5 times natasha beat peter in sparring
The First Time
"Again," Natasha said firmly as Peter picked himself up off the mat for what felt like the hundredth time that morning.
"I'm trying," Peter groaned, rolling his sore shoulders. He'd only been training with Natasha for a couple weeks now, ever since Tony had introduced them and suggested Natasha could teach Peter some new fighting techniques. So far it felt like all he was learning was how to fall on his butt over and over.
"Trying isn't good enough," Natasha replied, gesturing for him to come at her again. "You need to anticipate my moves, get inside my head. You have enhanced abilities, use them."
Peter sighed but got back into a fighting stance. He feinted left then tried to sweep Natasha's legs out from under her. She easily avoided his kick and grabbed his outstretched leg, using his own momentum to flip him onto his back.
"Oof," Peter grunted as the mat knocked the wind out of him.
"You're telegraphing your moves," Natasha critiqued, offering him a hand up. "I could see that leg sweep coming from a mile away. You need to be more subtle, use misdirection. Don't just rely on your powers."
"Sorry," Peter mumbled, clambering to his feet. He knew Natasha was right, but it was hard not to get frustrated after constantly being put in the dirt.
Natasha's expression softened slightly. "Look, I know this is tough, but I see your potential, Peter. You just need to keep practicing and learning. Now come on, let's go again."
Peter nodded, determination burning in his eyes this time. He could do this. He just needed to focus and listen to Natasha's advice.
He settled into a fighting crouch, feigning right before shooting out a quick left jab. Natasha deflected it easily, but he used the momentum to swing his leg around in a roundhouse kick. Natasha ducked under the kick and swept Peter's other leg out before he could recover.
Peter found himself staring up at the ceiling yet again. "Ugh, so close," he groaned.
"Closer," Natasha agreed, smiling as she helped him up this time. "Much better. Let's take a quick break then go again."
Peter grinned back, feeling encouraged. With Natasha's help, he was starting to get the hang of this.
The Second Time
Over the next couple weeks, Peter continued his training sessions with Natasha. He was slowly but surely getting better at holding his own during their sparring matches, even managing to land a few hits on the legendary Black Widow. But he had yet to actually win a round against her.
"You lasted almost 5 minutes that time before I took you down," Natasha said as they toweled off after another intense session. "You're improving really quickly Peter. I'm impressed."
"Thanks," Peter replied, glowing under the praise. "You're a really good teacher."
Natasha smiled fondly at him. "Why don't you take a short break, then we'll go again?"
Peter nodded, gulping down some water before returning to the mat. He settled into a fighting stance across from Natasha, determination burning in his eyes. This was going to be the time he finally beat her.
He opened with a flurry of jabs and kicks, using his speed and agility to try and overwhelm Natasha's defenses. She effortlessly blocked or evaded his blows, but he could tell she was being pushed back on the defensive. Sensing an opening, he swept his leg low, trying to take her feet out.
Natasha nimbly leapt over the kick. But Peter was ready. As soon as she landed, he tackled her around the waist, using his strength and momentum to knock them both to the mat.
Natasha looked up at him in surprise for a brief moment before her expression shifted to an impressed smile. "Nicely done, Peter. You finally got me on the ground."
"Yes!" Peter cheered, rolling off her and pumping his fist. His celebration was short-lived though, as Natasha quickly wrapped her legs around his torso and flipped their positions, pinning him to the mat instead.
Peter blew out a frustrated breath as he found himself on his back yet again. So close, but not quite there.
"I'm proud of you, Peter," Natasha said sincerely, releasing him and pulling him to his feet. "You're making excellent progress. Just have to work on not letting your guard down after you land a good hit."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Peter sighed. But he couldn't keep the grin off his face. He was getting closer and closer to victory. Next time for sure.
The Third Time
"Good, you're learning to mix up your moves," Natasha said approvingly as she blocked a series of Peter's strikes. "Keep me guessing."
Peter nodded, sweat beading on his brow as he continued his assault. He pushed Natasha back across the mat with a flurry of punches before dropping low and sweeping her legs out from under her. As she fell, he quickly moved to pin her down, only for her to wrap her legs around his neck and flip their positions once more.
Peter groaned as his back hit the mat yet again. "How do you keep doing that?"
Natasha laughed as she helped him up. "Years of experience and training. But you had the right idea there. Just have to be quicker to react."
"Ugh, I really thought I had you that time," Peter grumbled.
"You're getting closer," Natasha encouraged. "No one improves overnight. Just have patience and keep practicing."
Peter took a deep breath and nodded. She was right. Rome wasn't built in a day. He just needed to keep working at it.
"Alright, I'm ready to go again," he said, steeling his resolve. He held on to the hope that maybe one day he would finally beat the legendary Black Widow.
The Fourth Time
Over the next couple weeks, Peter kept training hard. His skills improved dramatically under Natasha's expert tutelage, and their sparring matches were lasting longer and longer as he got better at countering her moves.
He was currently giving her one of his best fights yet, managing to dodge a series of her strikes before landing a solid kick to her midsection, knocking her back a few steps.
"Good hit!" Natasha said approvingly, though her expression remained intense and focused. "But don't let your guard down."
She came at him with a flurry of precise jabs. Peter tried to evade but she landed a painful strike to his shoulder that made him stumble. Pressing her advantage, Natasha moved to sweep his legs out from under him.
At the last second Peter leapt up, flipping gracefully over her head to land behind her. Before she could react he grabbed her from behind in a wrestling hold, immobilizing her arms.
"Ha, gotcha!" he crowed triumphantly.
But a second later Natasha hooked her foot around his ankle and pulled back sharply. Peter felt his feet go out from under him and then he was staring up at the ceiling yet again as Natasha pinned him neatly to the mat.
Peter let out a frustrated groan. "Ugghh, I was so close that time! What did I do wrong?"
Natasha helped him up, looking pleased. "Nothing, you did great. I just have a few more tricks up my sleeve still. But that was your best effort yet."
She squeezed his shoulder encouragingly. "You're making amazing progress, Peter. I'm really proud of you. You'll get there."
Peter smiled back gratefully. Natasha's faith in him gave him confidence. Next time for sure!
The Fifth Time
Over the next month Peter continued training hard under Natasha's watchful eye. His skills and technique had improved by leaps and bounds, and their sparring matches were now stretching into 10-15 minute battles before Natasha finally got the upper hand.
Peter struck out with a flurry of precise, targeted blows, driving Natasha back across the mat. She tried to sweep his legs but he nimbly leapt over her leg, using the momentum to land a spinning kick to her shoulder.
"Oof!" Natasha grunted at the impact, stumbling slightly. But she quickly recovered, moving in close to try and get Peter in a choke hold.
Anticipating her move, Peter slipped out of her grasp and behind her, sweeping her legs out and sending them both tumbling to the mat. They grappled fiercely for dominance, each managing to slip out of holds and break pins.
After another few breathless minutes of intense struggle, Natasha finally managed to catch Peter in an inescapable choke hold. He tapped out, collapsing back on the mat with a frustrated sigh as she released him.
"So close!" he groaned. "I really thought I had you that time."
Natasha gave him a proud smile as she helped him up. "You very nearly did. That was an excellent fight, Peter. The student has almost become the master."
Peter grinned, pleased by her praise. "I couldn't have done it without such a great teacher."
Natasha tousled his hair fondly. "Keep at it kid. Your time will come."
Peter's eyes shone with determination. Next time for sure!
The One Time Peter Won
The day had finally arrived. After months of intense training under Natasha's guidance, Peter could feel it in his bones: today was the day he was finally going to beat the legendary Black Widow!
They sparred back and forth intensely, neither giving an inch. Peter held his own, countering Natasha's strikes and slippery holds with moves she had taught him. Their battle stretched on and on, sweat dripping as they pushed their skills to the limit.
After 20 grueling minutes, Peter saw an opening. He dodged Natasha's punch and slipped behind her, sweeping her legs out in a move she had used on him many times before. As soon as she hit the mat he pinned her in an unbreakable hold, immobilizing her arms and legs before she could recover.
"Gotcha!" Peter exclaimed triumphantly.
Natasha struggled briefly but soon realized she was well and truly trapped. A grin spread across her face. "Alright, you got me. Nice job, Peter!"
Peter whooped excitedly as he released her and jumped to his feet. "I did it! I finally beat you!"
Unable to contain his joy, he reached down and wrapped Natasha in a big bear hug, lifting her up off the mat as he embraced her.
"Thank you so much for everything you've taught me, Mom," he said earnestly.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Peter froze. Had he just called Natasha 'Mom'? Heat flooded his cheeks.
Natasha had gone still, looking at him with an unreadable expression. Peter quickly set her down, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Um, uh, I mean Natasha!" he stammered. "Sorry, I didn't mean to...I know you're not...I just got caught up in the moment." He sighed heavily. "Sorry if that freaked you out."
Peter stared at the floor, unable to meet her eyes. Great, he had just made everything super awkward.
He was surprised to feel Natasha's hand on his shoulder. He looked up tentatively to see her watching him with a soft smile.
"It's okay, Peter," she said gently. "I'm not freaked out. Actually, I'm really touched. I know I'm not your mom, but I care about you a lot, kid."
Peter's face lit up. "You do?"
Natasha nodded, her smile growing. "I really do. I'm so proud of you, Peter. You've come so far these past months. And..." She took a deep breath. "I have to admit, I've started to see you as something like a son."
Peter's heart swelled with happiness and love. Without thinking, he threw his arms around Natasha in another big hug. This time, she hugged him back just as tightly.
They held the embrace for a long moment before finally stepping back, both a bit misty-eyed but also grinning.
"So, ready for round two, 'Mom'?" Peter asked playfully.
Natasha laughed, dropping back into a fighting crouch. "Bring it on, 'son'."
This was the beginning of a whole new chapter in their relationship, one that was about far more than just training. And although their future sparring matches remained fiercely competitive, the deep affection between mentor and protege - or mother and son - was clearer than ever.
BONUS FLASHBACK/DRABBLES: How Peter Won Over Natasha
The First Meeting
Peter fidgeted nervously as he followed Tony Stark into the Avengers training room. He still couldn't believe Mr. Stark had brought him to meet the actual Avengers! After catching Peter in his upgraded Spider-Man suit, Tony had been impressed with the teen's abilities and wanted to introduce him to the team.
Peter gazed around wide-eyed as they entered the large gym space. In the middle of the room, a woman with fiery red hair was practicing an intense martial arts routine, spinning and kicking with grace and power.
"Romanoff!" Tony called out. "Got someone I want you to meet."
The woman straightened up and turned to face them. Peter's eyes went wide. That was the Black Widow! One of the most legendary Avengers!
"H-hi Ms. Black Widow, ma'am," Peter stammered nervously, intimidated being so close to the deadly super spy. "I'm Peter. Parker. Spider-Man. Wow, it's an honor to meet you!"
Natasha raised an eyebrow, giving Peter an assessing look. The teen was practically vibrating with excitement and anxiety.
"Nice to meet you too, Spider-Man," she replied coolly. She gave Tony a questioning look. "New recruit?"
"Sort of,” Tony said. “Kid's got potential but needs some combat training. I figured you'd be the perfect teacher."
Natasha looked back at Peter consideration. The boy was watching her with a mix of nerves and awe. She had to admit he seemed earnest, if a bit young.
"Alright,” she said finally. “We'll start with some basic drills, see how you do."
Peter's face lit up. "R-really? You'll train me? This is awesome, thank you so much!"
Natasha couldn't help but smile slightly at his enthusiasm. "Don't thank me yet. We've got a lot of work ahead of us.”
The First Training Sessions
Over the next few weeks, Natasha put Peter through intensive training sessions. His powers gave him heightened strength and agility, but he was still incredibly raw and inexperienced when it came to actual fighting technique.
“Keep your guard up,” Natasha reminded as Peter tried to land a hit. She easily avoided his sloppy punch and swept his legs out from under him, sending him to the mat for the dozenth time that day.
Peter groaned, lying on his back and catching his breath. “Sorry, I’m trying.”
Natasha offered him a hand up. “I know. You’ve got heart, kid, I’ll give you that. But heart will only get you so far. You need discipline, strategy, flawless technique.”
Peter nodded, resolve burning in his eyes. “I’m ready to learn whatever you can teach me.”
Natasha had to admit she admired his determination. “Alright, let’s run those drills again. And pay attention to your footwork this time.”
As the days passed, Natasha grudgingly found herself growing fonder of the kid. He took his lumps without complaint and was always eager to try again. And his sweet, sincere nature was oddly endearing.
Maybe, just maybe, she could turn him into a real fighter after all.
Bonding Over Some Milkshakes
"You're improving quickly," Natasha told Peter after a particularly grueling training session. "We'll make a decent fighter out of you yet."
Peter beamed, thrilled by the praise from the normally stoic super spy.
"Um, can I ask you something?" he said tentatively.
Natasha lifted an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"Would you, uh, want to maybe get milkshakes with me?" Peter stammered nervously. "My treat! There's this great diner near here. To, you know, celebrate and stuff."
Natasha looked at him in surprise. She wasn't usually one for social outings. But there was something endearing about the eager, hopeful look on Peter's face that she found hard to resist.
"Sure, why not," she found herself saying.
Peter's whole face lit up. "Really?? Great!"
Natasha had to smile a little at his excitement as she grabbed her jacket. She had a feeling this kid was going to be persuasive one.
At the diner, Natasha listened with amusement as Peter rambled on enthusiastically between sips of his chocolate shake. Under his initial shyness, he was talkative and charming in a dorky way.
She surprised herself by opening up a little in return. Nothing too personal, but more than she shared with most. Somehow Peter just put her at ease.
Natasha glanced at her watch, eyes widening at the time. Hours had passed unnoticed. She never lost track of time like that.
"I should get going," she said, standing up. "This was...nice."
Peter grinned. "Yeah, it was awesome! We'll have to do it again."
Warmth bloomed in Natasha's chest. Genuine connections had been few and far between in her life. But somehow, this earnest boy from Queens had managed to endear himself to the notorious Black Widow.
"Definitely," she agreed with a soft smile.
Peter Beats the Impossible Odds
Natasha cursed as she took down another mercenary with her wrist taser. Their mission had gone south fast, and she and Peter were vastly outnumbered against an ambush.
She tried to fight her way over to where Peter was using his webs and agility to evade his attackers. But there were too many. A blow to her head sent Natasha reeling.
As her vision blurred, she saw Peter get tackled to the ground, a knife at his throat. Terror jolted through Natasha.
"No!" she cried out hoarsely. She struggled to push herself up, but her limbs felt like lead. Still, she had to get to him...
Suddenly Peter was moving, breaking his attacker's grip and snatching the knife. With an agility Natasha had never seen from him, he whirled and took down two other mercenaries.
In what felt like seconds, all their attackers were disarmed and unconscious. Peter rushed over to Natasha, helping her sit up.
"Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
Natasha stared at him. "Me? How did you...where did that come from?"
Peter ducked his head. "I dunno. I saw you go down, and I just knew I had to protect you." He met her eyes. "Like you've been protecting me."
Natasha's heart swelled. This boy - no, young man - had just saved her life. She pulled him into a fierce hug.
"You did good, Spider-Man," she whispered proudly. From that moment on, she vowed to protect him with her life too.
Natasha Comes Through
Peter paced anxiously as he waited for Natasha. He had just received some disturbing intel about an assassin targeting his aunt May, and he was freaking out. Thank goodness Natasha had agreed to come help.
At last she hurried in, instantly concerned by the panic on his face. "What's wrong?"
Peter quickly explained the threat to May. Natasha's expression hardened.
"I won't let that happen," she declared vehemently.
Peter sagged in relief. Natasha would handle this; she always came through for him.
Sure enough, within 36 hours Natasha had hunted the assassin down and eliminated the threat permanently. Peter was awash with gratitude when she came to deliver the news.
“Thank you,” he said emotionally, hugging her tight. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Hey, I’ll always have your back,” Natasha assured, hugging him back just as fiercely. “No one hurts my family.”
Peter’s heart swelled at being counted as family by the notorious Black Widow herself. With Natasha on his side, he knew he could face anything.
The Promise She Made To Peter
Natasha watched Peter sleep, keeping vigil at his bedside. He had been badly injured stopping an illegal weapons deal, and was still recovering.
Seeing him lying there so pale and vulnerable, Natasha was overwhelmed by how fiercely protective she felt. In the short time she'd known him, the kid had become like family to her. She would die before she let anything happen to him.
Peter's eyes fluttered open weakly. He gave her a faint smile. "Hi Natasha."
"Hey kid," she said softly, taking his hand. "How are you feeling?"
"Been better," he admitted. "But I'll be okay. Thanks for staying with me."
Natasha's heart constricted. "Of course. I'll always be here, Peter." She hesitated, then continued sincerely. "I know I'm hard on you sometimes during training. But it's because I see your potential for greatness, and I want to help you reach it. Your safety and wellbeing mean everything to me now."
Peter's eyes shimmered with emotion. "You really mean that?"
"I do," Natasha said solemnly. "I promise, from now on, I will protect you with my life. No matter what comes at us, we'll face it together."
Peter gripped her hand tightly, an understanding passing between them. With Natasha as his staunch ally, he knew he could endure anything.
"Thank you, Natasha," he said softly. "For everything."
She just smoothed back his hair gently. She didn't need thanks. Caring for this extraordinary kid was its own reward. Somewhere along the way, he had become the family she never knew she needed. And she would never let him down again.