love me dearly

maria claire dimarco. 25. animal rights activist.

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

The way Maria wrinkles her nose has Noah having to bite his lip so he doesn’t grin like a giant idiot. She’s gorgeous, but she’s also adorable and endearing and intoxicating. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t extremely interested in her already and he sincerely hoped he’d get to spend a good amount of time with her as time went on. “Your title for me? I like that,” he hums, smiling as he looks down at her fingers where they’re now wrapped around his wrist. Hearing her say that she is feeling the same way makes him exhale in relief. It’s hard to read people sometimes and the fact that she’s being honest and upfront is definitely a weight off his shoulders. “That is very true. He does deal with a lot. I’m sure they do pay him well, though…” he trails off in thought. “I mean, he’s been with the franchise forever.” 

“Doesn’t have to be the only title I have for you, but it’s certainly one I like. You really are an angel, you know,” Maria sighs, thumb brushing back and forth against his wrist. She’s literally one of the flirtiest and touchiest people ever, but she wouldn’t be offended if Noah wasn’t into that. It can be a little too much for some people, and she would never want to make anyone uncomfortable. But she figures it’s the best way to show your interest in someone, and if they’re feeling it too, even better. “Oh, totally. He’s like everyone’s dad. He’s always there for emotional support, and he’s always there to ask the tough questions. He’s honestly the best. We’re lucky to have him,” Maria smiles. 

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

“And I would be equally as surprised if you don’t get one from Noah. I’ve mentioned the smokeshow part, but you know you’re way more than that. You’re confident, sweet, funny as hell and a total package. Any guy would be lucky to give you their rose,” Everly assures her. “I agree. I don’t like playing hard to get. I just wish I was a bit more confident and able to shoot my shot a bit better. I guess I’ll have to work on that,” she shrugs. “I do know it and I hope that you know the feeling is v mutual. I love you a whole lot. More than any of these stupid boys can love you,” she half teases. 

“I don’t wanna get my hopes up. You know, in case he has just as good a connection with someone else,” Maria responds as she glances over to where Noah is playing some beach volleyball sort of game with a few of the other guys. “That’s really sweet of you though. I know there are other hot guys here, but he’s the one I’m most interested in at the moment, so I’d be pretty disappointed if he gave his rose to someone else,” she hums. “You’re easily the cutest and sweetest thing ever and I think if you worked on shooting your shot a little you’d be truly unstoppable!” Maria encourages her. “Tell me about it! My love for you while never be the same as my love for anyone else here on this beach! I’ll always love you the most!”

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

“Oh, definitely. It seems like a lot of the early roses just go to whoever is the flirtiest or the loudest or most likely to keep things interesting,” Everly shrugs. “Which I guess is fine. They gotta weed people out somehow.” She just really hopes she ends up sticking around. She hasn’t been shy by any means, but she’s also not as direct or bold as some of the other girls. “I do. And being not subtle is good. Guys don’t like girls who play games. I’m sure he was thrilled with all of it,” she reassures her. “I refuse to shut up. I’m just keeping it real, babes. Someone has to,” she winks.

“I would honestly be really surprised if Forest didn’t give you his rose, babe,” Maria assures her. “You’re gorgeous, sweet, and intelligent. What more could he want?” she asks, sipping the drink she’s been holding in her hand the whole time. “I’m glad to hear that because I’ve always felt that way too. If I’m interested in someone, why should I hide that? Life is too short to play hard to get,” she shrugs. “I fucking love you, you know that?” she laughs, giving Everly’s arm a squeeze.

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

Everly feels instantly comforted by what Maria’s saying and she’s relieved to know that the attraction she felt was seemingly being reciprocated. “Yeah, I agree,” she nods slowly. “It’s not like many of the people will end up with who they get a first or even a second rose from. I mean, I guess it’s possible. It’s just not necessarily anything that’s set in stone just yet,” she hums. “Noah?” She questions, her brows wiggling in the same way they previously had. “He was a super babe. And he looked into you. I mean, how can he not be? You’re a smokeshow. You’ll have to get in there and get him to talk to you again so you can feel him out a bit.”

“Yeah, exactly. And honestly, not to be rude, I feel like a lot of the first week’s roses go to the most likable people. At least they did last year. The people who aren’t here for the right reasons typically get weeded out within the first two weeks or so. I’m really hoping that’s the way it goes this season, but I guess we’ll see,” Maria shrugs. “You think he looked into me? I’m definitely not subtle with my flirting so I hope that wasn’t a turn off for him that I kinda like grabbed his arm,” she laughs. “Oh my god, a smokeshow? Shut up,” she rolls her eyes as she gently shoves her friend.

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

“I knew it! I promise I won’t tell your secret. Although, I’ll be tempted just so that I can show off to people that I figured it out,” Noah teases with a playful wink. He loves that not only is the normal conversation coming easy, but they’re able to get playful with one another as well. “Does it? Good to know. I’ll be sure to come visit.” Noah smiles at that and nods his head slowly. “Even though I don’t want to call myself an angel, I’ll take it this once if it means we get to be a match made in heaven. I’d take just about anything to get a chance to get to know you better,” he hums. “He is for sure a glorified therapist. He can get anyone to spill just about anything I think.”

“I know it’s tempting, but you can show off how smart you are in other ways, I’m sure,” Maria insists with a wrinkle of her nose. “Well the nice thing is that you don’t have to call yourself an angel for long because that’s my title for you,” she tells him where she’s reaching out to wrap her fingers around his wrist. Hearing that he wants to get to know her better is truly music to her ears. “Same here, handsome.” She couldn’t wipe the smile from her face even if she wanted to! “I hope they pay him the big bucks because he really is out here doing the Lord’s work, dealing with all of our emotional trauma,” she laughs.

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

“Wait, really? Was it obvious? Cause I was getting a good vibe, but sometimes it’s hard to see the whole story when you’re in there with the rose colored glasses,” Everly explains. “I hate that the guys get the first week. I wouldn’t want to not get a rose the first week and just be done. I feel like it’s so hard for people to know already that someone isn’t a good fit. Let’s just hope we both stick around,” she says hopefully. “Although,” she starts with a raise of her brows. “I saw you talking to a super hunk a few minutes ago… What’s that about?” 

“Super obvious! He was all touchy feely and everything! Most guys aren’t like that with girls they’re not interested in,” Maria notes. “I kinda hate it, too, but I feel like the first two weeks’ worth of roses aren’t necessarily that important. I mean, of course you wanna get one because you wanna stay, but getting one from a specific person doesn’t really mean that you’re committed to that person,” she shrugs. The way Everly raises her brows has Maria laughing. “He is a super hunk, isn’t he?” she grins. “That’s Noah. I don’t know if he’s necessarily interested in me, but he’s hot as hell and I certainly wouldn’t mind talking to him again, but who knows?” she tries to shrug it off as if she’s casual about the whole thing.

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

“It’s impressive, either way. The fact that you were able to put it all together and make the connection must mean you’re some kind of secret agent or something,” Noah teases. “I might have to make it my business to visit Denver at some point, then,” he winks. “A heart for animals automatically makes you an angel, I think. A heart for helping any species does.” He feels completely at ease when he talks to her and that’s gotta be a good sign. Or at least he hopes it is. “Oh, he’s doing great. He really does live the dream that one there. Gets to be in the midst of this craziness all the time. I’d love to have this gig,” he laughs.

“Oh, I’m definitely a secret agent,” Maria dishes. “But don’t go broadcasting that. You’ll blow my cover,” she teases back with a little nudge of her elbow against his arm. His strong, muscular, toned arm... Whoops. “Uh, yeah! You totally should. Denver welcomes visitors, you know. Especially hot firemen,” she tells him with a nonchalant shrug. “Well, I’d say choosing to fight fires and save human lives makes you an angel, as well, so we’re a match made in heaven, wouldn’t you say?” Maria asks with a flutter of her lashes. “Yeah? I’m glad to hear that. I worry about him sometimes. It seems like a fun job sometimes, but other times he just seems like a glorified therapist,” she laughs.

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

Everly looks over to where Maria was looking and she smiled once she realizes who it is. She then sees that there are tons of other pretty girls in the group that he’s in and that makes her a tad nervous. “Oh, yes. That’s Forest. He’s a babe, isn’t he? He seemed really sweet and we seemed to get along. We’ll see, though,” she shrugs. “It’s so early on and there are tons of gorgeous girls here. I don’t want to get my hoped up or anything.” 

“Get your hopes up? Babe, you’re a gorgeous girl too, and just from the body language I saw from your conversation I could tell he was interested,” Maria insists as she shakes her head at her friend’s antics. “And if he’s not, he’s very good at pretending,” she shrugs. “I think if you’re into him, you should go for it. Guys have the roses the first week, so if he gives you his rose I think that would be pretty telling, but you should definitely let him know you’re interested.”

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

Noah can’t help but chuckle at that, but his modesty has him shaking his head. “Oh, stop. I don’t think my muscles or my facial hair are giveaways of me being a fireman, are they?” He seriously almost can’t believe that the girl in front of him is real. She’s that gorgeous. He’s trying super hard to at least sort of play it cool, but he’s fairly certain that he won’t be able to keep this up for too long. “Denver? I’ve heard it’s beautiful there. A non-profit that takes care of abused animals? You’re an actual angel,” he smiles. “Yup. Exactly. I was sure I’d get picked and then I was blindsided. It was the worst in the moment. Can’t complain now, though. Since it got me here and talking to you.”

“Without context, no, but with context it all comes together and makes perfect sense,” Maria clarifies. “It is beautiful there! I really love it,” she tells him excitedly. When he’s calling her an angel she purses her lips and rolls her eyes. “Oh, shush. Definitely not an angel. Just a girl with a heart for animals,” she laughs. Their stories are so similar and that’s what really has Maria feeling drawn to him. They’ve been through the same struggle on the show, and that’s something they’ll always be able to bond over. “Very true! We’re here now, so no complaints on my end either,” she grins. “How’s my buddy Chris doing up there? I got here first so I haven’t talked to him in like an hour.”

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

Noah raises his brows when he knows she’s going to ask him something or at least that’s how it appears. He gets lost in her eyes and her smile as she speaks, but he is of course paying close attention to what it is that she does ask. “Well, I’m from Tampa originally, but my family moved to D.C. when I was in middle school when my dad’s job transferred him. I’m a physical therapist as my day job, but I’m also a volunteer fireman. And my season? It was fine. I think I fell a little harder than she did and so I ended up hurt in the end, but I’d rather try and be rejected than not try. What about you? I wanna know all those things about you, too.

It almost felt unfair, because Maria had been talking to Noah for all of two minutes and already she didn’t want to share him, nor did she want to talk to anyone else. He was so much her type in a lot of ways, and as he’s telling her he volunteers as a fireman? It’s all over for her then. “Of course you’re a fireman,” she laughs, rolling her eyes. “I should have guessed from the muscles and the facial hair,” she shakes her head, like she just can’t believe this guy is real. “That’s awesome though! I have cousins from the D.C. area! I’m from Denver, and I work for a non-profit. We take care of abused animals,” she tells him. “I think we’re in the same boat with our seasons. I got really caught up in it and I honestly was 98% convinced he was going to pick me, so it really stung, but,” she shrugs. “That’s why we’re here now, right? Because we’re both trying again!”

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

Just knowing she’d have a friend and someone to go through this experience with was a huge relief to Everly. She was totally a girl’s girl and loved being surrounded by friends and other badass women. Having someone to talk things out with and to get an opinion from was going to be hugely beneficial for her and she was so glad it was Maria. “Two months was way too many. I’m so excited we get to go through this together. We can complain about the guys and drink margaritas on the beach together. What can be better than that?” 

“Oh my god, totally,” Maria agrees emphatically. “Speaking of complaining about guys.... or... talking about them. Who were you talking to earlier? That guy over there,” she asks as she’s pointing to the guy over on one of the day beds who was now talking to a group of people. “You two certainly seemed to be getting along. Give me deets, girl!”

[mariadimarco]

everly-parks‌:

Everly did her best to keep it together and not barrel towards Maria when she hears her voice, but she definitely does do a little bit of a happy dance right where she’s standing. “Umm. Of course I missed you. I can’t believe you’re here,” she shrieks before pulling her into a hug. Seeing anyone she recognized would have been amazing, but having it be someone she was actually friends with is a million times better.

Maria is overjoyed to have a friend here. It’s not that she can’t survive in a group of strangers on her own, it’s just that she feels a lot more confident when she knows she has someone there who has her back if anything goes wrong. Being pulled into the hug, Maria squeezes the girl tightly and squeals. “I missed you too, honey bee,” she tells her, squeezing her upper arms as she pulls back. “I know it’s only been, like, two months, but that’s two months too many, if you ask me!”

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

Noah looks around at the beach just behind them but very quickly discovers that he’d rather look at her smile. It’s beautiful and mesmerizing and he’s seriously starting to worry that he found someone this amazing so soon after getting here. “New beginnings and all the pretty things,” he repeats before downing the shot. He shudders just a bit at the straight alcohol, but he recovers quickly and then flashes Maria a big smile. 

“So, tell me, Noah,” Maria says as she puts the shot glass down and fluffs her hair a bit. She leans closer to him, unashamed to flirt as she pleases. This is what the show is all about anyway, and she was somehow lucky enough to get this man’s attention right off the bat? She wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. “Where are you from? What do you do? How was your season?”

[mariadimarco]

Maria heard a laugh a little while later. The sound was so familiar that her head whipped in that direction and her eyes instantly lit up when she saw it was one of her good friends from the show. “Oh my god,” she gapes, making her way over to Everly and waving. “Hi, stranger,” she grins. “Miss me?”

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

When the pretty brunette turns around, Noah is even more excited. She’s got this huge smile on her face and he is instantly smitten. “I was just on tv. Yeah,” he laughs softly as he nods. “Maria? I knew you looked familiar. Jason’s season is the one that sealed the deal for me to go on the show. It’s lovely to meet you, Maria.” He looks over as the bartender is quick to hand them each a shot and he thanks him before holding one of them up towards her. “Shall we? Here’s to new beginnings, pretty beaches and even prettier girls,” he adds with a wink at her before he takes the shot.

Oh lordy. She doesn’t want to get ahead of herself, but if all the people here in Paradise are going to flirt with her like this, Maria’s certainly going to be floating on a cloud the whole time she’s here. “Lovely to meet you as well,” she beams at him as she accepts the shot from Jorge with a kind thank you. “New beginnings and all the pretty things,” Maria giggles in agreement as she takes the shot as well.

[mariadimarco]

noah-anderson‌:

Noah was nothing but his usual face of all smiles as he walked down the stairs after talking to Chris Harrison and he got his first glances at the beach and the amazing resort they’d be staying at. He is definitely excited about the more laidback approach of this show compared to the craziness of the Bachelorette he had experience over the past few months. As opposed to this being a one girl to a ton of guys situation, the playing fields would be way more even this time and his chance at finding love would hopefully be higher. He had thought he was in love before and even made it to the final five guys, but after a super hard conversation, they both realized that he wasn’t the right fit. As he walks further onto the property, he spots a pretty girl standing by the bar. Noah puts on his most confident smile and taps her lightly on the shoulder. “Hey there. Mind if I join you in a celebratory shot? I’m Noah.” 

The tap to her shoulder has Maria turning slightly to see who has arrived. Her smile only widens when she sees one of the most well-liked people from the previous season of the Bachelorette, Noah. He was definitely one of the guys she was hoping to meet when she signed up for the show, and she wasn’t even going to deny that. “Oh my god, hi!” Maria giggles, brushing her hair back from her face. “Noah, hi, yeah, I know who you are! You were just on tv,” she nods quickly. “I’m Maria. From Jason’s season,” she tells him before leaning over the bar. “Jorge, can we get this man a shot, please?” she asks with a sweet smile on her face.

[mariadimarco]

Maria was quite pleased there was an entire season of the Bachelorette between the end of her time on the Bachelor and the start of filming for this season of Bachelor in Paradise. Coming in third place was probably the worst thing she could have possibly imagined happening, so of course she was hurting, and she needed all the time she could get to heal from her broken heart before putting herself back out there again. Of course, when the producers asked if she’d be interested in being on the show, she said yes! Finding love was what this was all about. It didn’t happen with Jason, but Bachelor in Paradise was a much more diverse show with lots more potential, which is why she’s basically throwing back a tequila shot as soon as she reaches the bar. She’s one of the very first people here, but she’s already smiling ear to ear just at the chance to meet new people and try this again.