Note: I do not own Dragon Quest 8
Second Note: I can't end stories properly. Sorry...
Third Note: I'm not strictly a Jessica/Eight shipper, but this just begged to be written. Enjoy!
The cabin isn't really large enough to accommodate them all, so Yangus and the others volunteer to sleep outside. Actually it's more like Yangus volunteers on behalf of Eight and Angelo, swinging a thick arm around Eight's shoulders and saying "Me and the rest will sleep outside with Gramps. "Won't do us any harm innit."
The old lady smiles in relief and turns to make up the small trundle bed for Jessica. Eight hands her husband a handful of gold coins and steps outside with the rest.
Three hours later and Jessica isn't anywhere close to sleep. The old lady is snoring away, her husband used to this apparently is sleeping soundlessly. Jessica turns over and pulls a pillow over her head, trying in to drown out the noise.
It doesn't work. Sighing in defeat Jessica slips out of bed and pads softly to the door, stepping into the cool summer air.
Angelo has his back straight against the outside wall and is snoring softly in time with Yangus's heavy breathing. For a second she considers lying down next to them, but something stops her. Well, someone.
It's Eight wide awake and standing a little ways away with his face turned towards the moon. Hearing the rustle of her skirt he turns to her and smiles. It's breathtaking. Finally Jessica finds her voice.
" Couldn't sleep either?" Eight shakes his head. "Standing guard."
Jessica walks to stand beside him. "Was the bed not comfortable?"
She shakes her head, "no, it was…the snoring of our not so gracious hostess that drove me out."
Eight smiles, says nothing and turns back towards the light. Jessica's fingers itch to touch him, but she presses them into her palms.
"Well we should arrive in Argonia by tomorrow evening right? Once uncomfortable night won't do me and harm." She turns, fingers still pressing crescent shapes into her palms , and starts to head back to the cabin, until she stops suddenly. Turning back to Eight, she places a palm on his shoulder.
"Get some rest- I'll take over." Eight looks at her. "Sure?"
Jessica nods once, and smiles. "Go ahead." Her eyes follow him as he makes his way to the wagon, sliding down against and closing his eyes.
She doesn't get any sleep that night. But the moon is pretty, the air is cool, and really, Eight's thankful smile is more than enough reward. So she stands watch.