A/N: Well I wasn't planning on making this a chapter story but the reviewers wanted more so I'm happy to oblige! I will do one chapter for each Castaway.

Seeing him like this gives me the willies. It always had and it always will. I've known him for a few years now and can't imagine my life before Gilligan tackled me to the ground that fateful day.

I sigh as I hold his hand and stroke his hair. I look at the face that I have come to know so well and love so much. He is a young man but right now he looks like a little boy sleeping and holding Mr. Howell's teddy bear. I bet he was a cute kid when he was little. Heh probably caused his parents a heart attack or two I'm sure! I can relate because every time something bad happens to him I feel my heart stop beating and panic rise in me.

The other captains in the marina never really understood why I'm so protective over my first mate. Sure they were to their own to a certain extent but the only ones who did understood were the father/son duos. The bond I have with Gilligan is something I never imagined I'd have with anyone.

Those that know our story believe that it started when he saved my life. That's actually not true. Within the first few days on the destroyer I saw a few drunk men picking on one that was much younger than themselves. I had stomped over and scared them away. I'll never forget looking down as the boy picked himself up shaking like a leaf. He saw me and immediately snapped to attention.

That was the first time he and I met eyes. I remember feeling some kind of…spark I guess. I'm not sure what it was but after I learned his name I looked up his personnel file and was stunned to see write ups already for accidents! I spoke with several of the recruits and they told me all about his mishaps and prone to disasters.

The kid needed someone to look after him and I took the job. I started at a distance but every time I was able to get him alone we'd talk. One of our conversations was why he had joined the Navy. To this day his answer makes me smile.

'I love boats and I want to see something cool!' When I asked for clarification he blushed and said that he'd wanted to see the world outside of his small town. He had also hoped to see a real live family of dolphins one day. They were his favorite animal.

That hadn't surprised me at all. For the short time I had known him I realized he was an overgrown kid. A dolphin suited him.

I'm brought back to the present by a groan. I looked at Gilligan and watch his face screw up in pain. I stroke his hair. "Shhh…It's alright Little Buddy…I'm right here."

He relaxed and turned his head towards me. His expression was now peaceful.

I sigh as tears come to my eyes. A few days ago he had been fine. Then he had started coughing at dinner and couldn't stop worrying all of us. When he moved his hands from his mouth we were all scared!

His nose was bleeding and not just a little bit either. It was pouring out as if it were a waterfall! He then doubled over and started throwing up before passing out!

The rush to get him in here and looked at…the Professor tossing away book after book until he found the right one…the diagnosis…the fear in his eyes that mirrored my own…the frantic search for the needed ingredients for an antibiotic…all that became a blur to me.

After that I watched as my Little Buddy deteriorated right before my eyes. I'm worried…no I'm afraid. Losing him is my greatest fear. I can't lose him. I'll go crazy without him!

I look at his pale face and wish he would open his eyes. I want to see those amazing blue eyes. I want to see them shine with happiness…to go wide with awe…to soften as he holds the small chimp friend of his…to gleam with innocent wonder.

I sighed as I brought his hand to my cheek. The cold and clammy skin does little to ease my worries and fears.

Gosh I miss him…

Please God take me! If it'll spare him take me!

I shut my eyes for moment and kneel down in humble prayer. I've only done this once before and that was during the hunt. We had all knelt in a circle in the cave, joined hands, and prayed all throughout the night. The women had tears in their eyes. We men weren't much better I'm afraid.

I know the second Gilligan climbed out of that tree disguise I hugged him as if I'd never let him go! He was shaking and traumatized but he was alive!

I blinked and looked up as I felt a weak grip on my hand. He was looking at me. "Gilligan?"

There they were. Tired and sick but still held a glimmer of life in deep blue orbs. He smiled a small and tired smile. "Skipper…"

His voice is but a whisper but its music to my ears! "I'm right here Little Buddy."

"Can you tell me…a…a story?"

I smiled and nodded. "Which one?"

I felt comforted by the twinkle I saw. "The poem…the…the one…"

I chuckled softly and nodded as I cupped his cheek and squeezed his hand. In the gentlest voice I could manage I tell him the poem that was his favorite: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

He's listening…whether to the poem or just the sound of my voice I don't know but we don't lose eye contact. That gives me the most comfort.

He's fighting for his life. He's not giving up!

It's not until the end that his eyes slide close in sleep. His head turns and rests his cheek on my hand. I don't move it.

It's just as much a comfort to me as to him. As I gaze upon the well-loved features of the boy I have grown to care for as if he were my own flesh and blood I know that he is my anchor and I am his.

I leaned to his ear and whisper. "You get better Little Buddy and that's an order!"

As I pull away I hear a very faint, "Aye aye Skipper…!"

Enough sap for ya? ^^;