Maker help him, it's been ages since he's thought about a woman as more than just another person, remembered that he's allowed to have a life now that he's not bound by the Order's rules. And he's tried to think about how she affects him, but he doesn't dislike their flirty banter one bit.

"Then perhaps there's time for me to return the favor."

For as many times as they've met, he realizes that he can close the distance and... But he won't. Flirting is not permission, after all.

"Trust isn't something you say one has earned. It just... is." Even as he says the words, he knows the truth behind them. "So, I will just have to take a cue from the Cullen you and Dorian know. And perhaps from Dorian as well."