Estimated Reading Time: 23 Minutes

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The Clone

A week had passed since Nate last hung out with Tray, and in that time, his days had blurred into a cycle of filling out job applications, scanning through listings, and refreshing his inbox, only to be met with silence.

Each day felt longer than the last, the waiting gnawing at his patience like a slow drip of uncertainty. No emails, no callbacks—just an empty inbox and the dull hum of disappointment settling in his chest. Despite the discouraging quiet, he wasn't ready to give up. Not yet. There was still hope.

He logged onto his computer and started reapplying to the jobs he already applied to. Maybe if he keeps bothering them, they'll give in, maybe, probably, who knows…

Knock!

Knock!

Nate: "Hm? Who is it?"

Tracy: "It's meeee."

Nate: "Come in."

Tracy opened the door and entered the room.

Tracy: "I bet you're wonderin' where I've been."

Nate: "Not really. I was confident that you were safe."

Tracy: "Wow, you're really nothing like Ness."

Nate: "But also strangely enough, I'm a lot like him."

Tracy: "How so?"

Nate: "I'd have to think of examples. Can't think right now."

Tracy: "Is it because you're applying for jobs again."

Nate: *Sighs* "Yep. Same ol' same ol'."

Tracy: "I fear that I'll never get a job here in Onett too. I'd have a better chance in Fourside."

Nate: "Where's that at?"

Tracy: "Big city. It's far."

Nate: "Damn, I don't have a car…"

Tracy: "Yeaaaah. That's where I'm probs gonna move once I graduate high school."

Nate: "Why?"

Tracy: "Onett's boring."

Nate: "I think it's charming."

Tracy: "Too slow here. Not much to do. I wanna go to the big city. They have lots of shops that I wanna explore."

Nate: "That does sound fun."

Tracy: "Also lots of job opportunities. Plus they have a good college there."

Nate: "College, huh?"

Tracy: "Not that I care about college. I'mma get me a sugar daddy anyway."

Nate: "You're bankin' on your boyfriend landing a successful job?"

Tracy: "Yep."

Nate: "What if you two don't work out?"

Tracy: "We will."

Nate: "Hmm, well, ok if you say so."

Tracy: "Anyway, I'mma call my boyfriend. See ya~"

Nate: "Yup. Nice chattin' with ya."

Tracy left the room, leaving Nate alone in the quiet, empty space. He stared at his phone for a moment, hesitating before picking it up again, dialing the numbers of local stores with a sense of weary determination. Each call ended with the same response—no openings, no luck.

His frustration grew, tightening in his chest, and with a heavy sigh, he grabbed his jacket and stepped out into the cool air. Hopefully asking in person might land him an interview.

Nate trudged along, his footsteps growing heavier with each store he visited. Each "No, sorry" felt like another weight added to his shoulders, and after hours of trying, he was close to giving up. Just as he was about to turn back, something caught his eye. Tucked away between two larger buildings was a bakery he hadn't noticed before—Onett's Finest Bakery. Its old fashioned, inviting exterior stood out, almost like a hidden gem in the bustling town.

Curious and with nothing left to lose, he stepped inside, the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries enveloping him. Behind the counter stood a jolly man, his round face beaming with warmth, his graying hair framing kind eyes. He looked like he was in his late forties.

Cashier: "Welcome to Onett's Finest Bakery, what can I getcha?"

Nate: "Oh! Uh, I was wonderin' if you guys were hiring at all?"

Cashier: "Yes, actually. One of my bakers moved outta town, I was just about to put a hiring sign in front of my door. What weird timing you got, my boy."

Nate: "Yes! Do I have to apply online?"

Cashier: "I'm a little old fashioned. Usually I hand out a paper application. However, I'm in desperate need of a baker. I can interview you tomorrow mornin' if you'd like?"

Nate: "Yes! That would be great!"

Cashier: "Alright, my name is Boris by the way. What's yours?"

Nate: "Nate."

Boris: "Well, Nate, I'll see you tomorrow at eight?"

Nate: "I'll definitely be here!"

Boris: "O-ho-ho-ho~ Can't wait to see you, young lad."

Nate flashed a smile at Boris and left the bakery, feeling like a million bucks. The warmth of the encounter lingered with him, and he couldn't shake the thought that Boris seemed like someone he'd genuinely enjoy working with—friendly, approachable, and full of positive energy.

He walked back home. Once inside, he started doing the dishes, letting the warm water and rhythmic scrubbing occupy his hands while his mind replayed the day's events. After he was done, he dried his hands and headed upstairs to his room. The excitement was building in his chest, and he couldn't wait to tell someone about the interview.

He grabbed his phone and called Ness, hoping his brother would share in his enthusiasm. But he never answered.

Nate: "That's odd. We haven't talked in like a week..."

Nate was worried about Ness. What if something had happened to him? A knot tightened in his stomach at the thought. Oh no, what if Mickey had returned, plotting to take over Smash again? The memories of their last encounter flooded back, and Nate felt a chill run down his spine. Should he go back to the mansion?

He dialed Ness again.

[- Ness

Discord

Calling Ness…

.

.

.

Nate: "C'mon, please pick up."

.

.

Ness: "Hello?"

Nate: "Oh my god! You're alive!"

Ness: "Um, yes? W-what's going on?"

Nate: I thought you died. You've been ignoring me for a week now."

Ness: "Oh, I'm so sorry. I've been busy."

Nate: "Busy doin' what? It's been a week!"

Ness: "I have something going on and it's really important that I meet this deadline."

Nate: "Wha?"

Ness: "It's complicated. Anyway, I have to get back to it."

Nate: "Wait, but we haven't talked. Can't you stay a little? I wanna tell you something."

Ness: "No, I'm sorry. It's REALLY important. I can't have any distractions."

Nate: "But-

Ness: "Just text me the news."

Nate: "I wanted to tell you right now though…"

Ness: "Um, ok, tell me next time."

Nate: "But-

Ness: "Next time for sure. Sorry, I gotta go."

Nate: "Wait, but-

Click

Damn, what the fuck was that all about? What could he be doing so important right now that he didn't have to chat? Not even for a little?

He frowned, staring at his phone as a wave of disappointment washed over him. Ness doesn't seem to care about him. Deep down, Nate couldn't shake the feeling that it's because he's a clone. The guilt gnawed at him, recalling all the mistakes he had made that had hurt his friends and tarnished his brother's reputation. It was hard to ignore the possibility that Ness secretly resented him for the things he'd done, leaving Nate feeling more isolated than ever.

He sighed and texted Tray instead.

[- Tray

Nate: guess wat

Tray: wat

Nate: i got a job interview tomorrow!

Tray: HOLY SHIT HELL YEAH

Nate: im excited but also nervous

Tray: i can imagine

Tray: interviews are scary asf

Nate: any advice?

Tray: whatever u do dont lie itll come back and bite ya in da dust

Nate: gotcha

Tray: and just be casual dont make it seem like yous a fuckin robot

Nate: dont be a robot got it

Tray: ayo good luck

Nate: thx im gonna need it

…

When Rachel and Tracy arrived, they saw an eager Nate.

Rachel: "Oh, hi, Nate."

Tracy: "You seem excited. Did you and that girl finally get along~?" *Smirks*

Nate: "No, even better."

Rachel: "What is it, sweetie?"

Nate: "I got a job interview tomorrow~"

Tracy: "Whaaaat!"

Rachel: "That's wonderful~ Where at?"

Nate: "Onett's Finest Bakery."

Rachel: "I love that place. I used to take Ness and Tracy there all the time when they were finished with school."

Tracy: "Their bread is yummy."

Nate: "I hope I get the job."

Rachel: "I'm sure you will. Don't sweat on it."

Nate: "I'm a little nervous."

Rachel: "Just be your charming self."

Nate: "Thanks, mom."

Rachel: "Are you two hungry?"

Nate and Tracy: "Yes!"

Rachel giggled as she made her way to the kitchen, her cheerful energy filling the space. She began slicing fresh vegetables with practiced ease, the crisp sound of the knife on the cutting board punctuating the air. Next, she set a pot of water to boil, its surface shimmering with heat. The rich aroma of garlic wafted through the room as she prepared a side of golden garlic bread to accompany the meal.

As the pasta cooked to perfection, she tossed the vegetables into a sizzling pan, their vibrant colors creating a feast for the eyes. Soon, the kitchen was alive with the sounds of bubbling sauce and the delicious scents of Italian cooking. Once everything was ready, she plated the spaghetti, and placed the warm garlic bread alongside. Her kids arrived, their faces lighting up at the sight of the delicious spread, and they happily dug in, savoring every bite.

Nate: "Wow, mom, this is delicious!"

Tracy: "Mom's cooking is the best."

Rachel: "Oh hush now. It's not that great."

Nate: "Better than what I can do."

Rachel: "That's not true."

Nate: "Are you kidding me?"

Tracy: "Sorry mom, I'mma have to agree with Nate on this one."

Nate: "Hey!"

Tracy: "Your cooking is meh."

Nate: "Ok, ow, my pride."

Tracy: "Hahaha!"

Rachel: "Tracy…"

Tracy: "What? I'm just kiddin'. [Mostly."]

Nate: "I heard that."

The family shared laughter as they enjoyed their meal, the sound mingling with the warm, inviting atmosphere of the kitchen. Stories were exchanged, and playful banter flowed as they recounted the highlights of their day.

Eventually, they all began to feel the weight of the day catching up with them. With satisfied bellies and hearts full of love, they decided it was time for bed. They rose from the table, and one by one, they made their way back to their rooms.

Once Nate settled into bed, he couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow's event. He couldn't shake the anticipation mixed with anxiety—he desperately hoped to make a good first impression. The weight of his worries pressed down on him, threatening to keep him restless through the night.

In an effort to quiet his racing thoughts, he picked up his phone, its blue screen illuminating the dim room. The endless stream of social media and news provided a temporary distraction, drawing him into a world that felt far removed from his own worries.

After a while, fatigue began to tug at him. He let out a yawn, and with a final glance at his screen, he surrendered to the embrace of sleep.

The Next Day…

Nate woke up with a surge of excitement coursing through him. Today was the day of his interview—the day he hoped everything would change. The morning light filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow across his room as he stretched out of bed, mind already racing with thoughts of the day ahead.

Grabbing his phone, he quickly looked up the most frequently asked interview questions online, scrolling through tips and advice. As he read them over, he rehearsed answers in his head, trying to sound confident and composed. His nervous energy followed him into the bathroom, where the steady stream of a hot shower helped calm him.

Once he finished, Nate stepped out of the shower feeling more prepared. He dried off and rummaged through his closet, carefully selecting an outfit that would strike the right balance between casual and professional: a clean, crisp polo shirt and a pair of dark jeans. He wanted to look sharp, but also comfortable. After slipping into his clothes, he turned to the mirror and sprayed a light mist of cologne, the scent lingering subtly in the air.

Nate's reflection stared back at him as he styled his hair, which, despite his efforts, always returned to its natural state—messy yet charmingly fluffy, with a mix of straight and slightly wavy strands. Mostly satisfied with his appearance, he took a deep breath, his heart beating a little faster as he realized—this was it. Today was the day he'd been working toward.

He left his room and walked over to the bakery. The jolly man Boris gave him a warm smile and politely asked Nate to sit on one of the barista tables outside. The clone nodded and did as he was told.

While waiting for Boris, he kept rehearsing answers for the potential questions the man was going to ask. He stopped when he heard the front door open and shut. He turned around to see Boris walking over to him.

Boris smiled warmly as he extended his hand, and Nate shook it, feeling a firm but friendly grip. Boris then pulled out the chair opposite Nate and sat down with a relaxed posture. He reached up to retrieve the pen he had tucked behind his ear, setting it down beside a neat stack of papers on the table.

Boris: "Alright, let's get this started, shall we?"

Nate: "Ok."

Boris: "Do you have any job experience?"

Nate wanted to look away and hide. His mind flashed back to Mach Pizza, where things had gone south fast. He'd been fired, and he knew that mentioning it could ruin his chances of landing this job.

Boris seemed like a good guy, but would he trust someone with a termination on their record? The thought made Nate's palms sweat. He hated the idea of lying—it wasn't who he was—but at this moment, it felt like his only option.

Nate: "No."

Boris: "Ok! Do you have any skills I should know about?"

Nate: "I'm good at multitasking, I'm extremely friendly, and physical activities are the best way I learn."

Boris: "That's good to hear! I love those answers. What about your downsides?"

Nate: "I can be too friendly. I really love to chat and all."

Boris: "Oh don't we all?"

Nate: "Haha! Yeah."

Boris: "What about your hobbies?"

Nate: "Oh! I like to play basketball even though I'm not good at it, haha! I also like to cook and play video games."

Boris: "Oooh, you like to cook? Do you also like to bake?"

Nate: "I've actually never baked before. That's why I wanted this job because I wanted to give it a try."

Boris: "Baking is really fun. It takes a lot of patience and coordination."

Nate: "I have all the patience."

Boris: "That's good! Baking can be quite intense and frustrating at times. Having patience is a must. Now, do you often follow directions by the book, or often change things to your own style?"

Nate: "Uh—I always follow directions. I like being told what to do. It's easier for me, but if this job requires me to think outside the box, I wouldn't mind at all. In fact, I would welcome it because it'll be a nice challenge."

Boris: "What an amazing response! I can tell you're an honest boy."

Nate: "Y-yeah."

Boris: "Well those were all the questions I wanted to ask."

Nate: "How'd I do?"

Boris: "Amazing! I loved all your answers. I would love to hire you."

Nate: "F-for real?"

Boris: "Yes. What's your availability?"

Nate: "When do you want me to work?"

Boris: "Bakers come in early. Can you do six?"

Nate: "Hmm, six is a little too early for me. How about eight?"

Boris: "You'll have to work quicker. Can you do that?"

Nate: "Yes."

Boris: "What days do you want off?"

Nate: "Whatever works best for you."

Boris: "Perfect! Well, I'll send you an email where you have to sign some stuff, but besides that, you got the job!"

Nate: "Oh my god, thank you!"

Boris: "No worries. It was a pleasure talking with you. When do you want to start?"

Nate: "As soon as possible."

Boris: "How about this Saturday?"

Nate: "I can do that."

Boris: "Splendid. Well, I better start makin' another batch of bread. I'll see you Saturday, Nate."

Nate: "Thank you! I'll see you later."

The two shook hands again and went their separate ways. Nate jumped up in the air and let out a happy cheer. As he was walking back home, he called Ness in discord, but his brother didn't pick up like usual. That's fine, he'll call Tray instead.

[- Tray

Calling Tray…

.

.

Tray: "Sup, bro."

Nate: "I got a job!"

Tray: "Oh shit, what!"

Nate: "Yep! I passed my interview."

Tray: "That's wassup!"

Nate: "Yup, I'm gonna be a baker."

Tray: "Don't you gotta get up early in the mornin' though?"

Nate: "Yeah, that's gonna suck for a bit, but I already wake up at nine anyway."

Tray: "Damn boy, how much sleep you usually get?"

Nate: "Like six or seven hours, but it's the perfect amount for me."

Tray: "You sure? People need at least eight hours."

Nate: "I feel great, so I think I'm ok."

Tray: "Well shiiit, congrats."

Nate: "Thank you! I'm excited."

Tray: "Aye, so not to change the subject or anythin' but I'm throwin' a party. Wanna come?"

Nate: *Gasps* "Yes!"

Tray: "Think of it as a congrats on getting the job."

Nate: "Aww, thanks~"

Tray: "No prob. It's gonna be next week on Monday."

Nate: "Is that your day off?"

Tray: "Yuh."

Nate: "Mkay! This sounds fun. Who's all gonna be there?"

Tray: "You'll finally get to meet my girlfriend. There's gonna be some guys you don't know. Oh, Ben might come. I dunno."

Nate: "Ben's gonna be there? Sweet!"

Tray: "Maybe. He's kinda annoying, so I dunno if I should invite him or nah."

Nate: "What! I love Ben."

Tray: *Sighs* "I mean if you want him there, then I suppose I could invite him over."

Nate: "We're the trio!"

Tray: "Fine. I'm just afraid he's gonna embarrass himself. That boy ain't right."

Nate: "Hahaha! He's funny. Whatchu mean?"

Tray: "He can be. But he also annoying as fuck."

Nate: "Nah he's cool."

Tray: "I'm just afraid how he'll act durin' the party."

Nate: "It'll be fiiine. Everything's gonna be fine."

Tray: "I swear to god if he tries to flirt with my girl, I'mma clock him in the face."

Nate: "That's fair."

Tray: "Bro's a fuckin' flirt. And my girl is fuckin' hot."

Nate: "Aww, that's cute."

Tray: "Just statin' facts."

Nate: "Cute."

Tray: "Ayo, you better not flirt with my girl. I know yous a nympho but I swear to god, dude."

Nate: "I'm not gonna."

Tray: "Hmm…"

Nate: "You can trust me! I told you, I'm not gonna do that stuff anymore. I'm gettin' better. I mean I turned down thirty four dollars an hour at Mach Pizza."

Tray: "I'm sorry, WHAT!"

Nate: "Kimberly was gonna offer me that much if I continued to sleep with her, but I said no like a good boy~"

Tray: "YOU FUCKIN' IDIOT!"

Nate: "Hmm, that wasn't the response I thought I was gonna get."

Tray: "Bro that's thirty four dollars an hour!"

Nate: "Would you have?"

Tray: "Ok, hear me out…"

Nate: "Dude, you have a girlfriend!"

Tray: "Listen, listen, listen! If I was single, I mean…"

Nate: "I thought you hated her."

Tray: "I DO GODDAMMIT BUT THAT'S THIRTY FOUR AN HOUR!"

Nate: "I thought you said you would never. You said your girlfriend is the only one for you."

Tray: "LISTEN! If I was single…"

Nate: "Wow. Didn't expect you to consider Kimberly, I'm not gonna lie."

Tray: "Bro, you can't blame me. That's thirty four fuckin' dollars an hour."

Nate: "Tsk, tsk, I'm disappointed."

Tray: "I'm disappointed in you for turning that shit down!"

Nate: "I have trauma ok!"

Tray: "I mean honestly, good for you. I both respect and have no respect for you."

Nate: "Oh fuck off. I did the right thing. See, this is an example of why you don't have to worry about me flirtin' with your girl."

Tray: "I guess yous is right."

Nate: "I'm really tryin' to not be a player."

Tray: "That's fuckin' crazy."

Nate: "Hey! I'm gettin' better."

Tray: "True. Anyway, my lunch is over. I gotta get back."

Nate: "Wow, I called you at the right time."

Tray: "I know right! You gots perfect timin'."

Nate: "I know~ Well, I'll let you go."

Tray: "See ya later, bro."

Click

Things seem to finally go his way. He happily made it back to his house and stared at the calendar. In three days, he's going to start working again! And this time, he won't fuck it up or anyone.