VALERIE.

santana lopez. 22 years old. 📍new york city. senior nyu student, bobcats cheerleader, fanny brice (understudy) - funny girl 2021. god doesn't judge me, satan does. and honestly? he's impressed.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

“And nobody wants that to happen, right?”, he teased, lips stretching into a mischievous grin against her cheek. It had to be complicated to work and live together, especially for people who didn’t get along a few years ago. It was one of the main reason he was actively looking for a new place. His relationship with Santana was still new and while it was convenient to he here, Mike didn’t want to put a strain on things when it was still so fresh. There was also the fact that every time he mentioned moving out, he was met with comforting comment that assuredly him he wasn’t overstaying his welcome. But he’d just made up his mind; he was giving it a few weeks to find a new place. “I remember you telling me about it. You’d be a great Chris for sure so… break a leg”.

He kissed her cheek one last time before crossing the room again and sitting down on the bed, opening a box of pizza and taking a slice. He was proud of her for doing her own thing and believed that eventually her time to shine would come. He could already imagine going to her first premiere, sitting in the first row and radiating pride and happiness for her. “What about your audition for Anita?”

Maybe former Santana would be a wonderful mean girl, a perfect Chris from Carrie. But the new and improved her, was miles away from the mean spirited, often cruel teenager she was. But she could act the hell out of the role. “You’re saying that because you have fond memories of me bitching out the entire glee club, but not you,” she teased, as she took a seat next to him and balanced her own pizza box on her legs, opening it and inhaling the warmth and delicious smell. 

“Next week,” she mumbled, through a mouthful of pizza, glancing over at him as she chewed. It was a lucky break really, Rupert knew some of the casting directors in the industry and managed to snag Santana an audition after Rachel insisted that he watch a clip from their senior year production of West Side Story. She was terrified of doing this, it felt so real in comparison to the off Broadway and Broadway auditions that she’d done in the past. “I’m kind of pissing my pants about it, if i’m honest,” she admitted quietly, eyes downcast towards the food.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

He winked at her and left the boxes of pizza on the bed. The need to be close to her was hard to resist as he gravitated toward her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Very good day but it’s even better now that you’re here”. Now that he’d graduated, his stint as Cassandra’s TA was over, he’d gotten recommendation letters from her and even a promise to be accepted into a private workshop later this months. For now, his modeling gig was keeping him busy and Mike had to admit that when give the opportunity, he could make sessions fun by adding a little bit of his dancer background to it.

A sigh passed lips. This was the best part of his day. His body was pressed against hers, his chin resting on her shoulder and it felt like he was about to melt into her. Mike often thought about moving out, even if none of the girls seemed to be in a hurry for that but moments like this made him reconsider. Santana was a busy girl so living here was very convenient to spend time with her. “How was yours?”, he asked before pressing a sweet kiss to her neck.

Mike was thriving and it made Santana’s heart soar wildly. It was important to her that he was happy, that he felt satisfied and that he was enjoying his life. He had nestled his way from just a friend, to something dearly important to her, taking over half of her heart. Occasionally, she wondered if he would move out eventually, but right now, she was happy they could be together like this, right under the nose of their friends and roommate. “I missed you,” she admitted softly, curling around him, closing her eyes at his warmth. 

“It was fine. Rachel was a tyrant again, last minute rehearsals before we open had her stressed and being such a fucking bitch to Rupert. Honestly, she’s lucky she’s so talented otherwise someone would have hit her by now,” Santana explained, shaking her head slightly as she reminded herself of another day of epic Berry meltdowns in the theatre. The sooner that her stint in Funny Girl was over, the better; Santana needed some separation from her roommate and co-star. “But otherwise, it was good. I have an audition tomorrow for an off-Broadway revival of Carrie, so i’m excited for that. It’s for Chris and you know how playing a mean girl comes naturally to me.”

[santanamaribel-lopez]

Text || Santana

Quinn: True, and there are some good vegan options. Just not enough to make me convert. I mean... maybe? A tiny bit? After graduation, of course. My only concern is what if I can't find much work there?

Quinn: I know you do, and that's one of my favorite things about you. Even when it's been about me. Just maybe not so much in the moment, lol. That's alright; I think we've all softened a little. Must be part of growing up. I would love that!

Quinn: You're welcome, S. Love you too.

Quinn: I promise it's just between us.

Santana: I mean, will there be much work in New Haven or wherever else you plan on? NYC is the city of dreams. Isn't that a little bit tempting?

Santana: Yeah well, we keep each other humble don't we? Send me a text when you're finished at the shoot, my schedule is wide open.

Santana: Now that's enough softness, don't make me slap you again to even it out.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

Seeing Santana in secret wasn’t as frustrating as Mike first thought. At times, he wanted to throw caution to the wind and just be open but she didn’t seem ready for that. They’d discussed it a while ago but he didn’t bring it up again because he thought respecting her rhythm was the best solution, besides he was enjoying it too. And here they were, about to watch a movie, stealing moments together as soon as Rachel had her back turned. How many times had she almost caught them? He’s lost count of how many times he almost went in for a kiss or shot her one of his smoldering looks before remembering Rachel’s presence but they’d agreed to keep things under wraps so that a risk they had to take every single day.

He’d gone out earlier to buy snacks, including Santana’s favorites and was currently waiting for her in his bedroom. Netflix was ready. She’d said he could pick the movie but Mike would watch whatever she wanted if that meant they could spent quality time together.

Muffled sounds behind the door caught his attention. The corners of his lips curved into a smile a sigh he opened the door to reveal Santana. “Here let me help you”. He pushed the door open wider and grabbed the pizzas. “So happy to see you”, he sighed, joking talking to the boxes of pizza, before speaking to Santana over his shoulder “And you too of course”.

It wasn’t that Santana was keen on keeping things a secret forever, quite the opposite. She hated lying to Rachel, to Quinn, to everyone really. She thought that she had come a long way since hidden trysts and quiet, stolen moments. But here she was, hiding their pseudo relationship like her life depended on it. Truthfully, she wasn’t ready to answer the questions or face the scrutiny, even if she knew that their friends would be happy for them. Well, everyone except their exes. 

Mike’s presence made her lips curl up into a wide smile. One so bright it could light the whole of fucking New York. He took the pizzas from her and she stepped into his bedroom, rolling her dark eyes at his joke. He was an idiot but he was definitely her favourite one. Once the door was closed behind them, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I missed you too asshole,” she teased, as she set down the glasses and the bottle of wine on his nightstand. She left them there before she crossed the room to his dresser, stealing one of his tshirts to wear whilst they watched the movie. “Good day?”

[santanamaribel-lopez]

Rachel was already in bed by the time that Santana made it home to the loft, she had text her roommate to say goodnight and remind her to keep it down, as she was resting before the chaos of the upcoming opening. She carried two large pizzas, a bottle of wine and an order of breadsticks. It wasn’t quite Lima standards, but she wasn’t exactly picky when it came to her sticks. She kicked off her heels and dropped her bag to the floor, before making her way across the loft, taking care to be a little quieter than usual, so that she didn’t disturb Rachel. 

Things had been going well between Santana and Mike, their pseudo-relationship still under wraps from their friends and roommates. She had thought that she was done with secrets, done with hiding, but she liked having this special part of her life reserved for her and her alone. Right now, at least. She knocked, or well, thudded her elbow against Mike’s door and nudged the door handle in the same way. “Chang open up, my hands are full and it’s movie time,” she called out softly, smile already playing on her lips as she thought about the time they’d spend together tonight. 

[santanamaribel-lopez]

Text || Santana

Quinn: Well you definitely have the talent, because I know she's the type that likes to get in the last word. I had no idea she was even much of a cook, but that's pretty great then. Sounds kind of like you've all got a pretty good thing going there. I may be a little jealous.

Quinn: Thank you, Tana! Honestly that means a lot coming from you. High praise, for sure. Well those people are morons, but you bet I will shower you with all the freebies I can find!

Quinn: As someone who has considered myself excellent at multi-tasking, I'm not sure how you keep up with it all. But, if anyone can do it, it's you. I'm proud of you too, whatever you decide to do.

Santana: It's all vegan stuff, but whatever, beggars can't be choosers. Jealous enough that it might convince you to move to the big apple?

Santana: Of course, it's just like high school, I call it how I see it. Though of course, i'm /marginally/ less cutting these days. I appreciate the offer of freebies and will extend an invite for some celebration drinks when you finish your shoot.

Santana: Thanks Q, I love you.

Santana: Don't tell anyone I said that though, hanging with Chang and Berry is making me soft.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

Well for what it’s worth, you’re my superstar. Besides, you gotta start somewhere, right? I mean Halle Berry is from Ohio and she had to start somewhere too. I believe in you. And you think she’s up to something? We all know how she is but maybe she wants to be a good friend? You got it! I can’t wait.

I... I really, really appreciate that sentiment, Mike. You’re the best, truly. As far as my commercial success is going, I definitely need a big break. Halle Berry is a goddess and I didn’t know she was from Ohio. Food for thought. We can watch whatever film choice you like, because you’re the best person in the world. I’ll bring home pizza. I just... I adore you.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

That’s amazing! You’d be great in both roles. Just curious, is there one you’d prefer? Your time to shine will come and it won’t be because Rachel is sick or can’t. It’ll because you’re wonderful and talented. I miss you too. Wanna watch a movie tonight? I can get us some snack and we’ll start it once Rachel retreats into her room. 

I mean a movie would be better because of the opportunities that might come from it, but i’m not going to hold my breath. I’m a nobody from Ohio, i’m sure they’ve got some real superstars going for the same role, even if it along with Rizzo, are the two roles I was born to play. In a strange turn of events, she’s offered to give me a night as Fanny, so that my family can come and see me. Which would be awesome but i’m suspicious of her motives. Yeah, lets definitely watch a movie, something scary. Sounds perfect.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

If you’re sure! That sounds exciting! Which roles are you auditioning for? Um… what about just a laxative in her salad? I mean I would visit you in jail but I like you too much and I’d prefer if you didn’t go.

I’m auditioning for basically everything I can right now. Our run at Funny Girl is only for two months, so I need to start thinking about the future. There’s an off Broadway version of Carrie, so i’m going for Chris Hargensen. And Stephen fucking Spielberg is doing a remake of West Side Story, so Rupert managed to snag me an audition for Anita, which is amazing. Sure, she can shit herself to death whilst I sing my sweet ass off and steal all her thunder and glory. Thanks Mikey. I miss you.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

Text || Santana

Quinn: It's for Cover Girl. I figured make-up was a pretty safe route to start with. I mean, people /know/ you were just acting, but I totally get that. I think I'll try and stay clear of any health-related ones if I can help it.

Quinn: I understand that. It's one thing I've missed here at Yale. I just chose to focus on studies instead, but there are times, especially at games, that I just want to hop onto that field and cheer it out. Well, who's to say you couldn't triple threat it?

Santana: I mean, I always win arguments, it's kind of my thing. But I hear ya, she's difficult but she keeps my shit together and she cooks all the time which is awesome for me. Honestly, I think Chang and I would starve if it wasn't for her.

Santana: Look at you, Cover Girl is an amazing start Quinnocence. I'm proud of you! I know that they /know/ it's just a commercial but I still occasionally get side eye, as if i've got the fucking plague. Bring me some freebies!

Santana: My laziness, mostly. I don't know, just got a lot to consider right now, with school almost finishing and Funny Girl opening next week. Feels a little overwhelming.

[valentinawrites-deactivated2025]

[quinniefabray]

@santanamaribel-lopez

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

Thank you. It means a lot to me. It’s just for photoshoots but it’s kind of great to score an interview for a job just walking down the street. Are you sure you don’t want to come? I could introduce you as my agent. ;)

No, i’ll just cramp your style. Besides, i’ve got a busy week ahead with Quinn in town, cheering and i’ve got a few auditions coming up that I should probably start to prep for. And it’s previews week before Funny Girl opens next week, so i’m still hoping I can poison Berry and get my five minutes of fame as the lead before she ultimately murders me.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

Text || Santana

Quinn: Right back at you.

Quinn: Well I'm glad you're enjoying it. I had an image of complete torture in my head. Oh, good! Mike is definitely a peaceful presence. Do you get to see each other a lot?

Quinn: That makes me happy to hear. And no, I'm not saying that sarcastically. Anything new going on?

Quinn: I'm doing well, thanks! Landed a new commercial, so I suppose that's something. Still no big break, but I'm sure I'll get there once school is done. Which, is very close!

Santana: Berry is just as intense and sometimes, I think being waterboarded would be preferable over arguing who's turn it is to take the trash out. But she's different too, much more tolerable and dare I say, fun?

Santana: Congrats Q, what's it for? Make sure that you never do commercials for anything embarrassing. That Yeast-I-Stat commercial I did last year will /haunt/ me for the rest of my life.

Santana: I know, it's almost insane how little time we have left. I'm gonna miss cheering most of all, I think. Honestly considered auditioning for a professional team but I think I actually do want to act. Or sing, or something like that.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

I promise I’m not. It was a genuine question. Is it something you’d find hard to deal with? Maybe you could come to the casting with me and see how it goes? 

I know you’re not, you’re like way too nice for that shit. God no, I don’t want to be that kind of...person, to you. Go have fun, be sexy, get some free jeans, take me out for an overpriced cocktail with the paycheck. I am proud of you though, I know it might not seem like it, but I am.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

It’s not a fetish. It’s a potential job. I mean someone has to model the clothes people shop for online, right? Why…? You wanted to model jeans?

I mean, I guess so. Jealous that some girl looked at your ass long enough to see how good it would look modelling jeans, mostly. Don’t shit on me Chang, i’m not great at the relationship stuff.

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

Why? Looks legit to me. Apparently, I have the “ass for it”. She gave me her card so if you’re that worried, I could still call the agency to check.

Just feels like a very specific fetish, is all. Also i’m jealous? 

[santanamaribel-lopez]

mike--chang​:

So… are jeans model castings actually a thing? Because I think a fancy lady invited me to one.

Jeans model castings? Are you sure you’re not being targeted for some urban legend style liver harvesting?