Steve woke up, and found Natasha sitting by his side, her hand on his head, with the wet towel, her head rested on the bed crown.

He sat up quickly, and took her head, she fell on his shoulder, holding onto his chest. But then she opened her eyes, a quick response.

"My Captain " she said panicking, "you had fever" she checked his forehead, the fever was there but not like the night, it had reduced.

"I am fine, go to sleep" he said cupping her face.

"But you are not well, you need to see the doctor" she said.

He pulled her into a hug, holding her gently, rubbing her back.

"Go to sleep love, I will see the doctor, I promise" he said, pulling back, "Don't stress yourself "

She nodded, he helped her lay down, and watched over her till she fell asleep.

"You are my most priced possession Natasha, I cannot afford to loose you" he kissed her hand, and then left.

_______

Adaptation. This is in the basic nature of humans, or any living being for that matter. 

Adaptation and Habituation, both took over Natasha, as days passed in the mansion. She was habitual to the environment, and she started fitting into it.

The room that looked like prison to her was now her room, she adored it, and took great care.

She started liking her routine, waking up and having a long bath in the large tub, with amazing soaps and aromas. Or a long hot shower. Then dressing up, in the best clothes ever. She had so much variety, she never repeated a single dress, night gown or lingerie ever.

Then the best breakfast was brought for her, she even started to demand, and choose from the vast menus.

There was a small gym inside the room, like the library, and she started working out at times. Or she would sit in the balcony and soak the sun's heat taking her books and reading there.

She would watch movies, serials, comedy shows, songs, sometimes dancing to new tunes.

At lunch time, Maria came to her, they talked, and ate together. They were good friends by now, Maria would sometimes tell her about her adventures which scared Natasha.

She would stay for sometime, and when she left, Natasha would continue with her pass times.

After dusk, she would shower again, and set her room right, awaiting him. She dressed up for him, she made sure when he comes home tired, she could relax him.

Yes, she had adapted. She didn't protest, she didn't feel bad, in fact, she liked his touch now, she liked it when he kissed her, adored her.

He had changed his wild ways, he was gentle to her after his fever. And she had her period the next day. He didn't force her, he just lay beside her, and kissed her here and there. Through out her period days, he didn't try to take her.

And after that, he was gentle to start, and she didn't mind. She didn't scream, over time, she had stopped and soon she moaned with pleasure.

Over the course of 40 days with him in his room, she was quick to develop Stockholm syndrome. She had developed an unspoken affection for him. She waited for him to come,  she dressed up for him, she did everything to please him.

Though despite all this, they were still just physical partners, with no emotional buildup. He seldom talked to her, and she was too scared to start a conversation. She was accustomed to being commanded now, loosing her ability to say anything on her own in front of him.

Until one day, when he came back at the time of lunch, and she helped him take his coat off. Maria was gone for three days and Natasha had no conversation with anyone. She had been watching a lot of TV shows, and she loved a show where the wife took her husbands coat off, and asked about his day.

"How was you day? My captain? " she asked, very casually.

He didn't respond, he was too shocked, and turned with confused expressions. She got scared.

"I am sorry, I.. I.. I just.. don't have anyone to talk to" she lowered her eyes.

He cupped her face, "its okay beautiful, my day was good, and I was thinking, would you like to go for a ride with me? " he spoke gently, with affection. And that made her heart jump.

"Yes, I would love  to" she replied.

"Okay, then go change, and be quick " he said with a smile.

She nodded, and tiptoed, kissing him on the cheek, then rushed away to the huge wardrobe.

She put a simple dress on, and combed her hair, putting a light shade of lipstick.

"You look so beautiful " he said, taking her waist.

"Thank you" she blushed.

He held his arm out, and she happily took it, stepping out of the room, first time after his birthday.

As they passed, Bucky's eyes fell on them, and he looked away in anger. Sam saw his rage and followed him into his room.

"She belongs to him Buck! " he said putting a hand on his shoulder, "and she seems happy "

"She has lost her mind, she has gotten Stockholm's. Which girl would be happy with her rapist?  " Bucky said, punching the wall.

"Stop with your dreams Buck, you would only make things worse for the both of you, besides you can never reach her" Sam said.

"No, I will rescue her from him, she doesn't deserve this" Bucky promised himself and left.

"War's coming " Sam sighed, "but I would have to choose Steve's side".

Bucky watched as Steve helped her get into his car. She smiled, and they drove off.

"I will save you from this hell Natasha, I promise " Bucky said, "even if that takes all of my power and I loose everything I held dear"

****
There's no fun without a triangle, and Bruce isn't a good angle😂
Poor Nat, she has lost the sense of what's happening to her. Would she accept Bucky? Do give your reviews.