Categories The Saga

The Saga: Survival Report 6

Cupids,

Something’s wrong.

Like, body-snatchers wrong. 

Government conspiracy wrong. 

A Scorpio in Mercury-in-retrograde wrong.

For weeks—WEEKS—I’ve been bombarded with borderline HR-violating linguistic foreplay, cocky looks that come with built-in dirty subtitles, and enough innuendos to fill an entire adult film franchise. I’ve developed combat-level reflexes just to dodge the verbal landmines this man just casually drops-without warning. 

And then today… nothing.

He brought me coffee WITHOUT comment. No references to “cream” or “stirring” or any other liquid-based euphemism. Just… coffee. In a cup. With a lid. Handed to me. Like a NORMAL PERSON.

When I gave him the breakfast sandwich I made (strictly for survival purposes—a hungry Sergeant McHangry is even more unbearable)–he only said “thank you.” No comment about what else my hands could do for him.

I’m confused. I’m concerned. I’m… suspicious.

It’s like watching a tiger suddenly start eating tofu. I know something’s not right, and I’m just waiting for it to remember it’s a meat-eater and jump me. Metaphorically speaking. 

Possibilities I’ve considered:

  • He’s found another victim (bless her misguided soul) 
  • He saw his name saved as “ABSOLUTE ASSHOLE” in my contacts and it hurt the one feeling he actually has: his ego. (For the record, it used to be Fucking ASSHOLE Ethan, so, growth)

It’s probably not option 2 because Lieutenant LoveMeLongTime’s ego is pretty big–NOT a euphemism. It would be hard to penetrate something that thick–also NOT a euphemism.

That leaves option 1, which is what I’m leaning towards. Sergeant GetsAroundALot acquired a new target. Heard him on the phone making lunch plans with someone–and he was smiling. And when I basically tossed him the perfect setup—literally mentioned getting naked—he just said “We’ll see.”

WE’LL SEE? Right?

Who is this person and where is the man who would have taken that softball and hit it into the next country?

I’ve spent so much mental energy establishing defenses against his relentless charm attack, that I’m now completely unprepared for… whatever this is. It’s like training for months to climb Mount Everest only to show up and find they’ve installed an elevator. 

My bestie insists I’m spiraling because I actually MISS the attention. Which is ridiculous. Preposterous. Absolutely not what’s happening here.

AS IF.

I just… I don’t like change. That’s all. I like knowing what I’m dealing with. I like having a well-established dynamic where I know which direction to duck when he inevitably makes a comment about “hard deadlines” or “in-depth focus meetings.”

Mr. NCOhMyGod 2.0? Throwing off my entire workplace ecosystem. It’s disorienting. 

He was MY ego-maniacal, boundary-challenged Mr. NCOhMyGod 1.0 yesterday. Today? Someone else’s mild-mannered, respectful knock-off. 

And I don’t like this new system update. It didn’t come with instructions. 

Did I accidentally wish for this on a monkey’s paw? Did some well-meaning fairy godmother misinterpret my constant complaints? Was this a test I accidentally passed but actually wanted to fail?

I guess it’s fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine. Or will be. Just gotta figure out this… this.

Send prayers for my sanity, Cupids. Or the instruction manual for whatever the hell is happening.

Here waiting for the other combat boot to drop,

~ The first “Work Wife” 

P.S. Not that I care, but if anyone has any insight, my curiosity (ONLY my curiosity) would like to know.

P.S.S. If it really is option 1, does that mean no more breakfast sandwiches and coffee? 

P.S.S. No one makes breakfast sandwiches like mine. 

P.S.S.S. But… him bringing coffee saves me a trip. 

P.S.S.S.S. And he really likes my breakfast sandwiches. Can he give those up for a “casual” fling? Really? Or does he think I’m gonna be the “work-wife” that cooks for him in the kitchen, and my replacement’s the “sidepiece” that cooks for him in the bedroom? 

P.S.S.S.S.S. The fuck I will. 

More From Author

128 comments

TheFrankWhisperer says:

I CANNOT with the quadruple postscripts. The journey from “not that I care” to “the fuck I will” is the best character development I’ve seen all yet. 🍷 LOVE YOU!

PettyInInk says:

Glad you enjoyed the show.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

“He acted NORMAL today. Something’s WRONG.” 🙄

PettyInInk says:

I’m CONCERNED. It’s like if your “situation” suddenly started faking it. You’d be concerned too.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

For him. Not me. I can just get one that works. 🍷🍷🍷

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

Savage.

MilitarySpouseClub says:

Twenty years of being a military wife taught me one thing: when a man who’s been chasing suddenly stops, he’s either: 1) about to deploy, 2) found someone new, or 3) playing mind games. Money’s on 3.

chronically.online.200 says:

“lieutenant lovemelovetime” 💀💀 is that his gamertag too??

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

He did not “acquire another target.” You just raised the bar.

PettyInInk says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 I’ll bite. Go ahead, hit me.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk so you like it rough then?

TheFrankWhisperer  says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 @PettyInInk LMFAO

PettyInInk says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 🖕

TheFrankWhisperer  says:

@PettyInInk I’m with HIM! LOL

CommandingPresence85 says:

New combat strategy: professional courtesy. The most disarming tactic of all.

Anonymous23  says:

He’s definitely seeing someone new.

PettyInInk  says:

@Anonymous23 Thanks for the vote of confidence. Super helpful.

Anonymous23  says:

You’re the one who asked for insight. I gave it to you.

Anonymous23 says:

@Anonymous23 Touche

RomComQueen83 says:

He’s doing the “suddenly professional” thing because he’s ACTUALLY FALLING FOR YOU. Mark my words!!! 💕💕💕

RetiredRanger42 says:

Military tactical analysis: Hold position and maintain vigilance, ma’am.

PettyInInk says:

@RetiredRanger42 Need reinforcements, Sir.

DivorcedDadOf3 says:

He’s either a) met someone else b) decided to try a different angle, or c) genuinely respecting you. If I had to bet on one, it would be a.

SilverFoxLady says:

When a man suddenly becomes professional after weeks of pursuit, it means one of two things: he’s been warned, or he’s gotten serious. Now that second one could mean about you or someone else.

PsychMajorWithIssues says:

This sudden behavior change could mean he’s experiencing conflict. And a complete system reboot was necessary.

PettyInInk  says:

@PsychMajorWithIssues So you’re saying is… he crashed and had to reinstall his operating system?

PsychMajorWithIssues says:

Yes! A newer, more user friendly update.

PettyInInk says:

Great, so I just need to turn him off and on again? 😑

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk Just turn him on. #TeamGetItOnAlready

PsychMajorWithIssues  says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 🤣🤣 OMG I CANNOT.

sk8r.boi.2000 says:

not to be that guy but has anyone considered he might have read your blog 💀

PettyInInk says:

@sk8r.boi.2000 I don’t need that kind of anxiety in my life right now.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@PettyInInk @sk8r.boi.2000 Even if he did, he probably wouldn’t recognize himself.

MasterOfTheUniverse36  says:

@TheFrankWhisperer Precisely. What are the odds?

UltimateWarrior35 says:

The timing with “making lunch plans and smiling” sounds like he’s met someone else.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

Maybe he has friends?

main.character.energy says:

NOT THE MULTIPLE POSTSCRIPTS 💀💀 from “not that i care” to “the fuck i will” HAHAHA

tech_girltm says:

just enjoy the bug-free experience while it lasts! 🐛

BooksAndBiotech says:

First time commenter, longtime reader. Your “tofu-eating tiger” metaphor DEAD. I relate to the “I’ve developed specific safety protocols for THIS hazard and now you’re giving me a DIFFERENT hazard??” panic.

PettyInInk says:

I feel both seen and heard right now (heart emoji)

BookTokBabe says:

STOP EVERYTHING!! This is giving “Hate You Love You” meets “The Long Game” and I am OBSESSED. #StupidCupidBook

PettyInInk says:

Didn’t the second one have a particular scene involving the antagonist using the protagonist’s [redacted] as a [redacted] with “the force of a bull but gentle as a lamb”?

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@BookTokBabe LMFAO. Do women read that shit for real?

BookTokBabe says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 It’s a spicy romance. LOL

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@BookTokBabe Ma’am, that’s not spicy, it’s assault. Or porn. But one thing it ain’t is romantic.

WriteMeThis says:

I second this. #StupidCupidBook

PettyInInk says:

More like “enemies to slightly less but still annoying.”

BookTokBabe says:

@PettyInInk THAT’S THE TAGLINE!!! 📚✨

MovingInTheShadows  says:

Theory: He’s testing to see if you’ll chase him now that he’s stopped chasing you.

Johnny_Utah says:

My money’s on him meeting someone new.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@Johnny_Utah I don’t think he would give up breakfast for [redacted] [sanitized] [destroyed completely].

Johnny_Utah says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 Is he gonna wait forever?

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@Johnny_Utah Yes.

WannaBeALifeCoach says:

Guess you could say he’s… AT EASE. 😎

caffeinated.thinker says:

Are these breakfast sandwiches worth fighting for? What’s in them? Drop the recipe, we need details 🧐

PettyInInk says:

@caffeinated.thinker It’s a recipe I’ll take to my grave. But NO, they’re not worth fighting for. They’re just sandwiches. Good sandwiches, but still just sandwiches. With special sauce.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk Good sandwiches are worth fighting for, ones with secret sauce are worth fighting to keep..

caffeinated.thinker says:

@PettyInInk @MasterOfTheUniverse36 yeah this man isn’t letting go of those sandwiches sorry

hot.mess.professor says:

This is classic “strategic uncertainty.”

LuxuryLifestyle_LA says:

Some men just can’t commit to anything 💁‍♀️

FortyAndFabulous says:

“It’s like training for months to climb Mount Everest only to show up and find they’ve installed an elevator” <- THIS!!!. I don't have advice but I do have wine. 🍷

ur.fav.barista says:

not me reading all the p.s. notes in increasingly panicked voice

DivorcedAndThriving45 says:

The FIVE postscripts have me dying. From “just curious” to “THE FUCK I WILL.” Girl, you’ve got it BAD.

PsychMajorWithIssues says:

@PreMedProcrastinator Why do I want a Mr. NCOhMyGod of my own now??? LOLOLOL

PreMedProcrastinator says:

You and me both, girl. This lady is living all of our rom-com dreams right now LOL

PettyInInk  says:

@PsychMajorWithIssues @PreMedProcrastinator Stop reading YA romance.

PsychMajorWithIssues  says:

@PettyInInk LOL

PreMedProcrastinator says:

@PettyInInk YA gives us hope we can change him.

PettyInInk says:

@PsychMajorWithIssues @PreMedProcrastinator I know you guys are just being funny, and it was funny. But, serious: Broken people are the hardest to put back together. It feels like tearing off pieces of yourself to patch the holes. Until he’s whole again and you’re the one who’s broken.

BookTokBabe says:

@PettyInInk That’s a twist you don’t see often.

PsychMajorWithIssues says:

@PettyInInk You sound like my mom. don’t worry. I don’t read YA romance. But I do read yours and can you guys just get together already??!!!

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PsychMajorWithIssues Right? #TeamGetItOn already!

PreMedProcrastinator says:

@PettyInInk Don’t be mad but… in this scenario, I think you’re the one that’s broken. And he’s willing to give you the parts of himself that will make you whole.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PreMedProcrastinator This.

absolute.chaos.queen says:

Proposal: we need a field guide to military men and their mating behaviors.

PeacockWhisperer says:

That’s a classic pattern break. Change the routine, create tension, and boom—you’re thinking about it nonstop. And it’s working.

SingleMomClub says:

LOL yep. My ex pulled that same move—shut the flirty faucet off cold. I thought he was maturing. Nope. He was just too busy swapping keys in a fishbowl. Swingers club. True story.

YoungProfessional27 says:

In corporate terms, he’s pivoting his strategy due to lack of ROI on previous tactics. Bullish on breakfast sandwiches, bearish on innuendo.

GrandmaBetty58 says:

When a fella stops flirting, he’s either chasing tail somewhere else or he’s trying to impress you by pretending to be respectable. There’s no secret code. Men aren’t that deep. Never have been. Trust me, I’ve been married, divorced, and proposed to at a gas station.

vibin.not.stressin says:

The way you went from “not that i care” to full on spiraling in 5 postscripts is all of us 💀

BetterWithWine says:

Those P.S. notes read like my internal monologue after 2 glasses of wine. First glass: “I don’t care.” Third glass: “THE AUDACITY.”

RealTalk_Steve  says:

Straight up? If he’s actin’ different, he’s either done playin’ or he’s playin’ with somebody else. Guys don’t shift gears like that unless there’s a reason. Could be he caught feelings. Could be he’s tryin’ to [redacted] someone new. Real talk.

aesthetic.girlll says:

The “lieutenant lovemelong time” and “sergeant getsaroundalot” GIRL STOP! 💀 ✨✨

crypto.king.2003 says:

It’s giving “he’s playing 5d chess” vibes. man’s is straight up using reverse psychology, respect the hustle 🧠

gen.z.and.confused says:

Not to be that person but have u considered… he caught feelings and doesn’t know how to process them? 👀

OverFortyUnderFabulous says:

The “I’m fine. Everything is fine” followed by FIVE increasingly panicked postscripts is the most relatable thing.

RecentlyDivorced says:

Are we talking basic egg and cheese or gourmet-level creations? Because this could be the real reason he’s sticking around.

GymRat_Marcus  says:

“When direct assault fails, try subterfuge.” He’s changing tactics, not objectives.

FashionBlogger90s says:

“Work Wife” who makes breakfast sandwiches but draws the line at…other services? Your not just circling the airport, you’re coming in for a landing. Embrace it.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

Maybe Sergeant McHangry has never had someone make a sandwich for him before?

PettyInInk  says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 He’s been to Subway, sir. They make sandwiches for a living.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk Not by a smokeshow that hand delivers.

PettyInInk says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 HA! I am NOT a smokeshow. But I do deliver.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk That’s what she said.

PettyInInk says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 Dammit (slow clap)

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 THE LIES. This woman used to be a model. She’s a [expletives redacted] goddess.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@TheFrankWhisperer The plot thickens…

PettyInInk says:

@TheFrankWhisperer @MasterOfTheUniverse36 Glamour Shots used my pictures for an ad ONE TIME. In HIGH SCHOOL. That does not make me a model. Or a goddess.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@PettyInInk You’re making him breakfast. He’s bringing you coffee. You’re now the “work wife.” He’s being respectful. CONNECT THE DOTS WOMAN.

PettyInInk says:

@TheFrankWhisperer I will block you.

MasterOfTheUniverse36  says:

@TheFrankWhisperer THAT’S what I’m saying. And if she blocks you, I’ll take up the mantle of truth dealer.

TheFrankWhisperer  says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 Then I knight you Sir He-Man, Master of the Universe.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@TheFrankWhisperer I see what you did there. Funny.

TinaFromChair3 says:

If he stopped flirting, it’s not random. He’s either over it or he’s starting to care and doesn’t wanna blow it. And if he handed you coffee without a single wink or double meaning? He’s probably trying to act right.

MarriedButNosy says:

Living vicariously through this saga. Please update when you see him tomorrow! Will he bring coffee again?? I NEED TO KNOW.

PettyInInk  says:

Update: Just got a text asking if I want anything specific for coffee tomorrow.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@PettyInInk OMG WHAT DID YOU SAY??

PettyInInk says:

@TheFrankWhisperer I said “my regular is fine, thanks”.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@PettyInInk Boooooring. Remember what you said the first time? What was it… Grande, hot, with extra whip?

PettyInInk says:

@TheFrankWhisperer THIS IS WHY WE CAN’T HAVE NICE THINGS.

PettyInInk says:

@TheFrankWhisperer Also NO. That wasn’t it. And I’m not posting it here.

Johnny_Utah says:

@PettyInInk LOL You could’ve said nothing and he’s still wanna smash.

BookTokBabe says:

@TheFrankWhisperer It’s no wonder he came for her like a freight train. Hahaha!

Johnny_Utah says:

@BookTokBabe Like a bull in a china shop. LOL

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk Why do I get the feeling you like your coffee strong and hot?

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 LMAO It gets her so [redacted], she needs a bucket and mop.

Johnny_Utah says:

@TheFrankWhisperer LMFAO not the bucket and mop!

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@Johnny_Utah hand to God, I WAS THERE!

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@TheFrankWhisperer Any man worth his salt Is the bucket AND mop.

PettyInInk says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 @Johnny_Utah @TheFrankWhisperer I AM RIGHT HERE.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk I know. 😉

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 LMAO

PettyInInk says:

@everyone To be clear: IDC if he’s looking to smash someone else.

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@PettyInInk No?

Johnny_Utah says:

@PettyInInk So, your free to let me take you out?

MasterOfTheUniverse36 says:

@Johnny_Utah *You’re. And NO she’s not.

TheFrankWhisperer says:

@MasterOfTheUniverse36 Best sidekick EVER #TeamLetsGetItOn

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