[This whole thing is upsetting Mal far more than he's letting on. Even his false AU self prefers to hide away his feelings and pretend they don't exist.

At Inara's invitation he raises his eyebrows in mild surprise. He was honestly beginning to think she considered him a mortal enemy.]

Tea'd be great. Though I don't wanna impose or make you uncomfortable or the like. I understand the things I'm sayin' might be a bit odd.

[And he's not sure how long he'll be able to be around an Inara who has no memory of their relationship.]