The New Normal
It had now been about a month since Jimmy and I moved in with Jake, and in that short time, Jake’s influence was pervasive—in the structure of our daily lives, the energy in our home, and certainly, on Jimmy. Every morning, he would rush to the kitchen, eager to spend time with Jake before school, mimicking the way Jake moved, the way he talked. The bond between them continued to flourish. I was so relieved that, despite the upheaval in our lives, Jimmy was thriving.
I leaned against the kitchen counter one morning, watching the two of them. Jake was making breakfast, his broad back to me as he flipped eggs in a pan. Jimmy was perched on a stool, his eyes glued to Jake’s every move, asking questions about working out, about building muscle, and about what it took to be strong. Jake answered him patiently, taking the time to explain in a way that Jimmy could understand.
“Do you think I’ll be as strong as you one day?” Jimmy asked, his voice filled with admiration.
Jake chuckled, glancing over his shoulder at me before turning to Jimmy. “You’ll be even stronger, if you keep working hard, Jake said confidently, ruffling Jimmy’s hair. “It’s all about putting in the effort.”
“Can I go with you to the gym one day?” Jimmy asked eagerly, his wide eyes reflecting all the excitement of a kid who had just discovered something new and thrilling.
Jake turned off the stove, setting the plates of food on the counter before giving Jimmy his full attention. “We’ll see,” Jake said with a smile, leaning on the counter. “For now, you continue with the callisthenics we just got you started on. You’re making good progress already! We’ll talk about the gym when you’re ready. Sound good?”
Jimmy nodded enthusiastically, bouncing excitedly on his seat. “Yeah, that sounds awesome!”
Watching them, I felt a mix of pride and relief. Since moving in with him, Jake had become a partner in parenting Jimmy. He had inserted himself in a manner that complemented me, supporting both me and Jimmy in ways I hadn’t realized we needed. Our family felt better now—stable, vital.
That afternoon, Jake and I were sitting on the balcony, enjoying the afternoon sun. I sipped my coffee, mulling over the changes in our lives. I was grateful for Jake’s role in shaping a new family dynamic for the three of us, but there was a part of me that struggled with stepping back a little, especially when it came to Jimmy.
We’d been talking about Jimmy’s growing interest in fitness, and I could sense that Jake had something on his mind.
“So, I’ve been thinking,” Jake began, his voice steady. “I know Jimmy’s really taken to his callisthenics and workouts, which is great. But I think he needs more than what we can provide him at home.”
I raised an eyebrow, already assuming where Jake was headed. “You mean getting him into the gym to lift weights? I think that would be too much for a kid his age.”
Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “No, not yet. That’s not what I’m talking about.” He leaned back in his chair, arms folded across his broad chest, and grinned. “I’m thinking of martial arts.”
I blinked, thrown by the suggestion. My assumption had been wrong, but martial arts? That caught me off guard. “Martial arts?” I repeated, glancing over at Jimmy in the living room. “Do you really think he’s ready for something like that? I don’t want him jumping into anything too intense.”
Jake remained unwavering. He shrugged, his voice stayed firm. “I do. It’ll give him the challenge he’s craving, help him build some discipline, and keep him focused. The kid’s got energy to burn.”
I shifted in my seat, my protective instinct flaring. "I just don’t want to overwhelm him, Jake. He’s been through a lot already, and we’ve only just settled in here." Even as I spoke, I knew Jake wasn’t suggesting this lightly.
Jake softened, though his confidence remained steady. “Noah, you know I see a lot of myself in Jimmy. He’s got that restless energy, and he needs something structured to channel it into. Martial arts isn’t just about the physical side—it’s about discipline, control, respect. It’ll help him focus. I think he’s ready for that kind of challenge.”
I paused, letting Jake’s words sink in. He was right about Jimmy needing an outlet, something to channel all that energy. But the idea of martial arts felt like a big leap.
"I don’t know," I said, hesitant. "It’s a big step, especially with all the changes we’ve already made."
Jake’s expression softened further. "I get it. You’re protective of him, and you should be. But trust me on this—he’s ready for it. We’ll talk to him first, see what he thinks. We won’t push him into anything he’s not ready for."
I sighed, nodding slowly. There was no denying that Jake had a way of making things seem simple, logical. And in the weeks we’d been here, Jimmy was thriving under his guidance. “Alright,” I said finally. “We’ll talk to him about it.”
Jake smiled, the kind of smile that carried a quiet sense of victory.
That evening, the three of us were sitting in the living room, Jimmy perched on the edge of the couch, mid-sentence about something Jake had shown him earlier. I cleared my throat, glancing at Jake, and then back at Jimmy. “Hey, buddy,” I began, trying to sound casual. “Jake and I were talking earlier, and…. How would you feel about taking martial arts classes?”
Jimmy’s eyes widened, excitement lighting up his face instantly. “Martial arts? Like karate?” He excitedly assumed a fighter’s stance. .
I glanced at Jake, who grinned knowingly. He chimed in, “Yeah, something like that. It will teach you discipline, focus, and self-control. You’ll get stronger, but you’ll also learn how to handle yourself.”
“That sounds so cool! Can I really do it?” Jimmy’s voice was filled with excitement, his wide eyes darting between Jake and me.
I smiled, feeling the last of my hesitation fall away. Seeing him this excited made it clear—Jake had been right all along. I nodded to Jake who confirmed “If it’s something you want to do, we’ll make it happen.”
Jimmy launched himself toward Jake, wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug. “Thanks, Jake! I can’t wait!” His enthusiasm filled the room, and I couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude.
I met Jake’s gaze over Jimmy’s head, and in that moment, it hit me. Jake had known what Jimmy needed before I did and he’d stepped in, as a role model for my son.
The bond between Jake and Jimmy was deepening every day, and while it thrilled me to see them so close, I couldn’t help but feel a small pang of something, a sense of adjustment. Watching them together made me realize that Jake was fulfilling a role I’d wanted Jimmy to have all along—a strong role model, someone to look up to.
I didn’t feel excluded; it was just different. Jake had a way of connecting with Jimmy in ways I couldn’t—he could challenge Jimmy physically, push him to grow in a way that I never really had. But I loved watching it. Seeing Jimmy thrive under Jake’s guidance filled me with pride, even if it meant stepping back a little at times.
There were moments, though, late at night when I’d be lying in bed next to Jake, and I’d find myself marvelling at how our lives had changed. It was a lot to take in—living with a man as intense as Jake—but it felt right. He was the missing piece, not just for Jimmy, but for me too.
I’m pretty sure Jake sensed it sometimes. He’d pull me close, his hand resting on the small of my back or wrapping around my waist, holding me tight like he knew I needed that reassurance. And every time he did, I’d feel the tension in my chest ease, reminding me that I wasn’t alone in this. We were a team—different, but complementary.
Not long after moving in, I resumed my regular workouts, using the gym in our building. I’d always kept myself in decent shape—cardio and some light weights for toning. That was my scene. This morning, Jake was still home after breakfast, my usual workout time. He announced he would join me. There was no denying the curiosity, and maybe a little anxiety, I felt. Jake in workout mode was on a different level.
“This place is more of a warm-up for me,” Jake had said with a grin as we entered the gym. “The weights here aren’t exactly a challenge, but it’s enough for a show.”
I chuckled, rolling my eyes at the cocky tone, but did little to dampen the flutter of excitement in my chest. Dressed in a tight tank top that hugged every inch of his broad chest and shoulders, Jake looked like a force of nature. His arms bulged with muscle as he set his sights on the free weights. Standing there in a gym, with Jake, it was thrilling in ways I hadn’t expected.
“Come on,” Jake said, grabbing a pair of dumbbells and handing them to me. “We’ll push a little harder than you’re used to.” His eyes sparkled with a mixture of challenge and confidence, and I couldn’t help but feel a pulse of competitiveness rise in me.
I took the weights, noting how much heavier they were than what I typically used. “I’m up for it,” I said, though part of me already felt I was in over my head. There was no denying the pressure of trying to keep up with him.
Jake started his own routine with ease, the weights seeming to float in his hands. The way his muscles flexed and bulged with each rep held my attention. His body was a machine—one built for power and discipline—and I admired him. Working out alongside Jake was like trying to keep pace with Clydesdale, a constant reminder of how different we were physically.
“You alright over there?” Jake’s voice cut through my inner dialogue as he caught me watching him. His smirk told me he’d noticed the way I’d been staring. “Don’t just watch, Noah. You’re here to workout, not to gawk.”
I felt my face flush with heat, but Jake only laughed, shaking his head as he put down his weights and walked toward me. “I’m gonna show you a couple of things,” he said, his tone dropping to something more intimate.
With Jake standing behind me, his hands adjusting my form, I couldn’t help but feel the difference in intensity. I’d been lifting for years, but Jake was adding subtle corrections, small tweaks that made everything feel harder, more deliberate, and strangely more personal.
“Feel that burn?” Jake murmured as he guided me through a new set, his breath hot against my ear. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
His presence and his guidance gave me a jolt. I hadn’t thought working out with Jake would feel so... intimate. But it did. His body close to mine, the low rumble of his voice—it all felt like more than just a workout. I could feel the bond between us growing stronger, deeper, with every rep.
By the time we finished, my muscles were screaming, my body exhausted in a way I hadn’t expected. Jake, on the other hand, was barely breaking a sweat. He tossed me a towel, a smug smile on his face. “You did good,” he said, his voice sincere but teasing.
I wiped my forehead, feeling the burn in my arms and chest. “I’ve never worked out like that before,” I admitted. “You make it look easy.”
Jake chuckled, standing close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off him. “That’s because the gym is my second home,” he said, with a wink. “You’ve got the strength—you just need someone to push you. Someone who knows what you’re capable of, even when you don’t.”
His words lingered between us. It felt like Jake was talking about more than the workout; he was talking about us. About how he knew me better than I knew myself in some ways, and how much I was beginning to rely on that.
“Thanks,” I said softly, catching my breath.
As we left the gym, Jake’s arm slung over my shoulder, I felt invigorated being with him. Building a life with Jake wasn’t just about sharing a home; it was about growing together. , And in that moment, it became clear how much I wanted that.
Back in our condo, Jake began to strip down. It was like watching something primal unfold. His muscles rippled as he peeled off his shirt, the fabric clinging briefly to the hard ridges of his chest before falling to the floor. His powerful shoulders, broad and solid, tapered into a narrow waist, each inch of him perfectly sculpted and dripping with masculine energy.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away. His skin glistened under the bathroom lights, and the play of muscle beneath his skin was hypnotic. The definition in his abs, the thick veins running down his biceps and forearms—it was like he was carved from granite. And he knew the effect it had on me.
He caught me staring and grinned, that cocky, knowing smile that sent a thrill down my spine. Then, with a flick of his fingers, he undid his pants, sliding them down slowly, as if teasing me with every inch revealed. My breath hitched when the waistband of his underwear dipped below his hips, showing off the deep V of his abs. Finally, he let them drop, standing before me completely bare, every muscle flexed as he stepped into the shower.
“Come here,” Jake said, his voice low and commanding, and the sound of it sent a rush of heat through me.
I stepped into the shower. Jake pulled me into his embrace, his strong hands sliding over my chest, possessive and deliberate. I moaned softly as hardened against me, the heat of him overpowering the warmth of the water cascading around us.
With a slow, deliberate move, Jake turned me around, pressing my back against his chest. The full weight of his body against me was exhilarating, grounding me in his strength. His hands slipped lower, stroking me, and I melted under his touch, my breath coming in short, ragged bursts. The rhythm of his movements was firm, insistent, and the pressure of his cock against my back only intensified the need building inside me.
“I love how you react to me,” Jake murmured into my ear, his voice a low rumble that made my knees weak. His fingers teased my entrance, his touch slow but deliberate, each movement sending jolts of pleasure through me.
Without warning, Jake turned and lifted me effortlessly, positioning me so that I was straddling his hips. The power in his body was palpable, his strength carrying me as if I weighed nothing. One arm held me steady while the other guided his thick, throbbing cock toward my entrance.
My heart raced as the tip of his cock pressed against me, and Jake’s lips brushed mine in a soft, teasing kiss before he thrust forward, inch by inch. The intensity of the stretch made me gasp, my body trembling as I buried my face in the crook of his neck.
Jake groaned in pleasure, his hips pushing forward as he advanced deeper inside me. The heat between us built with each slow, deliberate thrust, our bodies moving together in perfect sync. I clung to him, panting in his ear, feeling the way his cock pulsed inside me, filling me completely.
“You take me so well,” Jake growled, his voice thick with lust, but there was something else there too—an unspoken union that went beyond the physical. His hand gripped my ass as he held me steady, his lips finding my neck again, biting down gently as he marked me with a hickey that sent a surge of pleasure through my entire body.
“I want you to feel every inch of me,” Jake whispered, his breath hot against my skin, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more insistent. Each movement sent shockwaves through me, and I could feel the tension building inside.
With one final, powerful thrust, Jake buried himself deep inside me, and I cried out, my body shuddering as I came, all over his abs, the pleasure so intense I could hardly breathe. Jake followed right behind, his grip tightening as he groaned, his cock pulsing as he filled me, the heat of his release sending me over the edge again.
For a long moment, we stayed like that, our bodies intertwined, panting heavily in the aftermath. Slowly, Jake lowered me to my feet, still holding me close, his lips brushing my ear.
“You’re mine,” he whispered again, but this time there was a tenderness to his words, as if he wasn’t just claiming me physically, but emotionally.
My legs were shaky as I leaned against him, but I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. The way Jake had taken me, I couldn’t deny how much I craved that intensity. Yet, in the midst of all that raw power, there was a safety I’d never felt with anyone else.
We stood there for a few more minutes, letting the water cascade over us, washing away the last remnants of the moment. Jake’s hand slid down my back, his touch now gentle, even tender. It was a quiet acknowledgment of what we had just shared, a promise that there would be more.
Jake set me down, and I leaned against the shower wall, still catching my breath. As the water continued to run over us, I basked in the afterglow of my double orgasms. But then I saw that Jake had regained his composure. His cock still stood thick and ready, and I couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking my head.
“You’re a machine!” I teased, my voice still a little breathless from the intensity of the moment. I ran a hand down his abs, feeling the firm ridges beneath my fingers. “How do you do it?”
Jake smirked, leaning closer, the heat of his body making me shiver despite the hot water. “You saying I’m too much for you?” His voice was low, teasing, with that edge of cockiness that made my stomach tighten. He raised an eyebrow, his cock brushing against my abs as if to drive his point home.
I swallowed, feeling the tension between us build again. “No,” I stammered quickly, trying to backpedal. “That’s not what I meant.”
Jake’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying the way I fumbled with my words. He brought his hand up, cupping my chin gently, forcing me to meet his gaze.
My heart skipped a beat, and I found myself pressed against him again, my body responding instinctively to his touch. Even after everything we’d just shared, the need between us was still palpable, and I could see the hunger in Jake’s eyes as he grinned down at me.
“You keep me going, Noah,” Jake said, his voice a soft rumble. “Every time I look at you, I want you. And I know you feel the same.”
I nodded lustfully. It was more than just physical, it was the way Jake looked at me, the way he made me feel seen, understood. There was something raw and electric between us, something that went so much deeper than just the sex.
“I can never get enough of you,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper as I let my hand drift lower, teasing the hardness of his cock. “But sometimes, you make me wonder if I can keep up.”
Jake chuckled, a deep, throaty sound that sent shivers down my spine. “You’re doing just fine,” he teased, leaning in to press a hot kiss to my neck, his lips lingering on the mark he’d left earlier. “I like to push you,” he smirked, ‘but it’s enough to know you want to keep up with me.”
His words hung in the air, a challenge and a promise all at once. I could feel the heat rising again between us, and as Jake pulled me into another kiss, I knew this was far from over. The shower may have washed away the tension from earlier, but the fire between us was still burning bright.
Jake pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with lust, and I knew he was gearing up for another round. “How about we take this to the bedroom?” he murmured, his lips brushing mine. “I’m not done with you yet.”
My body responded before my mind could catch up, my pulse quickening at the thought of what was coming next. Jake’s hand slid down my back, gripping me firmly as he led me out of the shower, his confidence radiating with every step. I knew one thing for sure: being with Jake about so different than any man I’d been with before. He was about giving me what I needed, even when I didn’t always realize it at first.
