"You always tend to be this way... Ya know?"

Wakka looks in the direction of Chappu's voice. He had been sitting at the beach and the sun was starting to set. Casting a blanket of reds, oranges, and a small hint of yellow. Without realizing the time of hour it was.

Ever since he was a young boy. Wakka had a habit of putting his brother first and instead of himself. Hoping that Chappu could grow up happy even though they lost their parents. He also did because he cared for Chappu. The one thing sin hasn't taken away from him. He does admit he tends to be a bit preachy and possibly over protective. It was always in Chappu's best interest. Coming back to his little brother's words he look at the boy in confusion.

"What ya mean by that?" Wakka asked

Chappu paused before letting out a soft chuckle. Wakka gave him an inpatient look as Chappu chuckles became louder. The youngster always knew how to make him wait as Chappu wipe a tear from his eye.

"You always tend to put others first, ya? Never letting yourself feel the happiness others feel..." Chappu said

"Why put myself first? That's what makes people selfish and greedy..." Wakka huffed

"Why do you have to carry all the burden when Lu or I could help you? Let us at least lift some of it, ya?" Chappu begged

Wakka paused at his brother who looked at him with concern. He never ever wanted his brother to worry. Not when he's got his life ahead of him. Not when he's got other things he should focus on...

Wakka knew full well that Chappu and Lulu were a couple. It was in their eyes and it hurt to see it. He didn't like the idea of being jealous, but he knew Lulu made Chappu happy. And seeing his little brother happy was more important than his own.

"Why burden you with my problems?" Wakka chuckled

"Because you always carry mine!" Chappu snapped

A gentle breeze blew pass them and making the waves sing their song. Wakka could see Chappu growing tears. A twinge of pain began to build in Wakka's chest as he approached his younger brother and hugged him. Chappu choked as Wakka whisper sweet words to comfort him. Again, trying to release the sadness when Chappu wanted to release Wakka's. It was always so difficult to get him to open up. Difficult to say the words that should be spoken...

"You're a selfless asshole ya know that?" Chappu grumbled

"Somebody has to be. Otherwise you'll be in constant trouble, ya?" Wakka teased

Chappu gently punched his brother in the stomach before nodding. A familiar voiced called to them as they both looked to see Lulu. Wiping the tears away, Chappu ran to Lulu's side. Leaving Wakka slowly following behind him.

Wakka's eye open suddenly as he sat right up. First seeing nothing but blur. Hit with chills he curled back into his blanket. It's only been a couple days since they started to climb up Mount Gagazet and already stopped by a snow storm. Taking shelter in a cave, Wakka and the others set up camp. Barely looking outside he saw night was upon them. Still feeling tears fall down his face he wipe them away.

He rarely dream and when he did... It was usually something of this nature. Memories of his little brother and the pain of reliving his death. Feeling regret of not trying to stop him... Regrets of not being there for his brother... Regrets that it wasn't he who died to protect his loved ones.

"You idiot... I thought I was the selfless asshole..." Wakka whimpered in a whisper

He continued his silent sobbing as he didn't want wake anyone up. Wakka didn't wish to worry Yuna or Lulu with this. They most likely have things on their troubled minds. Besides it was just a nightmare... He was tough enough to deal with one lousy nightmare. His tears and whimpers say otherwise...

Rikku slowly open her eyes as she heard quiet sobbing. Waking to the noise she realized it was Wakka. She looked and saw him in his blanket and shaking. Not being too far from him she rolled over to his side and hugging him. She startled Wakka as she saw him look over his shoulder. Eyes watery, redding, and a painful look in his eyes.

"Is everything alright Wakka?" Rikku asked

Wakka looked away and shook his head in response...

"Do you want to talk about it?"

No response...

"I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong." Rikku said

Rikku waited for Wakka to respond, but it seem he's keeping to himself. She also felt his body tensing up and his sobbing came to a halt. It was clear he didn't wish to talk. She hated to see him in this state. It meant he was hurting and she didn't like seeing him hurting. As an attempt she gently squeezed him tighter.

"You don't have to say anything... Just let me stay by your side... Deal?" Rikku offered

A moment of silence filled the cave until Wakka nodded his head. A gentle smile grew on Rikku's face as she whispered, "Can you turn around so I can clean off your face?"

Another moment of silence and Wakka turned to face Rikku. Showing his messy face towards her. She didn't laugh or giggle as she took out a hanky to wipe tears and snot away from Wakka's face. A tint of red began to flush Wakka's face as Rikku continued to clean off his face. He knew he shouldn't, but the blushing said a different tale. The soft smile didn't fade from Rikku's face while she tossed aside the dirtied hanky.

"There, ymm hela yht lmayh." Rikku smiled

"Dryhg oui... Oy?" Wakka whispered

A bigger smile grew on Rikku's face as she saw his sadness turn to a smile. So, as she promised she didn't say a word and hugged him. Silently saying comfort words in al bhed. While Wakka listen and drifting to sleep. For the first time in his life...

Letting someone else hold his burden.

Chp 3 End

AN: I ain't sure if this counts as romance, but eh… Enjoy and until next time in chp 4.

(( Al Bhed Translations beginning to end. ))

ymm hela yht lmayh - all nice and clean

Dryhg oui... Oy? - Thank you... Ya?