Steve grinned as the Quinjet took to the sky. He had managed to get away from the compound about a day earlier than he had originally intended, and had headed straight for Wakanda. He had thought about letting Rachael know, but had been so pleasantly surprised when everything had wrapped up smoother than planned that he decided that he would make it a surprise for her, too.

He was due to meet up with Rachael and her family late the next day, but figured if he left now, he could be there by morning. Nat, who had made the very short-list for the wedding, joined him as well, pleased at the sneaky surprise, and happy to move around her own plans to join in on it.

She's recommended calling ahead to check with Bucky, and he'd gladly joined in on the scheme. Finding out that Rachael and her Wakandan colleague would be out on the savannah, field-testing some new equipment, and figuring out a way to get himself invited along so that he could be in on the fun, too.

Bucky had met his future bride when she had delivered his preventative treatment. As someone who had a derivative or Erskine's serum running through his veins, he was at risk of the same complications as Steve had just been rescued from. They'd exchanged a few words about Steve's new life plans, but he was anxious to have a proper talk with Bucky in person, and hear what his impressions of Rachael were.

It was a quiet flight. Natasha, having stayed up late tying up loose ends before leaving, had retreated to a bunk for the duration. Letting Steve and the autopilot take care of the journey.

Just past dawn, Steve brought the Quinjet through the barrier, and headed towards the coordinates Bucky had relayed to him on where he might find Rachael and her Wakandan hosts that morning.

He spied the little group out on the savannah, a small cluster of figures and equipment, and brought the Quinjet down a safe distance away. He rushed through the post-flight checks, then paced to the back of the jet as the hatch opened. He caught sight of Rachael then, face swivelled towards him, with a big floppy brimmed hat to protect her from the sun.

"Steeve!" her delighted exclamation shot right through him, and lodged in his chest like a butterfly trying to escape.

He knew that he had been missing her, they had been talking regularly over the three weeks they'd been separated, but seeing her face, in the flesh, in person, set a well of emotion bubbling up. He used his height to advantage, taking long strides to close the gap between them. Not fast enough apparently, as she broke out into a light, tripping run towards him. In no time, he had caught her up in his arms, swinging her around to dispel the momentum. She hadn't slowed down, but rather had launched herself at him when she was close enough. He set her feet gently back down on the ground, but she didn't release her grip around his neck.

Naturally aware of the positions of the people around them, he carefully swivelled that ridiculous hat brim to offer them a little privacy to themselves, then kissed her thoroughly, the way she deserved to be kissed: fully and open-mouthed. He could feel her melt beneath his lips, open and inviting, but her arms around his neck only tightened, pulling him closer to him.

Reluctantly, he broke away, while he was still thinking somewhat clearly.

"Hi," he said, pulling back just enough that he could get a proper look at her face, her eyes sparkling with glee, her breath rushed from the brief run and the not, so brief kiss.

"Well," Natasha broke in, "In case we forgot what we're all doing here, that display from you two lovebirds has definitely made it clear."

He felt his face grow hot, but he was too happy to be particularly embarrassed. It struck him that they were ignoring the rest of the party, so he stepped back, moving to stand beside Rachael.

"Hello again, Natasha, nice to see you again. I'm so glad you guys could make it here early," she said, giving his hand a squeeze. She seemed a little distracted by the kiss still (he was pleased to note), but quickly regained her composure, and made the rounds of introductions, finishing with; "and you all know Bucky.

Steve stepped forward to embrace his best friend. He hadn't seen Bucky in person in almost half a year. Strong arms wrapped around each other as the two men exchanged a heartfelt hug.

"It's good to see you, Buck."

"You, too, Punk."

As they pulled back, Bucky addressed himself to Nat, who returned a curt nod.

"Natasha."

"James."

It didn't bother Steve that they seemed to greet each other so coldly. He knew it was just their way. Still, he hoped that this week they'd spend a bit more time together. He knew they had a lot in common, and he knew that Bucky, at least, still felt alone in that.

"So," Rachael spoke, breaking him out of his reverie, "How'd you get away so early? We weren't expecting you till this evening.

"I just couldn't stay away from my girl," he said, leaning down for a quick peck on the lips. "And Buck said that you weren't really busy this morning."

"Did he now?" Naledi interjected. Looking at Bucky in mock disapproval, hand on hip. He shrugged back at her, without any apparent remorse. "He was quite mistaken, but you are most welcome to join in our labours."

And so, they spent the rest of the morning hiking though the African wilderness, laying out Naledi's new sampling equipment, collecting physical samples to validate the reading back in the lab, and generally enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

And if Steve spent the majority of his time, distractedly watching Rachael listening and going about her work, rather than listening himself or assisting in any concrete way, nobody faulted him for that.