DISCLAIMER: Don't own!

A/N: In an attempt to make them better deckhands, Captain Phil and Captain Sig switched Jakes. This really did happen in the show! They did it for King Season only and the switch lasted for only a few weeks.

Chapter 4

Departure day arrives! Skye awoke in her bunk with mixed emotions of enthusiasm and sadness. She was ready to accept the cold mistress that is the Bering Sea, but not so ready to say farewell to Josh. Throwing on her usual jeans, a CM t-shirt that Josh had gotten her, and deck boots, she felt a lump rising in her throat. To ease her emotions, she opted for her TB crewman's jacket and favorite knit hat for good luck. She also stashed her pink glossy chap stick in her pocket before walking outside. Walking out on deck, she spied Josh's truck pulling up on the dock. She smiled as he climbed out, but tried to contain her tears. He had on black sweat pants, his black "Bering Sea 2009" hoodie, and deck boots. His black hair was cover by a black DC ball cap. Even in his work gear, he still looked irresistibly sexy. But by the time he reached her side, she ended up losing the battle over the tears that welled in her eyes. They silently streamed down her cheeks as she buried her face in Josh's chest, all while feeling like a total wimp for making such a fuss. She was instantly in his arms, and fortunately it was still early enough that there were no cameras around. Josh let her have her tears, soothing her in any way he could. He never condemned her for becoming upset every once in a while before leaving town.

"Baby I'm sorry. I hate leaving you as much as you do, but we'll make it work. We always do right?"

"Yea, we do," she responded, slightly sniffling. He cupped her face in his hands, kissing her passionately.

"I love you baby girl," he told her softly.

"I love you too. Just be careful," she insisted.

"Always am. Sides at least I won't hafta kill Jake," Josh said snickering.

Skye raised her eyebrow at him in confusion, "Ok?" He then told her the events of the night before as they entered the warm boathouse.

"Pops decided that he's gonna go work on the Northwestern and Sig's gonna give us Jake Anderson. But it's only gonna be for the first few weeks of the season."

"Oh okay. Honestly, I think that working on another boat might do him some good. Especially seein how you n' Jake haven't been gettin along too well lately. Also, he'll get to see what it's like to be out his own."

"Dad seems to think so. And I do too, ya know? But it still feels weird."

"I know baby. Cuz the Cornelia's really the only boat y'all ever known. Still it'll be a good experience for him."

"But, you're right though babe." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "C'mon lets go."

They walked back out into the cold, while Skye applied a light coat of her chap stick. When they reached the drivers' side of the truck, Josh hugged her tightly as if his life depended on it. Skye did the same, not wanting to let go. She kissed Josh on one cheek with her hand on the other.

"Let's go crab fishin!" she whispered, causing Josh to laugh. "I love you, baby. Come back safe to me, ya hear?" she reminded him after hugging him one last time. She released her grip so that he could get back on the road.

"I love you too. Don't worry, I will," he replied. They shared one last kiss before Josh slammed the door. She watched him drive away until his truck disappeared from her sight. She ran back onto the boat, ready to get the day underway.

Back on the Cornelia, Josh had to double time it. He had to get Jake over to the Northwestern then head back over to the CM. He reached his brothers' room, but he could hear the camera crew behind the door. He leaned against the wall, but his thoughts traveled back to Skye and how he missed her already. Jake was lucky, he wasn't the one that had to leave a girlfriend behind. But for the past 3 years, Josh had watched the love of his life sail away on the Time Bandit. Springing himself back into action, he banged on the door. "C'mon man! I gotta get your ass over to Sig, hurry up!" he shouted through the wood. A few short moments later, Jake appeared with bags in hand. But it was soon followed by bursts of laughter. "The hell is so damn funny?!" he demanded. "Dude look at your face!"Jake exclaimed between peals of laughter. Shoving past Jake, he stormed into the bathroom staring into the mirror. Bending over the sink, he found a small pink stain on his cheek. His face turned crimson when he realized that Skye's lip balm had left a mark. Trying to act tough he once again yelled at Jake, "Enough bullshit! Let's go!" Strangely, he could hear Skye's voice in the back of his mind: "Really baby? Trying to act all "tough guy" for the cameras again?" He laughed at the thought.

The whole ride over to the NW, Josh was silent. He tried to get his head focused on fishing, but to no avail. "You ok bro?" asked Jake, trying to break the silence. Josh just nodded his head. Putting the truck in park, Josh helped him onto the Norwegian boat, followed by a brotherly hug. Jake sensed his older brothers' anxiety. "I know you miss her bro. But, we gotta earn it right?" said Jake, trying to give Josh some sort of comfort. "That's right. Aight love ya, buddy. Stay safe," replied Josh. "Love ya too, take care."

Josh reached the CM right before departure. As he jumped over the rail, one thought entered his mind: "Let's go fishin!"