The Salt Files: Additional Cases (MLB)

Alya starts to prioritize Lila's lies for views and she doesn't realize that this could have major consequences

Alya and Lila Salt, Luka (Mentioned), Lukanette (Implied), Adrien Salt (Slight)

And of course...

✨DRAMAAAAA✨

Alya wasn't stupid, even though she makes rash decisions. She knew Lila was lying the moment she opened her mouth about Marinette. She knew her girl would never do any of the things Lila claimed she did. Marinette has been harassed by Chloe countless times and she never even laid a hand on her, why would she suddenly change with someone else?  And she suspiciously attacks when no one else is there? Without any proof whatsoever?

Yeah, as if Marinette would ever do that.

But Alya, she saw potential in this. What if she exposed one of the most attention-seeking liars known through the city as a major scoop? She did need more side content, since Ladybug and Cat Noir were getting closer to discovering Hawkmoth's identity. Maybe she could even be a private investigator along with a reporting job on the side!

But Alya knew the price of this. She knew to get everything she needed on Lila, she needed to earn her full trust. Which meant she had to abandon Marinette.

That thought hurt her deeply. 

Marinette was her first friend when she came to this school, and it hurts to leave her out of this. But she needed to do this alone; if Lila found out Marinette knew that Alya was onto her it could ruin everything, and Lila could slip away.

Just for a little while. Make Lila believe Alya is her friend, learn her lying tactics, collect evidence, and expose her. Just for a month or so.

Alya knew deep down this could take longer than a month, but she was willing to do whatever it takes to take down the liar.

🦊🦊🦊

A month has already gone by without Marinette, and it felt like hell. Alya had to harshly push Marinette away so the plan wouldn't be ruined, and she got the hint and backed off. It hurt to see her alone like this, and even Adrien looked torn between talking to her and Alya. Nino asked what happened between them, but Alya just said it was a girl thing.

Both boys soon grew suspicious when Lila started replacing Marinette in their group hangouts. But Alya acted as if nothing was wrong, as if nothing had truly changed.

As the time continued to pass, Alya was starting to get tired. Lila would always have the same routine of claiming she was injured or went on a great trip, then Marinette harassing her for sympathy points, then proceeding to go back to herself. It was a ridiculous cycle, but it did come with some perks.

As for one, Alya said she wanted to interview Lila for weekly videos, so Lila let her come along to the photoshoots with her. Every once in a while, Lila would be distracted enough for Alya to ask the staff what they thought about her. 

And boy, did they have a lot to say. 

By the end of a few photoshoots, Alya had enough evidence to at least spread doubt around the girl. But she still needed more.

She hoped Marinette wouldn't mind being alone for a little while longer.

🐞🐞🐞

Unknown to Alya, Marinette was doing just fine.

Sure, she didn't take it well that Alya left her suddenly and ended up crying to Luka about it, but after getting all her emotions out, she was completely over it. She still had friends in other classes, not everything had to be with Alya. So, Marinette started to hang out with other groups like her cousin, Aurore, Mirelle, Kagami, and more. Marinette was just fine on her own, no matter what.