AN: Sorry, for the slow update and again thank you to all the reviews, I apologize if I haven't personally gotten back to you. I have been a bit busy with a GI music vid and giving my muse a little vacation by playing my virtual villagers games. LOL! Still stuck on an island trying to survive, maybe my muse didn't really go on vacation. :) Anyways, here is the latest chapter and enjoy. I always appreciate the feedback. :)

Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine except for the baby apes.

Two weeks had passed and Mary Ann was able to get back to her chores, but hated doing laundry by herself and would have Gilligan help her, yet if he was busy she'd have Ginger help. Her nightmares persisted, but Gilligan was always there every night, well, almost every night if he didn't forget. If he forgot she'd wake everyone up with her screaming or she'd awaken before that happened and go into his hut. She climbed into his hammock and snuggled close to him. The first time she did that she almost toppled them out of it because she had startled him, but when he realized it was her, he had grinned in relief. He had offered to go back to her hut, but she didn't want to. They had scared the Skipper that morning since he wasn't expecting the farm girl to be sleeping in Gilligan's hammock, but it soon became habit, he was either sleeping in the girls' hut or she was sleeping in the boys' hut. It happened to be that morning she was sleeping in Gilligan's arms in his hammock when the Skipper awoke and washed his face before leaving to collect firewood. He bumped into the Professor and apologized.

"You've been distracted lately, Skipper."

"It's Mary Ann."

"She's in his hammock again?"

The Skipper nodded.

"We're going to have to do something about it."

"Like what, Professor?"

"Get them to open up about what happened or build them their own hut."

"Build them their own hut? They're not even married let alone dating, Professor."

"I know, but it seems to be distracting you and Ginger from getting a normal night's rest."

"How is it effecting, Ginger?"

"She tries to stay awake when they talk and she's found out a few interesting tidbits, but I'll discuss that with you later."

He had noticed Mary Ann going back to her hut and Gilligan emerging, stretching. He saw the two men and smiled, joining them.

"Hi, Skipper. Hi, Professor. What's going on?"

"Nothing, but how about you help me collect firewood?"

"Sure, Skipper."

"I'll see you later, Professor."

He followed his first mate into the jungle as the intellect went back into his hut contemplating how he could solve this problem. She was heading towards PTSD if he didn't intervene while Gilligan seemed to be doing okay, but that could be his preoccupation of comforting Mary Ann. They would have to face their fears eventually or they would never be the same again. A knock interrupted his thoughts and he gave the person entrance. He turned to see Ginger who's face betrayed her worries for her friend.

"Any ideas yet?"

"Not yet, Ginger. The only plan of action is to get them to open up about their experience or expose them to the ordeal they suffered."

"Expose?"

"Instead of sitting and talking they'd actually take us out into the jungle showing us how they survived."

"Those are great ideas, Professor, but what about sleeping arrangements? I really don't mind because I'm getting information, but he never stops yammering. How does the Skipper get any sleep?"

He chuckled and she feigned a glare.

"For now let him at least sleep in your hut because it calms Mary Ann. Is she still having nightmares when he's there?"

"I hear her whimper in her sleep, but since Gilligan is there they don't intensify. I am concerned for her even though Gilligan is always there to guard her, but she doesn't like to do anything by herself anymore."

"That's it, Ginger!"

She slightly jumped when he snapped his fingers and quickly moved to where his books were.

"What's it, Professor?"

"I know how we can detach Mary Ann from Gilligan's hip, but we'll have to start tomorrow and if it's a success then maybe a little exposure therapy the day after that!"

She hugged him in excitement for being able to help their friends.

"I want to discuss this with everyone after breakfast with the exception of Mary Ann."

"We'll get Gilligan to keep her busy."

"That would be wise and later we'll clue him in on our plan."

"Good luck with that."

He chuckled at her response and they exited his hut as they went to the table and awaited breakfast noticing Mary Ann setting it.

Later, everyone gathered back at the table while Gilligan kept Mary Ann occupied. The Professor stood at the head of the table in a thoughtful silence before he addressed the group.

"We've all witnessed the aftermath of what Kincaid wrought."

They nodded.

"Skipper, you've seen shell shock in your brethren during the war?"

"Yes, I have, some never recovered."

"And what happened to those that didn't recover?"

"If it was real bad they were locked away in a mental institute."

The women gasped and Mr. Howell shook his head in pity.

"The point I'm trying to make is that Mary Ann more so than Gilligan is on the path to PTSD."

"PTSD?"

"Post-traumatic stress disorder, Mr. Howell."

"For a moment I thought that was a new stock option."

He chortled at his wit and they all rolled their eyes.

"Mary Ann is dependent on Gilligan, right?"

They all nodded at the Professor.

"I have a plan that may bring back the independent, carefree Mary Ann we know."

He began explaining the details to the others.

Gilligan and Mary Ann were visiting with the apes. Gilligan was playing with Gladys's and Beatrice's babies while Mary Ann watched, giggling as Charlie sat in her lap clapping. They were playing tag and Gilligan was 'It'. He was chasing them around a tree and Lucy hurriedly climbed up it followed by Gillian. They shrieked in happiness as Gilligan chased Gertrude around who eventually became out of reach as he went after George and Larry. Mary Ann grinned at how he was a child at heart, but that's what she loved about him. He knew how to be a man, a hero in her eyes, and when to be who he was right now, uncomplicated, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. She watched wistfully as he caught George and they wrestled playfully. He would make a great father one day. She wondered what their babies would be like, but she shook her head of the images. They loved each other, that had been apparent for many years until he admitted when he sacrificed himself. How did Gilligan do it? He wasn't afraid to be alone in the jungle after that experience, but he did have the occasional nightmare or sometimes jumped when startled. She wished hers would stop. They were vivid and was sometimes the reason she didn't venture into the jungle without someone. She was afraid Kincaid would return and pop out aiming his gun at her or the other scenario that repeated in her nightmares. She shivered at the thought and went back to daydreaming about their future babies.

It was a nice fantasy to dream about even though they weren't married, heck, they weren't even dating, were they? Nothing had changed all that much with the exception of admissions of love for the other, a little more affection, and he was a bit more protective of her. If this was his idea of dating she didn't mind because he treated her with more respect than the boys she used to date at home. She was a piece of arm candy, a trophy, they didn't care about her feelings, she was a conquest and if they conquered her it was another notch on their belt, but she had been smart enough to not let them go further than kissing on the lips. When they realized that, they broke her heart leaving her to cry into her pillows wondering if she'd ever find someone who would love her for who she was. She was grateful for winning that trip to Hawaii to clear her mind from her latest heartbreak when she had noticed Gilligan for the first time. He was a gentleman, a sweet sailor with boyish charm and she had fallen for him on the spot. Now years later, shipwrecked on this deserted island, he finally admitted his feelings for her and she had been overjoyed, but scared. She couldn't lose him and risked it all for him that day. Her thoughts went back to the fear of Kincaid when a hand waved in front of her eyes.

"You alright, Mary Ann?"

"I'm fine, just thinking."

"Well, how about you come play tag with us."

Charlie moved off her lap and she took Gilligan's hand, standing up as she brushed sand off herself. She grinned at the five young apes and then at Gilligan who tagged her. She laughed at his ploy and chased them around the trees, enjoying herself.

Later, Gilligan knocked on the Professor's door and was soon given entrance. He entered and sat down at his friend's gesture.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Gilligan, I need you to disappear tomorrow."

"What for?"

"To help Mary Ann."

"What does she need help with?"

"She needs to get better."

"She's sick?!"

"Not really Gilligan."

"Then what's wrong?"

"You."

"Me?!"

He pointed to himself incredulously.

"Yes, Gilligan, she's become dependent on you always being there."

"So?"

"Before Kincaid she wasn't afraid to venture into the jungle alone, but now she clings to you."

"What's your point, Professor?"

"Gilligan, she may suffer from PTSD if this continues."

"PTSD?"

He scratched his head in confusion.

"Shell shock."

"Oh, Skipper told me some of his war buddies suffered from that and told me about one who didn't recover, it was sad because he had a family."

He bowed his head and the intellect folded his arms gazing down at the young sailor.

"Do you want that to be Mary Ann?"

"No, but I don't understand how me disappearing will help her."

"She is living in fear, what kind of life is that?"

"I don't know, Professor."

"It's simple, Ginger will wake you and you hide from Mary Ann for twenty-four hours."

He sighed knowing his friend was right, he was smarter than him anyhow.

"Where will I hide?"

"Somewhere she'd never think to look."

"How about here in your closet?"

"Well..."

"She'd never look in here."

He thought about it and knew the sailor was right, no one really bothered him unless they had a problem.

"Fine, Gilligan, you may stay here for a day, but no matter what do not run to her."

"Will this work?"

"I hope so and I've informed the others not to help her with anything tomorrow."

"Talk about tough love."

"Yes, but we want her to not live in fear."

"I know, Professor, but couldn't we talk about what happened to us?"

"We will, Gilligan, but that's afterwards."

"Okay, you know best."

He left his hut and went to help Mary Ann with the dishes. A few moments later the knowledgeable man heard the brunette shriek in fear from Gilligan startling her and hoped his plan would help her. He re-read the chapter about the disorder in his medical book and was certain this was the best method to begin with for her. He did, however, worry for Gilligan who was open to discussing it and how easily he adjusted, but maybe Mary Ann was his medicine. He wondered if being strong for her had helped conquer his fear even though the young man could be easily startled which would lead him to overreact sometimes and also wondered if he was still having nightmares or had those diminished?

Gilligan was picking up bamboo plates that had been strewn all over the sandy terrain. For once, it wasn't his fault as he glanced over at Mrs. Howell trying to not only comfort Mary Ann, but her husband as well. He had stumbled upon the aftermath of the scene and had quickened his pace when she shrieked. Plates everywhere, Mr. Howell on the ground from faint, and Mary Ann clutching a knife tightly in defense. He shouted for Mrs. Howell as he dragged the millionaire to his lounger and let his wife attend to him while he slowly approached his friend.

"It's okay, Mary Ann."

She stared him down not backing off, but he could see her shaking. He stepped closer and she backed up a few steps.

"Put it down, it was only Mr. Howell."

He advanced a few more steps and she backed up into the sink. He saw her eyes widen in fear as he inched closer and then stopped. Was she that fearful that Kincaid would come back that she scared herself into delusions? There seemed to be flashes of recognition in her eyes, but it was clouded with fear.

"Please, it's me, Gilligan."

Tears flowed from her eyes and she shook with fear. He moved closer and swiftly grabbed the knife from her hand, tossing it in the sink behind her. He pulled her into an embrace and she sobbed softly into his chest.

"I'm sorry."

"Ssshhh...it's okay."

He was worried about the Professor's plan with this latest incident. How would he stay away from her pleading or her cries of fear? He hoped the man of science knew what he was doing.

"Is Mr. Howell okay?"

He glanced over towards the couple and noticed the wealthy man had recovered from his fainting spell with his wife fawning over him.

"Seems that way."

"I'd better apologize."

"I'll pick up the plates."

She gave him a squeeze before timidly approaching the married couple and Mrs. Howell made her sit in the other lounger now fussing over her. He was brought back to the present as he picked up the last plate and deposited them in the sink. He plopped down on the lounger Mary Ann was occupying and gazed at the Howells.

"So, what happened?"

"She scared me half to death!"

"You?! You could announce your presence, you frightened me!"

"Next time I will!"

Gilligan and Mrs. Howell shook their heads.

"Okay, you scared each other, but how?" Gilligan asked.

"I was washing the dishes when without a word Mr. Howell placed a hand on my shoulder frightening me and made me knock over a stack of clean plates."

"I only wanted to know if you could bake a special cake for me."

"You could've cleared your throat or called out to me!"

"Well, if I had known you'd brandish a knife I would have!"

He clutched his teddy bear that his beloved had brought to comfort him.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Howell, I felt the need to defend myself."

She bowed her head not meaning to frighten him to the point where he had fainted, but she thought it was Kincaid for the briefest of moments. When she had realized it was the older gentleman, he had lost all color in his face and dropped to the ground. She couldn't move, she was too scared and was grateful that Gilligan had come to her aid, but she hadn't want to let go of her weapon because she felt safer.

"You're forgiven, dear, I do understand."

"Thank you, Mr. Howell."

"I'll remember to not bother you while you're washing the dishes."

They laughed and Mrs. Howell stood motioning for her husband to get up.

"If you need us, we'll be in our hut."

"Okay, Mrs. Howell," Gilligan said.

They watched the couple enter their hut and Gilligan stared back at Mary Ann who was looking at her hands. She was embarrassed and ashamed at how fearful she had become. He cupped her chin forcing her to gaze at him.

"Everything will be okay, I promise."

She believed him as his fingers caressed her cheek and he pressed his lips against hers, locking them in a tender, reassuring kiss. When he pulled away he stood and helped her up.

"Do you want some help finishing the dishes?"

"I'd like that."

"Good because I'm washing."

She giggled as they headed over to the sink and he rolled up his sleeves. He began the chore and when she least expected it he splashed her with water until a water war began. When the dishes were done they were drenched and had to change clothes, but they were grateful for the distraction for different reasons.

Mary Ann had retired to her hut early that evening and Ginger decided she would keep her company preparing mentally for the next day. Gilligan pulled the Professor aside explaining to him the events that transpired earlier. He furrowed his brow in concern, but patted the young man's back reassuring him this type of therapy would help the farm girl. Gilligan voiced his worries, but the man of science kept reassuring all would go well, yet secretly he was having some doubts. He observed the young sailor wander into the jungle, probably to mull over what he had to do tomorrow. He knew it wouldn't be easy, he could see their friendship had advanced into something deeper after the disaster of Kincaid. Gilligan hadn't been the only one who's relationship had advanced beyond the phase of friendship after the hunt. Ginger had admitted her feelings of love for him that night and he was shocked she had felt the same way he did for her. They decided to hide it from the others until the youngest Castaways were back to their normal selves or at least semi-normal, yet somehow he felt the others knew, it didn't matter, he was overjoyed that he had someone who not only understood him, but who wanted to help. He was a lucky man and retired to his hut to prepare for tomorrow.