Estimated Reading Time: 32 Minutes

.

The Clone

Nate's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the selfie Tracy had shown him. A sick feeling twisted in his stomach as he took in the photo—Tracy, smiling brightly, leaning into Ben's shoulder with her arm wrapped around him. Ben. The guy who bragged about his conquests and treated dating like a game.

Nate felt a surge of disgust. How could she be dating him? He could practically see the heartbreak waiting for her down the road, the way Ben wore his charm like a mask, just waiting to slip. She had no idea what she was getting into, and the thought made Nate's chest tighten with a mix of frustration and sadness.

Nate knew she'd have to learn on her own—some lessons were just like that. But this time, his protectiveness won. His older brother, Ness, would step in. Despite being the buzzkill, he did it because he cared; he doesn't like to admit it, but he's empathetic in his own way. Now, Nate felt it was his turn. He'd always been the laid-back, "cool" sibling, the one who kept his distance, but this wasn't just some harmless crush or high school fling. This was serious.

It was Ben they were dealing with. His friend. And he couldn't bear the thought of Tracy dating him, only to get her heart shattered. The whole situation twisted something in his gut, making him question even wanting to be friends with Ben. Sure, Ben had that easy charm, the casual swagger that made him seem cool. But Nate knew better; he'd seen the other side. He remembered the way Ben talked about Kimberly and other girls—how he'd brush them off, bragging to the guys like they were just marks in his personal scoreboard. Trey had warned him, had said more than once that Ben wasn't as great as he seemed, and Nate was starting to see it for himself.

Tracy tilted her head, her brows knitting together as she noticed the way Nate's face had tensed. She could practically feel the unease radiating off him. Something was definitely wrong. Her curiosity sparked, and she hesitated before speaking, searching his face for any hint of what he was thinking.

He'd said Ben's name, like it had left a bad taste. He definitely knew her boyfriend—that much was obvious. But she wanted to know how, and more importantly, why he seemed so bothered.

"Are you guys friends?" she asked, her voice gentle, prodding for answers but trying not to push too hard.

Nate: "Tracy, I'm sorry, but you don't wanna date this guy."

Tracy: "What? Is it because he's a jock? Ugh, don't be like mom."

Nate: "It's not because of that."

Tracy: "Then why?"

Nate: "I know him."

Tracy: "I got that. Are you two like enemies or somethin'?"

Nate: "No, he's... a friend of mine actually."

Tracy: "Then what seems to be the problem?"

Nate: "He's…"

Tracy: "He's what? A player? Is that what you're gonna say?"

Nate: "You don't believe me, do you?"

Tracy rolled her eyes, a flicker of irritation crossing her face as she shot him a disgusted look. "Everyone says that shit to me," she muttered, crossing her arms defensively. "Just because he had a lotta girlfriends in the past doesn't mean he's gonna cheat on me." Her tone was sharp, a mix of frustration and defiance, and she looked at Nate like he was just another person who didn't get it. To her, Ben's past didn't matter; what they had felt different—special. It was clear she'd already had this argument before, and her expression dared Nate to challenge her trust in her boyfriend.

Nate: "How long have you two been dating again?"

Tracy: "Like two weeks."

Nate: "And in those two weeks he's already talked about other girls."

Tracy: *Scoffs* "You're just uncomfortable because you don't want your friend dating your sister."

Nate: "He talked about how hot our boss was at the party. In fact, he even said how hot my friend's girlfriend was. This literally happened tonight!"

Tracy: "He was at your party?"

Nate: "Yes, Trace! This guy is bad news."

Tracy: "Everytime a girl flirts with him at school he always pushes them away and then brags about me."

Nate: "Maybe at school, but not when I was working with him."

Tracy: "He worked at Mach Pizza with you?"

Nate: "You didn't know?!"

Tracy: "N-no."

Nate: "He hasn't mentioned to you where he worked. Isn't that fishy to you?"

Tracy: "I never asked."

Nate: "But still…"

Tracy: "Look, he's never shown any behavior of looking at other women when I'm around him."

Nate: "That's because you're around him! When's he's with Trey and I, he's always talkin' about women."

Tracy: "I don't believe you! You're just jealous because your relationship failed."

Nate: "What relationship? I haven't been in one since I got here."

Tracy: "What about that one girl?"

Nate: "It wasn't serious."

Tracy: "I-I don't need this. I don't need you to doubt me like mom does."

Nate: "I'm not doubting you."

Tracy: "Yes you are!"

Nate: "Tracy, please listen to me. I'm not tryin' to attack you. I'm just tryin' to help."

Tracy: "You're not helping! You're just telling me how awful my boyfriend is."

Nate: "He's not faithful."

Tracy: "You don't know him like I do."

Nate: "I dunno about that."

Tracy: "I'm with him waaaay more than you are. Especially now since you two don't even work together."

Nate: "Ok, fine. I can agree to that, but he also acts differently when he's with you."

Tracy: "I think you just misunderstood him."

Nate: "No, Trace. He's a player. I don't want you to get hurt. That's why I'm tellin' you this."

Tracy: "Not get hurt? You're hurting me right now!" *Sniffs*

Nate: "Trace…"

Tracy: *Sobs* "I thought you were cool."

Hearing those words stung Nate's heart, like a sharp pang he hadn't expected. He wanted to be the cool brother—the one who didn't meddle, who trusted her to make her own choices. But right now, acting like Ness felt like the only option. Even if it meant being the overbearing, "lame" brother, his instincts told him he couldn't just let this slide.

Nate: "I can't be chill all the time. I care about you, that's why I'm bein' like this."

Tracy: "You're not chill. You're just like Ness and mom. Always thinkin' that you're better than me because you're older and I'm just a dumb teenager."

Nate: ["Technically I'm younger than you."]

Tracy: "But not this time! Finally I made my own decision and I got what I wanted. I'm not gonna listen to you guys because you 'think' you know what's better for me. Only I know what I want."

Nate: "I'm not tryin' to feel superior over you."

Tracy: "Yes you are! And I think I know why."

Nate: "Why?"

Tracy: "It's because Ness made you feel small, did he?"

Nate: "This has nothing to do with him."

Tracy: "That's why you came here. You wanted to play the role of the older brother and take this place since he was making you feel inferior back at the mansion, huh? I got you all figured out."

Nate: "That's not—look, this isn't about me or Ness. This is about you. Also you don't know anything about us. You didn't even know I existed until recently, so you can't be makin' these assumptions. I came here because I wanted to figure myself out ok. It wasn't because Ness made me feel small. He's not as mean as you think he is. He's a good person deep inside his blunt self. I mean, I've done some terrible things, but out of the goodness of his heart forgave me despite all the things I've done."

Tracy: "Looks like he manipulated you too."

Nate: "What're you talkin' about?"

Tracy: "I used to look up to him, until I realized what a fuckin' prick he is!"

Nate: "He's not a prick."

Tracy: "You don't know him at all. In fact, you barely know any of us! You can't say shit."

Nate: "..."

Tracy: "Exactly! Ness loves to manipulate and control people. It looks like his controlling nature is rubbin' off on you."

Nate: "I'm just tryin' to help."

Tracy: "By tryin' to control who I date?"

Nate: "I never once demanded you to break up with Ben."

Tracy: "Yes you did!"

Nate: "No I didn't. I said you don't wanna date him."

Tracy: "That's basically sayin' to break up with him or else."

Nate: "Or else what? I never threatened you!"

Tracy: "You basically did!"

Nate: "You're lost."

Tracy: "Oh I'm lost? Hahaha! That's funny comin' from you. You're the one that was super depressed until recently. You're the one that's lost. I'm the one that's super confident."

Nate: "You bein' defensive doesn't scream confident."

Tracy: "I'm not bein' defensive. You're the one that's comin' at me!"

Nate: "I'm not tryin' to attack you. I'm tryin' to warn you. I know Ben, he-

Tracy: "YOU DON'T KNOW HIM LIKE I DO!"

Nate: "Will you please just listen!"

Tracy: "NO I'M DONE! I'M LEAVING!"

Nate: "Are you bein' serious right now?"

Tracy: "DEAD SERIOUS!"

Nate: "Tracy, c'mon, don't be like that."

Tracy: "FUCK YOU!"

She spun on her heel, her face set in a scowl as she stomped out of his room, punctuating her anger with a loud slam of the door. The sound echoed, lingering in the silence that followed, and Nate felt the tension knotting in his chest release all at once. He let out a long, frustrated sigh, his shoulders sagging with the weight of everything unsaid.

He laid down on his bed, his hands instinctively pulling the pillow over his face. And then, as if to let out everything he couldn't put into words, he screamed into the pillow, muffling the sound but feeling the rush of his pent-up anger and helplessness pouring out. It wasn't the cool reaction he usually went for, but right now, he didn't care.

When he lifted his head from the pillow, Nate felt a tear slip down his cheek, followed by another. He didn't try to stop them. He let himself feel the weight of his confusion and doubt, wondering if he'd gone too far. Had he done the right thing, or was he just being overbearing? Tracy seemed so confident about Ben, so sure that he wasn't the same guy everyone else saw. Maybe she knew something he didn't. Maybe Ben really was all talk, just a guy trying to seem "cool" in front of the boys.

Nate sighed, realizing he didn't actually know Ben all that well. He'd assumed the worst because of how Ben acted around him and Trey, but maybe there was more to him than the swagger and the show. He closed his eyes, regretting the way he'd spoken to Tracy, and the frustration that had boiled over. He should apologize to her for the way he'd handled it, but right now, he just wanted to be alone, to sort out the mess in his mind.

As he drifted into sleep, the hunger he'd ignored faded, and soon he found himself standing on clouds, light pink and purple, soft and fluffy beneath his feet. Every part of him felt weightless, like he was floating on some blissful wave, his worries forgotten in this strange, dreamlike haze. The colors swirled around him, soothing, and he couldn't help but smile as he wandered aimlessly, drawn deeper into this surreal, heaven-like place.

Ahead, a cozy little house appeared out of nowhere, nestled among the clouds like it belonged there. Without hesitation, he approached it, his steps slow and light. He opened the door, feeling an odd sense of familiarity and warmth wash over him. Inside, everything was peaceful, soft light casting gentle shadows across the room. He felt a strange, unexplainable happiness, a rare contentment he couldn't quite name.

?: "Ness…"

Nate: "!"

Nate spun around, his heart racing as he heard a voice—an odd, yet familiar voice that struck a chord deep within him. Standing there, half-hidden in the soft glow of the dream, was a figure he recognized instantly. The green hat with the bold "L" embroidered on it, the overalls over a green sweater, and the unmistakable mustache.

Luigi.

Nate's breath hitched as he stared, paralyzed, at the figure before him. Luigi's smile stretched wider, a twisted grin that sent a chill down Nate's spine. Those bright blue eyes felt wrong—too intense, like they could see straight through him, digging into memories and fears he'd long tried to bury. The warmth from earlier vanished, replaced by a bone-deep dread that settled over him like a dark fog.

His mind flashed back to that terrible man, the one who'd raped him in the past, and the terror began to crawl up his throat. Panic surged through him, and he wanted nothing more than to run, to escape. But his legs felt like they were wading through thick mud, each step impossibly slow and heavy. His chest tightened, his breath coming in shallow, labored gasps as if the very air was pressing down on him, refusing to let him go.

Nate's fingertips brushed the door handle, his escape just inches away. But before he could turn it, a cold, viscous grip clamped down on his arms, pulling them back in an iron hold. He felt the slimy, unyielding form of Gooigi pinning him in a full nelson, the translucent green goo wrapping around him, locking him in place. Panic surged through his veins as he struggled, but it was useless—he felt as powerless as he had back then, every attempt to break free met with that same, gut-wrenching helplessness.

Tears streamed down his face, blurring his vision as Luigi approached, the twisted smile on his face widening as he reached out, his gloved hand caressing Nate's cheek in a disturbingly gentle gesture.

"Ness…" Luigi murmured, his voice a chilling whisper, almost reverent. "I'm so glad you came back to me."

Nate's heart pounded, a mix of terror and disbelief. He wanted to scream, to tell Luigi he wasn't Ness, to break free from the nightmare closing in around him. But his voice was trapped, and all he could do was watch, helpless, as Luigi leaned in closer, his presence suffocating, a twisted reunion that felt like the end.

Luigi's grip tightened, his hands cold and unyielding as they held Nate's face in place, pressing him into submission. Nate's heart pounded wildly, each beat a desperate plea to wake up, to break free from this twisted nightmare. He kicked and twisted, thrashing with everything he had left, but Luigi's hold was unbreakable, his force grew stronger the more he struggled.

Nate's mind was a storm of fear and revulsion, each second dragging him deeper into a feeling of helplessness he hadn't felt in years. His face stung from the slap, but even more, he felt the weight of his powerlessness bearing down on him, pressing him into despair. The tears streamed down his cheeks, hot and bitter, as he searched for some way to escape, a way to end this nightmare once and for all.

"I can't wait to make love to you," Luigi licked his lips. Nate opened his mouth to scream, but nothing came out. Even his excessive sobbing was silent. His eyes widened when the green monster grabbed a hold of Nate's pants. NO! STOP! He bellowed inside his head. However, Luigi showed no signs of stopping. His face was full of zeal as he slowly pulled down his victim's pants.

Nate jolted awake, gasping as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of his room. His body was tense, his forehead drenched in sweat, and he could feel his pulse hammering beneath his palm as he clutched his chest. The remnants of the nightmare clung to him, making it hard to shake the sense of dread still lingering in the air. He sat up slowly, his breathing ragged as he tried to ground himself, reminding himself that it had just been a dream—a twisted, terrifying dream.

Nate: *Huffs* *Huffs* *Huffs* *Slow exhales*

Each breath steadied him a little more, bringing him back to reality, but the fear was still raw, echoing through him. He reached for his bedside lamp, craving the reassurance of light, anything to chase away the darkness left behind.

Nate picked up his phone and squinted at the screen, realizing it was nearly time for his alarm to go off. He'd woken up early, but at what cost? His body ached with exhaustion, every muscle heavy and unwilling to move. The nightmare had stolen any real rest he might have had, leaving him feeling drained and vulnerable, like he'd barely slept at all.

Nate: "PK Lifeup."

Nothing. He still didn't know how to heal himself. With a weary sigh, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, sitting there for a moment as he gathered the energy to face the day. His hands trembled slightly as he rubbed his face, trying to shake off the remnants of the fear still lingering in the back of his mind.

Nate trudged into work, his steps sluggish and his mind still clouded with his nightmare and the argument last night. But as he entered, he was greeted by Boris's booming voice and infectious grin. Boris had a knack for reading people, and today he clearly noticed Nate was a bit off. Without skipping a beat, he launched into his usual banter, cracking jokes and telling over-the-top stories that pulled Nate out of his haze.

Soon, the brunet found himself smiling, then chuckling, as Boris's laughter echoed through the room, lifting the heavy atmosphere that had clung to him all morning. They traded jokes back and forth, the familiar rhythm of their banter bringing him some relief. For the first time that day, Nate felt like he could breathe easily.

After work was over, he got a text message from Trey.

[- Trey

DM

Trey: yo bro

Trey: wanna play some ball

Nate: yeah ill meet you at the court

…

When Nate arrived home, he slipped into some sweatpants and a tank top. As he made his way downstairs, he froze when he caught sight of Tracy coming out of the bathroom. Her glare cut through him like a knife. The heaviness in his chest returned, sinking deep like an anchor.

He thought about apologizing right then and there, the words hovering on the edge of his tongue. But he swallowed them back. It was clear from the look on her face that she wasn't ready to hear it. She still hated his guts, and maybe she needed time to cool off.

Instead, Nate frowned, mirroring her coldness even though it hurt. Without another word, he grabbed his keys and headed for the door. On his way out, he managed a quiet, "Bye, Mom," before stepping outside, letting the cool air hit his face as he tried to shake the guilt that clung to him like a shadow.

He walked over to a high school basketball court where he usually plays ball with Trey. He didn't see his friend. Hmm, he must be late, Nate pulled out his phone and began texting him.

[- Trey

DM

Nate: aight im here

Trey: srry im late im omw

Nate: dw take ur time

…

Nate stared at his phone, his thumb hovering over Tracy's name in his contacts. For a moment, he considered texting her, but he hesitated. No, he thought. She might not care what I have to say right now. He sighed, backing out of her contact.

His eyes flicked to another name—Ben. A rush of determination filled him. Pressing on the jock's contact, Nate tightened his grip on the phone. He didn't know exactly what he wanted to say, but he needed to test Ben. To see if the guy was loyal and honest or just putting on a show.

[- Ben

DM

Nate: sup bro

Ben: o hey wassup

Nate: so hows things with ur new gf

Ben: she cool

Nate: yeah? well theres this cute girl ive been talkin to and i todl her about u

Ben: o ye?

Nate: yeah! she says she wants to get to know u morre

Ben: holy shit!

Nate: shes mad hot too

Ben: wat she look like

Nate: a sexy ginger

Ben: oooo i like dat

Nate: yeah u like dat?

Ben: i doooo so like is she tryin to smash

Nate: she is

Ben: daaaamn ok how old is she

Nate: 18

Ben: a year older than me

Nate: is dat a problem

Ben: dude u kow i like older women

Nate: wat about ur current gf

Ben: o riiiight

Nate: u tryin to get two gfs?

Ben: no i just wanna hit once dats all

Nate: the ginger?

Ben: yeah! i mean wouldnt u

Nate: yeah

Ben: see u get me

Nate: does ur gf go to ur school

Ben: yeah shes a cheerleader

Nate: im curious what made you wanna go out wit her

Ben: idk shes hot and i like watchin her dance. love seein dat girl wit her sexy cheer outfit on

Nate: dats all?

Ben: pretty much

Nate: dont u think dats a lil shallow

Ben: cmon were both men looks matter to us

…

As Nate was typing, he felt a tap on his shoulder which caused him to yelp.

Nate: "Ah!"

Trey: "Hahaha!"

Nate: "Dude…"

Trey: "I gots you good."

Nate: "Dick."

Trey: "Hahaha! A'ight ready to play ball?"

Nate: "Hell yeah I am!"

The two hit the basketball court, the rhythmic bounce of the ball echoing into the evening air. Trey was in his element, darting around with effortless precision, while Nate struggled to keep up. As always, Trey dominated the game, weaving past the brunet with ease and sinking shot after shot.

Nate tried to steal the ball a few times, but Trey's quick footwork always seemed one step ahead. On the rare occasion Nate managed to snatch it, his aim betrayed him—every shot either missed the hoop entirely or clanged off the rim.

"Man, you've gotta work on your follow-through," Trey teased with a grin, dribbling circles around him.

Nate laughed despite himself, wiping sweat from his brow. "Maybe I'd actually score if you stopped playing like you're in the NBA," he shot back, shaking his head.

Even if he couldn't win, playing with Trey was always a good distraction. It was hard to dwell on arguments and nightmares when his friend kept the mood light and the competition fun.

Trey: "A'ight I think I'm done."

Nate: "Yeah ok."

Trey: "Need a ride home?"

Nate: "Yeah."

After the game, the two climbed into Trey's car, the warm hum of the engine filling the brief silence. Trey, as usual, launched into an animated string of stories, talking about everything from work drama to his latest escapades on the court. Everything was good until Trey mentioned his girlfriend Savanna. That's when the brunet started to feel guilty. Savanna had forcefully kissed him. He wanted to tell Trey desperately, but he was afraid. Afraid that his friend won't believe the truth.

Trey: "Hey, you good bro?"

Nate: "Y-yeah."

Trey: "You're quiet."

Nate: "I'm ok."

Trey pulled up in front of Nate's house, the soft glow from the porch light illuminating the driveway. Nate reached for his seatbelt, unbuckling it with a sigh. As he placed his hand on the door handle, ready to step out, a sharp click sounded. The door lock engaged.

Nate blinked and turned to Trey, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Uh, what's this about?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual.

Trey leaned back in his seat, one hand still resting on the steering wheel, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by something more serious. His eyes fixed on Nate, studying him for a moment before speaking.

Trey: "What's really goin' on?"

Nate: "Whatchu mean?"

Trey: "You were like this at the party too."

Nate: "I've just got a lot on my mind."

Trey: "Tell me. I promise I won't judge."

Nate: "I…"

Trey: "C'mon, man. We're bros."

Nate: "..."

Trey: "I wanna help if I can. You're my best friend. Honestly the best one I've ever had. I don't want you hurtin'."

Nate: "It's… Complicated."

Trey: "Don't you trust me?"

Nate: (I could ask you the same.) "I—do…"

Trey: "Then tell me what's been goin' on."

Nate inhaled deeply through his nose, running a hand through his bangs as he wrestled with his thoughts. His eyes darted toward Trey, who was waiting patiently, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

Should I tell him about what Savanna did? Nate's mind raced. I feel like I can trust him… but do I really know him that well? Trey had been dating Savanna for over a year. They were close, tighter than Nate could claim to be with him. There's no way he'll take my side if it comes down to it.

Nate's chest tightened. He hated this feeling—the weight of hiding something, the constant tug of guilt. He'd lied too many times before, and it had only ever made things worse. He wanted to change, to be an honest good boy, to finally feel like he wasn't carrying so many secrets.

But the words refused to come. The fear of rejection, of being seen as the villain, kept them lodged in his throat. His fingers curled into a fist on his lap, and he avoided Trey's gaze, staring instead at the faint glow of the streetlamp outside.

Nate: "I have some drama at home."

Trey: "Tell me."

Nate: "My sister is dating Ben."

Trey: "Oh hell nah."

Nate: "I know. I warned her about him, but she got upset with me."

Trey: "She ain't talkin' to you?"

Nate: "Yep. She gave me a stink eye earlier before I left to hang out with you."

Trey: "I'm sorry, bro."

Nate: "It's ok. I'm hoping Ben treats her well, but I don't think he will. I messaged him and he doesn't seem faithful at all."

Trey: "Show me."

Nate pulled out his phone, scrolling through his messages until he reached the conversation with Ben. He handed it over to Trey. His expression shifted from confusion to outright disgust, his brows knitting tightly together.

"He's a fuckin' bitch," Trey muttered, his tone harsh and biting. His jaw clenched, and he looked up at Nate, shaking his head. "I can't believe he'd do that to yo sis."

Nate nodded, feeling validated for the first time since the whole mess with Ben had started. "Thanks, man," Nate murmured, a hint of relief in his voice.

Trey: "He's definitely gonna cheat on her."

Nate: "I know…"

Trey: "Want me to talk to him?"

Nate: "No."

Trey: "You tryin' to talk to him?"

Nate: "No."

Trey: "Bro, what the fuck."

Nate: "I tried to handle it like how my older brother would, but that didn't work. It makes me uncomfortable that my sister is dating my friend, but I think the best way to handle this is to let her learn on her own. I tried talkin' to her about it, but she didn't wanna listen."

Trey: "Teenagers. They think they know everything."

Nate: "It's frustrating knowing the truth about Ben."

Trey: "I knew I didn't like that guy for a reason."

Nate: "I mean he's cool as a co-worker."

Trey: "He does have his moments."

Nate: "But yeah, I'm startin' to realize that he's not that good of a guy."

Trey: "I've always hated the way he talked about women."

Nate: "Yeaaaah."

Trey: "I mean all of us men are like that, but he took it too far sometimes. It feels like he genuinely thinks of women as objects."

Nate: "Do you think he thinks my sister is just another toy?"

Trey: "I'm sorry to say this, bro, but yeah."

Nate: "Don't apologize. I kinda figured."

Trey: "I'm sorry…"

Nate: "It's ok. Thanks for lettin' me vent."

Trey: "Of course. Is there anything else you wanna vent about?"

Nate: (Yes!) "Nah I'm good. You made me feel better."

Trey: "That's what I do~"

Nate: "Haha! Truuue. You should be a therapist."

Trey: "I should."

Nate: "Anyway, it was nice chattin'. I'll see you another time."

Trey: "See ya."

With a soft click, Trey unlocked the door. Nate gave him a nod of thanks before stepping out of the car, the cool evening air greeting him. He shut the door behind him, offering a quick wave. Trey returned the gesture, his hand lingering for a moment as he watched Nate make his way to the house.

Nate opened the door and slipped inside, glancing over his shoulder to catch Trey still parked by the curb. Only when Nate disappeared into the house did Trey finally shift the car into gear and drive off, the soft hum of the engine fading into the night.