The first time Mal saw Serenity lift herself up off the ground, first time he saw her take to the skies, something inside him swelled fit to bust. It was the best ache, a high note in his chest. She dipped and she swirled, and pretty soon he couldn't help feeling like he needed to shout or laugh and get this fullness out of him, but Zoe was standing right there and he didn't think it'd be a captainly thing to do.

She touches down just as smooth as can be, and Mal feels his knees shake. Luckily Zoe's already running, running to Wash, who's strutting off the ship like the cockiest thing. She's liked him more ever since he shaved off that mustache.

Mal walks up to Serenity and puts his hand on her side, still warm from flying. He smoothes his hand over the metal and she trembles. He can't wait to get in the air.

And later, when he's in his bunk looking around at all what's his, feeling his lady shake around him, he whoops and hollers fit for the whole crew to hear, and gorram it, let 'em listen.