 Gradually it dawns on him that the damage that ought to accrue to his body from his lifestyle is instead inflicted on Kibby.For a while he enjoys this, particularly relishing his promotion at work, but when Kibby becomes mortally ill he realises that he needs him.When Kibby comes out of hospital after a liver transplant (caused vicariously by Skinner's heavy drinking), they both realise that their dependency is mutual.