Estimated Reading Time: 17 Minutes

.

The Clone

[- Trey

On call…

Nate: "And I was like dude, you're lucky we even had one bear claw left, we're about to close."

Trey: "Some people are fuckin' crazy."

Nate: "Riiiight. Then he started complainin' that it was stale."

Trey: "Well duh. You guys are about to close."

Nate: "Five minutes into closing by the way."

Trey: "I don't get these customers. Remember when we worked at Mach Pizza and some crazy ass bitches would come in and start demandin' like a whole party box of pizza?"

Nate: "Oh my god, dude, don't get me started."

Trey: "I needed a beer after that one."

Nate: "Why're customers so mean?"

Trey: "Because they bitches."

Nate: "Customer is always right, my ass…"

Trey: "Dude, I know right. So goddamn annoyin'."

Nate: "Anyway, how's the new place treatin' ya?"

Trey: "It's a lot better. My place is so nice and clean. I love my new job."

Nate: "Is Fourside trashy?"

Trey: "Yeah kinda. It's a big city. What'd you expect?"

Nate: "I mean over here is trashy too."

Trey: "Onett is fuckin' garbage. You should move in with me."

Nate: "I can't. I like my job, and my family is here."

Trey: "I know, I know. But if you ever needa place. I gotchu."

Nate: "Thanks, bro."

Trey: "How's the fam?"

Nate: "Well… I think I told you last week, but Ben cheated on my sister."

Trey: "That fuckin' idiot…"

Nate: "You can say that again."

Trey: "She better have broken up with him."

Nate: "Oh don't worry, she did. I ended up throwing him in the lake~"

Trey: "Yoooo! That's fuckin' awesome!"

Nate: "I was pissed."

Trey: "Shiiit. I would be too. I'd straight up sock em."

Nate: "I should've."

Trey: "How's she takin' it?"

Nate: "Well… at first not good, but she's been doin' better. In fact, we've been closer than ever."

Trey: "I mean yeah you were there for her."

Nate: "True~ I'm tryin' to be the best brother I can be."

Trey: "You really are."

Nate: "Thanks! I try."

…

Knock! Knock!

[- Trey

On call…

Nate: "Oh, I think that's her. I'mma talk to you later."

Trey: "Mkay. Talk to ya tomorrow."

Nate: "Byyye~"

Trey: "Eww, why'd you say it like that? Hahaha~"

Nate: "Because I love you~"

Trey: "Get yo gay ass shit outta here or else I'mma fall in love."

Nate: "Oh noooo. A handsome black guy fallin' for me. How awful."

Trey: "Bruh. What the fuck?"

Nate: "You know what I'm about."

Trey: "Hahaha! Man, I'm outta here."

Beep!

Knock!

Knock!

Nate: "Sorry, yeah! Come in."

Tracy pushed the door open and stepped inside. She perched on the edge of Nate's bed, while he remained in his gaming chair, swiveling slightly. Flashing her a bright smile, he asked, "What's up?"

Tracy: "What took you so long to answer?"

Nate: "Sorry, I was teasin' Trey."

Tracy: "Oooh~ You two in love?"

Nate: "Maybe~"

Tracy: "For real?"

Nate: "Nah."

Tracy: "Oh."

Nate: "Anyway, how was school?"

Tracy: "Ugh, Ben is givin' me these harsh glares. I'm so over it."

Nate: "You're not gettin' bullied, are you?"

Tracy: "Not really. He's just been givin' me looks."

Nate: "Good 'cause if he is, I'mma beat him up."

Tracy: "And I wouldn't stop you."

Nate: "Hahaha!"

Tracy: "Wanna go get coffee?"

Nate: "Sure!"

The two said goodbye to their mom and stepped outside. Despite the winter chill, the sun cast a gentle warmth, making the walk to the coffee shop pleasant. Inside, they ordered steaming lattes and settled at a cozy table.

Tracy: "Mm~ This is good."

Nate: "It is. Good idea comin' here."

Tracy: "It's nice. I love goin' to places with you."

Nate: "Thanks. I do too."

Tracy: "And I gotta say, at first your haircut weirded me out, but now I really like it."

Nate: "Thanks! I'm still struggling with my identity. The haircut helps."

Tracy: "It looks cute on you. I'm glad I finally have a good brother."

Nate: "Oh c'mon, Ness ain't so bad."

Tracy: "Tch!"

Nate: "Okay, he's a little bad, but he has his moments."

Tracy: "If you mean awful moments, then yeah."

Nate: "What happened between you two?"

Tracy: "He just barely pays any attention to me. He only hangs out if he needs something that benefits him in some way."

Nate: "I've noticed that too…"

Tracy: "Riight, you two play games together."

Nate: "Not lately. He's been busy."

Tracy: "Suuure he is."

Nate: "He is."

Tracy: "I dunno why you still try and talk to him."

Nate: "He's my brother."

Tracy: "So am I, and you don't see me goin' out of my way."

Nate: "I like him. There are times when he's really fun to be around."

Tracy: "Rare moments."

Nate: "It's mainly all the time. At least online. I never got the chance to hang out with him in person."

Tracy: "Ugh, I'd stay away."

Nate: "C'mon, you have no good memories with him?"

Tracy: "I do…"

Nate: "Does it bother ya that everything is different now?"

Tracy: "At first I was angry and confused because he left. But then I got used to not having him around. Then you came along and made everything better."

Nate: "Aww."

Tracy: "I always thought havin' siblings were awful, but now I don't think that anymore."

Nate: "I'm glad I could change your perspective."

Tracy: "You're seriously the best!"

Nate: "Thanks!"

The Next Day…

Tracy woke up to the fresh smell of delighted sweets. She got dressed for school and when she went to the kitchen, she saw that Nate had baked some pastries.

"Oooh, what's this?" She asked, grabbing one.

Nate: "Danish strawberry pastries."

Tracy: "Mmm~ This is delicious!"

Nate: "Thanks!"

Tracy: "You're like the best baker I know."

Nate: "I'm the only baker you know."

Tracy: "Oh shit! I gotta catch the bus. See ya!"

Nate: "Byye."

Tracy grabbed a few more pastries before rushing out to catch the bus. At school, she found her friends gathered outside, chatting as they waited for the bell.

Tracy: "Hey, girls."

Alley: "Oh hey, Tracy."

Elanor: "Oooh~ Pastries. Gimme one."

Tracy grinned as she handed her friends a pastry. Their eyes lit up the moment they took a bite.

Elanor: "Oh my god, girl! This shit's good. Did ya bake it yourself?"

Tracy: "No. My older brother did."

Alley: "You have an older brother?"

Tracy: "Uh, yeah. I told you guys."

Elanor: "Alley, you dumbass. It's Ness. The fuckin' Onett savior."

Alley: "Ooooh. That one."

Tracy: "Right… Ness…"

Alley: "Hm?"

Tracy: "I never told you guys that Ness has a twin brother."

Elanor: "Wait, you have two siblings?"

Tracy: "Yeah. He's been living with—my dad! But he recently came back."

Alley: "Oh shit. Is he hot?"

Elanor: "Oh my god, Alley…"

Alley: "What?"

Elanor: "He's like waaay too old. He'd never get with you."

Alley: "I've dated a twenty two year old."

Tracy: "Alley, what the hell…"

Alley: "Well is he?"

Elanor: "Now I'm curious. Do you got a pic?"

Tracy: "Yeah, we have selfies together."

Alley: "Let me see!"

Tracy sighed and held up a photo of her and Nate beaming at the camera. The two girls gasped in unison.

Elanor: "Oh my god he's—

Alley: "Hot! He's fuckin' hot!"

Tracy: "Yeah, yeah."

Elanor: "Wait, are you sure he's your brother? He looks nothing like you."

Tracy: "He looks like his dad. Actually, he recently got a new look. He's blonde now."

Alley: "Blonde? I love blondes."

Elanor: "Your brother looks like a k-pop star~"

Tracy: "He kinda does, huh?"

Alley: "Is he nice?"

Tracy: "Very. He's so caring and funny too."

Elanor: "And he bakes. He sounds like a dream come true~"

Alley: "If he were my brother, I'd still smash."

Tracy: "What?!"

Alley: "Good lookin', can bake, is a sweetheart? Hell yeah. I don't give a fuck what others say."

Elanor: "That's fuckin' weird, Alley."

Alley: "If your brother looked that good, wouldn't you?"

Elanor: "I mean…"

Tracy: "You guys can't be serious."

Alley: "All the boys in school are ugly as fuck. You don't see a cute guy like that around, do ya?"

Tracy: "I thought Ben was cute."

Elanor: "Gross. He's mean and got acne. Also he kinda has a big nose. Your brother has this cute button nose that I can't resist."

Tracy: "You would date your brother, a-and you don't feel like it's wrong?"

Elanor: "It's wrong in the right way."

Tracy: "I don't get it."

Alley: "It's taboo but that's what makes it so thrilling! I read this one book where these two vampire siblings got together in the end and it was totally hot."

Elanor: "Omg I wanna read it."

Tracy: "I wonder if other girls are like this too."

Alley: "Most definitely. We're teenage girls. We ain't gonna get in trouble anyway."

Tracy was about to respond, but the sharp ring of the bell interrupted her. With a sigh, she hurried to class, weaving through the crowded hallways. As expected, Ben's gaze followed her, but she paid it no mind. Her thoughts were too wrapped up in what her friends had said earlier, replaying their words over and over.

So far school felt like a blur, the minutes dragging by. At lunch, she met up with them again, but as soon as they started talking, the topic quickly shifted to how attractive her brother was. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, trying to brush it off, but their excited chatter only made her feel more uneasy. Despite the discomfort, a nagging curiosity tugged at her.

.

Tracy's Fantasy

When Tracy stepped through the door, the warm, sweet scent of freshly baked goods filled the air. She walked into the kitchen, where her brother Nate stood. He looked up, caught her eye, and flashed a grin. "Hey, Trace. How was school?" He waved as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

Tracy: "Um… it was meh."

Nate: "Aww, why just 'meh'?"

Tracy: "I dunno. Ben's still giving me a hard time."

Nate: "Should I beat him up?"

Tracy: "No, no. I'll be fine."

Nate: "You sure? 'Cause I don't mind beatin' him again."

Tracy: *Giggles* "Stop."

Nate: "Okay, okay. Anyway, I made cookies. Want some?"

Tracy: "Of course. Yours is always the best!"

Nate: "I made it with lots of love~"

Tracy grabbed a cookie, eagerly taking a bite. The warm sweetness melted in her mouth, the cinnamon perfectly hitting the spot. She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the taste. It was amazing.

Tracy: "Mmm! This is delicious."

Nate: "Glad you like it~"

Tracy gave Nate a quick nod before heading to her room. She sat down at her desk, determined to get her homework done quickly. But as she stared at the questions, frustration crept in. The answers felt just out of reach. After struggling for a few minutes, she stood up and walked to her brother's door, knocking softly.

He answered, and she hesitated for a moment before explaining that she needed help. Nate agreed and followed her back to her room. As he stood behind, she felt his presence loom over her, his hands resting on the desk. A flush crept up her neck, and she tried to focus on the homework, but her thoughts kept racing. His calm explanations were drowned out by the fluttering in her chest.

Nate: "Did you get that?"

Tracy: "Wha? N-no, sorry."

Nate: "No worries I can explain again."

Tracy: "N-no, Nate I…"

Nate: "Hm? What's wrong?"

Without hesitation she whipped around and—

"Uh… Tracy?"

End Of Tracy's Fantasy

"Huh? What?" Tracy snapped out of her daze, blinking in confusion. When she looked up, her friends were staring at her, their expressions puzzled. She hadn't even realized she had zoned out.

Elanor: "Girl, are you good?"

Tracy: "Yeah, sorry."

Alley: "We asked you a question."

Tracy: "What was it?"

Alley: "Girl, you're hopeless."

Elanor: "We asked if your brother got a girlfriend."

Tracy: "Eww, are you guys tryin' to talk to him?"

Alley: "Yeah, kinda."

Elanor: "He's hot. C'mon."

Tracy: "Gross. No. He's my brother."

Alley: "I'd let you date my brother if I had one."

Elanor: "Okay, nah, I totally get Tracy now. It's a little weird."

Tracy: "You guys…"

Elanor: "Hey! I'm on your side now."

The rest of the school day passed in a haze. Tracy felt disconnected, her thoughts tangled in a storm of shock and frustration. Her friends' words replayed in her head, but what unsettled her most was herself—the way her mind had wandered into something it shouldn't have. If they hadn't interrupted her, how far would she have let that fantasy go? The thought made her stomach twist with guilt.

As Tracy opened the door, the warm, inviting scent of fresh bakery goods greeted her. Ever since Nate landed that job, their house had been filled with the comforting aroma of pastries and bread. It was a smell that always made her smile, a perfect welcome every time she stepped inside.

Nate: "Hey!"

Tracy: "Hi."

Nate: "How was school?"

Tracy: "Ugh, it was annoying. My friends were bein' weird today."

Nate: "Weird how?"

Tracy: "I don't wanna get into it."

Nate: "Ben didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

Tracy: "No, no. You don't have to worry about him."

Nate: "Hmph! If he ever does anything, I'm gonna punch him."

Tracy: *Giggles* "Stop, stop~!"

Nate: "Okay, I'm not actually gonna hit him. But I will throw him again."

Tracy: "Oh my god, you're too much."

Nate: *Chuckles* "I gotta protect my sis. Anyway, I made bread."

Tracy: "Why bread?"

Nate: "Makin' a sandwich."

Tracy: "That sounds good. Make me one."

Nate: "What kind?"

Tracy: "BLT."

Nate: "BLT comin' up~"

The brunet fried up some bacon, added some fresh lettuce, and tomato onto his homemade bread. "Wa-lah!" he said, putting the plate down on the dinner table.

Tracy sat down at the table, eagerly munching on the pastry. "Mmm! This is good~" she said, her eyes lighting up with delight.

"Glad ya like it," Nate replied with a grin, setting his own plate down before taking a bite.

After Nate finished his meal, he waved her off and left to go upstairs. Tracy sat at the table, staring blankly. Her mind raced with thoughts she couldn't shake. The more she thought about him, the faster her heart beat. He's so nice to me… he can bake, he's strong, and over-protective. Then, the weight of her friends' words hit her all over again. A-and now that they pointed it out, h-he is... kinda cute. She grimaced, a wave of guilt washing over her. But it's wrong! H-he's my brother. I'm not supposed to be into him! Especially since he looks exactly like Ness. Eww...

She paused. Although, Ness never looked ugly, per se. He's mean and annoying, but he's not half bad looking.

Tracy's face flushed with confusion and discomfort. Oh my god! Eww! Why am I finding my brothers hot?! This is fuckin' disgusting!

She froze, her thoughts spiraling. W-wait a minute… technically, Nate and I aren't related. He's a clone of my brother. We don't share the same blood. That's how that works, right? Her mind raced to rationalize. A-also, he changed his hair, so he doesn't look like a carbon copy of my brother anymore. And it helps that they don't act alike. Yeah, they're not the same in the slightest!

Tracy took a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. Besides, it sounds like this is more normal than I thought. I mean, my friends sure didn't care. It can't be THAT bad. R-right?