"Ah'm glad you're back Logan."

Marie lifted her face to look into the pair of soft brown eyes so close to her own. The wind blew around them, rustling the leaves on the trees and making her hair dance around her face. Logan smiled down at her.

"Me too Marie. I don't know how I ever managed to leave you to begin with. Even after I left I couldn't get you out of my mind, darlin'. Those four years I was gone . . . lookin' for pieces of my past while my future was waitin' here all along." He reached down and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Marie's breath caught in her throat as Logan leaned closer, stopping with his mouth inches away from hers. "I love you Marie," he whispered.

A tear rolled down her cheek as Marie closed her eyes. She inhaled deeply taking in his musky scent and reveling in the warmth of his skin so close to hers. As a tear blazed a lonely trail down her cheek she whispered softly.

"Rogue 610812. Stop program."

Suddenly the trees around them began to melt away, revealing the stainless steel of the Danger room. As the scenery dissolved the wind abruptly ceased, and Marie opened her eyes to watch Logan's image shimmer and disappear. Sadly watching her fantasy fade away she turned and walked out of the Danger room. Silently checking to make sure no one had seen her, Marie quietly padded back up to her room. Once inside she locked her door and flopped down on her bed. This was the hardest part.

* * *

Logan had returned to the mansion two weeks ago. It had been a quiet day in the mansion and Marie was relaxing in the rec room with Bobby and Jubilee.

"Awww, do we have to watch another chick flick?"

"Labyrinth is NOT a chick flick, Bobby!" Jubilee responded indignantly.

"Yeah. For your information it happens ta be a very philosophical movie." Marie added.

"Riiiight."

"It is!" Rogue insisted. "The main question of course bein' whether Jareth truly loved her or not. Ah mean, sure he did some nasty things, but he didn't really have a choice. She's the one who created him. He had ta live into her description."

"Yeah, but if she created him, is he really capable of true love?" Jubilee pondered out loud.

"Of course! He--"

Sensing that this was a discussion they'd had before, and most likely a long one at that, Bobby broke in. "So basically what you're saying is that you don't love this movie just because of David Bowie's overly snug pants?"

Marie and Jubilee fell into abrupt silence. Guiltily they looked at one another.

"That's what I thought." Bobby turned back to the TV to watch Sara talk to the owl.

All of a sudden the three mutants heard a derisive snort. Turning around, their jaws dropped as they saw Wolverine standing in the doorway watching them. Marie felt her pulse begin to race. Unable to move she just stared at the owner of the tags she still wore around her neck. For what seemed like forever he simply looked at her. Finally, he walked over to the couch. Glancing down at his tags still resting around her neck he'd smiled and said, "Hey kid."

Hey. Kid.

Those two words had an ambiguous effect on Marie. On one hand, they expressed affection and she was glad he still cared. On the other hand, he still saw her as a kid. Logan had looked at the tags around her neck and seen only the tags. No attention paid to the way the twin slabs of metal rested temptingly secure in a cleavage that hadn't been nearly as pronounced when he left. No notice of the sleight height increase that made her only a few inches shorter than him. She was a woman now.

And he called her Kid.

For the first week, Marie had simply tried to accept it. Logan would never see her in the same way she saw him. She would always just be a child and a friend.

Still, as much as she tried to deal with it a part of her ached to hear him say something to her that showed he had thought of her. Some loving comment she could treasure in her mind. But none came. That's when she remembered the Danger Room.

In order to help them learn to better control their abilities and fight as a team, the Professor had shown each of the students how to design a program simulation for the Danger Room. Even though Marie's powers weren't really any good against machines, the Professor had taught her anyway in an attempt to avoid alienating her any further from the other students. As her frustration at Logan's lack of feelings for her grew stronger and stronger, Marie's own innate creativity led her to design a program of a more personal nature.

And so it happened that every night Marie would sneak down to the Danger Room and run her special program. Every night. Unfortunately, her solution wasn't helping anymore. Her words coming out of a Logan illusion just left her yearning even more to hear them from the real thing.

Marie covered her face with her hands. When would she ever move on?

* * *

"Outta my way!"

Before Tim could even move, the huge man shoved him violently. He shot towards the bar, slamming into a man sitting with his beer. A low growl came from the figure as his beer spilled onto the counter. Tim backed away as the man rose up and turned to face him. Though he was shorter than Tim was the man had a build that suggested a strength Tim would not want to deal with. As Tim pictured his life flashing before his eyes, the man turned away from him to the big guy who'd shoved him.

"Watch where yer shovin' people, bub."

The man-mountain drew himself up and gave him an intimidating stare. "I'll shove whoever I want wherever I want."

Wolverine smiled. Before the big guy could react, he leapt towards him. Seconds later the man was lying on top of a broken table nursing the worst headache of his life. Glaring at Wolverine, he unceremoniously rose up and left the bar. Wolverine chuckled and turned to Tim.

"You owe me a beer."

Trembling, Tim thrust a few dollars into his palm and made a hasty retreat. Wolverine turned back to the bar and signaled the bartender to bring him another one. As he sat with his fresh Canadian Gold, Wolverine considered the turn his life had taken.

Two weeks ago he had returned to Xavier's mansion. Four years of no success up north had left him tired and more than a little bored. During his time away he had often thought back to what was waiting for him at the mansion. A warm room, food, a job kicking ass whenever he wanted, and, oh yeah, Marie. Wolverine had to smile when he thought of the girl wearing his dog tags. She was so young and innocent. He'd missed her. It had seemed like forever since he'd felt comfortable talking to someone. Just relaxing and having fun. It was a shame she wasn't older.

Wolverine knew she had a crush on him. Not that he didn't find it flattering; he just felt that he was much too old for her. He'd seen things she'd never dreamed of and experienced things he hoped she never would. If he were to be honest with himself, she was the main reason he'd returned. He'd promised to protect her. Even though he knew she thought she wanted him, he knew better. Marie wanted someone tame and safe. Someone that wanted to settle down with her and raise a family. Someone very unlike him. She was innocent.

"Hey, handsome."

Shaken from his contemplation, Wolverine turned to find a very busty red head sliding onto the stool next to him. Grinning, he gave her an appraising look.

Thoughts of Marie forgotten, he turned his attention to his visitor.

* * *

The next day Marie and Logan were sitting in the rec room watching a hockey game. Being Canadian, Logan had always liked the game and not surprisingly it was one of his characteristics that Marie continued to show. They were alone today because the others had all gone out shopping. Logan laid back with his feet up on the coffee table and Marie lay sprawled on her side. Watching one of the players skid across the ice and into a wall Marie shivered a little. The rec room was cold and watching all of this ice wasn't helping. Logan noticed her shiver.

"You cold, kid?"

"Just a little," Marie mumbled still watching the game.

Pondering that for a moment, Logan finally reached over and effortlessly scooped her up. Pulling her towards him, he laid her with her head against his chest with his right arm wrapped around her shoulder.

"Better?"

Shocked at his intimate gesture, it took her a moment to respond.

"Yeah," Marie replied slowly. She was a little confused. Was the Wolverine trying to cuddle with her? She tried to look at him out of her peripheral vision. He looked the same as he had before, attention carefully devoted to the hockey game. Sighing to herself, Marie turned her attention back to the game too. It had been foolish to think for even a moment that Logan was acting anything but protective over her. Still, as she concentrated on the warm sensation of his arm resting around her shoulders, she couldn't help but wonder . . .

Suddenly her reverie was broken by Scott's voice.

"Marie, may I have a word with you?"

Reluctantly, Marie lifted her head from Logan's shoulder and twisted under his arm to look at Scott.

"Yeah?"

For a moment Scott almost panicked. He hadn't really had something specific to say. He couldn't very well tell her he had just happened to walk by the rec room and notice how cozy her and Logan were getting. Scott knew that it was probably none of his business, but he did not want to see Marie get hurt. He knew she had romantic feelings for Logan and he also knew Logan didn't return them. Marie was setting herself up for a fall and Scott wanted to do anything he could to help her. Which at this moment meant coming up with a plausible explanation for interrupting them.

"It's about your combat skills. I was reviewing the tapes from your training sessions and I think you would benefit from extra practice."

Wincing at his lame excuse, Scott watched, as Marie seemed to process what he had said. There was a shadow of doubt in her eye that indicated she knew exactly why he had burst in here. And Marie did not appreciate people meddling in her affairs. Silently Scott berated himself for his choice in conversation. Since when did he ever discuss someone's combat skills other than on a one to one basis? Suddenly Scott was saved from his poor choice- only to be damned by it.

"I'll train ya."

Marie and Scott both turned to face Wolverine.

"You? You're going to train her?" Scott sputtered.

Wolverine turned slowly to grin at Scott. This was fun. He knew Scott hated the idea of the impressionable students being alone with him. Especially Marie. He was afraid Logan would be a bad influence. A wicked though occurred to him. He turned to Marie and gave her shoulders a squeeze.

"What do you say Marie? One hour every day?"

Marie swallowed hard. One hour everyday alone with Logan practicing hand-to-hand combat. A small voice in her head was whispering that it wasn't a good idea. However, other body parts argued vehemently that it most certainly was.

"Sure Logan. That'd be great. Thanks."

Wolverine nodded and turned his gaze back to the game. He had to try very hard not to laugh as Scott's face practically turned purple. Muttering to himself, he left the room.

Logan grinned. This was perfect. He loved getting under Scooter's skin. Not only was he rubbing Scott's lack of control over Marie in his face, he was going to teach her what Scott hadn't. Wolverine doubted Marie knew what she was in for. She probably thought he would take it easy on her, but he'd said he'd train her and he'd meant it. He was a firm believer in the no pain no gain theory. Marie was in for some hands on learning in the school of hard knocks. Not that he wanted to hurt Marie. Quite the contrary he simply wanted to know she could protect herself. He'd promised he would protect her but he never knew how long he'd stay this time and he didn't want to leave his sweet innocent little Marie defenseless. Who knows? If he was successful training Marie maybe he could tempt Jean into lessons. Hmmm. It was a definite possibility.

As Wolverine's mind turned to not so innocent thoughts about Scott's wife, he didn't even notice as Marie's attention faded from the hockey game.

Marie settled back into Logan to continue the game, but her mind could not stay focused on hockey. Logan had volunteered to train her. What would it be like? As she thought it over Marie decided that this situation could definitely be used to her advantage. Combat would give her a chance to show Logan she wasn't a kid anymore. Maybe by being a good student for him she could earn some respect. Plus, combat necessitated tight form-fitting clothes. Logan would have to notice she was a woman. Yes, Marie concluded, this was definitely a good turn of events.

* * *

Later that day, Marie nervously made her way to the Danger Room. She had five minutes before she had to be there. Tugging at her bodysuit she contemplated her outfit. It had taken her nearly an hour to get ready. She'd finally decided on a full green bodysuit that covered all of her deadly skin. The full coverage would keep Logan safe from any accidental contact. Plus, the skintight material accented her curves to the point that left little to the imagination. He had to notice her now. He had to see the woman she'd become.

Not wanting to be late for her first lesson, Marie walked a little faster. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of the door to the Danger Room. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself and walked in- then she nearly fell over.

Wolverine was standing in the middle of the room stretching. For a brief second Marie was grateful she'd worn so much covering. Then all thought was gone as she watched a half-dressed Wolverine move through his exercises. Dressed only in loose black pants, his chest bare, Logan had an impressive physique. Marie's breath caught in her throat as she watched his muscles glide under his skin as he moved.

"You gonna come in?" Logan asked slowly ceasing his movements and turning to face her.

Flustered at being caught staring, Marie hastily hurried towards him. Logan turned away from her to hide his grin. Even though he didn't return the crush she had on him, she was still cute when she was nervous.

Minutes later they were both all business as Logan carefully showed her the basics. As they began a slow practice fight, he was pleased to notice she was catching on very quickly. Satisfied she knew the basics, Logan began to move a little quicker. As Marie threw punches and aimed kicks, he carefully spun out of range and then swept in to knock her legs out from under her. Marie was on her feet again quickly and managed to successfully toss him over her shoulder. As both of them landed hits and recovered, they began to push harder. Wolverine felt his blood start to race with the familiar movements of battle.

"Come on darlin' is that all ya got?" He taunted leaping back to avoid her kick aimed at his chest.

"Ah give what Ah get, shugah," Marie responded. She was thankful that the fight was progressing as quickly as it was. She had had a hard time concentrating during the basics, when Logan's arms were constantly around her. It had felt so good to feel his body guiding hers through movements graceful enough to be a dance. She couldn't help but wonder what his body would feel like pressed against hers in under different circumstances.

Too late, Marie realized her reminiscing was going to cost her. Logan had sensed her hesitation, although she was fairly certain he didn't know what thoughts had caused it. Springing towards her, he tackled her to the ground. Marie's eyes grew wide as she looked into his face. His eyes were lit with excitement from the fight. Grinning, he mockingly raised one had over his head and unsheathed his claws.

"Say 'uncle.'"

All of a sudden several flashes of bright magenta light shot towards Wolverine, exploding against his chest and knocking him off of Marie. He was launched through the air ten feet before landing with a thud on the floor. Shocked, Marie jumped up and spun around searching for the source of the explosives. Logan was already up, both claws unsheathed, tensed to defend against the intruder.

"Dat be no way t' treat a lady, mon ami."