Mal, through an altogether Herculean effort, lifts his gaze to meet Inara's and moves in quickly for a kiss that, while deep and full of his usual passion for her, held a fear that was too real to be said out loud.

A hand on her cheek, he whispers, "I can't, Inara. Not tonight. Duibuqi. I'm so sorry."

Choose Me. Don't let me be the thing that has to change.

Mal steps away from Inara, his footfalls making no sound as he leaves the shuttle.