Elements Beyond Control

❋ steve rogers
former captain america | played by: coffeeandlightsabers

Steve Rogers | Let your colors bleed and blend with mine.


Of all the places that Steve expected to end up, Alaska, was not one of them. But things seldom turn out how you expect them, don't they? Steve had given his everything to a government he felt betrayed him. Gave his body, his time, his life to the American Government. Had lost friends, and woken up what felt like an entirely new world. But he had still been the good soldier. He had fought off the threats that earth faced as he had done back when he was still in the war. He had done as he was told, when it made sense. When it was for the good of the people he protected so vehemently. He found a team of other superheroes- of friends. He had learned to accept the world he had woken up in. He learned to find a place once again protecting the human race. Best he could anyway. And god he had seen things. Incredible things, inexplicable things. He'd met gods from tales of old, a man who turned into something... else when he was angry. And sure, he missed his own time period. Missed his Peggy. But she had moved on with his life and Steve had tried to move on with his.

And he had done a good job of it. The best he could of done. But things changed with the Slovakia incident. People died. Lots of people. Pietro. All because of that thing that Tony had created. And who paid the price? Tony? No of course not. The team. The government wanted control of them. Wanted to dictate when they could save the world and when they couldn't. Where they would help people, and where they wouldn't. It was wrong. Tony had refused to see that. A couple other team members had refused to see that. But Steve couldn't see working within the limitations that the government had imposed on the Avengers. So he had rebelled. Got others to rebel with him. And that the team had been torn apart. His friends had been jailed. Bucky was gone, again. And it hurt. It hurt too much to stick around. He knew the government would want to make an example out of him. At the very least they'd never let him work again, and frankly? Steve wouldn't work for them. So he had done what maybe he should of done when he first woke up- ran.

For the first time in his life Steve left. He turned his back on the government. Retired, officially. Steve the man who had been a soldier most his life, was suddenly out of a job occupation. So he had left DC. Needed to stay off the radar, away from people. And what better a place than Alaska? Steve hadn't really a plan when he'd bought his one-way plane ticket, with a suitcase full of clothing and other supplies. He had enough saved up to get by for a few months in his bank account. He didn't really have a destination when he got off the plane in Anchorage. He didn't have a plan when he bought a truck, and took off. Really, Steve just drove for a couple days. Stopped by towns to sleep for the night, but other than that wandered on. It wasn't until he landed in a sleepy little town did a job present itself. He'd found a motel to crash in, woken up and gotten the local paper as he normally did. However, this paper had a help wanted section, job section whichever you'd like to call it. There he found that someone, by the last name Fraiser.

They wanted a farmhand. Someone to help feed and take care of animals on their small farm. It seemed like the kind of job that could offer him the ''off the radar'' type of work he'd been searching for. So, he'd called the person and asked if they were still hiring. It turned out Imogene was still hiring, and they made plans for an interview the following week. Truthfully, Steve was a little worried about the whole thing. Sure he was physically capable of farm work- he'd stopped a helicopter from taking off for crying out loud. But he hadn't really ever cared for animals before unless you counted that one time he watched his neighbor's cat for a couple days while they were out of town. But he was hoping that it would be something he could figure out. That week, Steve had spent trying to tidy himself up. He'd become a bit rugged looking on the road, a little worn, a little troubled and he didn't want to leave a bad impression for the woman who might hire him. That week came and went much too fast for the troubled ex-soldier. But the following week he'd woken up earlier than usual. Went about his routine, taking extra care to shave the beard that had filled his face in.

Steve was almost... nervous as he got dressed in his bundles, an effort to ward off the Alaskan cold. By early afternoon Steve was on his way. Chugging along in his beat up pick-up truck, Steve found his mind wandering as it often did. Was it safe for him to do this? So far, no one had tracked him down but that didn't mean it wouldn't ever happen. But, he couldn't just not work. He had to provide for himself, and this job was a thing that was needed. His fingers tapped against the side of his steering wheel with an absent-minded sense. In the background the radio played, NPR. The drive wasn't too bad for Alaska. About thirty minutes from his motel until he was pulling up the long driveway. As he approached Steve turned the radio off, and noted that there was a woman getting out of her car. She paused for a moment before giving a friendly wave, both her hands occupied with thermos. Steve smiled, lifting his hand in greeting as well as he killed the engine, taking his keys and hopping out of the truck. His feet landed with a soft crunch against snow as he approached the woman.

She was bundled warmly, and he could make out a gentle hazel gaze, and long thick brunette hair. The locks were comprised of a beautiful, glossy oaken color that framed her face nicely. She was small, smaller than him anyway though most people were. As he approached, Steve offered his best smile while sticking out his hand. ''Hello, nice to meet you! I'm Steve, interested in the farmhand job. You must be Fraiser?" His voice cuts clearly across the winds, and sounds of various animals. He notes plenty of open acres, and fences. It's picturesque and Steve suddenly finds the idea of working here much more appealing. ''So, what kind of animals do you have here Miss Fraiser?" His cerulean gazes flicks back to his potential employer with curiosity. He assumed there'd be a few different kinds. Chickens probably. Goats? Could goats survive this cold? Probably. But other than that he really had no idea what kind of animals he'd be working with, or even if he was the only farmhand. These were all things though he planned to ask throughout whatever kind of interview that she granted him.

Steve Rogers | Let your colors bleed and blend with mine.


Steve chuckled as a thermos was handed to him, it was very welcomed. Alaska's winters were harsh. Harsher than most of the winters he'd been subject to. There's a playful smile on her pastel lips, and so far Steve feels comfortable working around here. She doesn't seem gruff, or prying. Seemed easy enough to get along with, which Steve found to be a plus of the job. Cocking an eyebrow the super-soldier plays along with an equally impish tone. ''Endless supply of tea? You make a good deal Ma'am.'' The air nipped at his face, turning his cheeks red, though Steve hardly noticed. “I have reindeer, a couple cows, three horses, a dog and one cat that I know of - sometimes we have more that show up out of the blue,” At this Steve felt his eyebrow raise. Reindeer? That'd be a first for him and a soft chuckle rise in his throat. "I can understand why you're looking for help around here now.'' He flashes a smile, and cautiously takes a sip of the tea that had been offered to him.

It's hot and warmth slides down his throat along with a light, floral flavor. Imogene had begun to walk about the farm, talking as she did. “So, the basic chores take me about four hours to complete, but you’re a lot stronger than I am so it’ll take you less - you’d also help me with health checks. I do them twice a month on every animal, just to make sure there is no abnormal growths,” She talks in a professional manner, explaining what exactly he'd be doing around here. Steve nods and hums as they walk while also taking in the surroundings of the farm. Their footsteps crunch merrily against the snow, Steve's feet disappearing beneath the thick layer of white snow. So far what she's informed him of what his responsibilities would be, they sound doable. Sound simple enough that he could learn. Steve liked animals- but he was just from Brooklyn. Never really had the chance to work with them.

And it wasn't like he was scared of large animals. He was confident that this was something he could pick up fairly quickly. They pass by a few enclosures, and Steve notes a few cattle scattered about. He has to admit, this kind of life is appealing to him quickly. No more fighting, no more heartbreak and strife. At least not to the level that he had experienced during his time serving the Avengers. This could be a chance for him to just start over new. To stop being Captain America, and become Steve Rogers once again. That's something he wants. Imogene leads them further through the farm, and stops at the reindeer's pasture. Steve has to admit they look... Well elegant almost. “These are my pride and joy, they’re used for meat more often than not but they are also loaned out to the mall in Anchorage for the holiday season. During that time I have a friend go stay with them while they’re in the city and in good health,” She explains.

It's the first time Steve has been so close to a reindeer, and their air is filled with their huffs and calls. He sweeps his gaze over the heard. To him, his untrained livestock eye, they look very healthy. He figures that Imogene does a great job of looking after the livestock here. A flicker of movement jolts him back to reality, and out of his head, and he watches as she jumps the fence into the enclosure. She's talking, about their eating habits and general temperament. Steve follows after her, climbing the fence as well. His feet land with a solid thud in the snow, and absentmindedly he rubs his hands together as he nods to Imogene's introduction. “Have you ever been around farm animals before?” The question has him pausing. Steve's reluctant to talk much about himself, but Imogene should probably have an idea of the kind of person he was. ''No ma'am, I haven't. I'm from Brooklyn originally, not much in the way of livestock up there.''

He pauses, and sighs before adding, ''I'm used to physical labor. Until recently I was... In the service until recently. Lost a good friend and just needed something new. Came to Alaska and wandered around for a bit until I saw your wanted ad in the paper. I know I'm not experienced, but I'm willing and a quick learner. And I work hard ma'am.'' Steve glosses over his history with a gentle tone. It still pains him to think about Buck. He had deserved better and Steve hadn't been able to help him. But at least he was safe with T'Challa. That comforted the ex-soldier at least. ''I won't get underfoot if you decide to hire me, and I'll do my best to take care of the animals.'' He finishes a bit nervously. He thinks he'd like it here. It would be nice to not sleep in his car every other night. Find a small place for himself and settle down. If nothing else than to wait until the world needed him again. As if to wash his words away the soldier takes another sip of the thermos nearly forgotten in his hand. He leans against the gate, scanning her features for any sort of indication of what she was thinking.

Steve Rogers | Let your colors bleed and blend with mine.


Alaska's weather certainly sounded daunting. Hell as he stood there with the wind brushing it's icy breezes against his face- it felt daunting. But Steve had been in difficult places and situations before. He was certain that he could handle himself out here. "How do you feel about being disconnected from internet for long periods of time? I get some reception out here but not much, I can do basic things but it goes out a lot," The question is posed and Steve finds his gaze drifting back to her's. Imogene's orbs were comprised of the darkest hues of moss, and towards the pupil of her eye- jagged pigmentation of caramel and gold. They were a juxtapose to his own eyes; colors of amalgamated jade and sapphire. But to Imogene's gaze there was a note of calm wisdom. An understanding when Steve just glossed over his past history; and he was relieved. He just wasn't ready to tell her about his life, how he'd lived it and where he was running from.

He realizes she's still waiting for an answer and Steve feels a delicate flush across his cheek- though reddened already from the wind it was hidden. ''I'll survive without it." He promises almost chuckling. Sure it had it's uses, but Steve had lived most his life internet-free. He could stand to do the same thing here. "How weak is your immune system? It's quite hard to get sick, but if you get a cold up here it's hard to get necessary medicines, so it's advised to stock up on all medicine. Sometimes we have weeks of darkness and blizzards, and sometimes we'll have over fifteen hours of sunlight. It really varies on the time of year, but this isn't a cake walk," Her next question had Steve glancing down at his feet to mask a smile. ''I don't really get sick very easily, so I have a pretty good immune system ma'am.'' He of course leaves out that's thanks to the serum given to him all those decades ago. If she hasn't noticed who he was yet, he was going to leave it that way. At least for awhile.

He perks up a bit as she mentions that they have prolonged seasons of sunlight and darkness; it's different but Steve's been looking for a change. Alaska so far seemed about as different from Brooklyn as he could get. ''So, will I be the only hand around here?'' So far Steve hadn't seen anyone else, so he assumed he would be. Imogene's nod confirms this. "Truth is, you're the only person who applied but, if you want the job it's yours. Pay is good, it's more than most are willing to pay you'll get around two grand a month - more if we slaughter for food to sell and you get a portion of the meats," She continued to go over the job, her voice steady and strong. ''That seems more than fair Ma'am.'' It would be a new thing to try reindeer meat as well. Give him a chance to learn how to cook more sufficiently than he could right now. His gaze slid towards the reindeer shuffling about, their tendons snapping as they moved. This was going to be a good thing for him, Steve could tell. No more fighting, just honest work for honest wages. That was something he could be proud of.

"This house here next to mine, it's close cause having to walk too far in the snow is just dangerous when its really blizzarding out but its a two bedroom, has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. It's fully furnished as well, you're free to move in as soon as today," Steve feels his brows furrow together. This was a sweet deal. He'd be an idiot not to take it. With a large smile, he holds out his hand to the woman, his blue depths warm and friendly. ''Well, in that case you've got yourself a new farmhand ma'am.'' He shifts his thermos from his right hand to his left as he shakes Imogene's hand briefly before pulling away to take another sip from his thermos of tea. It's been holding the warmth well, the liquid still sweet and tepid on his tongue. ''How many reindeer and cattle do you have? If you don't mind me asking. Do you get a lot of wildlife around here?" Steve wonders if that's something he should worried about in the future. The last thing he needs is a bear or whatever other kind of predatory animals lived around here is to eat livestock.

''So, will I be the only hand around here?'' he asked and she nodded a little as she walked back over to the fence where he was standing, his smile was nice - it brought a sense of certainty in her decision to hire him. Though she doubted he'd be an issue, if he was she had no problems doing what needed to be done, self defense for women in Alaska was must. The assault in the state was one of the highest, due to most cities having their own sort of 'government' it was usually blown off - situations never fixed. "You and I will be the only ones here for the most part unless the deliveries come; we don't make our own hay so we get deliveries from Timothy. he lives an hour away and brings me enough to stuff the barn full; it lasts me most of the year but by the time I run out they're able to forage on the trees and grass out in the pasture," Imogene took great pride in her animals, in the area she managed to provide enough milk for families with little ones and eggs for herself; she'd be breeding so she could also give some to Steve as well. A gust of wind made her stumble and she cringed a little holding onto the railings - she was used to it. The wind used to knock her over but now she knew how to brace herself for impact which was something not many people adjusted to easily.

''Well, in that case you've got yourself a new farmhand ma'am.'' a grin curved her face and she clapped a little, knowing she would have help this winter brought her a sense of relief. The winters were the hardest, on top of being alone most of the time taking care of the animals took a toll on her sleep schedule since this was also the time most of them tended to give birth. When she had to work, sometimes being gone more than she should be it'd be great to know her animals were fed and not alone in case of a snow in. "Great!" she said excitedly as she sipped her tea, "I'll give you a run down on everything then, it's really simple and since you served I'm sure you have great logic skills and you're good at reading people... well animals are the same way,"

''How many reindeer and cattle do you have? If you don't mind me asking. Do you get a lot of wildlife around here?" again another question, she was happy he was curious about it. Most people would accept the job without realize just what it entailed, seeing someone who was really interested in the task at hand made her more comfortable leaving him with her animals.

"I have ten reindeer, I'm getting five new ones in two weeks. There are eight goats, they're my lawn mowers - they eat everything so watch out, no valuables around them," Imogene climbed over the gate back to the side he was on, the snow had been falling a bit more every day despite spring coming on its way and right now it was up to her ankles. "Follow me, the goat barn is this way," the walk there was short but she hated it because she hadn't had a chance to shovel a path just yet. "Every day if I let the goats out I shovel an area for them to play in so they don't get cold feet and I leave the barn open so they can go in. It has heating lamps inside on a timer with a thermostat - so they're not cold." explaining all this felt good, it was like a new beginning for the both of them, giving her more free time and him a new start that she sense he was looking for.

"I have five dairy cows and one bull, he is studded out regularly and has fathered over a hundred calfs," she said to him as she opened the barn door, "I also have three horses, and they're used for getting into the city when we can't drive, they love the thrill of being out in the snow but after the trip they need the heat lamps on and a blanket on them,"