This story is an AU because they get rescued after three years (after the show's run) instead of fifteen years later

Chapter One

Not Goodbye

Mary Ann Summers never thought she'd ever stand somewhere other than the island she'd spent the past three years on. She thought she'd never see her family again or taste the mouth-watering food of civilization. And she certainly didn't think their plan of spelling out help with wood and lighting them with fire would actually work. Yet there she stood with the Professor, looking beyond the exact ocean the seven castaways had set sail on that fateful trip. And even though they were rescued only three days ago, it still felt like a dream.

The castaways were staying in Hawaii for a few days to settle into civilian life before flying home. They'd spent the past two days doing television news interviews, devouring meals and sharing joyful tears and hugs with family members who had flown over to Hawaii once the news broke of the rescue.

Now, with about three hours till their flights to Kansas and Ohio, Mary Ann and the Professor secluded themselves from everyone by the docks, leaning the front of their bodies against a wooden fence. It was the first time since rescued they'd gotten the chance to discuss the reality of the situation and how it would effect them personally. After a moment of viewing the ocean and the boats passing, the Professor cleared his throat.

"The day has finally arrived hasn't it Mary Ann?" he said, looking onward.

Mary Ann shook her head. "None of this feels real. To be standing here, looking at something other than the huts and jungle leaves." She turned her head, viewing the side of his face. "To be with you here, in a different setting, off the island together."

Mary Ann's eyes stayed lingered on him as she recalled the last three years.

The seven castaways were strangers to her the day they got stranded. But she immediately was drawn to the Professor as a friend, a partner in plant discovery, scavenging and building devices. By year two on the island, Mary Ann spent hours everyday with the Professor doing just those things. As time went on though, something more came out of their expeditions and plant excursions. The Professor and Mary Ann connected on a deep, intellectual level and in spending time together, they talked a lot, about anything and everything—their life before getting stranded, their families, and love, to name a few.

And as their bond as friends continued growing, so did their fondness for one another in a romantic way; It was mutual. Mary Ann knew the Professor had feelings towards her. The Professor knew of Mary Ann's crush on him. Except even though it was mutual, nothing was officially done or said a loud confirming their attraction. So they were left with an unfinished feeling between them.

Mary Ann blinked back to reality. "I'm going to miss seeing everyone everyday." She shifted to the right where her shoulder squished against the Professor's. There was a subtle crack in her voice and a sniff came out of her nose. The Professor nodded slowly before turning his body to face Mary Ann. His blue eyes fell deep into her brown eyes.

"I'm going to miss, you," the Professor said, his eyebrows buried into his forehead.

Mary Ann tilted her head, concerned by the apparent discomfort that covered his face. Yet, at the same time she felt the same way. She brought her hand up to his face, caressing his cheek. "This isn't a goodbye Professor," Mary Ann assured. "We'll still be in each other's lives."

The Professor gave a weak smile as he held onto her hand that was making his cheek warm. "Mary Ann, I know I've told you this before, but I really appreciate what you did for us on the island. Without your meals, we wouldn't have survived. Thank you."

"Need I remind you, it was your devices that allowed me to cook all those meals," Mary Ann said. "So thank you."

They both exchange wide genuine grins that accentuated the creases by their eyes. "You're welcome," they said in unison which initiated chuckles from them both.

Mary Ann dropped her hand, breathing out peacefully. "Promise you'll write me?"

The Professor smiled. "Promise dear."

And then the moment both were dreading came: the goodbye embrace. Mary Ann shut her eyes as she went on her tip toes to wrap her arms around the Professor. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, while his arms held her up around the waist.

"Take care of yourself," whispered Mary Ann, squeezing her eyes so tight she gave herself a headache.

"Only if you will," Professor said, clenching in all of his emotions within the tight hug.

"I will," Mary Ann said, the words barley getting out.

The Professor untangled himself from her. He glanced at the ground for a second. "Uh, Mary Ann before you leave, there's something I've got to tell you," the Professor said.

"Yes?"

The Professor swallowed. "I think—"

"There they are!" Ginger shouted from afar with a big group following behind her. As the group grew closer, Mary Ann and The Professor had to halt their conversation. The Professor sighed as Ginger and the gang came over along with family members.

"Professor, Mary Ann!" Gilligan said, running up to them. "Guess what?! Guess what?! The Howells invited us to their mansion in the Hills next week!"

Mary Ann grinned, clasping her hands together. "Oh that's wonderful!" She turned around to look at the Professor. "Isn't it Professor?"

"Very wonderful, I—"

"Roy!" A women's voice called from behind the group. "Roy Hinkley!"

The Professor peered over the crowd to find the face attached to the voice which he recognized immediately. "Rose Henderson is that you?"

A women with black hair and round glasses revealed herself in front of Mary Ann. "Roy I can't believe you're alive! I thought you were dead!" She flung herself at the Professor, tossing her arms around him. "Once I heard the news I flew over as soon as I could."

Rose pulled apart from the Professor beaming at him.

"Oh, hey everyone, this is my good friend from Ohio, Rose Henderson," Professor introduced to the group.

"Hello Rose!"

Rose smiled and waved.

Mary Ann stood with her hands behind her back. "Um, I should probably get going now," she announced, mainly to the Professor.

"We should all get going," the Skipper said.

The group all shuffled to the area where cars were parked to escort the castaways and their families to the airport. After Mary Ann hugged Gilligan, Ginger, the Howells and the Skipper, she wanted to say goodbye to the Professor once last time before flying home to Kansas; but Rose got to him first.

"Roy, this is so exciting, I can't wait to bring you home to my parents. They're absolutely thrilled about your return." Rose squeezed the Professor.

"Thanks Rose, but I'm sure my parents are just as excited," said the Professor. Mary Ann noticed that he didn't not return the hug. His face was turning red and she could see a vein popping out on his forehead.

Rose broke away, grinning like a fool. "When we fly home together, you must tell me all about your island adventures okay?"

The Professor nodded. "Will you excuse me just a moment Rose?"

The Professor brushed past Rose, grabbing Mary Ann's arm and guiding her away from the crowd. He stood in front of her, with a hand under his chin. Before speaking, he searched her eyes. "Have a safe flight home Mary Ann," he said.

Mary Ann bit her lip to refrain from crying in front of the Professor. "You too."

They embraced. "I'll miss you," she whispered.

"Visit soon. Please."

"I will."

After breaking away, Mary Ann planted a soft kiss on the Professor's cheek. He winked, then she watched him be escorted by Rose to the car.

Miss you already.

This story will be longer than my others. Probably ten chapters. Thanks for the reviews on my past stories! It really keeps me motivated!