The answer is in his reputation, and clearly Kirk's chosen to overlook it. Anders will never be able to express how thankful he is for the people who give him a chance despite what he's done.

Anders nudges Kirk back, just as gently.

"Thank you. To all of this. Now should we discuss what I owe you? Seeing as I can't really offer," he waggles his eyebrows teasingly, "favors." Coming out of the funk takes work and Anders isn't exactly clear of it, but he's starting to feel better and get there.