#Mlqc Tang chao

[yourssinfullyquiche]

Hi. I was wondering if you could write a mlqc fic where mc accidently tells gavin over the phone that she used to have a massive crush on him in high school. Sfw or NSFW please. Thank you

Hi anon! Thank you for your request and patience~ I made it SFW, hope you like it💖

I get a call from Gavin and the dreaded words I do not want to hear drifts over, immediately souring my mood. 

“You’re upset, I know,” Gavin says. 

“I’m not.” 

My words retain a calm, steady tone yet my feelings say otherwise. Annoyance runs through my veins, but the pain in having him away floats above all and threatens to make me cry. I miss him so much, it’s been a month. Now, he may be gone for two. He was supposed to be back last week, so I had everything planned out starting with him staying at home and catching on his sleep. 

It’s so late at night. It is perhaps why his voice sounds so hoarse, tiredness bleeding into it. A part of me feels so sad for him, and the other—the vixen can’t help but feel warm all over. My ears catch a soft chuckle and the annoyance bubbles over—this man has the audacity to find the situation funny. 

“Really?” He says. “So you’re not pouting on the bed wearing my hoodie preparing to eat Magnum Almond?” I hear the mirth clear in his tone.

“...” 

Heat floods to my cheeks. Does he have super sonic evol ears now to hear the freezer opening, I think.

“Shut up, Gavin. And fyi I wear your hoodies all the time even when you’re here, so it doesn’t make a difference”, I shoot back. 

The sweet laughter he lets out—music to my ears, makes me laugh as well and my annoyance dissipates quickly. 

“It’s 1 AM. You know how susceptible you are to colds. Be good and keep that tub of ice cream for tomorrow, alright.” 

A few moments pass before I breathe a sigh conceding to his advice. “Okay,” I mumble cutely. I’m surprisingly malleable when it comes to that silky voice which he uses to persuade me away from poor habits. The reward I get is a virtual kiss and a “good girl” which makes me bite my lips in a smile. 

The kisses he gives over the phone soothe me but it also punctuates my longing for him because all I want is to snuggle closer into the safety of his arms and feel the warmth of his kisses suffuse into my body. I’m quiet as he talks, something Tang Chao did and how Gavin had to punish the whole squad due to his cheekiness. 

To his credit, Gavin quickly notices the lack of response and calls my attention, and the thought that plagues my mind crosses my lips. “Sometimes I wonder how our lives would be if you had not joined the STF, then you wouldn’t have to leave me off somewhere dangerous.”

I continue spilling the contents that live in the deepest parts of my mind ignoring the low hum I hear on the other side of the phone, one that tells me that Gavin’s deep in thought.

“Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if we had never reunited at the police station, would I have spent my life never meeting you? Sometimes I wonder where our relationship would be now if I had only summoned the courage and confessed to you about the huge crush I had on you back in high school. There was nothing stopping me, no jobs, no responsibilities, except for my cowardice. I-I just want you here baby, I miss you so much…”

I heave a breath after spitting my innermost thoughts and am met with nothing. Silence. He says nothing to the barrage of words that tumbled out. Did I make him uncomfortable? Truly, I don’t know what I’m waiting for, maybe just a grunt for me to know that he heard it all, something to tell me that sharing my thoughts did not scare him or annoy him. 

Then I hear him draw a shaky breath, and I think he's definitely annoyed with me when I hear his sweet laugh once more. “Did you just say you had a huge crush on me since high school?” asks Gavin. It takes me a while to compute his question as my brain recovers from the silence so my first instinct is to deny, then ever so slowly it clicks. I slap both my palms to my face as everything I said comes to me, as if I’m rewinding a tape. All I want to do now is crawl into a hole and stay buried in it. 

“You know I won’t let you go until I have my answer”, Gavin says with a hint of cheeky authority. My face warms all over thinking about all the times I’ve dreamed of being Gavin Bai, the school’s infamous delinquent’s girlfriend, all the times I’ve passed by his class and saw him sleeping at his desk, just wanting to be next to him and brush the strands of chestnut hair from his eyes; all the times I’ve wished to bravely hold his hands and walk along the corridors.

Eat our lunches together, hang out in the music room as my fingers deftly glide over the keys with him gazing adoringly at me. To spend our evenings in the library as I secretly look over the cover of my Byron copy at him pretending to be interested in studying; and to look into his liquid golden eyes as I inch closer to meet his lips as the wind whips around us at the school balcony. 

I’m embarrassed with my naive misstep but I won’t deny him the truth. 

“Yes,” I say softly. 

I hear Gavin’s breathy laugh, then he says, “So we both had huge crushes on each other…”

Guilt rises up from the pit of my stomach, If only…I begin to think. 

“Stop.” Gavin’s strict tone resounds in my ear. “I know what you’re thinking. Yes we lost our time, and went our separate ways, but we’re here now, together. We are right where we need to be. Everyday I wake up grateful knowing that the woman I love now at 28 is the same kind, beautiful and hardworking woman I loved when I was sixteen. Only now I have the privilege of seeing all her sides that make her who she is, and if that meant us not having our time in high school then so be it. I would want to spend my whole life with you, than have our time end at one phase of our lives.” 

My heart flutters at his words, the guilt I feel washes away replaced with such giddiness, a big smile forms. I so want to kiss his lips. But I know I can’t, so I send my virtual kisses making sure I smack my lips so loud, he knows how much I appreciate his words—him mostly. We talk until the weight of both our jobs settles into our bodies, then we reluctantly say our goodbyes. 

Before he ends the call, he does comfort me, assuring me that he will come back as soon as he can, that he can’t stand the distance as well and that he loves me so much. I tell him to be careful, to take care of himself and that I love him so much. We’re both laughing into the receiver before I end the call and I think, as long as we have the air in our lungs, Gavin and I will always try to make up for lost time once we're together.

[rinharu-purple]

Also a head canon about how STF tease Gavin about their sister in law?👀 I’m sorry if I’m asking a lot lmaooo. Hope you take care of yourself and doing well☺️✨

Happy August dear anon, I ate 3 home made macarons today, does that count as taking care of self? 🐭 I hope you're also having a nice week and enjoying summer ☀️☀️☀️

Pt. 3 Wednesdays are for Headcanons: STF- Special Tease Forces

Monday: Gavin comes to the HQ later than the usual. The team make a pack to play with his biological clock...(by setting all the clocks in the headquarters forward one hour, hoping they can go earlier :D)

Li Yu: Hey Captain you've made it right on time for our 10.00 am briefing!

Gavin: But it's 9..

Eli: Hey Gavin if you keep chit chatting you will miss the briefing.

Gavin: hmm... OK, when you're all set then let's start.

....

Tang Chao: Alright everybody let's have lunch!

Agent 1: thank God, I'm starving!

Agent 2: Let's eat a second breakfast for lunch today.

All: Agreed!

...

Minor: Hey bro Gavin we're going to trudge together in an hour right? (they also dragged him into this)

Gavin: But I'm going to dinner with MC first.

Minor: She says she can't make it, so let's go.

Gavin: What a weird day

MC furious at 6 pm: Didn't you promise to have dinner with me before you meet Minor?! Where are you?!!

... Poor guy has missed an hour of his day for coming 10 min late to work on 15th of February 🤖

Tuesday: Eli catches Gavin washing tupperware in the kitchen.

Eli: If you wanna become a true househusband you need to...

Gavin: Three

Eli: What?

Gavin: Two

Eli: I think you forgot some rest around the bottom of the cup

Gavin: One

Eli: You should also start cooking for her you know?

Gavin: If one has met the right one, being househusband becomes a role you don't mind. Maybe you'll understand one day what I mean. How's your love life going? (warned you)

Wednesday: Gavin disappears during the mission and reappears 20 minutes afterwards.

Once he's back everybody acts as though they wouldn't see or hear him and then when Gavin.

Tang Chao: Hey everybody, Captain Gavin has obviously left us so let's head back.

Yu Li: Yeah, he surely must have more important things then... You know... Saving the city?

Eli: He surely sets his priorities straight. Too bad that we're only his band of brothers looking out for his back, spending sleepless nights, going through hell and back.

Agent 1: I wonder how many laps would be my punishment if I did that?

Gavin: The mission is over since 1,5 hours. The question is, why are you all dozing off here? You look like you have lots of time in hand, I could fix That!

All: Gotta go captain, see you around! (all disappear to dust in 0,00001th of a second.

Thursday: Gavin receives a huge package at work and it's the job of the newest rookie to hand it over to him.

Rookie: Captain Gavin this package has arrived for you. I've scanned it with my evol. It's safe sir (his Evol is ultravision and can see through objects)

Gavin: How did you scan it exactly?

Rookie: ehmm... Because I wanted to make sure that I don't put your safety at risk and to eliminate all possible dangers, in accordance with the STF code number 12...

Gavin: Just give me a direct answer!

Rookie: The eye mask with a bunny on it, a bottle of massage oil with ylang ylang aroma, a package of heart shaped cookies and the note "for my unassailable monument hero" all proved to be cleared... sir.

Gavin: So is this what you wish to be written on your tombstone? *sighs... You're new here, so I'm only going to warn you this once. When you see a package from the Sender MC, you will not touch it. Understood?

Rookie: Yes, sir! I'll inform lt. Eli as well.

Gavin: hm?

Rookie: Lt. Eli supervised me while scanning the package to make sure I don't make any mistakes.

Gavin: And?

Rookie: Agent Tang Chao was present to make sure I'm telling the truth, Yu Li transferred the information to...

Gavin: to?

Rookie: Data process team.

Gavin: 185.

Rookie: Sir?

Gavin: Laps around the HQ building. Go!

Friday: Tang Chao catches Gavin lying all day long and decides to be the lucky winner of the week.

Eli: Hey Gavin, let's go grab some drinks after work.

Gavin: Can't, I have to modify my bike.

Tang Chao: For 30 minutes, then he is picking Mrs. Commander up.

---—--------—

Yu Li: Captain Gavin, have you ever used make up?

Gavin: Never

Tang Chao: He applied make up on his fiancée.

---—---–—---

Agent: Captain Gavin, would you ever drive a Ferris Wheel?

Gavin: What am I? 12?

Tang Chao: He gives his fiancée Ferris Wheel rides whenever she wants and secretly enjoys it.

------—----—

Gavin enters the break room while the squad is reading an article about military men.

Agent: What does it mean "Military men are always horny, because they're away on missions regularly"?

Eli: That's really nonsense, military men can go weeks without their beloved ones.

Yu Li: Funny you say that Lt. Eli.

Eli: How about you hot shots?

Yu Li: My girlfriend is still mad at me, so I have other concerns right now. I'm out.

Rookie: Oh Captain Gavin! How is it with your libido?

All:.... (oh no you didn't)

Gavin: Drill Manager

All: What?

Tang Chao: Don't worry everybody I got this.

Gavin: Tang Chao

Tang Chao: Ready. I already know what you're thinking... Starting this weekend... For 3 days... Non stop... Thirsty... Sleepless nights... Outdoors... Burning hot... Hell... Mission... Volunteer... Tang Chao.

Tang Chao: Wait what?

Gavin: LI Yu, did you transfer the order to the drill manager?

Li Yu: Affirmative.

Gavin: I'm leaving now. You can congratulate this week's lucky winner when I'm gone.

----—----—-----

That's it folks!

I hope you had something like this in mind dear anon ^_^

Masterlist

[tomochii-chan]

I found this stock image of a couple and a third wheeler and thought "oh.. that's Gav/MC plus Minor" then it just escalated adding more memes on top lol. The stock images I used are in my replies on my twitter post ahah

Please enjoy my stupid before I go bury myself into commission mode lmao

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Weekly Moments - Cat and Dog Fight

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for content not yet released in EN 🍒

Released in CN: 4 April 2022

Gavin’s Post: Late last night, I heard a cat and dog fighting outside.

MC: Did our Officer Gavin go outside to mediate the dispute?

Gavin: I tried to mediate the dispute, but failed.

-

Gavin’s Post: Late last night, I heard a cat and dog fighting outside.

MC: Why were they quarrelling?

Gavin: I’m not sure. It might have been old grievances.

-

Gavin’s Post: Late last night, I heard a cat and dog fighting outside.

MC: Does this mean you didn’t have enough sleep? I’ll order a cup of coffee for you.

Gavin: In that case, I’ll pick you up from work today as a return gift.

[citrakirana]

[FF: Gavin] Sang Ahli Kejutan

Sahabat fangirling saya menanyakan mengapa tidak membuat satu hadiah untuk Gavin. Setelah dipikir-pikir, akhirnya saya setuju membuat satu cerita sebagai hadiah ulang tahun untuk Gavin.

Selamat ulang tahun, Gavin!

Fandom: MLQC, MLDD

Karakter: Gavin x reader

Rating: 16+

====

Keesokan hari adalah ulang tahunmu, tetapi misi Gavin yang harusnya berakhir hari itu terpaksa diperpanjang entah sampai kapan. Embusan napas pasrah mengiringi gerakan jempolmu menghentikan panggilan telepon. Misi diperpanjang bukan hal baru buatmu. Kondisi di lapangan kadang bisa berubah sewaktu-waktu. Setahun menjadi isteri tentara, ditambah lima tahun pacaran, sudah membuatmu lebih dari terbiasa.

Kamu beranjak ke meja rias untuk melakukan perawatan terakhir sebelum tidur. Menatap pantulan wajah di cermin, kamu tersenyum. Usia boleh merangkak mendekati 30, tetapi wajahmu masih berada di awal 20.

Setelah mengoleskan krim wajah, kamu teringat sesuatu. Kamu buka laci meja rias dan mengeluarkan kotak biru langit dengan pita merah muda di atasnya. Perlahan, kamu buka tutupnya. Senyummu kemudian mengembang saat melihat isinya tidak berubah. Kamu tutup lagi kotak itu dan mengembalikannya ke dalam laci.

Gavin pasti sibuk sekali mengurusi misinya yang tidak selesai-selesai. Dia pasti tidak akan sempat membelikanmu kado ulang tahun. Kamu sangat memahaminya dan tidak akan merengek untuk hal remeh seperti itu. Lebih baik menyiapkan kado sendiri. Kamu sadar sekali bahwa kebahagiaanmu adalah tanggung jawabmu sendiri, sama sekali tidak bergantung pada orang lain.

Kamu beranjak ke tempat tidur, menarik selimut dan memejamkan mata. Malam masih muda, tetapi kamu memutuskan untuk memberi hadiah tidur cukup untuk diri sendiri di malam ulang tahun.

***

Kesadaranmu digoda oleh aroma kehangatan yang familiar. Kamu bergerak mendekat, ingin lebih dalam lagi meresapi kehangatan yang sangat kamu rindukan.

"Sudah bangun?" Kamu mendengar suara yang sangat akrab di telinga. Tanpa membuka mata, kamu gelengkan kepala. Tentu saja, kamu tidak ingin bangun dari mimpi indah.

Satu kecupan mendarat di keningmu diikuti belaian lembut di sela-sela rambut. "Tidurlah lagi. Pagi masih lama."

***

Kamu terbangun dalam dekapan seseorang. Mulanya kamu senang, Gavin sudah pulang. Sedetik kemudian baru sadar, misi Gavin diperpanjang.

Dalam satu gerakan, kamu bangun dan memeriksa orang yang tidur di sampingmu. Matamu menyipit melihat seorang lelaki yang garis figurnya jelas-jelas sangat kamu hafal.

Lelaki itu membuka mata dengan malas. "Sudah bangun?" tanyanya dengan suara yang sangat kamu kenal. "Kenapa?" tanyanya, duduk di hadapanmu sambil mengucek mata.

Matamu turun ke dadanya yang telanjang. Tak ada luka baru, tetapi kamu masih ragu. "Gavin?"

"Hm?"

Tatapanmu kembali beralih ke wajahnya. "Ini bener kamu?"

Tawa tertahan keluar dari mulutnya. "Kamu pikir? Robot?"

Kamu tak menjawab. Matamu masih menyorotkan ketidakpercayaan.

Tangan hangatnya menyisir lembut rambut yang jatuh di pipimu lalu menyelipkannya di belakang daun telinga. "Selamat ulang tahun, Sweetie." Satu kecupan mendarat halus di bibirmu dilanjutkan dengan dekapan hangat dan bisikan di telinga, "Maaf mengejutkanmu."

Kamu seperti tersadar tiba-tiba. Dengan gemas, kamu cubit pinggangnya yang minim lemak.

"Hei!" protesnya sambil tertawa.

"Kamu sengaja, ya?" tuduhmu, "kamu bohong, kan, semalam?" Tanganmu terus menyerang pinggang, perut, bahkan dadanya.

Dia tertawa-tawa kegelian hingga minta ampun. "Oke, oke. Sorry, ini idenya Eli."

"Sekarang kamu menyalahkan Eli." Kamu menambah intensitas serangan hingga dia telentang pasrah di bawah badanmu. Rambutmu jatuh membelai pipinya, tawamu saling berkejaran dengan tawanya. "Aku menyerah," katanya, mengangkat tangan ke atas kepala, "terserah kamu mau memberi hukuman apa."

"Hukuman?" Kamu berpikir sebentar. "Aku minta hadiahku dulu. Komandan Gavin pasti punya banyak waktu memikirkannya, kan?"

Gavin tertawa kecil dan mengalihkan pandang ke pintu. "Aku tak bisa berdiri kalau begini," katanya dengan tatapan nakal.

Kamu beralih, duduk di sampingnya. Dia bangkit dan mengenakan kaus oblong yang tersampir di ujung tempat tidur. Kemudian dengan lembut, diraihnya tanganmu dan dipandunya kamu berdiri. "Tutup matamu," katanya mengikatkan syal menutupi matamu.

"Tumben," katamu.

Dia tertawa kecil. Dikecupnya daun telingamu dan dibisikkannya satu kalimat dengan nada bangga, "Memangnya cuma kamu yang bisa bikin kejutan?"

Kamu tertawa. "Ini pasti ide Eli."

Dia tak membantah hanya sedikit tertawa dan menggandengmu berjalan pelan-pelan. Kamu mendengar suara pintu dibuka, lalu dehaman keras Gavin diikuti suara berisik seperti langkah kaki berkumpul.

Gavin melepas kain penutup matamu. Sebuah koor dari sekumpulan lelaki menyambutmu, "Happy birthday, Mrs. Commander!" Suara letupan kemudian diikuti pita-pita dan kertas-kertas kecil beterbangan. Kamu tertawa melihat satu regu menarikan lagu happy birthday dengan gerakan kaki maju mundur, serong kanan kiri, dan tepukan tangan yang kompak. Wajah mereka terlihat lelah namun kegembiraan tergambar di senyuman semuanya.

Ruang tamu rumah kalian pun semarak dengan balon-balon dan pita-pita yang ditempelkan di dinding. Sofa beserta meja kopi disingkirkan ke tepi untuk memberi ruang bagi gerak regu yang berjoget seperti gerakan senam. Gavin merangkul pinggangmu hingga kamu dapat bersandar di dadanya dengan nyaman.

Tawa tak lepas dari wajahmu seiring rangkulan Gavin yang merapat. "Kamu suka?" bisiknya lekat di telingamu.

Kamu membalas dengan kecupan di pipi. "Banget," jawabmu, "makasih."

Eli kemudian membawakan satu buket bunga putih beraneka rupa dan menyerahkannya kepada Gavin. Dengan senyum super lebar, Gavin menyerahkannya kepadamu. "Selamat ulang tahun," bisiknya, "semoga kamu tak pernah bosan bersamaku."

"Semoga kamu betah menemaniku," balasku.

Tang Chao menating kue ulang tahun dengan tiga lilin menyala di atasnya. Setelah memejamkan mata beberapa saat, kamu pun meniup kedua lilin hingga padam. Gavin ikut meniup lilin ketiga bersamamu. Semua orang bertepuk tangan dan tertawa.

Kamu memotong kue dan menyerahkannya kepada Gavin. "Terima kasih," katamu, menahan haru, "aku tak menyangka kamu bisa datang."

Gavin tertawa. "Kamu selalu menyiapkan kejutan ulang tahun buatku, sekarang giliranmu mendapat kejutan," katanya.

Kamu tertawa. "Jadi sebenarnya tidak ada misi yang diperpanjang, kan?" katamu, menatap seluruh regu dengan tatapan pura-pura menyelidik.

"Hanya latihan yang diperpanjang," gumam salah satu dari mereka yang segera dibalas dengan dehaman keras dari Eli.

Kamu kembali tertawa. "Terima kasih, semuanya. Lagu Happy Birthday-nya keren banget. Siapa koreografernya?"

Semua orang serempak menatap Gavin yang pipinya sontak merona. Kamu tertawa kecil dan mengecupnya hingga rona merah itu menjalar sampai telinga.

Mereka pasti sudah bekerja keras berlatih seharian hingga malam. Untung kamu tidur cepat di malam ulang tahun, hingga anggota regu bisa mendekorasi ruangan secantik itu dalam waktu tak sampai semalam. Menatap balon-balon dan pita-pita yang menghiasi ruangan, matamu pun kembali berembun.

"Oh, ya," katamu teringat sesuatu dan beranjak masuk ke kamar. Kamu keluarkan kotak biru langit yang kamu simpan di laci meja rias, memeriksa isinya sekali lagi, lalu dengan riang kembali ke sisi Gavin.

Kamu serahkan kotak itu kepada Gavin yang menerima dengan bingung. "Apa ini?" tanyanya.

"Bukalah," jawabmu.

"Kamu yang ulang tahun, kenapa aku yang dapat hadiah?"

Kamu tertawa. "Karena kamu dan aku adalah satu."

Gavin tersenyum lebar dan memelukmu. "Setelah ini, biar kuusir mereka supaya kita bisa benar-benar bersatu."

Kamu terkikik geli. "Apa, sih?" katamu melepaskan pelukannya, "buka dulu kadonya."

Dia membuka kotak biru langit itu dengan tenang. Dikeluarkannya benda putih panjang seperti termometer dengan dua garis merah di tengahnya. Gavin ternganga, suara-suara seperti menghilang seketika. "A ...."

"Wow! Selamat, Komandan!" seru Eli.

Gavin menatapmu penuh haru. Diciuminya bibirmu dan didekapnya tubuhmu erat. "Kamu memang ahli membuat kejutan," katanya di sela ciuman dan rangkulan.

===

Gambar diambil dari pinterest

[cindercate]

I need Minor and Eli to make a groupchat including Gavin and MC where they just, immediately and without hesitation send messages saying if Gavin is injured or if MC is sick. Rat their asses out. No secrets allowed

[cheri-translates]

Hello! Just wanted to say thank you for all the translation of MLQC content (especially Gavin). I fell into a deep hole of MLQC by binging your translation. Just wondering what’s your perspective or analysis on the dynamic/relationship between S2 Gavin and mc. Are they friends just working together but obviously there’s something between them? Since S2 where they’re more mature and on the same wavelength

Hello Anon~ May you enjoy your stay in the deep and cosy hole of MLQC ヽ(・∀・)ﾉ 

🍒 S2 spoilers under the cut 🍒

Short answer: As of Ch 17, I’d describe their relationship as old friends who have complete trust in each other, and will protect each other with their lives. Also, Gavin has a crush on her.

-

Long answer:

1. Old Friends and Gavin’s crush

It’s strongly hinted that Gavin has feelings for MC, both as a teenager and as an adult! 

While MC gets flustered by him (e.g. shooting game in Ch 9) and cares deeply for him, I’d say that the crush is more one-sided on Gavin’s part.

Papergames wouldn’t want to step on any toes by making it seem as though MC is inclined towards a particular love interest unless it’s in a split chapter or a date!

In Throbbing Date, baby Gavin secretly bought her strawberry milk and said he'd protect her 🥺 THIS BOY DEFINITELY HAD A CRUSH AS A TEENAGER.

Despite how the writers tried to mislead us multiple times from the karmas that adult Gavin and MC are adversaries given their respective organisations, it’s crystal clear that Gavin doesn’t view her as one. Amongst other things, he:

gave her a ginkgo bracelet in Ch 1

was open to letting her listen in on his call in Ch 2

asked her for assistance in an interrogation in Ch 9

said he’d always protect her in Ch 9

unconsciously drifted to her house at one of his lowest points in Ch 11

gave MC his oxygen concentrator in Ch 16

was only vulnerable around her in Ch 16

The question here is whether he’s treating her simply an old friend or if he likes her romantically. 

I’ve done an analysis on their early dynamics here which describes how Gavin has a soft spot for MC even when he appears guarded. When we see their banter in [R&S - Reunited Yesterday], he seems to treat her more like an old friend. 

But we later on, it’s evident that Gavin’s feelings do extend beyond mere friendship.

In Chapter 2, Gavin prohibited Tang Chao from making physical contact with MC.

In STF Filming Project, Gavin was visibly jealous when MC mentioned “a very kind person” i.e. S1 Gavin.

In Chapter 9, Gavin went into blush mode just because they shared his jacket underneath the rain.

In Chapter 11, MC asked why Gavin chose her to work with him in such a dangerous operation. Gavin hinted that it was because the people keeping an eye on him knew how important she is to him:

Gavin: Cough. Under these circumstances, the person I’d want to involve least in this matter… Without a doubt, that person would definitely be you.

-

2. Complete trust in each other

Gavin’s trust in MC can be seen in most of the bullet points stated above. 

As for MC’s trust in Gavin, she:

was relieved that Gavin was handling the investigation of Kiro’s incident in Ch 2

was not fearful at all when they were surrounded by flames in Ch 2

expressed how much she trusted him in the rain in Ch 11

let herself fall off a rooftop, knowing he’d catch her in time at the end of Ch 11

-

3. They protect each other

There are so many instances of them protecting each other in Season 2!

Notable Instance 1: Throbbing Date

I let out a faint sigh, slanting my umbrella towards the kitten next to me.

And then:

A shadow suddenly cloaks me from above. When I lift my head in shock, a large and warm school jacket covers me, including my head.

This scene is especially significant if we contrast this with the way they met in S1. Back then, MC covered the kitten with a handkerchief. 

Just as an umbrella is more durable than a handkerchief, MC is more courageous in S2 as compared to S1. Even so, Gavin still steps in anyway, protecting her with whatever he has to offer.

-

Notable Instance 2: Chapter 9

But the jacket doesn’t seem to be large enough, and isn’t sufficient for two people to walk while standing side by side. After a moment of thinking, I stagger slightly, standing in front of Gavin.

Here, Gavin’s jacket isn’t enough to cover the both of them. 

Symbolically speaking, Gavin’s methods of protecting MC aren’t always enough for the both of them. In S1, he lost control of his Evol and he had no choice but to leave her side for a period of time. 

While S2 Gavin cleared MC’s name from false allegations multiple times, he didn’t��even know that MC was involved in the Hunter Game till in later chapters.

So what does MC do? She stands in front of him, which is a protective stance. She works on being stronger herself, and strong enough to protect him.

As we see in later instances, they do protect each other.

-

Notable Instance 3: Chapter 9

Gavin: When it rains, you should keep the umbrella for yourself.

Here, Gavin is discouraging MC from getting involved in dangerous situations. As far as possible, she should protect herself first. Let’s compare this with Chapter 11.

-

Notable Instance 4: Chapter 11

I walk over slowly, lifting the transparent umbrella over our heads. Rainwater patters against the surface of the umbrella, becoming the only sound in this silence.

And later on:

Gavin takes the umbrella in my hand, his eyes carrying with them resoluteness and certainty.

Gavin’s a Commander who has been through field training under intense conditions. He doesn’t need an umbrella. Furthermore, the rain had already drenched him to the bone. 

In such a sorry state, there was absolutely no need for him to accept MC’s umbrella. Yet, he did.

Symbolically speaking, the acceptance of MC’s umbrella represents his acceptance of her protection. This was likely the moment when he decided to involve her in his investigations of the New Years Eve Incident.

-

The remaining two notable instances are self-explanatory:

Notable Instance 5: Shooting Stars Date

Gavin: Don’t worry. Since I agreed to let you come along, I have sufficient certainty that I can protect you. You won’t face any accidents.

MC: ...

Before I can say anything, the controlled “meteorites” plummet straight to the ground. I seem to hear the piercing sounds caused by the intense friction.

Gavin: Give me your hand.

Gavin offers me his hand. I stare into the depths of his eyes, neither anxiousness nor worry in my heart. There’s a courage from simply standing beside him.

MC: Okay. In that case, I’ll bind my safety to Captain Gavin. I won’t let you come to any harm either.

-

Notable Instance 6: The oxygen incident in Chapter 16

Just before the final wisp of oxygen leaves my chest, I halt my breathing, feeling for the portable oxygen concentrator I carried along with me.

…at the very least, Gavin has to leave this place safely.

In the dark waters, I try my best to feel for the corners of Gavin’s mouth, stuffing the portable oxygen concentrator into it.

All of a sudden, I feel the corners of my mouth being pried open by something icy cold.

MC: Mmph?!

I take a breath instinctively, but don’t get choked.

When I open my eyes, Gavin’s frantic expression crashes into my line of sight. The tips of his fingers press against my lips, and he seems to be confirming if I’m biting on the object in my mouth properly.

In the dim light, I see that the portable oxygen concentrators in our hands are on each others’ mouths.

[cheri-translates]

[Analysis] S2 Gavin’s theme song

The music used in MLQC is incredibly evocative and carefully constructed, so I spent some time analysing S2 Gavin’s theme song because I find that it sums up the relationship he has with MC very nicely!

Music is highly subjective, so don’t worry if you have a different view from me :>

🍒 Warning: Contains tons of S2 Gavin spoilers! I’ve tried to make things really clear in this post so you wouldn’t have to read through the entire swamp of S2 Gavin translations to understand what’s going on, but I’ll still include links to the references made! 🍒

INTRODUCTION  [ 0:00 - 0:12 ] - Reuniting as adults

I received a jump scare the first time I played the theme song LOL

It starts off abruptly in two ways - (1) the sound effect resembling a puff of air, and (2) the fact that it mirrors the 0:38 mark of S1 Gavin’s theme.

The sound effect resembling a puff of air essentially captures how S2 Gavin and MC reunite as adults -

Before I take a step forward, there’s a sudden tightening on my wrist.

My hands are firmly clasped behind me. Before I can get a proper look at the person’s face, my whole body is pressed against the glass behind me.

??: What are you doing here?

A familiar voice enters my ears, reminiscent of wind from the past awakening my memories.

The fact that S2 Gavin’s theme starts around the halfway point of S1 Gavin’s theme is pretty significant.

On a superficial level, this could reflect how there’s both a sense of familiarity yet foreignness to their dynamics. But this isn’t limited to S2 Gavin x MC, because the dynamics between the other love interests and MC do see a slight change as well.

But what’s perhaps more unique to their situation is that back in S1, Gavin and MC didn't get to know each other properly until they became adults. In contrast, when S2 Gavin and MC reunite as adults, they already have a shared past in Loveland High.

While we don’t know how their lives in Loveland High played out in detail, it’s inferred that they had meals together frequently:

Boss: Then, do you remember that lady who often came here with you back then? She still visits, and also likes to have her beef noodles with extra chilli.

Also, Mr Keller knows that the two of them are somewhat close and are still in contact, since he gets MC’s help in passing Gavin some old photographs, and invited the both of them to visit Loveland High for an activity. In contrast, back in S1, MC didn’t even know that Mr Keller knew who Gavin was until Campus Date.

Just as we’re thrown into the halfway point of what resembles the S1 soundtrack, we’re thrown into an iffy, halfway point of their relationship. In Chapter 1 of the main storyline, we can tell that they know each other well enough, but they aren’t as close as we’d expect ex-schoolmates to be.

Their meeting comes across slightly antagonistic on Gavin’s part, and he even straight out lies to her that officers are approaching, in order to force an answer out of her. Similarly, in Stray Date, Gavin uses his Evol to send her hovering over the ocean, once again trying to force an answer out of her.

Thankfully, this antagonism fizzles out very quickly as we learn that this is just Gavin’s tactic to squeeze the truth out of MC for her own good. And that he still cares about her deeply (evident in Dangerous Night Date).

Aside from the abrupt start, there are three other things to note:

The S2 soundtrack is much slower, and the notes are drawn out as compared to the S1 soundtrack. I’m inclined to viewing this as a representation of Gavin’s self-assuredness and pure confidence as the Commander of the STF and leader of the Special Operations Team

The piano chords. It’s probably just me, but I feel that they resemble the chime of a school bell. This point becomes significant in the analysis of the bridge, which we’ll get to later

There’s a somewhat grating, scratchy sound which I see as a representation of the tension between S2 Gavin and MC. There are only three places in the song where this scratchy sound isn’t present - the first verse, the bridge, and the outro

-

FIRST VERSE [ 0:12 - 0:38 ] - Gavin the student

This part likely represents the time Gavin was still in Loveland High, because the grating, scratchy sounds mentioned earlier (which I associate with the tension between Commander Gavin and MC), aren’t present.

At 0:24, individual piano notes come in. Even though they sound careful, they aren’t played in synchrony with the firm and resolute guitar notes. Sometimes, the piano notes are played alongside the guitar notes. Sometimes, they don’t.

I’d say that this represents missed opportunities. Despite S2 Gavin and MC meeting earlier in S2, MC ended up re-living one of her main regrets - not getting to read Gavin’s letter:

MC: They said Minor left a bloodstained letter on my desk and thought it was a threatening letter, so no one dared to go near it. But by the time I returned to the classroom, the letter was gone. I searched for such a long time… but couldn’t find it… I thought I accidentally threw it into the dustbin, so I looked through it for a long time. But… I couldn’t find that letter anywhere.

My voice grows even softer at the end, and I don’t dare to lift my head to look at him.

Even if this world were to be reset, unexpected events still present such regrets.

Like a merciless joke, an antithesis to my unwillingness to be powerless.

Even if she had read the letter and gone to the meeting spot, it turns out S2 Gavin didn’t even stay long enough to meet her at the arranged time:

Gavin: That’s not important anymore. Back then, I had already left before the arranged time. So it’s all right.

-

SECOND VERSE [ 0:38 - 1:04 ] - Gavin the Commander

The grating, scratchy sounds come in, injecting a metallic feeling which is in line with how S2 Gavin is often described as a “sharp blade” numerous times. As mentioned earlier, these sounds could also be a depiction of the layers of friction between MC and S2 Gavin.

MC is on her guard around S2 Gavin at the start, such as in R&S [Reunited Yesterday] where she thinks of leaving Lynn’s Kitchen the moment she sees that Gavin’s there too, and how she was genuinely fearful and trembling when he used his Evol to send her hovering her over the ocean in Stray Date.

If you listen carefully, you can hear that the individual piano notes are somewhat copying the upward climb of the guitar we’re used to hearing in the S1 bgm.

This could represent MC holding on to her memories of S1 Gavin as she navigates the new dynamics she has with S2 Gavin, which gives her the courage not to get intimidated by his cold exterior, and to trust him completely.

Gavin: I haven’t even rescued you out yet.

MC: With you around, there won’t be a problem.

-

FIRST CHORUS [ 1:04 - 1:28 ]

From 1:19 to the end of the chorus, the piano keys go off on their own, and they come across much more confident and complement the guitar notes much more than in the first verse.

I see all the choruses as instances where S2 Gavin and MC are given opportunities to work together, and we witness how well they gel as a pair. The best examples so far would be Stray Date and The Guardian Project.

I’m no longer that person who only knows how to let you stand in front of me. This time, I’ll stand beside you, and will not back down.

-

THIRD VERSE [ 1:28 - 1:56 ]

Nothing to say here, similar analysis to the second verse!

-

SECOND CHORUS [ 1:56 - 2:22 ]

Same analysis as the previous chorus.

-

BRIDGE [ 2:22 - 2:47 ] - Reminiscence

This part is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s obviously in stark contrast to the rest of the song as the piano takes the stage here. Even though you can still hear the electronic guitar in the background, it’s incredibly muted and mirroring the melody of the piano.

The instrument complementing the piano (it sounds like a harpsichord?) sounds like a middleground between the sharpness of the electronic guitar and the gentleness of the piano.

And here’s where the piano chords I mentioned at the start are significant. This is the only part in the entire song where the piano chords aren’t played. Rather, the chords are broken up and played as individual notes.

This part gives me the mental image of S2 Gavin and MC on the rooftop of Loveland High, reminiscing on their school days when things were simpler. It’s a moment where they peel away their roles as STF’s Commander and Black Swan’s Nox, and are simply Gavin and MC, old friends from school.

It basically represents the rare, precious moments of reprieve S2 Gavin and MC get in the ever-looming danger of S2.

Yet, even outside this safe bubble, the chords continue to be played consistently. They may be subdued in certain parts of the song, and louder in others, but the chords are always there. Their shared past in Loveland High isn’t something S2 Gavin can just ignore. On the contrary, it’s something that likely supported him through his time in the Police Academy:

Gavin is standing underneath a tree, holding a photograph in his hand.

Gavin doesn’t notice Tang Chao. All of his focus is channelled onto that photograph. In this moment, he seems to have unloaded all his defences, becoming a Gavin different from his usual self. Those perpetually stern eyes have grown dim, bringing with them a twinge of fatigue.

Tang Chao holds his breath, subconsciously squinting his eyes to identify the photograph. On it seems to be… a female? Could she be Instructor Gavin’s…

-

THIRD CHORUS [ 2:47 - 3:13 ] - The power couple

The chorus returns with incredible force, and it’s slightly different from the first two choruses. In the first chorus, the piano is subdued. In the second chorus, you can hear the piano, but it melds into the melody.

In this chorus, the piano is clearly audible, but it doesn’t disappear into the melody like in the second chorus. It goes off on its own, yet blends with the music at the same time.

I’m given the image of a power couple who complement and fight alongside each other. We see this very clearly in The Guardian Project), where S2 Gavin sees MC as an equal to the point where he readily agrees to go along with her plan without having to hear it first.

MC: I have a plan. It could lure the suspect out without requiring more manpower. Would you like to try?

Gavin turns his head to look at me steadily.

Gavin: What do you need me to do?

MC: You’re agreeing just like that?

-

OUTRO [ 3:13 - end ] - The future

As mentioned at the beginning, the introduction mirrors the middle portion of S1 Gavin’s theme. Here, the outro mirrors the first few notes of S1 Gavin’s theme...

We see S1 Gavin in S2 Gavin. His clumsy way of showing concern, his protectiveness over MC, his jealous tendencies, his handsome face, etc.

Gavin: But protecting you - this won’t change.

His expression is very cold, and a certain emotion seems to be restrained in his voice.

What he says is reminiscent to words being tossed out in a fit of anger. At the same time, it’s also reminiscent of a vow he has always been fulfilling.

Gavin: Regardless of position, I’ll never let you get caught up in danger.

The tune draws to a close with a crescendo which ends abruptly yet on a hopeful, anticipatory note. Their story is far from over, and I can’t wait to see what this undefeatable tag team will accomplish together.

-

Final thoughts:

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this even though S2 is still very far away LOL And special thanks to @ginkgomoon​ who has been waiting patiently for this analysis T^T♡ If you enjoy reading Gavin-related analysis, do check out her blog!!

I wish I were a better writer so I can fully convey why the S2 Gavin x MC dynamic is so incredible, and quell the worry most Gavin stans have about S2.

Relying on my translations is a completely different experience compared to hearing the emotions in the voiced lines and seeing the sprites, so I can understand why it might be difficult to feel as much for them as I do T-T

The thing I love most about the S2 dynamic is that the relationship between them is much more natural. Instead of S1 Gavin falling head over heels for MC the moment he saw her in the rain and started following her around, S2 Gavin and MC already established a friendship in Loveland High in S2. And they tease each other so much more HNNGHGH SLOW BURNS HURT SO GOOD

[cheri-translates]

Hiii cheri.. just want to share my thoughts on the new PV of s2 im kinda sad to see that scene ☹ espcially in gavin i just hope the story will be good (sorry im a gavin stan hehehe).. On s2 im starting to like shaw oh nooooo!! I should not betray gavin but shaw is stealing my heart little by little 😱 and im curious about joker

( ´ ∀ `)ノ～ ♡ WELL I can’t say for sure if the story will be good... Sometimes I think the writers didn’t expect MLQC to gain such massive popularity so they’re just scrambling to figure out how to keep the plot interesting, but it ends up turning into a mess HAHA But there’s really no need to be sad. No matter what the guys do, it’s all for the best interests of MC 💞 Have faith in them!

Don’t worry, it’s normal to like Shaw!! Shaw has stolen my heart countless times, and the main reason Gavin manages to get it back each time is probably because of how little Shaw content we get in comparison 😂

I’ve compiled some info about Joker and Tang Chao (I’m including him because both of them are getting sprites) based on previous Asks I’ve received if you’re curious:

Tang Chao

Introduced in Ch 2 when he interrogated MC

Gavin’s teammate in the Special Operations Team

His Evol is being able to tell when someone is lying

HAS A PONYTAIL

An R&S of his backstory and how he met Gavin: here

Joker

Introduced in Ch 6

Around 20 years of age, a student from Loveland University

His Evol seems to be negating another person’s Evol, but this hasn’t been confirmed

Has gray-black eyes

Pretty mysterious. Not sure if he’s affiliated with Gray Rhino (i.e. the antagonist organisation of S2 with the aim of getting rid of Evol)

Interesting fashion sense as seen from the teaser above

Are they new love interests / special encounters like Shaw?

As of now, I am 99% certain that the answer is no

There has been no official statement about this, and judging by how poorly-received new love interests / special encounters are to the CN community, it’d be a really bad move for Papergames to introduce a new dateable character at this juncture when players have already established such strong bonds with the main love interests!