“the closer you get, the less you see. keep your distance.”
the enigmatic admonition remains in the sterile space between them, a cool barrier of telekinetic intent that pushes gently against his advancing form before he can even plant his boot onto the hardwood of the mansion's sub-level training facility. this temporary assignment at the x-mansion is a direct result of a new joint-tactical outreach initiative, an effort to build reliable bridges between the avengers and the mutant community before the next global crisis disrupts the peace. as a soldier who values preparation, steve had specifically requested this training block to familiarize himself with the unique capabilities of the x-men. he already commands a deep respect for logan, whose no-nonsense resilience and decades of battlefield experience closely mirror the old howling commandos he fought alongside in western europe. he likewise respects scott summers, recognizing the heavy burden of leadership carried on the younger man's shoulders, and appreciates hank mccoy's brilliant intellect and calm demeanor. yet, when it came to assessing the team's defensive capabilities, sparring with jean grey was the logical necessity, given that her formidable psychic abilities represent a highly specialized threat parameter that any field commander needs to understand.
the actual engagement, however, lacks the visceral momentum he typically prefers in a training partner. jean is undeniably skilled, but her execution of power leaves him feeling completely uninspired on the mats. it is a jarring contrast to the rather instinctive synchronization he has always shared with natasha-- where every shift in stance, every subtle glance, and every fluid transition was a perfectly orchestrated dance. with nat, there was never a need for words or telepathic reminders to cover a blind spot; they functioned as two halves of a singular machine, and the memory of that effortless perfection leaves a bitter ache behind his ribs that he deliberately suppresses. keeping his focus entirely locked on the woman across from him, he tracks her positioning with practiced, athletic grace.
"you're quick," he says, offering a straightforward nod as he bounces lightly on the balls of his feet, keeping his hands up in a standard boxer's stance. "but if i keep my distance like you're saying, i'm just letting you control the whole floor. i need to know how to close the gap when the parlor tricks start, otherwise this isn't much of a test for either of us." he throws a quick, testing jab into the empty space between them, smiling slightly when it collides with a shimmering invisible wall of pure psychic energy that dissipates with a faint, static pop.
"see, you've got a solid defense," he adds as he shrugs his broad shoulders and lowers his guard for a brief moment to reset the drill. "but you're making me do all the running around while you just stand there. next round, let's try it without the telekinetics. then we can go find logan and see if he's ready to hit the gym." @fromtheashesagain