Location: Avengers Training Facility
Time: Afternoon, Same Day
The training cage was quiet, lit by pale overhead lights. Riven shadow-boxed with brisk precision, keeping his guard high as he refined his physical form. His movements were measured—powerful yet controlled, a balance of strength and restraint.
Natasha entered, ponytail swaying, feet clicking on the padded floor. She leaned against the frame with a teasing smirk. "Hey, spark plug."
Riven paused mid-strike. "Don't tell me you want in," he said casually.
"Do I look like I asked?" Natasha stepped forward and slipped into a confident fight stance. "But if you're here…"
He nearly joked that he'd back off—but the challenge in her eyes made him smile instead. "Alright. Let's go."
They circled each other. For the first few minutes, it was technical—tests of footwork, gauging distance, blocking. Riven used only his physical strength, avoiding any telekinetic edge. Natasha matched him, sleek, fast, her strikes precise.
But soon, her motions became aggressive—each combination sharper, limbs coiling with purpose. Riven blocked a punch. Evaded a kick. Ducked a swift elbow.
Then:
BAM. Natasha's fist connected with his jaw.
THUD. A kick in the stomach. He grunted.
CRACK. Back to the face.
And finally—a sweeping roundhouse kick that caught his head. The force spun him on his feet.
He staggered back, catching himself against the cage wall. His breathing hitched—not from pain, but confusion.
Natasha paused, stance held strong, eyes locked on him. "You okay?"
Riven brushed his jaw, steadying himself. Concern tinted his voice. "You... good?"
Her control wavered. She shook her head slightly. "Yeah. Just… needed to blow off some steam." The lie tasted stale even in her mind. Without another word, she nodded curtly and walked out, leaving the cage doors to swing gently behind her.
Outside the cage, Sam and Wanda stood with cross-arms, watching. Wanda's eyes followed Natasha's retreating back in silence. She didn't say a word.
Sam scowled. "What the hell was that?"
Wanda didn't respond. She just kept watching Natasha.
Riven, still inside the cage, rubbed his neck, utterly confused. Did I do something wrong to her? the thought echoed silently in his head.
Back in the cage, Riven finished his last warm-up rep, finding his focus again. His jaw twinged—but his mind burned. Something more than muscles had been tested today. And now… he had questions.