exceptional!! even though its a lot later than seventh period study hall, im finished readng your story... WOW. it gives such a great idea of where they all come from and their lives pre-RENT. wonderful job!

hm...tres bien! me likey! i shall continue reading in...hmm...7th period study hall...

another wonderful fic.

I've just read all of this, and I'm in love with it. I'd been struggling with a pre!Rent fic, and this is almost exactly what I'd been trying to write, and it's brilliant.

Sorry I haven't reviewed in a while, but I've been (mostly) keeping up with your updates. It makes me happy when I open up my email and there's one from bot@ saying "New Chapter on Metronome!" ^_^

Nothing sticks out as horribly misplaced in these past few chapters, but nothing also sticks out as spectacular (mostly because it's all very, very good). Can't wait for more.

Oh, hell, I'm an idiot. I was so excited that this was updated earlier today that I skipped to the last chapter. Wow, kind of exciting to come back and find another one, especially since it hasn't been updated! If that made sense. So, may I just say how spot-on your little things are? That's what strikes me the most about your story. Like, Benny sending the flowers, or the box of condoms.

Thanks for updating twice, even though I'm a spaz who didn't realize chapter nine is after chapter eight!

This is a really, really good chapter. Oddly, since I'm not usually a sucker for Maureen, this is my favorite chapter yet. I've never seen her done so convincinly before-not just convincingly, but sympathetically. You made her so much more than a ** out to &%$# everything she sees...for the first time (in fanfiction, anyway), I'm understanding what made Mark and Joanne willing to go throught the Tango Maureen.

May I just say, the first paragraph of this struck my attention, and the rest just fulfilled the promise?

This is a wonderful story, in all honesty. Please keep going!

Okay, that was my favorite chapter yet. I really liked the way we finally got to see all the characters interact with each other.

Also, one of the better characterizations of Mark that I've seen recently.

And may I say, you are my hero for your frequent updates? Seems like you're the only one updating regularly, and I beg permission to worship you for it!

okay, loving this story. I really like your characterization of the...well, the characters.

One thing; is it supposed to just be snapshots, or will it eventually coalesce into a plot?

~Lael Cohen

PS: you'll get more reviews if you accept anonymous reviews--some people are too lazy to sign in!

The first thing that caught my attention about this chapter was the difference in tone. It "sounds" a bit different from the first two, but that makes sense so I rather liked it. The only thing that caught my attention was that when Mark is called over, Collins refers to Roger by name before he's introduced. "Camera Boy gives me a weak wave and dutifully walks over to Roger, still lugging that camera. 'Mark, this is...' and Leather Jacket stops, and looks at me. So much for my quiet afternoon alone." That's the place.

For some reason, I thought it was Benny, not Roger. Maybe because the way he just barged up to Collins was similar of the way Benny met Mark in the first chapter. Just thought I'd say that. ^_^

Can't wait for more!

I only just reviewed, and now I must again.

You have a real talent for (at least to me) completely believable thought processes and dialogue. The only place that didn't really "flow" with the rest of the conversation is when Roger is talking ... okay, his bit right after "Roger shifted his feet." That seemed kind of long-winded and uncomfortable. But by the last sentence -- "Dances with Garbage" -- it had recovered.

Okay, there you have crit, compliment, and two reviews in ten minutes. And a reader who's waiting for more. ^_^

I've only read the first chapter and I can't wait for more (which is why I'm happy there's another chapter up, whee!). You definitely pull the reader in right at the start, and I like Mark's thought process at the end. This seems like a very plausible place for a teenage Mark to be. Trying to find a crit, and as usual, am failing miserably. ^_^ Sorry I'm not more helpful.