The compliment throws him off-balance for a second. Because, really... that's the first time anyone's said that to him, in so many words. Yes, John has been a steady and infinitely understanding friend (and so was Mary), but this is entirely new.

All the danger that comes with being around him, all the hurt that's behind them and the inevitable mistakes ahead of them, and she still sees herself as lucky.

There's something in that thought too big to process right now, something that he'll have to unfold over the next weeks and months and however long this thing between them lasts. But it turns his smile small, almost tender.

And while he's not sure he'll ever be good at compliments, he knows there's one he can give her in return that will help her understand she means just as much to him.

"You are a fascinating woman, Molly Hooper."