Rimmer awoke to bright lights shining down upon him. Groaning, he sat up and looked out into the Med bay. His eyes focused on the dark form sitting next to him. And then it all came rushing back to him.
"Lister I…" he began, before he was cut off.
"If you were about to apologise, don't. At least you just fainted, and didn't have a heart attack." Lister said, feeling and all-new sense of protection and caring for the not-so-invulnerable-after-all hologram that lay before him. At first, he hated the man. Then, he enjoyed the company while he teased him. Sure, Rimmer still annoyed him sometimes, but Lister didn't want to not be around him now. He thought it a strange turn-around, but Rimmer really had changed over the past few years of just them together. Rimmer didn't know what to say, so Lister filled the silence.
"I'm glad you're alright, man. I'd better let you rest for a bit, and get back to the cockpit."
Rimmer smiled, but was a little disappointed that Dave seemed to be ignoring his feelings. At least it wasn't awkward between them, Rimmer noted. That would be worse than just forgetting about it.

Lister rose from his chair to leave, but before turning to head out the door, he planted a gentle kiss on Rimmer's forehead.
"See you soon, Smeghead." He whispered, looking into Rimmer's eyes, and then left.

Rimmer's heart flew, and for the first time he could remember he was actually happy.