Marie attended Logan's self defense class with Bobby and Kitty. She saw him shoot them both a disgusted look when they walked in. Bobby almost shook where he stood and Kitty kept her eyes to the floor. Logan taught a few effective moves, then split the students up into pairs for sparring. Rogue was left alone, mainly because everyone was still afraid of her touch.

Logan walked over to her, giving her a sympathetic look, "I'll practice with ya Marie." She gave him a soft smile as he crossed his arms and looked her up and down, "Show me your stance kid."

Show moved slowly, glancing at his arms and chest as they rippled beneath his wife beater. Why the hell did he have to wear those things around her? The institute needed a fucking dress code. She held her fists up in front of her face, causing him to chuckle softly.

He circled her once, then stood behind her. She jumped as he patted the back of her thigh, "Bring this leg back..." he grasped her other thigh, pushing it forward as he leaned into her. He lowered his voice as he spoke into her ear "...and this leg forward." They looked at each other for a moment before he cleared his throat and walked away from her, speaking to the rest of the class, who was busy sparring. "It's best to keep your legs spread a bit. It improves balance and gives you a lower center of gravity...in other words, it's harder for your opponent to knock you on your ass."

Logan laid in his bed, cursing himself. Every time he closed his eyes he saw Marie, naked and writhing beneath him. "What the hell?" he growled as he sat up. He ran his hands through his hair and took a few deep breaths. "Get a hold of yourself ya animal...she's just a fucking kid...with a great rack and soft pouty lips...goddammit..."

He was never going to fall asleep if he kept thinking like this. He paced around his room for a while to give his erection time to subside before tossing on a pair of pajama pants and tank top to wander the halls of the mansion. He stumbled upon a couple of kids up watching television and one eating cereal in the kitchen. For the first time in a while, he thought about Jean. Jean and her untouchable, effervescent beauty. He wondered what would have happened had she not chosen ole Cykes over him. He shook his head and smirked...they would have never made it. She was too challenging and a bit too crazy. Logan was crazy enough. He needed someone sane and good to anchor him...someone like Rogue. Logan shook his head at the thought. "She's just a kid," he kept whispering it as if it were his mantra.

A few minutes later, Marie had just gotten out of the communal shower. She couldn't sleep and figured a late night, warm shower would help relax her. It seemed as if everyone in her wing was asleep, so she wrapped a towel around herself and began tip toeing the few feet back to her room. She had to stop herself from yelping in surprise as she ran smack dab into Logan, colliding hard with his broad frame. She nearly dropped her towel as she took a moment to collect herself.

He dropped his jaw as he took her in.

"You have got to be fucking kidding me..." he thought as he stared at her wet, scantily clad body.

The animal within him began to grow restless. The Wolverine wanted to snatch the towel from her hands and take her right here...mating with her against the wall as he held a hand over her mouth to muffle her cries of passion.

He made one last ditch effort to collect himself, "Marie...you shouldn't be runnin' around like this."

She got her chance to look him up and down as his muscles tensed, "Sorry Logan. I didn't know anyone was up and about. My room's just right there."

"Just put some clothes on kid," he said, realizing he sounded a bit more annoyed than he meant to let on. He was annoyed. He already couldn't get the vision of her naked body pressed against his from his mind and here she is, dripping wet in a damn towel standing in front of him. Fate dealt him a really shitty hand. He couldn't stay there any longer. It was getting too dangerous for her. One more run in like that and he couldn't be held responsible for what Wolverine would do to her.

She looked down, "I was just going to bed, sorry."

"Sorry kid, I didn't mean to be harsh with ya, I just think it's not safe for you to run around the mansion naked like that."

"Not safe for who?" she smirked a bit.

What the hell was she doing? Flirting? She was playing with fire and if she wasn't careful, the Wolverine would have to burn her.

"Not safe for any guy who'd try to touch you..." he offered her a half smile.

She blushed, then smiled seductively, "You're too protective Logan."

He nodded in agreement and tried desperately to keep his eyes on her face, "Marie...go put some clothes on."

The cool air brushed over her damp skin, causing her to shiver, "Could you wait right here? I wanted to talk to you."

He held a hand up, "You need to get some rest. We'll talk tomorrow."

She knew that voice. He was lying. She would put some clothes on, but she was definitely not going to bed. She and Logan needed to have a little talk. She brushed past him and walked into her room. When her door was closed, Logan rushed down the hall to his room where he began to pack.

Thanks so much to those early reviewers. Please keep em coming!