4.19 - Parse ♠️

I think the Parse / Whiskey story line has been one of my favourites. I like how it shows that while not everyone is going to be where Bitty or Jack are, what Bitty and Jack have done has really changed the context and narrative for everyone else— even where they aren't ready to come out or are still working everything out. I think that the story (as posted on the blog) still reads well without this chapter. Without 4.19 we see Parse as being stuck in a homophobic context and unable to move on because of that. In chapter 4 we see Whiskey as halfway between those worlds as he is trying to work out which direction to go in and what the costs and the benefits will be of each choice. Parse wasn't so much the antagonist, as was the world he lived in and his indirect contribution to it by going along with it. Bitty inviting him into the Haus (as a space full of people who will be safe, accepting, and looking out for him) is powerful as it changes the environment in which Whiskey has to make his decisions about who he is going to be. For that reason, it's possible that Whiskey won't end up quite where Parse is at 26; maybe it will be a bit better, and a bit easier for him, even if he won't be where Jack and Bitty are. But, at least he has the opportunity now to make that choice.

Wow, this is honestly one of my favorite updates ever, it’s so well written!! We get so much, with Bitty having learned to be more assertive and truly holding people accountable for what they do. And incredibly, you really helped me understand and sympathize with why Parse said and did the things he has, while giving us closure by making him understand his effect on Jack. This comic demonstrated so much growth for Bitty, Parse, and Jack (and he wasn’t even in it lmao). Also, Parse’s acknowledgement that Bitty and Jack going public helps and inspires him personally made me real emotional ngl. Idk if you ever have or will share why you didn’t post it publicly, and you certainly don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’d be curious to know what was behind that ❤️

I was so happy to see Bitty get some closer (That is - me-lol) I have so wanted someone to confront Kent about his behaviour - and it is good to see Kent grow up a little

It was great to see them have that conversation. Nice technique, Bitty. Feed Parse pie and then drop the hammer on him. I'm proud of Bitty for being such a good partner.

Octavia Atlas

I loved this so much, especially Bitty not letting Parse off the hook about what he said to Jack and WHY it was so bad. I love Parse and that's why I'm so happy to see this, because this is growth. Him understanding that his issues are his to deal with was SO GOOD. I just love this so much. I hope that you feel comfortable posting it someday, but I do understand why not. Please know that in the mean time, it's lovely and very much appreciated, and I look forward to having my own copy of it in the book!

Parse is channeling the full racoon look in the second page. Looks like he's there to raid the trash can, hahahaha. This is a great chapter, and really speaks to me as a fan. Also, EATING PIE IN BED?! I KNEW HE WAS A VILLIAN!!

Wow, Parse implied a whooole lot there about coming out himself someday! That was a big old vein of all manner of interesting! I read this through twice before I could come comment. I LOVED (like everyone!) Bitty refusing to let Parse off the hook. He said awful things, and he was trying to tell himself they were nothing important. I'm proud of Bitty for refusing to let him do that.

Vic or Vyxter

10/10 YES ms ukazu

Kate

this is so right to me. love to see that resolution

Loved this but I’ve always had a soft spot of Parse. I’m glad that he got closure with Bitty because he’s right, he doesn’t need it with Jack. Also getting massive Randall from Clerks vibes in these panels.

Excellent. This is exactly what I had hoped we'd see - Bitty has the chance to reinforce just HOW. MUCH. Parse fucked up and that it was not okay to say those things to Jack. It also showed that Parse is starting to realize that it's time to grow up and move on. That's the best possible result all around and I'm really glad that you gave them this bit of closure. I know the Parse-stans have been...difficult...but this feels right to me. I hope they don't give you too hard a time about it. And is it me or does Tango seem like the spiritual descendant of Johnson? :D

Wow!!!!! the growth is incredible. I love how Bitty handled it. I️ can’t even imagine how Bitty explained this situation to Jack after. I️ hope one day you do post it because it is so well written and I️ would love to scream into the void about how much I️ adore it.

I'm proud of Parse. Bitty wasn't about to let him half ass his apology and he realizes that. I'm glad that Parse got the closure he needed. Also he got to taste the pie! As always Tango is a delight!

sakurazero10

I love this comic so much. I hope you do eventually feel comfortable posting it, because I want to make so many celebratory meta posts about so many bits of it. Bitty gets to call him out! He tries to weasel his way out of it at first, but Bitty doesn't let him! He finally takes responsibility! SCRAPS! AND! TANGO! ARE! COUSINS!! Scraps is helping to clean up from the kegster I think I'm going to protect this boy with my life now.

i'm so proud of parse, and of bitty (and, of course, of jack). and I hope scraps got some of that pie!

Loved being able to see Parse one last time and that he's working through his stuff. But really I came here to say Tango's little face saying "Hello Kent Parson!" cracked me up and I don't know why.

This was honestly such a perfect comic. I love that Parse is genuinely trying (although still struggling with the idea of taking personal responsibility). I am SO PROUD of Bitty for saying exactly what needed to be said. Between this and the conversation with his dad, Bitty has grown so much, and it’s absolutely wonderful to see him standing up for himself (and for Jack). I really, really love the recognition that Jack grew up and moved on a long time ago and that Parse’s apology etc is still mostly something he’s doing for *himself*. He’s the one who needs closure and to start moving on more with his own life; I’m glad he’s starting to see the possibilities for himself, and I’m so very glad that Bitty made him acknowledge EXACTLY what was so utterly horrible about what he said to Jack. “Actually, I was there?” Roast him, Bittle. Also, Tango and Scraps being related?? Amazing. Perfect. What a wonderful, wonderful way to tie off Parse’s story.

painted

I love Parse. I love that he's trying, I love that he's growing, I love that he's still a little shit in the best and worst ways. Thank you for including him in Year 4 and for giving him this moment. I think it's lovely. Also, any moment with pies is excellent.

Hilary R.

I love this so much 😭😭 I shouldn’t be crying over hockey players this much

Maria Harrington

Love this!!! In so many ways! Thank you for sharing this little nugget into Parse and Bitty!

Ford is the new to hockey one, I think.

Well, Parse is trying. He still sticks his feet in his mouth, but at least he's realizing that he needs to grow up and get on with his life.

Diana Williams

who got into hockey a year ago???? aso, second cousins??? lol!! also: 'yeah but he grew up' break my heart why don't you?????

<3 All our stupid boys growing up! -wipes a tear from my eye~

Yay for Parse starting to grow up! Cousins! (Scraps seems like a good egg). And Ford's complete disinterest in NHL players! Her line in the last panel is perfect!

I’m FEELING! An EMOTION! MULTIPLE, IN FACT!

I loved this!!

SCRAPS that’s all I have to say gbye 💖

ALL THE FEELS. Glad Parse has shown some growth and I appreciate that you’ve given us some closure on that end.

Cathy Berner

Oof. I'm glad Parse said those words out loud, because I agree that he needs to say them to Jack. This is a start, but it's just easier to avoid Jack and only talk to Bitty. But lol, cousins.

Parse said things that really needed to be said and taking responsibility for his actions showed real growth. And good for Bitty for not letting him get out of it. Now if some day he can say those things to Jack and they both talk about their feelings that would be great but for now this is a lot of good growth. Also COUSINS????? I love you Tony!!

you'll get there parse. i believe in you dude.

Rebecca

Loved this! And cousins!!! Thankyou

I'm just going to call it canon!! 😂

Ngozi

Aww someone is growing up!

Gendie

Bitty called him out!!!! "Eat so I can drag you." I do love my Southern boy. I also enjoyed seeing Parse take some responsibility for his actions. And omg the cousins thing 😂

Hal Forbess

Did parse get therapy????? Is he... in a better place now???? Is he growing up?? That’s growth baby 💕

Is the plan still for this to only appear in the book, or is it going to be put up on the website/tumblr at some point? (so that I don’t post any spoilers if not)

Mojo