[ This is the first she's hearing of Steve, and she allows a genuine smile to spread over word of him. It appears her strategy of honesty (if a tad cryptic and veiled) has had the intended effect, too. From her positive relationship with Sharon and knowledge of SHIELD history, she imagines Agent Carter and herself will find themselves on the same side, generally speaking. She thinks back to Sharon's speech at the funeral.

Nat stands by her decisions throughout the conflict, changing as she read the terrain. They're better together. ]

That's better news than I was expecting. [ and she means that. ] I haven't been awake long, unfortunately. A few hours tops.

[ She missed almost a year of activity, even, which chills her more than she'll admit. While she wants to ask how Steve is (where he is, right now), she inquires after Peggy first. ]

How have you been?

[ spoken as if they're old friends, catching up instead of meeting for the first time. ]