"Close," Natasha hisses, wincing. Close enough that having her arm jerked and twisted sends a sharp stab of pain up to her shoulder. In terms of immediate shock, Alex makes up for skill with her enthusiasm.

The problem with that though, is that Natasha has a high tolerance for pain, the difference in the hold makes her grip less secure and Natasha's experience makes her better prepared to counter the move, right or wrong. Natasha twists (not without some more jerking and a wince) and steps back, catching Alex's ankle and sweeping at it mercilessly.