Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Community
Telegram ThePornDude
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Midnight Teatime #2 - Power stuggles and Sex (Patreon)

Published:
2020-06-02 13:15:13
Edited:
2020-06-02 13:15:56
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:

Content

**Remember to save your essays elsewhere, y'all! Patreon has been spiriting away posts**

Deepest thanks to Emily and Lola for putting together the Midnight Teatime prompts with tons of love and affection for the MPL universe <3 For detailed info on this segment, please see this post.Dearest Patrons, thank you all so much for participating in last week's essay prompt! It was a terrific start and we had some brilliant discussions, and I am literally thirsting for MORE brain food from y'all <33 Without further ado, here's MTT #2. Enjoy <33

This Week's Essay Prompt:For today's topic, let's discuss the dynamics of power struggles (and sex, for the Secret Garden Tier Patrons) in Midnight Poppy land. In both the main storyline and the Secret Garden posts, the balance of power seems to shift back and forth between Poppy and Tora. They each exhibit an ability to control or manipulate the other, but in drastically different ways. Pick a scene or a Secret Garden post and discuss the power dynamics depicted there. Does the upper hand shift between characters, or does one maintain control over the other? Let's discuss!

Guidelines:1) Essay Prompts are posted twice a month. "Essay" = any written analysis, opinion or theory based on the prompt. Research the topic and learn something new, or let your mind run away with the question. Basically, just have fun!

2) As soon as you've completed your essay, post them in the comment section below. There are no deadlines, but do finish up your essays before the next prompt is up, so more people get to read it.

3) There are no word count requirements, but feel free to link to an external document (eg, Google Doc) when necessary.

4) This exercise is open to ALL Patrons, so...• If you are a non-Fast Pass user, note that there will be spoilers, so do navigate the posts with your own discretion.• If you are a Fast Pass user writing about FP content, you must mark your post with the *SPOILER WARNING* tag. Fast Past-related posts without a spoiler tag will be removed immediately, but you may re-post it with the tag in place.

5) Please be respectful and courteous. Everyone's thoughts and opinions are equally valid and welcome. And if your opinion is a strongly negative one, do be gentle with it.

6) This exercise is meant to open up more in-depth discussions, so even if you're not posting an essay, you are always welcome to leave your comments, and dive into more discussions with the essay contributors.Final note from Lily: This is a fun, informal writing exercise, and while I respect all theories and analysis, the essays presented here are not necessarily conclusive to the main MPL storyline.

Files

Comments

Nicolette

Looks like I’m going to need to read all the Secret Garden Posts over again. 😕 Darn. 😜

Julia G

*rubs hands together* time to re-read everything again 🤗 not that I need an excuse to do that 😂 these essays are going to be super interesting 🤔

Ashley H.

On the surface, it obviously seems like Tora would have the power due to his physical strength (🤤). But Poppy has proven herself to draw power in very resourceful ways. First let's talk about Poppy's power. She always gives consent to Tora's presence (like in the recent fast pass eps where *SPOILER* she buzzes Tora through the gate even though he could have forced his way through). Poppy always has the option to run from him, and he's certainly expected her to do so a few times. She also knows how to rely on people for help, like keeping her friends on video chat while Tora was over or when she accepted help from the cab driver after her personality endeared her to him. I think part of the attraction Tora feels for her is the way she wields power but does it by being so open-minded and kind. Tora's power is the total opposite. He's used to very brute force. But what I find really interesting is he is terrified of his power, and that's what keeps him in check. He always seeks Poppy's consent, like their interaction on her balcony, he backs off a bit when she shows hesitation towards him. Poppy's kind presence especially seems to hold a mirror up to him and makes him hate the power that he has, but he also can't help but use it, and even enjoy it, sometimes (like threatening the guard at Poppy's building). And Poppy totally senses it. I think everything changed for her when he rescued her from the tree anonymously, and she keeps catching glimpses of his own insecurities underneath his hard (🤤) exterior. I think the radical, conscientious consent between the two of them is really foundational to their chemistry. Tora respects Poppy's space, and Poppy respects Tora's gang situation, I think because she has a sense he is trapped by it. I really love the Secret Garden content because of their dynamic: Tora gives off clear but non-aggressive signals he wants her, and it is left up to Poppy, the one with less physical power, to decide if she wants to physicaally initiate.

Alex

SPOILER WARNING Tora is physically strong, makes good money, has power due to what he is and the reputation he has being the balthuman right hand man and most trusted “dog” but he hates and is tormented by these things cause it further his resolve as to him not being worthy of having anything good happen to him and being ashamed of who he is and the world he lives in*spoiler*which he says to gyu/ronzo in episode 34. truth be told he has no idea who he is other than being a loyal “belonging” as lily put it to the balthuman clan, he feels he has no other identity other than the one he has forcibly been given .whereas with poppy, no she may not be physically strong and a little naive and may not comes from a world like tora but she is strong in the fact that she knows who she is and what she stands for and is willing to do things that other normal ppl wouldn’t do such as going after Mr lam not just once but Twice knowing she might end up in danger and instead of that scaring her it just further he resolve to make sure that the ppl she cares about or has any kind of communication with is okay and unharmed. Believing in herself enough to do what can’t be done unless you are part of that world yourself. She is also very aware as well that tora is not from the right side of the streets but that doesn’t stop her from believing in him even though they just met recently she already sees the good in tora even when he can’t see it in himself which I think will definitely be something that is brought up later on i think. she knows that he is deserving of having more than what he has settled for which she clearly states when she says “I just dont feel like your the bad person your trying to make yourself out to be.” In episode 19 and hopefully with time and her persistence which she very well known for, lol, tora will be able to see the good in him too.

andrea

*Is currently going through all MPL episodes and SG post* Hubby: you look red. R you okay? Me: yeah totally, just came back from hot yoga *hehe*

kaielichi

I think the most interesting thing about Tora and Poppy's relationship is that it seems to be an exploration of what KIND of power is more powerful--hard power (Tora) vs soft power (Poppy). Tora obviously wields extreme hard power (brute force, violence, intimidation, etc), but we also see throughout the building of their relationship that Poppy is changing him. Slowly but surely, she is planting little seeds of hope in him. Hope that there is another way of living for him, as he states in MPL episode 29. We also see her ability to wield soft power in her relationships with other people, like Mr. Lam and the cab driver. Poppy uses her charm, wit, and in the SG posts sex appeal to influence people into doing what she wants. I kind of hate putting it that way because it makes her sound manipulative, but in all honesty I don't think manipulation is inherently a bad thing. On another note, my favorite thing about this series (both MPL and the SG side stories) is the concept of power play. In sexual relationships I think being able to consentingly relinquish power to someone else is the ultimate form of power, because to give it away automatically denotes that you had the power in the first place, and knowing that you can take it back at any moment just solidifies one’s status as the true owner. Tora might be able to physically overpower Poppy at any moment, but Poppy gets to decide whether or not he does so (i.e. SG post #10-11). That's one of the reasons being submissive can be such a turn on. Sometimes giving up one's power can be more satisfying that wielding it. Not the most concise input, but I hope this makes sense lol.

Lola

Guys I’m at work and this is all I could manage, but hope it makes sense? Power struggles: Poppy as a demure vixen. *FP spoilers (I think?) and NSFW references* “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” Margaret Thatcher once said. This quote reminds me of Poppy and her outer appearances. At first blush, you could make many assumptions on her and her character. Due to her physical appearance, height and demeanor, people could count her as someone who is not “threatening” or someone who is not “dominant”. She could be often overlooked and dismissed. This point may be driven even further if you count how she dresses in the beginning of the comic, such as her first meeting with Mr.Lam. But Poppy is much more than her outer appearances and she explains as much with her talks with Erdene outside of their work building. “Sometimes getting away is a better option than getting your way,” she tells Erdene. She can use it as a defense mechanism. She is able to shift the power dynamics when it is more convenient for her. It allows her to move in different stratospheres and go unnoticed to achieve her goals. Even with Tora when she confessed to giving the appearance of “girl next door”, but she knows more than she is willing to offer him in terms of personal information and insight into her character. The ability that Poppy has gained over the years with that “girl next door” attitude and frankly, also her outer appearace, gives Poppy the capacity to hide in plain sight. She is able to get others to trust her quickly, like Tora, like the cabby. Not only that, but it helps her achieve her goals at her own comfort level. Not to say she cannot be pushed to do things outside her comfort zone, such as her following Mr.Lam to Club Miracle. At that first glance, you might think Poppy is inexperienced. And in canon MPL universe she is perhaps so. But contrasting to what we see from her on the SG universe, she is adventurous, she is bold, and she strives to achieve her goals. They are two sides of the same coin, and even though we do not have actual confirmation that canon Poppy is as adventurous in the bedroom, we can see she likes to tiptoe with danger and not afraid to do so. She has incredible strength of character hiding behind a demure exterior. Poppy is not afraid to be daring and fearless. For example, taking the initiative with Mr.Lam and trying to secure his financial support, even to let herself be guided along the alleyways of Narin City by a guy she does not even know the name of. Right to her inviting that very same guy up to her apartment and asking him for a favor. By joining both sides of the same coin, our demure vixen can shift power dynamics to get what she wants, and thus achieve fulfillment. She is lucky, however, to have found a guy more than willing and able to keep up with it, and even to relish in it. Even though Tora would be traditionally “dominant”, he can let himself be guided by her. In doing so, he complements her. Not only that, he respects those boundaries and thus allows Poppy to do things at her comfort level. She is no passive participant, however, in the SG world we can see that she is frequently the one initiating contact.Through this, she is able to find balance with Tora’s personality. When she allows herself to be adventurous, she can explore more of her inner qualities and combine both the demure side and her vixen side of herself . By taking charge of her own sexuality, by being an active participant in the bedroom, she can achieve an equal footing with Tora and be the feminist I know she is. She also can get her way after all, dominance or submission be damned. At the end of the day, what really matters, is Poppy getting her way.

Lilz

In order to avoid spoilers I will instead briefly discuss my thoughts on vulnerability.   Despite Poppy’s outward naivete, I believe she has a very strong sense of self. You can see this is how she shares her art with Tora in Ep 27. Every time you make a piece of art you are depositing a bit of your soul within it. (This also applies to the entire MPL webtoon, Thank you Lilydusk for sharing your art with us.) To share that art with people is such a personal experience. It makes you vulnerable. Vulnerable to criticism and praise. Yet, in that scene when she shares her art, she seems confident in it and thus confident in herself. She doesn’t seem embarrassed or hesitant especially when Tora starts to try to interpret the painting. I found this whole scene very sweet because of the vulnerability Poppy was showing in sharing her art, and the fun interpretation banter they had while Tora tried to guess what it was.   Now Tora on the other hand is somewhat opposite of Poppy. He is outwardly strong and confident. He’ll wear a strawberry hair-tie and put out a cigarette on his tongue, but on the inside he seems quite unsure of himself. Where Poppy doesn’t seem too preoccupied with her outer image, Tora seems to care a great deal how others see him (seen in the same Ep 27 in the grocery store). He seems to spend most of his time in worry and stress (hence his smoking vice). Tora’s vulnerability comes from a life of neglect and uncertainty. Always feeling like you have to look over your shoulder, and not being certain of anything or anyone in your life creates Tora’s vulnerability. But, I’m hoping he will find a kind of certainty in Poppy.   I predict that as this story progresses you will see Poppy start to become more outwardly strong while maintaining her inner confidence, and Tora to become more inwardly confident while maintaining his confident exterior. They will help each other achieve this, together they will create balance, not only balance with each other but also balance within themselves as individuals.    (And as for the Secret Garden…we see Tora be dominant a lot of the time, which fits with his outward character of needing to be in control and being outwardly confident. But, in the most recent gym episode, we see Poppy play more of an initiator role and assert herself in what she wants (and TAKING it) and I am here for it!) 😜

Lenaloo

Mild spoilers for Sugar and Spice Secret Garden I think a strong example is the Sugar and Spice series. On the surface, it seems like a man taking advantage of a vulnerable girl, but in truth, Poppy has all the power. Sure the customer can request her, but if she says no nothing happens without her consent. She is the one who offers to take the shinanigans to the privet rooms because that is where she will feel more at ease, and Tora complies. With Tora, there is the facade that he is the one in control, but the truth is that he is at her will (and if thats not sexy idk what is lol). Yes, he makes the first moves, and even the more aggressive moves, but he still shows tenderness and care for her, he cares more about her comfort and pleasure than his own. When he assumes that she is turning him down, he pulls out the tit for tat card, but really he is afraid to push her. It's not until she asserts what she wants does he give in to his desires, even when he comes back and is more aggressive than before to get her to leave, it's still Poppy who tells him to do it so she can prove her strength. I like this series because it's all about a woman taking power from a situation where most would assume that she has none. She's proving that she doesn't need Tora to protect her because she can defend herself. She knows that she has the power and that it's hers to give out as she pleases. I hope that this state of mind she has in SAS comes out in MPL. Sure Poppy in MLP seems innocent, but i think thats only because she reserves it for the one who deserves to see it and not just anyone who tries. I see many similarities in SAS Poppy and MPL Poppy and hope that when the time comes, she brings that sugar and spice that is definitely inside her and shows Tora, who is the boss.

Allie Kelly

I don’t have a essay this time as I find the idea intimidating but I adore all of you amazing humans and your well written and insightful thoughts. I have enjoyed everyone’s essays and responses. You are all awesome and Lily thank you for bringing everyone together with your stories and these essays. so much more then just a web comic.

Ele_Smiles

There are so many facets to the power struggle in MPL. I’m thinking back to Ep 5 – there’s a flash back of Tora as a young boy being cruelly imprisoned. Just think about the “family” Tora was raised in, the way they chose to raise him and the occupation he’s tied to because of that socio-economic control that Balthuman has over him. He controls his money, his occupation, his social circle and his very life. Balthuman is the longest standing “father-figure” (I use that term loosely) that Tora has , and he has completely abused his status in Tora’s life in every way. Tora has been coerced and punished into obedience from a young age by Balthuman, to the point that he does not believe he’s a good person – he doesn’t like himself. I think it’s part of the reason he’s never truly thought about breaking away from Balthuman. He doesn’t think he deserves better in life – that is before Poppy came into the picture. That’s where Poppy’s power over Tora comes in. Poppy is honest, kind, and genuine with Tora. He’s taken off guard with all of this because the power dynamic he knows is ‘fear and intimidation.’ In Ep 29 he even said they are ‘a weapon and instinct…It’s the language I’ve spoken all my life [and] all I’ve ever known.” Now here comes Poppy treating Tora like a person worth knowing, worthy of holding hands with and acknowledging his kindness even though he tries to remain anonymous (catching her when she fell out of a tree). She has this referent-emotional power over him and it’s starting to make him question his views about himself. Tora now wants to continue being someone Poppy admires, and I don’t think he cared about anyone’s opinion before her. I think Poppy will eventually give Tora the courage and strength to break away from Balthuman and to finally start seeing he’s worthy of good things. I can’t wait for the story to unfold that get’s us all there <3

Emily Basso

I was going to try to keep this short (LOL okay Emily), because I originally wanted to focus on a Secret Garden post, but I feel like it’s important to explore Poppy and Tora’s real dynamics first. And as usual, this got out of hand… so maybe I will just write a SG essay later in the week. But I started thinking about Poppy and Tora’s relationship, and the possibilities just exploded in my brain! Power and control can be applied to many aspects of this story, but I’m choosing to look at this from the angle of desire. By that, I mean what does a character want, and how do they use their own skills to obtain it? I’m going to stick to only Poppy and Tora’s relationship as well, just to keep things brief (again...lol not gonna happen). It ended up being an analysis of their interactions only up to chapter 18…at least until later in the week if I get a second wind and add more. So be prepared for a long one, and I hope you enjoy! https://docs.google.com/document/d/10rZrQzUTF2-_nOmH0WMtX85R94Le33yNxw4PGofUkMY/edit?usp=sharing

Bukgirl

These are all very well thought all. Its going to take a while as I'm new here before I fully post. Lots of nice food for thought.

Victoria Dias

I’ll make it short cause everyone has pretty much said things I agree and such! I think the difference between their power is that Tora’s is physical, while Poppy’s is psychological. In a way, both need each other for their goals and gets entangled, but it’s a fact that while Poppy tries to have physical power (like when she punches Tora at Alice’s) and kind of fails, Tora tries to have psychological approaches with Poppy and kind of fails too 😂 So... this applies on their sex scenes in SG too, she’s almost always leading and having the upper hand, even physically (I think that’s what differs MPL of SG, she’s more forward physically too) This dynamic exchange is what makes things flow so well, they complement each other and their power - while being extremely different - are both super strong. THANKS LILY 💕

Julia G

The scene I chose focus on is the encounter at Chevy’s Restaurant and the pursuit of Mr. Lam. To start off, Tora holds the power in the beginning. The second Poppy sees him and realizes who he is, she turns away and goes a different direction to avoid him. Generally, her choice to change directions would be considered an act of her being in control but she is reacting to his presence even though he’s not doing anything in this situation. From that moment, she continues to react to him throughout her time in the restaurant. At the table, she sees Tora again while he’s on the phone and starts freaking out about whether her recognized her when she thinks she sees him smirk. We then see Tora smiling to himself over her reaction, it is at that point that I believe Tora realizes that he has some power over her. When Poppy tries to stop Mr. Lam from leaving, we see Tora test this newfound power he has by attempting to prevent her from following Mr. Lam. Poppy is faced with a choice in this moment, will she let Tora continue to have power over her decision or will she take the power back. In her decision to stand up to Tora and pursue Mr. Lam anyway, Poppy takes control away from Tora. Poppy gives chase, while Tora is left staring after her. While Poppy wanders the streets in pursuit of Mr. Lam, we see Tora driving after leaving the restaurant. He tells Quincey over the phone that he left because he didn’t feel like staying, this is Tora realizing her words had enough affect on him to cause him to leave and he’s trying to deny that her words had that much power to drive his actions. However, Tora continues to replay the encounter in his mind. At this point, Tora has to choose to ignore the power Poppy’s words have on him or admit that, just as Poppy couldn’t stand back while Mr. Lam was at risk, Tora couldn’t just drive away knowing Poppy herself was walking (or running) into danger. In the end, Tora changes directions and heads back to intercept Poppy before she gets into Scharch’s crosshairs. As soon as Tora reaches her, Poppy relinquishes control of the situation because she recognizes that with Tora‘s help, considering he knows the men with Mr. Lam, Poppy will have a better chance of getting to him. Tora attempts to assert control (unaware that Poppy has already chosen to give him control) by telling Poppy to get in his car but we all know what happens to Tora’s car. When Tora takes off running after the tow truck, he instinctively pulls Poppy along with him maintaining control over where she goes. After they stop chasing the tow truck, when Poppy asks how much more they have to run, Tora’s expression is close to surprise almost like he didn’t realize he’d instinctively grabbed Poppy’s hand but he immediately brushes off that surprise, too irritated about his car. When Poppy spots Mr. Lam, she attempts to head after them and initially leaves Tora behind. Now with a clear destination in mind, Tora directs Poppy to the side streets/stairs/alleys that make up a shortcut. In leading her, Tora continues to hold control and make decisions on where Poppy goes. The stairs is an interesting power struggle to me. Here we see Poppy standing higher on the steps, placing her above Tora. This positioning on its own is a visual indication of power. Tora, who must be used to having the upper hand over others, has to know that he’s given her some advantage in the form of higher ground. This is likely due to his belief that Poppy poses no threat (which I’m still leaning towards Poppy having some decent experience with boxing or the like-she was more proud of herself for managing to hit Tora than she was upset over making him bleed-Tora also hasn’t been socked in the nose yet). Tora also naturally holds the higher ground being so much taller than Poppy, and most people in general. That is a power he is likely secure in and letting her have higher ground for a few minutes seems like no big deal to him because she’s not a threat in his mind. Poppy reaches out to touch Tora’s hair. Tora, being unfamiliar with such an innocent gesture, is shocked by Poppy’s behavior and stares at her. Normally, the person standing higher would be considered the one in power but it is actually Tora who is still holding the power at this point. With his choice to help her, he has reinforced Poppy’s trust in him (however little that trust may be at this time). With that trust blooming, Poppy feels brave enough and comfortable enough to reach out and touch Tora despite barely knowing him. She is drawn to Tora and that is a power he unknowingly holds in regards to Poppy. While she babbles, uncomfortable with the fact that she just touched him and she can’t tell how he feels about it, Tora puzzles at her touch. Instead of reacting to the touch, and relinquishing some control back to Poppy, Tora brushes off her actions and resumes focus on his phone. After this, Poppy makes an observation based on assumptions that strikes a nerve in Tora. Likely unhappy with the fact that her words once again had an affect on him, Tora begins to actively exert dominance towards Poppy. Tora steps up on the stairs, placing them at eye level with each other. This briefly makes them equals, however, Tora uses his trademark intimidation to regain control and takes back the higher ground. This behavior is about regaining control of himself just as much as it is to maintain control over Poppy. Poppy reacts as anyone faced with Tora’s intimidation techniques does, she freezes and trembles with anxiety. Tora assumes she’s mentally cursing him but we see from her thoughts that she’s reviewing what she knows about him and what he’s done to cause her to make assumptions then she reminds herself why she’s following him and what they are trying to accomplish and she decides it’s better for the situation if she doesn’t bring up her reasons behind her assumptions. She answers Tora’s question about cursing him reflexively and that instant response reminds me of the saying “When I say ‘jump’, you ask ‘how high?’”. She immediately changes her answer and tries to regain control over the situation by denying that she was curing him then continues to follow his lead. Tora laughs at her reaction when she can’t see him. He knows that he’s still in control of the situation because she is still following him but he is amused by her ability to brush off his intimidation and her attempts to scold him. When they get back to a main street, Poppy’s phone rings. They stop moving and Tora waits for while she answers the phone. While Poppy talks, Tora lights a cigarette. Poppy then coughs while she’s talking and Tora puts out the cigarette immediately. Tora, who maybe an hour before was threatening to put a cigarette out in Claude’s eye and also ignored his boss the day before this when Vincent scolded him for smoking, put out his cigarette without even being asked because Poppy cough from the smoke. This action is was a reflexive move on Tora’s part, going back to my earlier statement of Tora not wanting Poppy to be harmed this time by his own actions. Poppy realizing that Tora’s help is no longer needed, takes back control by refusing to allow him to lead her anymore and tries to make a quick exit. Tora stops her. Poppy froze as soon as he told her to “Hold it.” and this immediate response to his order shows he still has some power over her. Tora offers her his card and tells her to call him if anything happens while tossing some stealthy shade over the comments Poppy made towards him earlier in the day. This ploy makes Poppy feel bad for the things she said and more willing to accept Tora’s card probably to avoid insulting him more by refusing it. Then they part ways after Tora’s “lethal weapon” joke that Poppy doesn’t fall for. All-in-all this was a lot, but I had a lot of fun taking this encounter between Poppy and Tora apart and probably used more than the prompt meant by “chose a scene” but there was too much to work with and I couldn’t stop until they parted ways at the end. 😁

Kate Szemkus

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting here. Sorry if my wording is off or incorrect - English is not my native language. Anyways, I hope I can contribute to this great topic. So here we go 🙂 I believe that Poppy holds true power in the relationship as she is a representation of love. There is nothing more powerful in this world than (unconditional) love, which comes in many different shapes and forms. For example, Poppy is patient - by respecting Tora’s privacy and not pushing certain matters. Poppy is kind - This is shown in pretty much every interaction she has with Tora, but especially when she made the Tora rice ball. Just how much thought and gentleness Poppy put into the meal shows her caring and loving nature. Poppy doesn’t judge - she accepts Tora for who he is and doesn’t put him in a box like everyone else does. She is aware of the fact that Tora is involved in some bad business and he looks that part too, yet she doesn’t put a thug stamp on him but instead uses her discernment and good judgement of character through which she is able to see his kind but lonely heart. Poppy is selfless - She cares so much for the happiness and well-being of others, e.g. Researching and finding ways to not have to reveal anything about Tora should she have to go to the police regarding Mr. Lam as well as helping Mr. Lam get out of harms way and now with his wife’s final wish. Also, Tora sees the selflessness in Poppy by the actions she has taken to help Mr. Lam. With all that said, Poppy is slowly pulling Tora out of the darkness into the light, making him feel loved and appreciated on so many levels and in so many different ways. Tora has never experienced love and through Poppy, he is getting a taste of what it is like, which is why he is pulled towards her so much. Through this power Poppy holds over him, Tora may well be able to accept himself and ultimately find joy and happiness. Also, I want to say a big thank you to Lily for this absolutely amazing story and artwork. You truly are an inspiration ❤️ Thank you for all the hard work you put into this - it is truly appreciated!

Annie J

Jesus, Patreon keeps eating my comment. I sense a conspiracy!😅 Sorry if I post multiple times...  So after discussing with Emily I decided to write about Vincent and the perception of women his world.  So I guess there are no spoilers. I see Vincent as an older generation who saw little value in women, except for what they can bring him. For a woman to be other than arm candy, would mean that he trusts her and puts her in play, which I don’t see him doing.  To give her power in the eyes of his lieutenants would be giving her power over him, giving her power to weaken him should she betray him.  And betray him she would because women were always seen as the weaker sex. I would be surprised if he ever gave power to a woman.  If he ever came in contact with a woman in a position of power, I am pretty sure he didn’t accept to be meekly her arm candy.   Men like Vincent also wouldn’t accept a woman leaving him.  He would have to be the one throwing her away.  Again, it’s all a question of how others would perceive him.  A woman leaving him would mean he might not be as powerful as he looks.  Also, she would become a liability because maybe she was working for another gang or the law.  She wouldn’t be seen as only leaving a relationship that didn’t suit her anymore.  On the other side, if he was the one to discard her, it would mean he didn’t have any more use for her, that he was ready to have another piece of candy on his arm.  Again, all in a show of power in front of others.  Ironically, a woman wanting to leave such a situation would have to use her cunning and sex to make him want to discard her and lay low probably for the rest of her life.  She would stay safe as long as she proved Vincent was right to discard her.  If she was to show up in his radar again, he would become suspicious of her and would probably try to get rid of her, in the off chance she’s in possession of information that could bring him down.   Sadly women in power are seen as in need of a masculine hand.  Men will get close and try to access power by controlling them.  We have many examples in history, like Elisabeth I who had to refuse all men and be called the Virgin Queen to be taken seriously as a ruler.  Even today, women using sex to display their power will be seen as fickle, untrustworthy and slutty.  

Darla (Tora’s THOT)

SECRET GARDEN TIER READERS ONLY! Spoilers!!! One of my all time favorite SGs is #35! This SG is the most BDSM related of all as Poppy is tied up to the bed posts blindfolded as Tora gives her head. Let’s start off with what BDSM stands for: Bondage/discipline, discipline/submission, & Sadism/masochism. In this SG clearly displays bondage, and submission on Poppy’s part. She’s blindfolded, breasts and pussy exposed, restrained with ropes on the bed posts, and is wearing a collar with a chain leash that Tora is holding. Tora has most of the power here as he’s the one with the chain in hand and completely in control of what will happen to Poppy. She’s completely vulnerable and exposed and thankfully Tora is not a bad guy that’s going to take advantage of her and do whatever the hell he wants. His role is purely to pleasure Poppy, and he still subtly asks permission before he does anything. While he’s above her fingering her, he asks, “I’m gonna taste you now okay?” That gives Poppy the chance to back out if she isn’t comfortable. Consent is huge between their sexual relationship. Another side of this SG that I love so much is that even though Tora is considered the DOM here, one can also argue that Poppy is the one calling the shots. I see Poppy like a queen B 👸🏻 🐝 . Having her worker bee 🐯 🐝(Tora) do everything so SHE GETS ALL THE PLEASURE. He does everything to make her come which she does because he’s the master of eating pussy! In conclusion, Tora is the definite Dom in this scene BUT Poppy calls the shots and reaps all the benefits!!

kluebcke

FAST PASS SPOILERS AHEAD, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK Well, the most recent fast pass update makes this prompt...very timely. That moment on the rooftop is something worth thinking about, fer sure. I well and truly hope that last call was not so that Vincent can kick Tora’s ass for not revealing Poppy’s accidental involvement at the beginning. Or do worse, given his documented history. Anywho...But, even though this post is supposed to be centered on Tora and Poppy, I think there’s also a very interesting discussion about the power dynamics between Tora and Quincey. Maybe it’s becoming more apparent given everything going on around the world (I don’t want this to become political, I think a lot of us are relieved to have a story like this to escape to, so...sorry, but it is a way to look at the story), but the difference between “having raw power” (whether that’s strength, numbers, resources, etc.) and “having privilege” is an interesting way to look at their relationship. Tora is very apparently the stronger person—at least physically, with no comments about other strength aspects (emotionally or mentally, things like that), since we haven’t seen enough of Quincey to draw conclusions in comparison to Tora. He is physically capable of getting out of almost any situation due to both his raw strength and willingness to be brutal when if he needs to. Yet Quincey, in many ways, runs their relationship. Not perfectly and not always, but for the most part. We see that in the very first episode with Tora’s reaction to the phone ringing: he’s initially willing to ignore Goliath, but his first comment leads me to believe he wouldn’t have thought of ignoring Quincey. Tora doesn’t really delay going to Quincey’s apartment to beta-read when he’s probably more interested in continuing to work out or making sure Poppy is okay. He had just a couple days earlier demonstrated he could kick Quincey’s ass if he wanted, but he doesn’t make that choice...because in many ways, he doesn’t have the ability to make that choice. The only reason he initially fails with driving Quincey to his old publisher’s building is because he was focused on Poppy, i.e., a new feature in his life whom he doesn’t yet know how to handle in any way, shape, or form. From my observations of the story, it’s intuitively obvious that Quincey knows he draws his privilege from his father’s position as the head of a crime syndicate. At the same time, I think it’s unclear how much he knows his privilege shapes his relationship with Tora, and I look forward to having that clarified, if it will come up in the story. I can’t imagine he knows nothing, but from what I recall as our only insight into their shared childhood, Quincey was actively being shielded from the complete and horrific ugliness of his father’s treatment of Tora. So there is a path in which Quincey views Tora as a friend who helps him, a member of the clan who has only experienced the same sort of nastiness from his father as others have. And that position allows him to wield his power from a position of ignorance, never knowing how the other person in that relationship doesn’t have the power to say “no”. Quincey doesn’t have to know Tora’s reality because he’s been protected from it.

Christina Agan

I know we are all talking about the kiss.....but can we take a moment to realize what Lam did? Telling Tora to have dignity and respect for HIMSELF. Given all that Tora said about himself in the previous episode, I feel like this was POWERFUL, and coming from a stranger no less.

Christina Agan

Also, oh my gosh, the kiss panel was so so beautiful. The lighting and the color was perfect. I loved every single bit of it. Thank you, Queen Lily for giving us something so beautiful and unexpected. Can we also just bask in the glory that is embarrassed Poppy shoving a disoriented Tora down the stairs all while screaming and cursing? Because I laughed so hard my sides hurt.

MissT

FASTPASS SPOILERS This essay will focus on Tora using his dominance for intimidation (and how that's different with Poppy): Tora’s dominance asserts itself early on. Now not all doms are alike, the typical image we think of is the billionaire sadist with a play room (you know what I mean). I see Tora much differently. In fact, people in IRL power positions often seek out ways to be submissive in their private lives (seeking balance). Tora on the other hand feels powerless often, having to fight every day for respect and safety. Natural dominance colors his every action - from the tight lid he keeps on his emotions to his desire to be in control of the notebook situation to putting his hands on Poppy leading her around at the earliest opportunities. He tries to assert himself with her by demanding she meet him for dinner, taking her someone she’ll be more comfortable, offering her actions to comply with to get the photo deleted. Setting rules and tit-for-tat arrangements is the behavior of a healthy dominant - you do things my way, but I need you to agree with the specifications. She can get the photo deleted if she gives him X. He’ll deliver the painting if she does Y. His power is achieved by rules, but it also creates a kind of distance. In the flashback of them eating dinner, he even yells at her to “Sit!” when she gets close to breaking his carefully won control. Poppy on the other hand, is a new girl in the city. She’s spent life since her father passed trying to prove she can be successful and make him proud. That’s a lot of pressure. And as much as she is independent, you can see she is drawn to Tora’s commanding aura. She follows all his rules and tit-for-tat arrangements, but he describes her as “bold.” He recognizes that she trusts him but is trying to protect herself (just as he is trying to protect her with cameras and keeping her out of the notebook situation). Poppy is used to giving to others, overextending, and the appeal of a partner who will tell her "Sit....Stay...I will take care of this" must be very appealing indeed. Small digression, but related - I think Tora may be a masochist. In popular media, dominant men are usually portrayed as sadists, but I see Tora a bit differently. Would he spank Poppy? Sure. But I think Tora has an attraction to pain himself. And masochist doms are interesting, because they can use their own nonchalance (even excitement) over pain to intimidate (enemy) or control (consensual submissive). What does he use to assert dominance with the guard, Trevor? Putting out a cigarette on his own tongue. Pain to HIMSELF. Showing others he’s not afraid of hurting his own body tells them he wouldn’t hesitate for a second to bring pain to them and hints that he might even enjoy it. The challenge with Tora is that he’s used his natural dominance for intimidation in the past. Now, he’s staring down at a tiny, country girl who dares to counter his demand of a kiss on the cheek with a full smackeroo on the lips. She’s testing his authority, his rules, in ways they are both - clearly - enjoying. With Poppy, his dominance comes out in ways he can protect her and control the situation (her getting embroiled in the criminal underworld) that he can never seem to achieve for himself. Though his life is out of control, he’s determined he WILL protect/control her safety.

MissT

FASTPASS SPOILERS (JUNE 5 EPISODE 35) - This mini-essay will focus on the power plays between Tora’s dominance & Poppy’s brat behavior. They are on the rooftop, and Poppy is frazzled, worried about work and delivering the painting. Tora says, “If you’ve still got work to do, then stay. I’ll deliver the painting for ya...but you know the rules.” Even in doing her a favor, he is looking out for her well-being. He doesn’t ask would-you-like-to-say, he TELLS her - Stay. He doesn’t comply with her request, he demands her submission through ‘the rules.” Poppy is not experienced with the kind of control he is trying to exert, saying, “THE RULES!!! I should have known.” But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t catch on fast. He taps his face, indicating he wants a kiss on the cheek. She huffs and puffs, and he warns her, “Hurry up before I change my mind. This spot right here.” Over and over, in quiet, calculated ways, he sets out rules for her to follow and waits to see if she’ll comply. Even the 'change my mind' is a way to say I'm-in-control. To me, the moment she considered what to do, looking him up and down, she chooses to submit to his demand but also chooses to take back control, even push him. Often times, people who identify as submissive ‘brats’ will aggressively comply with the rules. It's a way to assert their independence and strength but also test their doms. Like saying, “I’ll do what you say, but I’ll do it my way!” That kind of behavior is a lot harder for a dom to control because its not direct disobedience, and the dom knows that. It's part of the fun of the game. I think that bratty choice to counter Tora's controlling tendencies is what is (partly) at play in those few panels. They are both struggling with chaotic, growing feelings for each other. They both need the control, and they are both fighting for it. Dominance and submission are about finding a balance of power that pleases both parties - a respectful and fully honest interaction. They have a ways to go, but even in their discussion over the photo and his work life, they are slowly finding their way.

Katie Ferguson

Sex is powerful in many regards. Tora is clearly not an innocent, but Poppy has the power -through his feelings for her no doubt- make Tora feel powerless and powerful at the same time. He is powerless to her touch *SPOILER* her kiss like in Ep 35. Tora has been kissed before, but when Poppy took control by grabbing his hoodie and kissing him it shook him to the core in a good way. “Just for today”. Tora wants SO bad to just give in and be what Poppy wants him to be, but in the back of his mind he knows she NEEDS him to be as powerful, as cold, as he is in order to protect her. Poppy’s power both reigns Tora in - with her - and gives him strength/drive to protect her. Tora could physically dominate Poppy in the bedroom. And I think part of Poppy is aware of that. That she wants it. Tora would never do it without her consent. When they do, and I love the image LilyDusk made of their first time in Tora’s apartment, I think it will be a combination of Tora taking control, being physically dominant, and then surrendering to his “Little Hamster” because ultimately Poppy has that power over him. Sorry for the ramble

Laurel

I’m living for everyone’s posts! 💜 In MPL, Tora actually seems fragile to me. He’s been abused and it really made me think when Granny mentioned he’s fragile. It then got me thinking about Poppy. Poppy is very powerful. She talks about herself openly to Tora and her inner thoughts seem to always be flourishing. She’s not afraid to ask him the scary questions or openly call him out on his presumption bs of her liking him. She also takes time to explain to him why she, as a woman, reported to the police her first interaction with him. He was hurt because for a split second he thought she was just like everyone else, making assumptions about him. But instead she to him that you don’t go taking pictures of girls with good intentions. And he apologized in his own way because he’s actually trying to save her. Hold this thought for Tora next. So, Poppy is actually more powerful than Tora, in my outlook on it, because she understands and accepts her weaknesses and tries to do better when she makes mistakes. Tora has a glass wall up with dirt and dust on it. It’s not what I would think of as power. He’s big physically and knows how to put on a show. He knows how to intimidate. He understands survival of the fittest, means giving off an intimidation check higher than your opponent and when that doesn’t work, physical check is applied. When I see him with Poppy, he wipes away the dirt and dust and looks through. He’s slowly cleaning it little by little, but he definitely is wiping it off. I say glass wall because a stone wall is meant that no one can get in or out without some heavy artillery. My favorite moments are when Tora holds Poppy’s hand. It’s very raw to me because those same hands that are very brutal and have had a lot of blood on them, holds her hands like he wants to feel something. Like he just wants to be in the moment of contact with her! And! And! He’s never held anyone’s hand.😭 Yeah I definitely think a glass muddy dirty wall separates them. Also, the way he looks at her in the thumbnail of the WEBTOON grabs my heart because he’s looking at her with this raw emotion I can’t pick out specifically but it feels vulnerable.

AndySaro

NO SPOILERS. Don't know if I will get the change to write a full essay but here is an intro. Not sure how much of a writer I am but it was fun! Tora's finger gets slightly toasty as he is distracted getting his first glance at Poppy. To preoccupied elsewhere to look at what he is doing and lights up his flesh rather than the cigarette. The haven't even spoken and she is already causing some sort of physical reaction 🤣. Poppy score. Then, at a later scene a frame zooms into Poppy's chest as Tora recalls the infamous picture he trips and lands on his butt. They've only just met and for someone who appears to be in control he sure seems to be distracted and cought of guard. Tora hasn't realized what is to come. On the other hand, from Poppy's perspective at this point in the story it sure doesn't seem like she has the upper hand. From being cheating on, to getting into an accident accompanied by a bloddy shoe. Followed by a pervy picture from an intimating man with a gaze you can't look away from. Top it off with less than helpfull police including a creeper alert and ohh yea falling of a tree. This girl needs a Premier membership to Tripple AAA (or Tora 😋) Its only the first day in the story but you already see a push and pull tug of war of power struggles related to their personalities and attraction for each other.

LouCas27

Such amazing and insightful essays! All I can say is Poppy’s cheating ex-boyfriend is a total idiot - he obviously didn’t get her. Fine by us, since we get to see the unravelling of a funny, genuine and ehem, sexy relationship between Tora and Poppy 😘✌🏻🍓

mabarigroomer88

My immaturity and need for a what “happened if” wants a mini comic strip of her ex to try to get her back or seeing her in public and snubbing her causing Tora to exercise restraint in scaring the living daylights out of him. Or standing up for Poppy in some fashion that is cute and funny.

ᴄʜᴀꜱɪᴛʏ

This is really off topic but I really want to see further into Quincey and Tora relationship I went back and reread the previous chapters and I’m very curious as to what took place between the two growing up. When I reread I noticed tora is protective in a way towards Quincey and despite the fact they are completely different mentally and emotionally, after tora showed concern saying he wanted to beat Mr. Morrison ass, for plagiarism of Quincey’s work tora was automatically ready to do harm, and it seems on that note that tora was always somewhat like an brotherly figure to quince I also am very curious to see their relationship as kids because I would like to know what significance they pay in each other lives other than bodyguard and owner. Like is it more like mentor and student or like big brother/little brother. Because as I paid attention and read further into the previous chapters Quincey was in the picture with tora and Goliath and the rest of the gang ARES STREET KINGS, but I have no ideal if that’s still valid if not.