“Hey Cain, did you know masculinity is a perception of culture and human gender roles.” Ambrose said rather casually as they relaxed from the long day. It was dark out and the lights turned down in the living room of the new Cain residence. It was Cain’s house, and Jeb lived there, but Ambrose usually spent his free time there. Jeb was out for the night, leaving them to their own devices.

Ambrose was on one side of the couch, curled up in the corner with his feet resting on the floor and Cain lay on the length of the couch on his back, his head resting on Ambrose’s lap. The tin man’s hat was off and so was his coat and Ambrose had shed his layers, leaving him in his red and black striped shirt and pants. They were both resting; Ambrose from using his mind to help the queen, and Cain was tired from working as one of the last few remaining tin men, training future cops.

Cain sighed and looked up at the former head case. Whether Ambrose was tired, he always found something to talk about. Cain was used to listening. He had to do it when he was married. Being around Ambrose was no different.

“You’re not bringing up this again, are you?” Cain asked. Ambrose had brought it up tentatively when he was Glitch; the man with only half a brain. But now he was sure Ambrose had more to say about it. Ambrose ran his fingers through Cain’s short blond hair and it soothed Cain’s body, even though he wouldn’t admit it.

“Well think about it.” Ambrose said, ignoring Cain’s dislike of the subject, “Did you know in some cultures it’s almost expected that straight men hold hands with same sex friends in a non-sexual way to prove their masculinity?”

“Well that’s not this culture.” Cain said, but Ambrose continued like he said nothing.

“I mean in this culture, masculinity is a visual appearance. You have to look strong, act tough and if you show the slightest hint of femininity, they are ridiculed. If you show weakness or need help from others it is a negative impact on your reputation.”

Cain closed his eyes. Ambrose wasn’t going to stop until he had said everything in his head. So he quietly sighed and decided to wait it out.

“And… because of that outward mask of testosterone, men usually fear the feminine. It develops from separating from mother, needing to develop into a man. The fear of the feminine most often is not tolerant to any form of effeminate behavior. It can even be an extreme fear, homophobia. Fear of homosexuality. Hating gays…”

Cain gave Ambrose a confused look, looking at the other man, who had a somber expression on his pale face, “Ambrose, what are you going on about? You should know better than anyone that I’m not homophobic.” Ambrose was quiet a moment and Cain sat up, turning to face Ambrose, “Hey,” He placed a hand on Ambrose’s cheek, “what’s wrong?”

“Well, Cain, frankly, you worry me,” Ambrose said quietly, “We’ve been together how long? And you don’t even hold my hand when we sit next to each other; you pull them away and shove them into your pockets. You keep an average of 2 feet from me when we’re walking around Central City. Cain, you don’t even kiss me in public.” Cain opened his mouth to make an excuse but had to shut it before he babbled like an idiot. Ambrose wrapped his arms around Cain’s neck, needing the closeness. He knew this shell of masculinity was mostly culturally bred into his lover, but it still hurt him a lot. “DG knows we’re together, and so does everyone else at the palace and they have no problem with us you know. You can’t even kiss me when Jeb is around.”

“I-it’s nothing like that.” Cain said, resting his hands on Ambrose’s sides. He did admit that he wasn’t as affectionate with Ambrose outside the house, or around anyone else. But he was anything but homophobic, “Look, I love you. You know I do.” Ambrose looked away.

“I know that, and I love you, but… It makes me feel like something you’re ashamed of me. Like I’m only yours when the doors are closed.” Ambrose said and Cain rested his forehead against Ambrose’s, making the genius make eye contact with him.

“Hey, I am not ashamed of you.” He said.

“Then prove it.” Ambrose said and was silently pleaded that Cain would treat him like a normal caring lover. Cain leaned forward and kissed Ambrose and it took a minute for Ambrose to decide if he wanted to be stubborn or give in. He gave in and their lips met, molding together. Their kissing was slowly heating up but then Cain froze up when the front door slammed close.

“Hey dad, I’m home!” Jeb called and Cain immediately detached himself from Ambrose.

“Hey, Jeb!” Cain called back and Ambrose sighed sadly. The now that Jeb was home, he’d have to go home. Cain wouldn’t sleep in the same bed with him when his son was there. Or even the same house.

“I’ll just go.” Ambrose said, pushing himself to his feet, picking his shirt and jacket up from the table near by. Cain quickly realized he was pushing Ambrose away again and after a moment of internally fighting himself he took Ambrose’s hand and pulled him back onto the couch. Ambrose was confused a moment, but then Cain kissed him again briefly.

“Stay,” Cain said quietly, “I’m just still getting used to this.” Ambrose smiled and wrapped his arms around Cain’s neck again, pulling him close. It might not have been a big request, but it was all Ambrose wanted right now. Maybe he could slowly work open the shell the tin man had buried himself in.

“I’m patient.” Ambrose whispered and caught Cain’s lips with his, making Cain forget Jeb was there and drawing him down onto the couch cushions.

“Hey dad, there’s…um…” Jeb paused in the door way of the living room, seeing Ambrose pull Cain down on the couch and a small giggle came from Ambrose, “I’ll just… yeah, dinner.” He made a detour for the kitchen down the hall. It was the first time he’d caught them busy so he’d leave them alone.

Ambrose was happy to make out with Cain on the couch. He didn’t expect Cain to immediately cuddle up to him in public like he hoped, but this was a step in the right direction. It was all dealing with Cain’s Boy Scout Syndrome, but Ambrose knew it would be worth working through.