It had been... He can't even remember how long it's been since he made someone blush a little. Not that it matters. He doesn't have the time either, and even if he did, his heart belongs with someone who has gone missing and likely never wants to see Anders again. Any further jokes about the other half of her students die on his tongue and he looks down. It's probably better for them, really. Flirting leads to hope, and he needs to keep his firmly in check with reality.

Anders stays quiet for several steps. He'd lost sight, just for a moment, of the situation and he can't afford to that.

"Councilor?" The question is hushed, with all of the former, faint levity gone.