A/N: Here's a fun AU (yes I'm just cross-posting stuff from Ao3 right now) that involves a slightly more bitter and cynical Milo ^^
I tightened my grip on Diogee's leash when I saw the bus stop. Of course, Bradley and his friends were there-that was normal-but there was a kid I didn't recognize there, too, and I wasn't prepared for that.
New kid to maybe feel pity towards me for perhaps a couple days, only to avoid me at all costs once they learned of Murphy's Law. I...I could handle that…
As usual, when I arrived at the bus stop, everyone who knew about my condition moved away. The new kid didn't, though, instead giving the others a strange look before looking over at me. "What's that about?"
I gripped my bag straps and started rubbing my thumbs against the rough fabric at the question. Friendly interactions-a great way to catch Murphy's Law's attention.
"They just worry about their safety," I answered without looking at the new kid. "Gotta stay away from the jinx…"
"'The jinx'?"
I nodded and watched as he reached to pet Diogee, but then pulled back before he could get too close-probably was starting to realize everyone had a good reason to move away.
"What does that mean?"
"It means he's a danger to everyone! Why are you even riding the bus, Milo?"
...thank you, Bradley…
I looked up to see the new kid's reaction, but I couldn't see it due to him looking at Bradley. "What, is he a danger just by existing or something? I find that a bit hard to believe…"
"It's Murphy's Law," I commented as I bounced on my toes a bit. "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and often in the most inconvenient way."
"In this case, 'inconvenient' means 'dangerous'," Bradley corrected with a huff. "I still can't believe you put everyone in danger like this…"
"Sorry, Bradley…"
The new kid turned to give me a confused look, but I ducked my head down without answering right as the bus came up. Diogee and I climbed on with ease, and I helped him into the back seat with me as everyone else climbed on. Diogee climbed into my lap with my bag to press on my legs, and I closed my eyes to relax a bit before feeling someone come to the back of the bus.
The new kid.
"Hey, there," he greeted with a smile. "I'm Zack-I don't think I caught your name."
I rolled my eyes and put a hand on Diogee's back. "Why are you back here?"
The new kid-Zack, that's what he said his name was-shrugged and almost turned sideways in his seat. "I wanted to figure out what's going on with you-starting with your name."
"It's Milo, and as for what's going on with me, I think Bradley and I said it all at the bus stop-I'm dangerous, and people need to stay away from me where it's safe. That's why you need to be in the front of the bus away from me, and I'm sure any of them will explain my condition to you."
"Well, the bus is moving, and last time I checked, it can be dangerous to move seats while the vehicle's in motion."
Dang it, why was this kid so stubborn?
"Fine. Next stop, though, you have to head to the front of the bus."
Zack shrugged and I rolled my eyes again before gazing out the window. It'd only be for a couple minutes-then I'd never have to deal with this kid again...
A/N: Yes, Melissa is missing. Don't worry, you'll see where she is later ^^