Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir or Hetalia. All rights go to their creators.

Chapter 2: The Clone

The Present

Arthur Kirkland was in love with Kiku Honda-Wang and there was no denying that fact. Arthur fell back onto his bed and stared up at the ceiling in his room. Kiku had revealed himself to be Ladybug. He hadn't let it sink in when Kiku first told him but now it had.

Suddenly all the excuses and disappearances made sense. Why Ladybug seemed so protective of his normal self, and why he'd been against the idea of dating Cat Noir. It only made Arthur love the Japanese-Parisian even more.

A light knock sounded on his door. Arthur sat up. "Arthur, you have a few guests." Ludwig called through the door. Guests?

Arthur got up and went to the door. He opened it to see Gilbert and Feliciano.

"Hey you two?" Since he and Feliciano had gotten together, Gilbert rarely came around anymore.

He let them into his room and shut the door. Gilbert and Feliciano looked at each other briefly before Feliciano broke the silence. "You're Cat Noir!"

"No, of course not. That's ridiculous." Arthur said, crossing his arms.

"No its not. We talked it over." He said with a smile.

"It's ironic that you and Felix share a lot of similarities in Miraculous." Gilbert said.

"Oh! Oh and Gilbert said he didn't tell you anything about "The Awesome One's akuma attack. He said he didn't remember me helping at all." Feliciano nodded self-assuredly.

"He doesn't remember because his mind was wiped. You know Cat Noir's magic does that. And that's just a television show! They made Ladybug a teenage girl which we all know isn't accurate."

"Well then how are you such good friends with him!" Gilbert said, pointing an accusing finger at him.

"I have one of the most recognizable faces in Paris. I have connections." Arthur shrugged.

Feliciano pouted, "I guess our conclusion was wrong."

"Feli don't feel too bad. Back to the drawing board." Gilbert said, slinging an arm around his shoulders and shaking him a bit. He turned to Arthur with a grin, "Sorry about that. He thought he had something."

"Is that all?" Arthur frowned, eyebrow raised.

"I also wanted to see how you were doing, our last year is starting up soon."

"Ah yes we haven't spent time together all summer because someone decided their boyfriend was more important." Arthur smirked.

Summer was only two months. That was still a long time, but it wasn't like he wasn't busy with summer photoshoots, fencing tournaments, fighting crime and spending time with his own (unofficial)boyfriend.

Feliciano's cheeks were dusted pink, "Oh no! I didn't mean to take up Gilbert's time. You could have come along! Gilbert, why didn't you mention it to me?" Feliciano turned to Gilbert.

He shook his head, "Don't let model boy fool you, his schedule's tightly packed. We would've had to shuffle around dates and cancel plans anyway."

"But still!" Feliciano stomped his foot and balled up his fists.

"Alright, don't get worked up. Next time we do something I'll invite Arthur ok?"

"Yes! We'll invite you for sure!" Feliciano turned to him.

"I don't want to be a third wheel, would it be possible for me to bring a friend?"

Gilbert sighs, "You mean Kiku?"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"No, I just think you two have been spending a lot of time together."

"What? We're just friends, why does it have to be romantic?"

"But doesn't Kiku-!" Gilbert slapped his hand over Feliciano's mouth.

"Alright whatever you say Eyebrows. We'll get out of your hair. I'll text you the details and you can pass them along to your friend Kiku." He smirked and Arthur rolled his eyes. He opened the door to his room before escorting the couple out the door.

As soon as he closed the door he went back up to his room he took out his phone and dialed Kiku's number.

"Konichiwa Arthur." Kiku said over the phone.

"Hello darling, are you alone?" He said, voice gentle.

"Hai, I am."

"We have a bit of a situation. Eiffel Tower?"

Arthur heard him sigh. "What have you gotten into now you silly neko?"

"Oh you know I can't stay out of trouble. But I swear it's not my fault."

"It never is. I'll see you in a few minutes."

"Alright." With that he hung up.

Arthur groaned at how right Feliciano and Gilbert were. He hoped he was convincing enough, but it was possible the pair would be keeping a closer eye on him now. He would get a stern talking to before Kiku decided to help him, but he was so cute when he was upset.

Arthur changed into his Cat Noir attire, made sure not to forget his baton and wand and went out the window towards the tower.

When he got there, Kiku in his Ladybug attire, was already there. Kiku was leaning against the railing and looked over once he approached. The sun bathed him in a warm orange glow.

"What's the situation?"

"Straight to business, yeah? I don't get a 'Oh my love it has been many moons since I've seen your beautiful face. Come here so I may kiss you at long last." He said, taking Kiku's face in his hands.

Kiku narrowed his eyes, "You're avoiding the issue."

"But do I not get a kiss though?" He pouted.

"Focus, how big is the situation?" Kiku said, gripping his wrists and pulling away from him.

Arthur sighed, "You're no fun really. Gilbert and Feliciano confronted me today about my identity."

Kiku's eyes widened, "They found out?"

"They just had a theory and I shot them down. I assume they believe it for now, but I'm worried they'll become more vigilant."

"Well we're just going to have to show you two in the same place at the same time. I could dress up as you."

"That's a nice gesture love, but I'm taller than you."

"What other choice do we have? If it's at night I think they wouldn't be able to tell."

"I have a better idea. I have to check my spell book, but I think I could make a double of myself."

"I think that could go wrong."

Arthur furrowed his eyebrows, "How so?"

"Have you not seen in anime where the clone becomes jealous and wants to take over the original's life?"

"Ladybug our life isn't a cartoon."

"No, but it does not give me a good feeling."

"Nonsense it will be fine." Arthur waved him off before leaning in close "Just don't be overwhelmed when there's two of me." He grabbed Kiku and pulled him close. "I know you can barely handle one." He purred, kissing down the other boy's neck.

"Silly Neko." Kiku said.

00000000

Spell name: Flarictus Candenim

Inventor: Radagast

Effect: Creates a magical copy of whatever is targeted.

Arthur had just finished the spell and everything was identical except for his miraculous. The paw on the front looked crudely drawn. If he were to guess it was because of the miraculous's magic that it couldn't be copied properly.

He had given the clone their plan. Gilbert, Kiku, Feliciano and himself were supposed to meet for ice cream at Maximo's and then sit at the bridge. Cat Noir was going to show up for a brief moment to say he was on patrol and wanted to stop by to say hello to his best friend Arthur and ex lover Kiku.

"I've got it, relax. I'm you remember?" Cat Noir smirked at him.

"That's what I'm worried about." Arthur muttered, "Also Kiku's off limits to you."

"You know how I am, I just can't keep my hands off my little Lovebug. But I'll try just for you." Cat Noir pushed Arthur's nose.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Am I really this annoying?"

Cat Noir laughed, "You know you love me, darling. I'm more fun than you'll ever be." He leaned in close, whispering into his ear, "You're just step-daddy's little dress up doll, forced on a schedule like clockwork, with just a little time to be me." Before he licked his cheek.

Arthur pushed him away, "I can see why Ladybug was hesitant to reciprocate my feelings."

Cat Noir shrugged a smirk not leaving his lips, "I don't know about that."

When they arrived, Feliciano and Gilbert weren't there. "Are you sure the clone knows the plan?" Kiku asked.

"Yes he does, but expect him to go off script as I tend to not take things seriously, and I like to push my own buttons." Arthur sighed.

"You have finally come to understand all of our pain." Kiku said which earned him a glare.

When Feliciano and Gilbert arrived they ordered their ice cream and they sat down next to the bridge, feet swinging over the sides. A few minutes later Arthur heard the hard landing of none other than Cat Noir.

Cat Noir squeezed his way between Feliciano and Kiku, his arms slung around both of the teens shoulders. "Cat Noir! It's nice to see you again!"

"As is you Feli. Is Gilbert treating you right? Does he kiss you like I did?"

Arthur could see Gilbert's blush as Feliciano smiled in the airheaded way that he did. "Yes of course he's treating me right silly! But his kissing needs a little work, he's always so nervous. I keep trying to tell him to relax."

"Feli!" Gilbert hissed and Cat Noir let out a snicker,

"If you wanted some pointers you could have asked." Cat Noir said.

"I don't." He frowned before licking his ice cream.

"And Kiku how are you holding up without me?"

"I'm doing fine."

"You don't miss me? I'm sad Hawkmoth kept us apart." He said pulling Kiku closer to him.

"It was for both of our protection, you know that."

"I know but I miss our kisses." He purred.

"Hey um Cat Noir don't you have some more patrolling to do?" Arthur asked, standing up and looking over at the feline themed superhero.

"Are you a little bothered? From what I've heard you and Kiku are just friends." He smirked, his hands moving down to the curve of Kiku's hip, eyes not leaving Arthur's.

"I-I'm not bothered!" Arthur balled up his fists but tried to calm himself. It was down right idiotic to get upset with himself.

And just then loud screams sounded and Arthur could feel the ground rumble under his feet. Various people rushed past him. He looked up to see a giant monster made out of lollipops. It was near the treeline of the forest, knocking down trees with each swing of it's lollipop arms.

Cat Noir stood up and gathered Kiku in his arms, "I'll take you out of harm's way, my love!" He exclaimed and Arthur rolled his eyes. To which he ran off.

"Is he not going to stay and protect us !?" Feliciano said in a panic.

"I'm sure he'll be back to fight the monster. We should get out of harm's way." Arthur said and the three of them fled towards town in the direction of the other terrified people. Arthur frowned at having to run away, he'd never really stayed on the sidelines before.

They fled to Lovino's pizza shop, catching their breath.

Is Kiku going to be ok without me? I'm not sure how much of my powers the clone actually has. He stood at the window looking out.

"Well I guess we were wrong for sure." Feliciano said.

"Yeah how off we were. It's not like you two even have the same personality." Gilbert agreed.

Arthur turned back, "See I told you the idea was ridiculous." Arthur looked out the window and just then Kiku as Ladybug ran past, the clone not too far behind.

"I want to get a better look." Arthur said.

"Yeah beats being cooped up in here." Gilbert said.

"I-I'm going to stay here. I think I'll bake a pizza. It calms me when I'm stressed."

Feliciano, said to which Gilbert kissed his cheek.

"I'll be looking forward to it when I get back."

Arthur and Gilbert stepped outside and crouched behind some garbage cans. Arthur frowned as he watched Cat Noir and Kiku fight the monster. Arthur grit his teeth at how well the clone was holding up although he noticed the clone's hits barely did anything. Arthur was weaker than Kiku, but it seemed as though without the miraculous he didn't have super strength. But of course it was a small detail.

But eventually they were able to take the monster down. Kiku had figured out that the akumatized object was not on the monster itself but was in the hands of a baby who was crying. A feather floated out of the teething ring and Ladybug's grappling clip turned it into a normal white feather.

"I thought Hawkmoth dealt with butterflies." Gilbert said.

"I think he's obtained a new power or some help." He said.

Arthur watched as Cat Noir said his magic word, holding up his wand and absolutely nothing happened.

Oh no.

"Oh this thing." Cat Noir said, shaking the wand with a nervous chuckle.

He tried again and just like last time, nothing happened.

Arthur looked over at Gilbert whose eyebrows were furrowed, "What's he doing? Why isn't he fixing it?"

"Um, I'm going to go home."

"What? Why? Aren't you concerned?"

"W-well yes but-"

"Come on, I think something's wrong." Gilbert said getting up and stalking up to the pair of heroes.

"Gilbert?" Kiku said.

"Ladybug I think we have an imposter in our midst."

"W-what? No, I'm Cat Noir!"

"Are you? Your wand's not working."

"It's malfunctioning! It happens!" Cat Noir's cheeks were red with blush.

"It has never happened before. And your ring looks like a fake! What is that, crayon?" Gilbert said, grabbing the clone's hand.

A crowd started to form. This is bad.

"Where's the real Chat Noir?" Someone shouted.

"Is this the work of Hawkmoth to trick us?" Another person shouted.

"Who do you work for?" Gilbert asked and the clone pulled out of Gilbert's grip. He looked panicked and used his baton to vault above the crowd and escape their grasp. As he fled the scene Ladybug watched in astonishment.

"Did you know he was a fake Ladybug?" A reporter pushed her way through the crowd. Madeline Jones always came at the most crucial moments when it came to reporting on Ladybug and Cat Noir.

Kiku's eyes widened and his eyes searched for his, Arthur ducked back behind the garbage can.

"I-I did not."

"Do you have any way to contact Cat Noir? Do you think he could be in trouble?" She asked.

Arthur got up and ran towards the woods to change. When he got there he saw the clone. The clone looked distressed, his back against a tree and seemed to be having a panic attack.

The clone was breathing heavily, eyes wide. "B-but I am. H-how could they…but it wasn't working…the ring…" His hands were shaking.

"Hey! Hey it'll be alright. I'll go out there and fix everything." He said, gripping the clone's shoulders. "Take a few deep breaths while I'm gone, alright." The clone nodded but his expression of panic did not change.

Arthur changed into his Cat Noir attire and took the clone's wig.

When he arrived Ladybug was saying that he'd search for him if he had been captured by Hawkmoth no matter how long it took.

"Cat Noir is here! I'm sorry I kept you, my adoring fans, waiting!" He said, grabbing the microphone from the reporter.

"It appears another person has arrived saying that they are Cat Noir. And just how do we know that you're not an imposter?"

"Because I'm going to fix this mess. I got a bit caught up. In my absence, Hawkmoth decided he'd create a fake version of me to trick you all."

He handed the microphone back and promptly said his magic word and as per status quo a white light engulfed the city turning everything back to normal.

"And there you have it folks, Cat Noir is back after a brief scare by Hawkmoth. The city is once again saved thanks to Ladybug and Cat Noir."

The crowd disbursed and Gilbert looked around. "I swear he was right here. Did he really go home?" Gilbert shrugged before he walked over.

"I'm glad you're back, Cat Noir. How dare Hawkmoth think he could trick us. The citizens of Paris know better."

"Ah yes, thank you for being so vigilant." He smiled, tight lipped, a bit forced.

Kiku nodded.

"Well if you excuse us we'll both be going." He said before Arthur ran off in seemingly a different direction than Kiku.

Kiku and Arthur met back up in the forest still in their costumes.

"Oh God, that was a disaster."

"Do you think they still suspect you?" Kiku said.

"I don't know!" Arthur slapped his hands on each side of his head.

"Can you get rid of me now, I feel awful," The clone said.

"Right," He said before saying the reverse spell, snapping his fingers, and the clone vanished in a puff of green smoke.

"Do not worry we'll fix this." Kiku said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I hope so."

A/N: Thank you for reading! Criticism welcome.