Not Yet, But Soon

The two stories follow Sherry Birkin during her time as an agent of the Division of Security Operations (D.S.O.), focusing on a quiet, emotional slow burn that develops through shared work, proximity, and silence.

In the first story, Sherry is already deeply aware of her feelings. On Valentine’s Day, she finds herself increasingly distracted by her partner’s presence during daily operations. Despite her professionalism, she struggles to concentrate, constantly drawn to them through glances and moments of quiet awareness. Eventually, she gathers the courage to approach them in a nearly empty headquarters. Instead of demanding an answer, she chooses honesty—admitting her difficulty focusing around them and revealing her feelings gently, without pressure. The moment is intimate and restrained, defined by silence and mutual presence rather than spoken responses. For Sherry, this marks an act of emotional bravery: choosing vulnerability over distance.

The second story takes place earlier in the emotional timeline. Here, Sherry has not yet confessed anything. Instead, she makes small, careful attempts to start conversations—asking about missions, training, or shared routines. Her goal is simple: to become closer as teammates, and eventually as friends. She is nervous but sincere, filling the silence with soft observations and professional remarks, slowly growing more comfortable in their presence. Rather than pursuing romance directly, she focuses on building trust and familiarity, taking quiet steps toward connection while keeping her feelings hidden.