The Pasts

Chapter 13

The sun is high in the sky, casting a bright glow over the safe house and the surrounding forest. The rain from the previous day has left the air crisp and cool, with the scent of damp earth still lingering. Inside the spacious training room, the sound of fists meeting pads echoes off the walls, creating a steady rhythm that matches the beating of your heart.

You and Natasha stand opposite each other on the padded floor, the room illuminated by the afternoon light streaming through the large windows. The two of you have decided to blow off some steam with a sparring session, a way to keep your skills sharp while also spending time together. Natasha is dressed in her usual training attire black leggings and a fitted tank top that shows off her toned arms. Her hair is pulled back into a tight ponytail, leaving her face free of any distractions.

You mirror her stance, your body coiled and ready, dressed in similar workout clothes. The two of you circle each other slowly, eyes locked, each of you waiting for the other to make the first move.

Natasha's lips curl into a smirk as she watches you, a playful glint in her green eyes. "Come on, baby," she teases, her voice low and taunting. "Show me what you've got."

You narrow your eyes at her, feeling a mix of determination and amusement. Natasha knows exactly how to push your buttons, and she's doing it on purpose. "Don't go easy on me, love," you reply, your tone equally playful but with an edge of seriousness.

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," she purrs, her smirk widening. She feints to the left, then quickly darts to the right, testing your reflexes. You react swiftly, stepping back just in time to avoid her fist, but not without feeling the rush of adrenaline that comes with her close proximity.

"Is that all you've got?" she taunts, her voice dripping with mock concern as she circles you again, her movements fluid and controlled.

You can't help the small grin that tugs at the corners of your mouth. "You'll see," you shoot back, focusing on her every move. You know Natasha is faster, stronger, and more experienced, but that only fuels your determination to hold your own against her.

Natasha's eyes gleam with anticipation as she suddenly lunges forward, her fist aimed at your midsection. You manage to deflect the blow with your forearm, but Natasha doesn't let up. She spins on her heel, delivering a swift kick aimed at your side. You barely have time to block it, feeling the force of her strike reverberate through your arm.

"Come on, baby, don't tell me you're getting tired already," she teases, her voice breathy from exertion but still laced with that playful edge.

You grit your teeth, ignoring the way your heart flutters at the sound of her calling you baby. She knows exactly how to distract you, but you won't let her win that easily. With a determined grunt, you counter her next attack, ducking under her swing and launching a quick jab at her ribs.

Natasha lets out a low chuckle as she dodges your punch, her agility on full display. "Nice try," she says, her tone almost approving. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Your grin widens despite the intensity of the sparring. "Oh, I'm just getting warmed up," you reply, a mischievous glint in your eyes as you feint a move to throw her off balance.

Natasha catches the trick, but her eyes sparkle with appreciation for the effort. "That's the spirit," she says, her voice a sultry drawl. She sidesteps your next attempt to strike, her movements smooth and controlled, but there's a playful lightness in her step that makes it clear she's enjoying this just as much as you are.

Without warning, Natasha closes the distance between you, her body pressing close as she sweeps your legs out from under you. You land on the mat with a thud, and before you can even react, she's straddling your hips, pinning you down with a triumphant smirk on her lips.