Fishing Trip//Max Joseph//Catfish: The TV Show//Catfish

*Chapter Seven*

     AN: Heya!! Comment down below if you've voted on my story! That includes past chapters, and this chapter! I'll give you a shoutout in Chapter Eight! And... you guys need to tell me how you feel about Ellie and Nev flirting a bit. I think it would be cute, but this story is for you, so let me know! Also, one more thing- Ship Names!! My friend, Just_a_normal_mess came up with an amazing ship name for Ellie and Max, #Maxie. I love it! Comment some more down below!

"Flight 173 is now boarding, flight 173 is now boarding," a nasal, monotone voice announced. "That's us," Max said, standing. Ellie and Nev took their time stretching and gathering suitcases. "C'mon, we're gonna be late," he whined from a few feet away. "We'll be fine," Ellie grumbled as she handed Nev his carry-on. Nev simply nodded in thanks, too tired to speak.

Because their flight to Orlando was delayed twice, the trio was forced to stay in the airport for an extra three and a half hours. They bickered over arm and leg room, proceeded to separate themselves from each other, but ended up falling asleep on the same bench, arms and legs intertwined. Family bonding.

Nev and Ellie followed Max to the gate. Ellie's hair was tangled and matted, Nev's hair stuck up at odd angles, but Max's hair was combed and styled perfectly. "How the hell..." Ellie massaged her temples, fighting a headache. Nev turned to her, concerned, "You good?" She smiled weakly, "Yeah, headache. You have any Advil?" Nev fumbled with his carry-on. He managed to collect two pills from the small container. "Here ya go," he said, smiling.

Nev held her hand in his as he passed the Advils to her. A warm, tingling sensation made its way up his arm. "Thanks," she said, leaning towards him fondly. Ellie reached in front of them and unzipped Max's backpack. She pulled out a plastic water bottle and took a sip. She turned her head back, swallowed, and the pills were gone. "Isn't that M-" Ellie cut him off. "Yep," she said, returning the bottle to Max's bag. "And he didn't even notice!"

As Nev began to speak, Max turned around with one of his megawatt grins. "You guys ready!?" Nev and Ellie turned to each other, laughing hysterically. Max's grin dropped. "What are you laughing about?" Nev grabbed Ellie's arm, laughing even harder. Ellie came up with an excuse quickly and changed the subject. "Why are you so happy today?" Ellie questioned. "You're very... chipper," she said, suppressing a laugh. Nev chuckled and slapped her arm playfully.

Max was still facing them, his hands gripping the backpack straps around his shoulders. "He looks cute. I've hardly even looked at him today." Ellie frowned slightly and told herself she would spend some time with him later. "Just excited," he reassured. Nev was now distracted by a last minute phone call from the producers. Ellie jogged to catch up with Max. "What are you hiding, Max?" Something flashed across his face. It only lasted a second, but Ellie recognized it immediately. Alarm.

"What's he afraid of?" Ellie sped up to reach Max again. "Stop walking so fast," she pleaded. "Really, though. What are you up to?" Ellie studied him, staring. "There's that look again." Max chose his words carefully. "I'm just excited for your first fishing trip!" He doubled over, crying. Ellie watched as people turned to look at the crazy man who couldn't stop laughing. "Max," she mumbled, nudging his arm. "People are staring." Ellie widened her eyes, being serious. "You're embarrassing me."

Max eventually calmed down, but didn't cease to annoy Ellie for the remainder of their walk to the gate. "Hey, do you have any gum?" Max asked, turning to Ellie. "Yeah, hold on." Ellie reached behind her and pulled a pack of mint gum from a pocket on her backpack. Ellie passed a piece to Max before unwrapping a piece for herself. Remembering Nev, she turned around to offer him one. "Wait. Where... where's Nev?"

Max must've noticed her silence because he turned around too. They stopped, but the crowd of people around them continued to move, making identifying Nev just that much harder. "Text him, I'll try calling," Ellie directed. Max pulled his phone from his pocket and proceeded to text Nev. Ellie went to her Favorites List in contacts.

Ellie: "Hey, where are you?"

Nev: "On the damn plane. You walking to Orlando, or something?"

Ellie: "No," she said laughing. "What did you do, run to the gate?"

Nev: "No, you just walk slow. Hurry, you have about five minutes."

Ellie: "Okay. See you in a few."

Max looked to Ellie expectantly. "So... where is he?" Ellie shoved the phone back in her pocket. "On the damn plane." Max wrinkled his nose, confused. "How!?" Ellie ignored his question and cut to the chase. "C'mon, we got five minutes," she said, looking at her watch. Max smirked, making Ellie's heart flutter.

"Race you," he said, raising an eyebrow. Ellie but her lip and leaned forward, positioning her feet. Max mirrored her and proceeded to count backwards from three.
"Three... Two... One!" The two dashed through the crowded airport, dodging people as they ran.

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"I won," Ellie announced, breathless. Max stopped and put his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. "You wish." Ellie smirked and handed the lady her ticket. Max stood and did the same. "You just made it," she said. "You can go on ahead." Ellie smiled, "Thank you," she panted. Max simply nodded, still gasping for breath.

Walking through the aisles to find Nev, Ellie smirked at Max. "Poor baby. You want me to carry your bags for you?" Max gave a short chuckle. "No, I think I've got it. But I still won." Ellie looked up at him and winked. "Uh huh. Sure you did, Max."

*Please Read This!*
Ok... Now that school's started, I have homework and other school-related things going on. I should probably give myself a "bedtime" too. Like 11:00 or something😂 Anyway, because if all of this, I can't write every other day like I have been. But... you can expect a new chapter every weekend! Yeah... I think that sounds like a good plan, right? Right. And, one more thing. You guys need to give me some ideas or something!! I have a few small ideas for a #Maxie moment next chapter, but nothing major. So, that means I need your help! Thanks guys!

💙Lexi💙