Bittersweet Challenges - A Deadliest Catch Fanfiction

(Disclaimer-I do not own Deadliest Catch and the assorted songs featured, I am only doing something that popped into my mind a while ago-The only thing I do own is my OC, Maya- Enjoy and Review please, important- Please Do Not post my stories to Face book, Twitter or any other social networking site, I will consider that as stealing and\or plagiarism I ask that you respect my wishes! Important events\Conversations are in Italics!)

Chapter 1

I Sighed to myself, Knowing tonight's shift would be busy with the all the fisherman leaving port tomorrow. I was going to dread tomorrow morning because I'd have to say goodbye to Jake Anderson and Josh Harris. I immediately heard the soft rhythm of Anybody Listening. It was strange how my life can be changed by one song, but I really liked that song.

I took another drink order for the captains, I smiled tiredly at Jake and Josh (Jake was my Friend, Josh was my secret Crush )- my feet were killing me, and I couldn't relief the pain-that's when I heard Sig speak to me. "Maya, you ok?" I sighed, and said "yes." Both Sig and Josh and Jake knew it was a lie, and I hated it, But I had to keep up a strong façade around the captains- I loved the ocean, and I wanted to either be on the Cornelia Marie or Northwestern for some years now, and I was not a novice when it came to boats either, but they were just pontoons and Sailboats and Kayaks, not massive house forward boats. I went over to the next table to take their orders. And besides, I knew the unspoken rule of fishing and that is No women on deck. As I went back to the kitchen to give the chef the orders, I sighed again. But then I heard Speak Up by Pop Etc. I instantly knew what I had to do.

Josh's Point of View

I was worried about Maya, because I knew that she wanted me to be safe and knowing my profession that was kind of hard to do. I always promised her though. She was coming back towards our tables, and waiting for the wager to happen- I think that was her favorite part of the "last Time in Port" as she called it. Unknown to anyone else, I had a Crush on Maya. I mean-She's Kind and generous and humorous- those are the qualities I admire most about her.

Chapter 2

It was around the time for the guys to leave, I got anxious- because I knew Josh and I would be texting or talking to each other while he was still within tower range for his phone. Unknown to everyone, I was secretly crushing on Josh; we had gone to the same high school together, then remained in contact with each other for a couple of years. I was happy, but I was scared for tomorrow- but I would pray and hope for the best. Most of my customers had left, though the Captains and the crew were still here. I am reminded of when the Rollo and Maverick, as well as the Saga and Lucky Lady were around but I had a theory of why they left and that was because of the quotas being slashed though, sometimes I wonder what really happened. Tonight, I had to close-but I was promised extra time off for when the fleet returned.

(Josh's Point of View)

She had given me a mix tape a while back and tonight while we were still in port-I decided to listen to it. The first song was Leave out all the rest by linkin park. Around 11:15, I decided to call her. Her voice was very chipper, and I secretly wondered if she was scared. "I am Fine, Josh- just knows I love you and I will text you every day, no matter what and don't get me wrong I will miss you." She said, and it touched my heart, but we were going to take things slow once she found out about me crushing on her, and there will be no rushing into things if I can help it. I decided that this year, I would keep a log of what was going on and since I knew she missed me-I had given her a hoodie of mine months back and I let her keep it.

(Maya's Point of View)

I smiled at the pictures of Josh and I-with some assorted other crew photos. I walked towards my closet and opened it; I reached for Josh's hoodie and touched it. I was getting tired and I let sleep take over me, before I dreamed-I prayed that the fleet would make it back safe, like I always did.

(The next morning)

It was around 5:30, when I decided to wake up to watch the news-like I always did, but today was different, they were doing the annual prayer for the fisherman and I always was grateful that I'd see the Captains and crew one last time. Dutch wasn't far from where I lived, so I decided to walk down to the harbor-I grabbed my North Face-(Which is a Denali Thermal in Purple), purse and phone. (5 minutes later)- I was spotted by Edgar, and he smiled at me and I then saw Jake, and he came to greet me as well. I had a song in my head called "Bittersweet" by Ellie Golding, and I thought that it was the most awkward song I could get around Jake. But in Reality, I was trying not to cry-because I knew what the injury rate was, and I'd never forgive myself if I didn't see them off, I was usually the last to leave Dutch, But went to my secret hideout and hoped no one would see me cry.

(Jake's Point of View)

I saw that Maya was coming towards to the docks, so I asked Sig if I could take a break since I had already done the majority of the tasks, and he agreed to let me have a break. In the distance, I could hear someone silently crying, I wondered what was wrong. I touched her shoulder and said-"Everything's going to be Ok, I promise."

She turned to me and said, "I know it is Jake, but the fears never really go away". I then realized it was Maya. I was her Friend, I didn't want her to be this upset, I also had a plan in my head, and I secretly hoped Sig approved. (In the Wheelhouse, Sig's Point of View)

I didn't realize that Maya was so upset until Jake told me. I was sitting in my captain's chair when I saw Josh and Maya walking on the Dock, and she was smiling and laughing with Josh. It did my heart good to see her and Josh happy. In the back of my mind, though I knew that she would be lonely when we left and also knew from experience that her tips would not go far, with the rising prices of everything. I nodded towards Jake and he went to go fetch Maya, so she could get her gear and the assorted other items she would need.

(Josh's Point of View)

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jake Anderson coming towards Maya. He and I got along pretty well through the years he had been fishing, and I also knew he and the rest of the crew would look out for her if she needed it. "Hey Maya, Sig wants to see you" I said, and Maya had a smile on her face. "Sig gave her a job, you know me and the rest of the Crew will take care of her if she needed it." Josh smiled slightly and waited for Maya to text him back. He went to her apartment, which wasn't that far from Dutch, so instead of wasting gasoline-he'd do what he'd did previously which is walk.

Chapter 3

(Maya's Point of view)

I had a couple of Duffel bags ready to go, one with my gear and clothes; while the other contained my personal needs and face things. My door bell rang; it was Josh at the door. He was taking me back to Dutch so we could talk, because over the next few months-we can only talk on Marine radios. I was excited, but kind of nervous-because I knew that I would possibly be on deck, and I didn't really want any extra attention drawn to me because of my Girl problems and I hoped that the guys would go easy on me as far as the pranks and practical jokes, Because after all- the Northwestern was the most pranking boat, next to the Time Bandit. "Let's go Josh", I said, after giving him a kiss on the lips. It was then I heard Edgar making his way back from the phone booth, laughing at Jake and I. Tonight, I would be making dinner for the guys, and unknown to everyone I was inviting Josh, I knew that they were rivals-but I wanted to show that we could all get along at least for a simple dinner. I had gone to the warehouse store to get extra food and supplies. I couldn't believe how much food we were going to need, and I had also clipped some coupons to ease the burden a little more. Edgar and I were shopping; when I ran my cart into Josh's cart-it was humorous and took him by surprise.

I didn't fathom that I could cook something delicious for the guys, but then I remembered an old recipe of beef stew, and I was happy when I found an extra large Crockpot.

(Two Hours later)

Well, I pulled off something I thought I would never do- cook for 9 people by my lonesome. At least the guys enjoyed my cooking, because they would have to put up with it for the next 3 months for King; and then for Opiolio. I smiled a bit when Captain Sig said he liked my cooking, I swear that compliment made my year. Both Jake and Josh got into a "Fight" about who should help me wash dishes. Jake and Josh decided to play Rock, paper, scissors to see who would win-Jake surprisingly won.

(Jake's Point of view)

I have known Maya for quite a long time, but I never knew that she could cook. Then, I decided to have a dish soap bubble fight-Maya won, but she was mad that she'd have to wash her favorite Alaska Fishing company hoodie again. I promised Josh that I would help her if she needed it. After we got cleaned off, we all headed to our bunks.

Chapter 4

(Maya's point of View)

It was around midnight, when I thought I started my period. I ran towards my Pink duffel bag, and got some supplies from it- though I had forgotten my pain medication. "Great, what a way to start a fishing season, maybe I can sneak out" I thought quickly, and then I walked forward towards the door, hoping it didn't creak or anything. I successfully got off the boat with no one seeing me. I hoped that stroke of luck would continue until I got to the general store. I took my phone with me, along with my wallet. As soon as I got to the paved road of the general store, my droid signaled a text-It was from Josh, and it said this-"Where are you?" Edgar said you're gone." I sighed and texted him this-"I forgot to get medication, so I am getting extra before we leave port." I paid for the extra medicine and thanked the clerk.

(In the wheelhouse of the Northwestern)

As I got back on deck, I saw Sig and Edgar with their arms crossed. "Oh No", I thought tiredly. Josh was with me, so he decided to escort me back up to the wheelhouse. I quietly crept towards the Wheelhouse, when Edgar's voice stopped me in my tracks. Edgar unfolded his arms and said-"You know, you could have gotten hurt- We are only trying to help you." Josh was with me, so you do not have anything to worry about" Then, Josh spoke up and said, "Well, I can see the reason she wanted to go alone, as he gestured to the see-through bag. I blushed at that comment and walked away with the bag, back to my bunk and got the remaining hours of sleep I craved.

(The Following Day)

Today was departure for the fleet, so I used my time wisely by reading, texting\ listening to music and cooking- I had planned to have a huge feast ready, I even tried my hand at salted cod- knowing that most of the crew liked it. It was then, when Matt came in and he was first at the table- though he was busy freshening up. Matt and I had gotten to know each other that night when I was waitressing, along with the other captains and crews. Though, I didn't know what to make of the captain of the Ramblin' Rose quite yet.

I sighed to myself, and texted Josh-I was hoping he'd talk to Sig about the Marine Radio issue- and if we were even going to be able to talk at all. We (the fleet) were supposed to be leaving in three hours. (5 minutes later)- The guys had come in and eaten, and I did better on the cod then I thought I did, which was comforting to know my cooking abilities. I had the song "Ghosts" by James McMorrow in my head, but I shrugged it off. The next song that came to mind was "Fire in the Water" by Feist, that one I couldn't exactly shrug that one. I screamed.

(Matt's Point of View)

I was outside of the Northwestern, when I heard a scream. I decided to go back, to make sure everything was all right. I hoped that it was nothing bad, because you never want to start fishing on a bad note. As I climbed the stairs up to the wheelhouse, I noticed Maya was in the galley crying. She had her head down, but I definitely could hear her sobs. I took the seat next to her, and hoped she would talk to me about whatever was going on. (20 minutes later)- She finally stopped crying and then she went to the bathroom to get herself presentable again. Then, she put her oil slick on that we are required to wear on deck, and she closed the deck door quietly after she put her boots on. I was worried about her, but I am going to give her time and then I would try to talk to her about it without having to involve the crew or Josh.

Chapter 5

(Maya's point of View)

I felt bad that Matt had to see me cry, but I just had a really anxious feeling about this season and I hoped that nothing would happen to us in the fleet. I knew that the crew and I would be in safe hands, even when we reached the fishing grounds. The coast guard had chosen to do random inspections of the boats and we were picked. The task we were assigned to do was the "Survival Suit" Test- where they time you and you have to get into the survival suit before they call time. I was the second one in, behind Jake. Then, Edgar and after him was Norman, then Sig. needless to say, we passed our inspection and were cleared to go to the grounds. I was trying to get the remaining hours of sleep while I could but then, Edgar jolted me awake. "Sig wants to see you" he said. I immediately uncovered and went to the wheelhouse. I was dressed in a Victoria Secret Hoodie and my favorite sweatpants. I heard Captain Sig's Voice saying, "Here She is Josh, and handed me the Marine microphone, and stepped out of the wheelhouse to give us privacy. I proceeded to tell Josh about what happened this morning, and how Matt has become a trusted friend of mine. I felt sick, but I didn't want to worry him or anyone else right now. We talked for 20 minutes more when I wanted to go out on deck.

Chapter 6, Part 1

I just wanted a few moments alone by myself, I wanted to sort things out before we were to start our grind. Though, Sig did not want me on deck, though I was going to change that-at least for 2 or 3 strings. I wanted to help them out as much as I could. My thoughts drifted to Josh and how our relationship was progressing. I went over to the baiting area, and started filling up the bait bags, so I could help lighten the crews load at bit; I had done at least 10 bait bags, with an extra couple thrown in for good measure. I made my way back into the galley and was greeted by Jake and Norman.

I went back on Deck on last time to check if everything was secure, and then I went back to my bunk and hoped my gesture would go over well. A few hours later, I saw the Cornelia; I had a smile on my face. Then, I heard a voice on the marine radio-I went into the Wheelhouse to check if it was important. It was Josh, on the Marine channel. I took a deep breath (so I wouldn't laugh) and I said, "Cornelia, this is the northwestern"

"My father wants to talk to Sig and I love you", he said quietly. After a pause, I Said-"Hold on, Let me go get him" Then, I whispered-"I love you".

After I put my boots on I stepped out into the deck, and motioned for Sig to come in. He took the hint and came in. "Cornelia wants to talk to you", I said as I smiled.

Then, I took his hint and excused myself. I decided to grab my something to eat to settle my stomach-I had my poptart in hand, When Matt and Jake came walking in, I avoided the gazes from them and went back to my bunk and waited for my sickness to subside.

Chapter 6, part 2

After my Radio talk with Josh, i wanted to go on deck to see if my seasickness would subside-when i felt a hand rubbing my back. I was feeling awful but i wanted to keep up my strong side around the crew, after a while-I progressively got better. I also knew that by the second day my seasickness would stop entirely, I decided before the crew came down to the galley, I'd indulge in my hobby of photography a little bit. Something else that pleased me was i was finally were I belonged. I prayed a quiet prayer, for a bountiful season ahead and that we would return safely.