Disclaimer: Don't own it.
A/N: It's been a while, but here I come with another Trigun thing. It's AU I guess, but I'm using the same names (cities, towns, geographical features, etc.). I have no idea where this is going to go so hop in and ride with me!
Cough.
Sniffle.
Clear throat.
By now, people are glaring at the woman who is seated next to the door. She ignores them and continues to be sick with a cold. She takes out her bag and rummages for a tissue. Nothing. Scowling, Meryl snaps it shut and closes her eyes, clearing her throat as she does. The cold came suddenly, right after coming home a few days ago, right after a particularly gloomy drizzle that soaked her head-to-toe. She rubs her forehead, a headache beginning to form.
"Here."
She looks up, searching for the unknown voice. A white handkerchief is right in front of her face. A young man offers it, smiling cheerfully at her.
Meryl raises an eyebrow. "Yes?" Instead of sounding grouchy, her response is nasal and exhausted.
He is still grinning at her, still holding the cloth out. "You look like you need to blow your nose. Here's something to help."
Thank you for stating the obvious. Peering up at him from red-rimmed eyes and under dark, messy hair, she abruptly snatches the handkerchief from his hand. "Thanks."
She blows loudly into it, a spectacular sneeze. He looks at Meryl, now stifling a laugh. The compartment sways carelessly, and the lights above flicker for a few seconds. She carefully folds the soiled cloth in halves, then quarters. "Do you mind if I keep this? I mean, I have my germs all over it…"
He shrugs. "Sure, you can return it later. Heh, clean of course."
"Well, okay," she replies and is suddenly unsure of what to say or do next.
Before either one of them can initiate something, the automated voice rings throughout the subway: "We are now nearing Carcasses. Please hold on; this train is stopping."
The train screeches lightly as it comes out of the black tunnel and into the station where a motley group of people wait patiently. His hand grips a nearby pole until the doors slide open, letting out a rush of air. As the passengers file out, he waves at her. "This is my stop. I'll see you later?"
Meryl utters a noncommittal noise, her head leaning back against the window. "I suppose."
He steps out as several people come in, and, still smiling, he looks straight at her. What a strange man. After a few more moments, the cool female voice appears again.
"Caution, doors are closing and will not reopen. Please wait for the next train."
Sure enough, the doors slide close, and the train begins to move again. She checks her watch before looking out the window, watching the man's tall, lanky frame blur and shrink into the scenery.
Well there you go. I hope I haven't lost my touch; be sure to review guys.