By the time they reached the cave, Shikaku was staying on his feet only by a supreme effort of will and every shinobi except him was carrying at least one child. Iruka had three; one in each arm and one wearily riding his back. Genma set his kid down and ducked into the cave, making sure it was clear before herding them all inside.

It was a tight fit; Iruka arranged the kids in a huddle and they gently propped Inoichi against the far wall. Then they gathered together, huddled for a brief moment in mutual support.

"Be careful." Shibi whispered. Asuma smiled, Kakashi reached out and touched Iruka's cheek with a gentle finger. The others emptied their pouches of what ration bars they'd brought with them; not much. Genma thumped Shibi's shoulder and then they were gone.

Iruka sighed. The kids were asleep. He staggered over and bent over the small pool, studying it for a moment. He wanted badly to wash the blood off his hands but he didn't want to foul the drinking water.

He saw, to his relief, that it drained off into another, smaller bowl before disappearing back under the rock. He shifted to the smaller bowl and washed his hands, wincing at the biting cold of the water.

Shibi came up beside him and silently filled his canteen, then rose and walked over to Shikaku. Iruka wiped his face and rose, walking to the entrance to stare out into the dark forest. He made sure he was concealed in the shadow of the doorway; no sense in advertising his presence to any watchers.

Kakashi…

He sighed. It seemed like a dream, now. Kakashi's lips on his. He brought his hand up to brush his lips, frowning slightly. He hadn't gotten a chance to tell Kakashi that he loved him.

Shibi moved to stand behind him, putting a warm hand on his shoulder. "Anything?" The other man asked quietly. Iruka shook his head.

They remained silent for a time. Then Shibi stirred. "You…and Kakashi…" he said slowly.

Iruka blushed and glanced over his shoulder, meeting the other man's eyes through his dark sunglasses. Iruka wondered, briefly, how he could see. "You and Kakashi are…together?" He asked questioningly.

Iruka flushed harder but raised his chin, staring at Shibi. "Yes." He said quietly.

"Good." Shibi actually smiled at Iruka's nonplussed expression. "He's a good man. You're a good man. He's lonely. Always has been. I'm happy that you found each other."

Iruka's mouth hung open. Shibi patted his shoulder.

"Sleep. I'll watch." Shibi said. Iruka nodded, and stumbled over to stretch out beside Shikaku. His head was whirling. Closing his eyes, he found himself smiling.

"Heh." Shikaku said softly. He was stroking his hands carefully through Iruka's hair. Iruka had cuddled up against him, much to Shikaku's amusement.

"He's quite a man." Shibi said quietly from the door. Shikaku grinned at him.

"A good match for Kakashi." Shibi continued. "Sweet enough to soothe him, fierce enough to match him. And strong enough to take him, if it comes to it."

Shikaku raised his eyebrow. "You seem to be rather taken with him."

Shibi gave him a humorless smile. "Not really. Only observant."

Shikaku chuckled, and then winced. "Shit. That hurts."

"Sleep." Shibi said quietly. Shikaku grimaced, but nodded.

Iruka soothed the kids. They were cranky, tired and, now that the edge of fear was starting to wear off, getting restless. He split out what food they had and started them playing a quiet game, trying to keep them occupied.

He still felt tired; his sleep had been deep, but not long enough. His shoulder ached like fire. Shikaku was asleep again; unconscious, more like. He was burning up.

Shibi was asleep; his Kikaichu were on guard, ready to alert them if there was trouble.

"S..Sensei?" One of the kids asked softly. Iruka drug his attention back to them and smiled, forcing his worries away.

"Ok. Next round. We're on animals." Iruka said.

"Iruka." Shibi's voice sliced through their quite voices. Iruka immediately rose, absently patting the closest kid on the head as he hurried to where Shibi was sitting up, rubbing his face.

"Incoming. Friendly. They'll be here in ten minutes." Ibiki reported. Iruka sagged in relief.

"About time." Iruka grinned at Shibi, who looked back at him placidly.

Kakashi wasted no time; when the ANBU and the rest of the third team flowed into the room, Kakashi headed straight for Iruka. Iruka leaned against him, breathing in his scent, reassuring himself that he was fine. Well, not really fine, but alive.

The ANBU were scaring the crap out of the kids; Iruka sighed and pushed away from Kakashi, hurrying over to soothe the children.