Estimated Reading Time: 24 Minutes

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The Clone

Nate stirred awake as sunlight streamed through the blinds, warming his face. He dressed in his uniform with practiced motions, then splashed cold water on his skin, hoping to shake off the lingering heaviness in his chest. Downstairs, the thought of baking something for his boss crossed his mind, but the weight of his mood kept him rooted. Instead, he settled for a bowl of cereal, eating in silence before sinking into the couch, staring absently ahead.

He heard soft footsteps behind him and turned just in time to see Tracy heading for the front door. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment—brief, but heavy. Nate quickly averted his gaze, fixing his attention back on the TV as if the moment had never happened.

He heard her smack her lips before stepping out, the door clicking shut behind her. The heaviness in his chest crept back, his heartbeat quickening in an unsettling rhythm. Still, his expression remained unreadable—calm, controlled. He shoved his emotions deep where they couldn't surface, and when the time came, he simply rose from the couch and left.

At work, Nate was met with Boris's ever-booming Russian voice, full of energy and warmth. Forcing a smile at first, he played along, letting the cheerful atmosphere chip away at the weight in his chest. Eventually, the tension eased, and he found himself laughing as they swapped jokes and stories about the most ridiculous customers they'd encountered.

Work was quite nice today. Nate was met with a bunch of customers, so the job was busy enough to keep him from thinking about the negative thoughts. However, the moment he went back home, the heaviness in his chest returned.

He retreated to his room and collapsed onto the bed, pulling the comforter over himself like a shield from the world.

Ding!

His heart skipped a beat. Could it be Ness? Had he finally replied?

[- Trey

Trey: sup bro wanna play minecraft

Nate: srry im not feelin too great

Trey: sorry about that bro. wanna talk about it

Nate: not really

Trey: cmon bro u can tell me

Nate: plz im really not in the mood ill tell u later

Trey: k fine. but u better

Nate: i will ty

…

A small warmth spread in his chest—he was glad his friend was worried about him. But deep down, he had been hoping for Ness. For some reason, he craved his approval.

The day Ness beat the shit out of him had been a wake-up call. That kind of strength—it was something to respect. And the fact that Ness didn't kill him, even after he had ruined his life, proved something else. Beneath all the anger and sharp edges, his brother was kind, even if he didn't show it.

Nate wanted to be like him. Strong. Unshakable. Someone worth acknowledging.

But it seemed like Ness didn't care whether he existed at all.

The thought of it all brought tears to Nate's eyes, stinging his vision. Why am I not good enough? He couldn't stop the internal flood, each thought heavier than the last. I know what I did was wrong, but... no, he's right to ignore me. I really did mess up his life and lied to all his friends. I really did try to replace him. I should've been on his side from the beginning, but I was such a shit person. All I cared about was myself.

He clenched his fists, frustration building. I don't blame him for secretly hating me, but it still hurts. I wish I could take it all back. If I could go back in time, I would've helped him escape the moment I was born. Even if Mario found out, the two of us could've fought that crazy psycho together. If only…

Knock!

Knock!

His breath hitched.

"Nate?" Tracy's voice came from the other side of the door.

He gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, willing her to go away. The knocks came again—hesitant, uncertain. Then, silence. She had given up.

Tears spilled down his face as he curled up beneath the comforter. He didn't know what to do. He didn't even know what to say to her. Anger, confusion, and sadness twisted inside him, an unbearable knot in his chest.

Does she even understand what she did was wrong? Does she even realize how traumatizing it was?

He doubted it. And that made it hurt even more.

After who knows how long, Rachel's voice broke the silence, calling him for dinner. His stomach twisted with hunger, but the thought of facing his family in this state made him freeze. His eyes were puffy and red—too embarrassing. And his mom… she'd ask a million questions.

It was too much. Everything felt too overwhelming.

So instead, he cracked open his door just enough to be heard and called out, "Sorry, I'm not hungry. I'll eat later."

Then he shut it again, sealing himself away.

Hours had passed since his last tears fell, and the puffiness in his eyes had finally begun to fade.

Stepping out of his room, he glanced down the darkened hallway. Good. Everyone's asleep.

With careful, quiet steps, he made his way toward the living room—only to freeze in place.

His mom and Tracy were sitting on the couch, watching TV in silence.

What the—?!

Immediately, Rachel noticed his presence and stood up.

"Nate, we need to talk," she said, her voice carrying concern—but not anger.

It wasn't the tone of someone about to scold him. It was something softer, steadier. But that didn't make him feel any less tense.

Nate: "Talk about what?"

Rachel: "What's been bothering you?"

Nate: "Nothing."

Rachel: "I can tell you're lying."

Nate: "How?"

Rachel: "I'm a mom."

"Why don't you ask Tracy?" Nate spat, his voice cold and sharp.

He shot his younger sister a disgusted look, the bitterness in his gaze unmistakable.

Rachel: "Tracy, what happened?"

Tracy: "Nothing."

Rachel: "Tell me the truth."

Tracy: "Ugh, fine. We got into a lil argument, that's all."

Nate: "Yup. Just a little argument."

Rachel: "What did you two argue about?"

Nate: "Tell her."

Tracy: "It's not that big of a deal."

Rachel: "If it's not that big of a deal, then why did he give you that look?"

Nate: "Yeah, why did I?"

Tracy: "Because he's still mad at our silly banter."

Nate: "Yup. It's 'cause I'm still mad at the 'silly banter'. That's all. It's not like you did anything to deeply upset me."

Rachel: "Tracy, what did you do?"

Tracy: "We argued and it got really heated."

Rachel: "Why did it get heated? You guys never argue."

Nate's glare burned into Tracy, and though she pretended not to care, deep down, it got under her skin. Still, she refused to let it show.

"What?" she snapped, her voice laced with attitude as she shot a glare right back at him.

Rachel: "You're not gonna explain?"

Tracy: "We argued because I tried to get back with my ex."

Nate: "Yup. It's 'cause of her ex."

Rachel: "What the—Tracy, why would you get back with him?!"

Tracy: "I dunno."

Nate: "Because she doesn't think before she acts."

Rachel: "Nate!"

Tracy: "You can leave."

Nate: "Gladly."

With that, Nate turned on his heel and walked into the kitchen. He grabbed his leftovers from the fridge and tossed them into the microwave, barely paying attention as he pressed the buttons.

Behind him, his mom and Tracy's voices rose, their argument spilling into the quiet of the night. He could hear the frustration in Rachel's tone, the defiance in Tracy's.

She didn't tell Mom the truth…

He shouldn't have been surprised. How could someone admit to something like that? It made sense, in a twisted way.

But that didn't make it any less infuriating.

The microwave beeped, sharp and final. Without hesitation, Nate yanked his food out, the heat stinging his fingers—not that he cared.

Without sparing a glance at the ongoing argument, he stormed back to his room and slammed the door shut behind him, sealing himself away once again.

Nate ate at his desk, eyes glued to his phone as he scrolled through videos, trying to drown out the world. The noise, the tension—he just wanted to forget.

Once he finished, he sat there for a moment, reluctant to leave his room. His mom and Tracy might still be out there, and he wasn't in the mood for another confrontation.

But the sight of dirty dishes on his desk nagged at him. It was annoying—just sitting there, mocking him. With a sigh, he forced himself to grab them and head out, bracing himself for whatever was waiting on the other side of the door.

As he entered the living room, Nate noticed only his mom sitting on the couch. Tracy was nowhere to be seen.

He padded over to the kitchen, mindlessly putting his dishes in the sink. He was about to start washing them when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.

He flinched slightly, startled, before slowly turning to face her.

Rachel: "What really happened?"

Nate: "..."

Rachel: "I knew she was lying, and judging by how you reacted, I can tell you wanted to say something else."

Nate: "It's nothing."

Rachel: "Please tell me. I want to know what's going on."

Nate: "It's too crazy…"

Rachel: "I can handle it."

"No, I don't think you can," Nate muttered, his voice low as he averted his eyes, his right hand instinctively covering the spot where her hand had rested on his shoulder.

Rachel gently pulled him into a soft hug. "Okay, if you're not comfortable telling me, I understand," she said in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

Nate's eyes widened a bit, surprised by the sudden warmth and tenderness. This feels nice… he thought, his chest tightening.

He wasn't used to this kind of love, the kind that felt genuine, pure, and unguarded. As the familiar weight of emotions built up in his chest, he didn't try to hold them back. Instead, he closed his eyes, letting the tears fall freely.

Nate: "I'm sorry. *Sniffs* I'm s-such a crybaby."

Rachel: "Don't apologize for that. I don't think you're a crybaby. I think it's quite brave and healthy."

Nate: "Healthy, huh?"

Rachel: "Letting yourself cry gets rid of the toxins."

Nate: "Mmm. *Sniffs* I'll remember that."

Rachel: "Did you want to sit on the couch?"

Nate: "Yeah."

The two of them walked over to the living room and sat on the couch, Rachel wrapping her arms around him as they cuddled. Nate's tears were different this time—he wasn't ugly crying like he usually did, with all the raw, chaotic emotions. This time, it was calm, like a gentle river flowing steadily, washing away the tension he'd been holding onto.

Nate: "Okay. I think I'm ready to tell you what really happened."

Rachel: "Only if you're comfortable."

Nate: "I am. Thank you for being so patient."

Rachel: "Of course."

Nate: "I dunno how you do it."

Rachel: "I'm a mom."

Nate: "Haha~ Fair."

Rachel: "So what happened?"

Nate: "Last night I woke up and…"

Rachel: "Take your time."

Nate: *Sighs* "I woke up and Tracy was touching me."

Rachel: "W-what do you mean?"

Nate: "Inappropriately…"

Rachel: "WHAT!"

His mom stared at him in disbelief, the words sinking in slowly. She couldn't fathom that her own daughter would ever do such a thing. Part of her wanted to convince herself that he was lying, that this was some twisted misunderstanding, but the pain in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.

He was being serious, and the truth of it shattered her heart completely.

Rachel: "No… not my sweetheart…"

Nate: "..."

Rachel: "She couldn't! S-she wouldn't…"

Nate: "She did."

Rachel: "I-I…"

Nate: "..."

Rachel: "I'm—so sorry."

Nate: "It's—

Rachel: "Don't you dare say it's okay. It's not!"

Nate: "You're right. It's not okay. I don't think she'll do it again, but I don't feel safe in this house anymore."

Rachel: "I'm so sorry, Nate. I-I had no idea she would do something like this."

Nate: "Neither did I."

Rachel: "I can't believe her! I'm gonna ground her!"

Nate: "She's just gonna get angrier."

Rachel: "I don't care! What she did was unforgivable."

Nate: "Grounding is a form of punishment, right? Would that even benefit her?"

Rachel: "What'd you mean?"

Nate: "I've been punished a lot and it only made me more resentful."

Rachel: "She has to understand what she did wrong. She can't just get away with it thinking it's okay. That's not how the real world works."

Nate: "But still…"

Rachel: "I'm gonna talk to her right now."

Nate: "She's sleeping."

Rachel: "I don't care!"

Nate: "..."

His mom stormed upstairs, her footsteps heavy with fury. The sharp bang on Tracy's door echoed through the house.

A moment later, the door creaked open, and then—it started.

Yelling.

Nate sat frozen on the couch as their voices clashed, rising and falling in heated bursts. Part of him wished he had never said anything, that he had kept it all buried like before. But another part—deep down—felt relieved.

The shouting went on and on, a relentless storm, until suddenly… silence.

His stomach twisted. What happened?

Then came the sound of footsteps descending the stairs. Slowly, he turned his head.

His mom and Tracy stood there, both looking different—strained, shaken.

Rachel: "Apologize."

Tracy: "Tch!"

Rachel: "I said apologize!"

Tracy: "I'm sorry."

Rachel: "Don't say it in that tone. Say it like you mean it."

Tracy: "I'm sorry! There."

Nate: *Sighs* "Apology accepted…"

Rachel: "Tracy, quit with the attitude!"

Tracy: "What attitude?"

Rachel: "I want you to really understand what you did wrong."

Tracy: "I get it. It was all my bad. I'm sorry." *Rolls eyes*

Rachel: "Don't roll your fucking eyes!"

Tracy: "I didn't roll them!"

Nate: "Guys—

Rachel: "Yes you did! I can't believe how inconsiderate you are! What you did really hurt your brother."

Tracy: "I already said I'm sorry!"

Nate: "Can we stop fighting?"

Rachel: "Wha-uh… a-aren't you mad?"

Nate: "It's whatever. She'll figure it out eventually."

Tracy: "Oh my god. Stop treatin' me like a child."

Rachel: "You are a child! A bratty selfish child."

Nate: "Mom, mom, it's okay. She'll feel bad later. Trust me. That's how it always works…"

Tracy: "Psh. Whatever. Can I go back to bed now?"

Rachel: "N—

Nate: "Yeah."

Tracy: "Thank god. I can't stand this family drama."

Tracy stomped back to her room, each step heavy with frustration. BAM! The door slammed shut behind her, loud enough for the whole house to hear.

Nate swallowed hard, his gaze shifting to his mom. Rachel stood there, fists clenched. Her chest rose and fell with controlled breaths, but the fire in her eyes was unmistakable.

She was pissed.

Nate: "She'll understand eventually."

Rachel: "She needs to understand now!"

Nate: "Nah. A slow burn is more effective."

Rachel: "What if she never realizes what she did was wrong?"

Nate: "She will."

Rachel: "How do you know?"

Nate: "I'm sure you've done something bad, and still to this day you feel guilty, right?"

Rachel: "Well, yeah."

Nate: "Everyone goes through it. And maybe she'll apologize in the future and actually mean it this time."

Rachel: "You're so kind and mature."

Nate: "Thanks. I feel a little better honestly. I'm gonna head to bed."

Rachel: "Oh, okay. I'm so sorry about all this. Goodnight, have sweet dreams."

Nate gave his mom a quick, gentle hug before stepping back. He had already said everything that needed to be said—there was nothing more.

Without another word, he turned and headed to his room. Once inside, he changed into comfortable clothes and crawled into bed, pulling the blanket over himself.

The weight of the night still lingered, but for once, it felt a little lighter. Closing his eyes, he waited for sleep to take him.

Ding!

His eyes shot open at the sound of his phone buzzing. Heart pounding, he reached over and grabbed it, squinting at the screen to see who it was.

[- Ness

Discord

Ness: I'm so sorry! I was stranded on an island for five days…

Nate: wow u actually responded

Ness: I'm really sorry about that. I shouldn't have blown you off.

Nate: its fine. im used to it

Ness: I don't always blow you off.

Nate: u kinda do. ive been tryin to contact u lately and u havent ben responding

Ness: I've been busy.

Nate: u always say that but nvr give me a reason why

Ness: Well this time it's because I was invited to Little Mac's bachelor's party.

Nate: the boxer guy?

Ness: You know him?

Nate: is your memory that bad? i fought alongside you guys during the whole zombie apacalypse

Ness: Oh.

Nate: whatever. im gonna sleep now ttyl

Ness: Wait, no! What happened?

Nate: why do u care

Ness: I care.

Nate: do you really htough

Ness: Yes! I wouldn't be asking if I didn't.

Nate: thats tru…

Ness: Are you okay?

Nate: no im not fucking ok

Ness: What happened?

Nate: will u believe if me if i say it

Ness: Yes.

Nate: no matter how crazy it sounds

Ness: Yes, I promise.

Nate: ur sister came onto me

Ness: WHAT!

Ness: NO! She wouldn't do that!

Nate: im telling the truth

Ness: What are you talking about?! My sister would never come onto you—she hates me, and we look exactly the same.

Nate: i told her that and she said im not her real brother

Ness: What? Yes you are.

Nate: she said were not blood related

Ness: You are.

Nate: i am?

Ness: Yes.

Nate: r u positive

Ness: Yes, I'm pretty sure.

Nate: well she doesnt believe it and so she said its ok if we sleep around

Ness: She would never say that! Stop with the lies, Nate. This isn't funny.

Nate: IM NOT LYING

Nate: ur sis had a recent break up. i cheered her up and she took that as me havin feelings for her

Ness: We look too much alike for her to have feelings.

Nate: i mean i did recently got a new hairstyle and dyed my hair blonde

Ness: You're a blonde now?

Nate: i am. so we dont look alike. she even said it herslef

Ness: Oh god…

Nate: do u believe me now

Ness: Tell me exactly what happened.

Nate: when i woke up i immeidately sat up. she gasped and when i turned on the lamp i saw her on my bed

Nate: she fucking touched me in my sleep!

Ness: No…

Nate: i kicked her out and left. im ngl i felt suicidal that day…

Ness: Did you try to kill yourself?

Nate: no but i sure thought about it. i really needed ur help

Ness: I'm sorry.

Nate: everytime i need ur help u never seem to be there for me

Ness: It's bad timing.

Nate: ya but all the time? it feels like u ignore me on purpose

Ness: If I truly didn't care, then I wouldn't be talking to you right now.

Nate: srry i dont mean to attak u

Ness: It's okay. Do you still feel suicidal?

Nate: no

Ness: Thank god. I'm glad you're feeling better.

Nate: oh wow ty

Ness: Did you tell mom?

Nate: i did. she scolded tracy and forced her to apologize

Ness: She didn't mean it, huh?

Nate: nope

Ness: Yup. That's her. She's always been stubborn.

Nate: kinda like u

Ness: I admit when I'm wrong.

Nate: sometimes lol

Ness: All the time! I'm the mature one in the family.

Nate: *Inserts rolls eyes emoji*

Ness: You wouldn't know. You barely know me.

Nate: thats truuuu

Nate: but i would like to get to know u

Ness: Eww, don't say it like that. Sounds like you're interested in me.

Nate: lmao xD

Nate: ness

Ness: Yes?

Nate: i dont wanna live here anymor

Ness: What?

Nate: i dont feel safe. its awkward bein wit the fam now

Ness: You're leaving? Where're you going to go?

Nate: i was thinking maybe i can live wit u

Ness is typing…

…

Nate bit his thumbnail, his eyes locked onto the screen. His heart pounded with anticipation, nerves twisting in his stomach. More than anything, he wanted Ness's approval.

He missed everyone at the mansion—especially Lucas. But going back meant facing all the people he had wronged. Maybe asking Ness if he could live with him had been a mistake.

I should just tell him never mind… say it was a joke.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to type the words.

But before he could, his eyes widened at the message Ness had just sent.

[- Ness

Discord

Ness: Sure.

Nate: what! really?!

Ness: Living with you sounds fun.

Nate: YOU REALLYT HINK SO?!

Ness: Yes? Are you okay?

Nate: im so happy! i get to live with my brother~!

Ness: Yay.

Nate: When should I move in?

Ness: I don't know.

Nate: can i visit u first and we can talk about it more

Ness: Yeah.

Nate: whens a good time

Ness: After Little Mac's wedding. He's getting married tomorrow, so how about the day after tomorrow?

Nate: perfect! ill be there. where should we meet

Ness: A cafe sounds good.

Nate: moonspoon?

Ness: Eww, no. Isabelle works there.

Nate: smashbucks?

Ness: Sure.

Nate: ill call u when i get there. im so excited to see u again!

Ness: Me too.

…