Ok. So Marvel's characters are not mine. We all know it.

Plot: Not much for now. All I know is that this is not a L/R shipper. Kinda more into brotherly love.

NOTE: English is not my first language. I know I suck at English. So please be kind.

Feedback: Comments are welcome.

What now?

"I see her cry once, and you'll wake up in ICU," Logan growled in the young man's face, which young man was currently pinned against the wooden wall. Logan's grip around the boy's collar didn't loosen. "Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" the young man succeeded in answering.

Smelling the boy's fear and honest answer, Logan finally released his *prey*.

Bret was Marie's newest love interest. Over the two years after Logan's return, when he had found out that Marie had really got over her crush on him, he felt he had to keep an eye on her suitors.

Although he had made sure to only come back at Xavier's after Marie had became of legal age, he had been a little worried at the way she would greet him. He always knew she was a little taken with him, as sure as he always knew he liked her. But that was it: he liked her. Like a little sister, or something. So when she greeted him happily and introduced him to her then boyfriend, the Wolverine had first been relieved. He almost smiled in relief! He wouldn't have to cool off her feelings for him.

And in a split second, he had growled at Marie's boyfriend and threatened him with something very painful if he dares hurt Marie. Alright, the Wolverine wasn't in love with a 18 years old girl. But it didn't mean he wasn't going to look after her. Hey, he saved her a couple times, he wasn't to let a brat hurt her.

That settled the first hour he was back, the Wolverine's protectiveness over Rogue had almost been added in the School's official welcome speech. It wasn't, but all new student learned quickly about it. Bret included.

Back to the present. Bret couldn't run out of the room, since it was the rendez-vous point with Rogue. She was supposed to be there in a few minutes, and the sooner would be the better for Bret. So then they could go, and he wouldn't have to deal with the Wolverine in full protective mood.

Sighing with relief, the young man decided that keeping silent and not moving would be the best way to act for now. After all, wasn't it something they said to do when facing a bear? For now, he vowed to rent a survival documentary...

"C'mon here," Logan groaned.

Bret looked around. He wasn't going anywhere... "Yes?"

Logan grabbed his arm, pulled him closer. "I'm not goin' to hurt you," he announced.

Bret just did as asked and before he knew it, Logan had slipped a fifty dollar bill in his hand. "You find a good restaurant, boy. And no alcohol, you hear me?"

Bret nodded, "Sure. I..." He hesitated for a second, then added, "I worked extra hours at the grocery store, so I could invite Rogue to a nice place."

Bret waited for the Wolverine's reaction. Since the Canadian didn't frown or growl, it almost meant that he got Logan's approval.

Bret was saved by Rogue's appearance on the top of the grand staircase. The young man made sure to look at her face – and never below – knowing that the Wolverine was surely looking at him and ready to pounce and make him suffer for acting ungentlemanly towards her.

Rogue smiled as she saw Bret waiting for her. Then she frowned a little when she noticed Logan standing by.

"Bret!" The smile returned on her face as she climbed down the stairs.

He smiled back at her, "You look wonderful, Rogue," he dared say, always aware of the Wolverine's presence.

"You know, Bret," she started, "I would like it if you'd called me Marie."

At that, the room filled with a low growling sound.

Marie ignored Logan's obvious disapproval, "Why don't you start the car? I'll be out in second."

Bret nodded and as soon walked out.

Marie waited for the front door to close, then turned to face Logan, fists on her hips.

"Logan..." she started on a semi-menacing tone.

Logan shrugged. After all, he had time to brief the little shit... err, suitor of hers. Now it was Marie's turn with him. The Wolverine almost smiled. Every time. It happened every time. Marie would surely have her little *I'm an adult* speech with him.

"I just gave the boy some advises," he groaned his usual answer to her chastising. She knew he wasn't mad. Just his protective self.

And for the first time, before she could get all geared up on her speech, Logan added, "I think he's a... hrm... decent guy for you." Calling him a dick or a shit would not cut it, Logan thought. A guy was a first in his long list of nicknames for Marie's suitors.

Obviously surprised at this new appreciation from Logan, she smiled and relaxed. "He's.... yeah, decent," she admitted in a whisper. "And not pushy, y'know."

A comfortable silence filled the room.

"You better go," Logan said.

"Yeah."

Marie stepped toward the front door, then turned back and hugged Logan. "Thank you."

"For what, darlin'?" he asked, a bit puzzled.

"For caring, you log!" she laughed.

"Hey!" he protested at the name calling.

"I better go," she finally admitted. "Will you...."

Only then did Logan smile. "I'll watch TV. Just plop down and tell me how it went." He cleared his throat, "Have fun, Marie."

The smile on her face promised him she would. Then she walked out of the house with a light heart.

*********

The school staff, including Charles Xavier, were watching the news in the rec room. Most just glanced at Logan has he walking in. But Xavier turned and looked at him.

"Logan..." he started. Which brought every one's attention on the Canadian.

Logan stopped and looked at the professor. "Not now."

"When?" Xavier refrained from sighing, but he had to know.

"Soon," was the only reply as Logan headed for the kitchen, probably hunting for booze.

Scott waited for the Canadian to be out of the room to ask. "What now?"

********

If you want more, I can write more. The idea is there, but I might need some pushing.