Rimmer lit the fire in the centre of the hut and went over to sit beside Lister.  He was propped up on the bed of furs and blankets in the corner.  You couldn't see, but Rimmer knew that underneath his shirt there were thick bandages wrapped right around his torso.  He was a little dark under the eyes, perhaps a little drawn, but other than that he looked just fine.

             "How are you feeling?" Rimmer asked, settling beside him.

"A bit sore still," Lister admitted, lightly touching his wounded side, "But alive and breathing, so you won't hear any complaints from me."

"Are you warm enough?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

            Rimmer let out a deep breath.  "I can't believe it's all over," he said.

"I know.  All loose ends tied up, all bad guys vanquished.  Maybe now things can start getting back to normal."

"Normal?" Rimmer raised an eyebrow and Lister smiled,

"As normal as they ever were, anyway.  I'm sure even the Cat will get used to the idea that you managed to be Ace for a while."  Lister paused for a moment, "Once he comes round, that is."  He looked at Rimmer, "Are you okay?"

"I am, you know," Rimmer told him mildly, "I wasn't sure I would be; but I really am.  It's a relief in a way.  I was so sick of pretending.  I never thought I'd say it, but it's good to be me again."

            They watched the fire in silence for a few moments.  "I suppose that's it then," Lister said finally.  "Everything sorted.  All secrets out and everything."

Rimmer looked at him, "All secrets, Lister?" he asked pointedly. 

            Lister looked back at him; and it might have just been the firelight but Rimmer could have sworn that he'd flushed a little.  "Perhaps some secrets are best kept between friends," Lister said to him softly, "For now at least."

Rimmer smiled at him, "I think you're right there."

            So, on that note, let us leave them sitting together by the fire.  Because after all, some things are best kept between friends.