After breakfast the Skipper took Gilligan to the lagoon and sat him down. "First off I'm not mad at you or anyone else. There's no need to be scared of me."

"I know Skipper I…"

Jonas held up a hand to silence him. "I have a few things to say Gilligan. There are things you need to hear."

When the boy nodded the captain continued.

"Little Buddy the best thing to ever happen to me was you. I swore that I would take care of you and teach you everything you needed to know about this world. Since the ship wreck I haven't been doing a very good job of that. The reason is because I'm angry with myself for what happened. I felt like it was my fault and unfortunately you became the target. For that Gilligan...I'm really sorry."

"It's ok Skipper."

"No Gilligan it's not. It's not ok. You don't deserve to be treated that way. You are the bravest young man I've ever met and also the gentlest. You're the reason we got any customers at all there for awhile. People fall in love with you. It's easy to do." He reached over and put a hand on his shoulder. "What I've been doing to you is abuse and it ends now."

"You would never hurt me!"

"Little Buddy I have. I have hurt you. There is a bruise on your arm because of me."

"It's not that bad. It's going away and it doesn't even hurt."

The Skipper sighed before smiling fondly. "Will you quit defending me?

Gilligan blinked owlishly at him. "Huh?"

"Stop making excuses for me. Gilligan, Little Buddy, you don't have to prove anything. I'm never going to fire you. I chose you as my first mate and I don't want anyone else. You mean more to me than any amount of money in the world." He looked the young man in the eyes. "I want you and no one else."

Gilligan was quiet but the Skipper could see his throat working.

"Can you imagine the Professor taking on your job? I don't think he'd last very long! He'd quit after poisoning me or something!"

That got the desired effect. Gilligan grinned with a light chuckle. "He wouldn't do that!"

Jonas grinned. "I don't know he's a devious one! People always say to watch out for the quiet ones!"

After a minute the Skipper moved his hand from Gilligan's shoulder to cup his cheek. "I made a deal with Mr Howell last night. If I ever...EVER...lay another hand on you I lose you. He's going to hold me accountable and I'm glad of it. You have other places to go now." He met the boy's eyes. "Pennsylvania is not an option. You are never going back."

Gilligan swallowed. "Are you sure?"

"I think Mr Howell will make sure of it." He grinned. "You may get adopted again before that happens."

The boy chuckled before nodding. After a moment he took a deep breath. "I'm ready to come home."

"Good. I'm ready for you. Why don't we grab our fishing poles and see what we catch this morning?"

Gilligan nodded as they both got up and went to their hut. The moment he stepped in he saw the hope chest and his eyes went wide. "Skipper?"

"Have a look Little Buddy. It's yours."

He watched as Gilligan opened it and pulled out the carved dolphin as well as Ginger's doll. Also inside was his diary. He also pulled out a round object and as he looked at it he swallowed.

The round object had a word carved on it. One word that told the first mate just what his captain thought about him:

HERO

Skipper watched his little buddy for a minute. "You never have to prove anything Gilligan. You are a hero. You say I'm the bravest man you've ever met but to be honest Little Buddy without you I'm nothing. You did more than save me that day on the ship so long ago. You didn't prolong my life. You rescued me from my own demons. I need that reminder every now and then. I forget when I'm angry."

Gilligan let out a shaky breath before he put it in the chest and closed it. After a few seconds he stood up, went over to the Skipper, and hugged him.

Jonas returned the embrace. Now words were said but none were needed.

By supper time Gilligan was moved back in and back to his old self, chatting away much to the relief and happiness of the Castaways.

After they all finished Gilligan stood up with Mary Ann to help her with the dishes and his elbow knocked the Skipper's water right onto his lap!

"Gilligan!" he thundered as he too stood up.

Mr Howell watched intently. "Skipper…" he said in warning.

The big man drew in a breath and let it out before he pulled off his hat and smacked him, far more gently, on the head! Once he placed it back on his own head he rolled his eyes! "Professor do you think you can invent a bubble to put him in?"

Roy chuckled. "Oh I'm sure I can figure something out!"

Gilligan rolled his eyes as the girls giggled. "Oh ha ha!"

Later on that night Gilligan lay in his hammock listening to the Skipper's snores that mingled with the crickets and other noises outside. He smiled as his eyes slid shut.

He felt at peace.