Thurston Howell approached the Skipper as he was collecting firewood. "Skipper, is Gilligan gay?"

The captain's eyes went wide and he dropped the wood he was carrying, cringing in pain as one of the larger ones landed on his foot. He looked up as he rubbed his foot. "Why do you ask?"

The millionaire crossed his arms. "Judging by your reaction I'd say the answer is quite clear."

The captain was immediately on the defensive. "Look Howell he's not living in sin. There's nothing wrong…"

"No there isn't and I can't imagine what that poor boy has been put through."

For a moment the Skipper stood there gaping like a fish. "I...I thought…"

For a moment the elder man's eyes were sad. "I understand more than you think how cruel the world is to those that are different." He sat down. "I believe the Professor is as well and fate is trying to put those two together."

Jonas frowned in concern. "What happened? A friend of yours?"

Mr Howell shut his eyes. "Our son. It was quite a few years ago. When he was sixteen he came to us with shaking hands and extremely frightened. Lovey and I had already suspected it and we had a long, and actually quite delightful conversation. We, of course, kept his secret."

The Skipper swallowed. "Mr Howell…"

Mr Howell sighed before looking up at him. "Two years later I went to fetch him for a round of golf and found him hanging by the light in his room."

He felt like he'd been punched. "Oh God...I'm so sorry!"

Thurston clenched his hands. "His schoolmates had somehow found out and taunted him mercilessly. He never shared his troubles and the only reason he was able to get a proper funeral was because of our wealth." He looked the old salt square in the eye. "I will not let the same fate befall them. Gilligan is a dear boy and the Professor is a good man."

The Skipper felt a huge burden lift off of his shoulders. "Thing is I bet they both think the other is straight."

Mr Howell chuckled! "Well...first thing's first. We must get THEM to admit their homosexuality. I have an idea on how we can do that."

The captain listened and nodded in agreement with the plan. "Mr Howell…"

"Yes?"

"I really am sorry about your son. No parent should have to outlive their child, no matter the circumstances."

He nodded. "Thank you Captain."

"What about the girls? What will they think? Gilligan's had people turn their backs on him before. It would break his heart if it happened again."

"Ginger already knows and Mary Ann had her suspicions as well. It's why neither of them pursued the men."

The captain shook his head in astonishment before smiling. "Gilligan is in for a pleasant surprise!"

Mr Howell grinned. "Soon enough they won't be alone any longer!"

That evening at dinner Mr Howell proposed that they each tell something about themselves that no one knew about. He began by telling them about his eccentric Uncle Magoo. It worked to keep the tension light. Mary Ann told them about how her pig won first prize at the fair when she was little.

Ginger told them about her roommate and looked pointedly at the Professor.

Roy just shook his head.

"Gilligan saved my life and was awarded the Navy Cross," The Skipper said proudly.

The first mate blushed. "Aww Skipper!"

Mrs Howell drew in a breath. "We had a son. He's no longer with us."

They stared at her.

She squeezed her husband's hand. "He was gay. We didn't love him any less for it."

Gilligan swallowed. "So...fi someone else were…"

Mr Howell smiled gently at the boy. "We would think no different."

Gilligan looked around at the others before drawing in a breath. "I'm gay."

There was a long moment of silence. Then…

"As am I."

Gilligan's head shot over to the Professor in shock. "Y-you are?"

Roy nodded with a slight smile. "Yes...and Gilligan?"

"Yeah?" the boy asked shyly.

"Did you know that when you smile the light of the sun seems dim in comparison?"

Ginger grinned as she looked at Gilligan's blushing face.

"Uh well...did you know that when you talk about your plants your eyes sparkle like sapphires?"

It was the Professor's turn to blush.

Mr Howell smirked. "My work here is done!"

The Skipper smirked. "Professor...did you know that if you hurt my Little Buddy I won't hesitate to throw you to the sharks?"

Gilligan groaned! "Skipper!"

Roy gulped knowing that he meant it! He looked at Gilligan before reaching over and putting a hand his.

Gilligan looked up at him and the spark flew between the two as they locked eyes. It was just like on the Minnow.

"Would you care to accompany me on a walk?"

Gilligan smiled shyly. "I'd love to!"

They stood up before walking hand in hand into the jungle.

The rest of the castaways watched them go smiling.