Wash could remember trying not to cry, could remember the shame of fighting not to be controlled by emotion. This was new, standing in utter control, utter confidence. This was who he wanted to be. The tears were something he greeted with pride. The balance between strength and emotion – if a man couldn’t feel deeply at a time like this, nothing in life was worth it. You are the man you always wanted to be. And you’re about to walk out those gates. He caught himself smiling. Smiling with tears all over his cheeks, now wasn’t that a contradiction? Hoban Washburne, your life is about to begin. And it’s going to be a good one.
-- The Losing Side, Chapter 57 - Saying Goodbye by jetflair