falls silent as he looks away from Naruto, down at the glass he holds in his hand. ]

I've disappointed you...

[ He finally says after a moment. And maybe it's a bit of an apology. ]

I know I haven't been the best sensei to you, but... you'll always be my student, Naruto... A sensei is supposed to carry the weight of his students, not burden them... What kind of a sensei would I be if I gave you even more weight to carry than you already do?