darker_london | No one can replace you (Quinn, Maree) (Reply)

Quinn's stomach was pleasantly full, thanks again to his brilliant housemate, Autumn. And he was sitting in his bed room, reading a book on philosophical beliefs in the 15th century to try and get early ideas on what he would write for his Master's. He considered it vitally important. He had been assured that he was going to receive first class honours. And with that, he could go straight into a PhD, as the Masters was not a precursor to it. He was doing the Masters anyway. He liked study. And an extra year of it sounded good to him! Why else would he be starting now before he'd even graduated from his bachelor's? Full and studying. That made for a very happy Quinn.

Maree knocked on Quinn's door lightly and then she let herself him. Quinn looked up at he smiled at her, holding his book aloft. "Hey, Mum! This book is fascinating. They're talking about putting people to death from a philosophical standpoint. And I've only just begun!"

Maree chuckled and she shook her head. "The things you read. At least it's not Plath." She added, commenting on Quinn's 'dark phase' where he had quoted depressing poetry and gone around wearing all black.

"Oh, I think we're all grateful for that." Quinn winked.

"You called me mum." Maree walked over to him and she took a seat on the bed beside him. "You don't have to anymore. You have Susanna back." And to her credit, Maree managed not to sound completely put off by the fact that Susanna was back in Quinn's life.

Quinn blinked and then he crawled over towards her. "What? Mum...look, just because she and I are actually speaking to one another now, that doesn't mean I...it doesn't mean you-" Quinn sighed and he shook his head. "She's still not the one who pulled me out of the darkest time in my life. That was you and Dad. And when I talk about you to other people, I might have to call you my Aunt Maree, just so they don't get confused. But it feels weird to call you that to your face. You're my mum. You and Dad...you are my parents. Eamon is my brother. You're the ones who loved me."

Maree sniffed and then she leaned forward to embrace Quinn fiercely. "Oh my sweet boy."

Quinn chuckled and he hugged her back. "I never wanted for anything with you two. I did with my birth parents. You guys taught me what family was. And now Susanna is learning. It's because of you that I can teach her that. That I can pass it on to her. And to Mal too, you know. Thank you." Quinn kissed Maree's forehead. "From the bottom of my heart."

"My dear Ardal." Maree looked up at him with bright, proud eyes. "You are always welcome."