"I hope it does," Steve replied honestly. He needed to believe that things would get better eventually, that they could settle into a life in Test City, regardless of what got sent their way. Once upon a time, Steve had assumed that he'd get through anything if he had Bucky at his side. He really wanted things to get back to that, and if they were both making more of an effort, Steve was cautiously optimistic that they could.
So many things had changed since they'd been little kids in Brooklyn, and even since they'd fought together as Howling Commandos. He'd lost too many of the people he loved for him to be the same guy. He'd had to compromise his values more times than he cared to admit, all in the name of protecting the freedom his ideals demanded the American people be afforded. He was willing to take that on his hands, but it was a lot of weight to carry on his own. It was worth it. He'd swear it was every time, but Steve needed a break. He needed to share the burden, though he didn't necessarily want to share it with Bucky, who had enough weight on his shoulders.
"I'd like that. To help you, I mean. This place could use some brightening up, and I'm glad you've been helping Ella do it. She's real nice, and it was sweet of her to think about sprucing up the place for everyone to enjoy." She was clearly from a point in time where technology wasn't very advanced, but he liked that about her. Life was simple, bartering was easy, and she was endlessly kind. Ella reminded him a lot of his Ma, even with how young she was. Steve wanted her to find happiness and thought she deserved that much, after everything that had happened.
"I've got to be at the General Store later, but I can spend the morning helping out." It would be good to actually use his strength to the fullest instead of coasting by in terms of strength in his day by day activities. Steve would be lying if he said he went to bed exhausted every night, and maybe that was the key to getting a decent night's sleep. It was doubtful, but it also didn't hurt to try. Maybe they'd get lucky.
Steve smiled at Bucky's words. Honestly, it was nice to not be alone, and Steve never felt alone when he was with Bucky. "It's nice to not be alone, period." He had to stop himself from reaching over to squeeze Bucky's hand, because that wasn't a thing they'd ever done before. "I think we can make meals together a more regular thing. I'd like that, too." He smiled again, and busied himself with eating his eggs so he wouldn't say anything stupid. Steve was used to making a fool of himself in front of Bucky, but there was no point in getting back that part of their relationship, too. They'd get there soon enough, knowing him.