So much about this I loved. You got my gist too with what I did adding “4099” somewhere in the work. The fish people were pretty scary but extremely reassuring when the family wiped ‘em out, catching one, and most humourous with Elizabeth phoning someone just to basically say, “Gratis! Free! Take these things! Don’t ask!” Ha ha ha ha ha! Really enjoyed envisioning Pfeiffer belting it all out over the telephone. I could see her easily tapping a finger on the desk with annoyance.

And Barnabas’ realising, “I might as well be asking this in Greek,” for all the good it would do. But his even asking the questions was very in keeping with his character. Oh my gosh, the homework involved in him catching up on the times with all the reading and TV watching and his reaction to, “Whoah, the moon? REALLY?” Yes, Barnabas, you have entered the realms of the supernatural, so, of course, science-fiction becoming real-life is next. And Carolyn’s “All I can taste is fish,” got me. Perfect!

Loving David’s morning and his sensations to the new abode, as well as what he wants to achieve for Father’s Day. It’s nice to see since the film was released for Mother’s Day. Of course he would wonder about Roger, but I’m pleased there really is no sign of Roger over all. Better for David. Barnabas is at least giving him family stories and you know? That’s really important, isn’t it? We grow up with people going on endlessly, and emptily, about the “importance of family” but they don’t tell any family stories, so what’s the big deal? ? ? Barnabas will do that because he loves the past and his family and where it all comes from.

AH! I think if I were David going into a siblings’ room I’d be freaked out by the fact said sibling slept with only a blanket. I seriously laughed out loud at the Rolling Stones bus reference. Wonderful! Then we see Carolyn’s softer side for David but spoken in a reckless teenage way. Well done. I just adored the musings Carolyn had for the sunlight and her reflections of why she was enjoying the walk to town with David. That “really there” feeling, and also it makes sense to enjoy some of the best feeling of sunlight at seaside locations from the ocean’s contrast in weather to that. (Though that is a pattern, not an absolute.) The added potential of phoenix for David is splendid and I do believe you’ve touched on one of the ideas I, myself, had for Paul Stoddard in the film! That’s a happy surprise for me. :)

Now the gift itself is so perfect as being oddly cliché! Somehow it’s just working so well. Barnabas kind of missed the coming of this clothing anyway. We’ll see if he switches to modern attire the whole way. (I’m in no hurry.) And Barnabas’ happy realisation at the end? I got chills, the good kind. Hurray!

Awww

Great story. You really captured the characters and the tone from the movie. The Hai Karate gift was humorous and appropriate for the era of the movie. (And for some reason, I can see Barnabas in one of those silly commercials from the '70s, fighting off the girls because of his cologne)!

liked this very much, good writing, keep it up

I really like how you made this touching and kept in character, great job.

I hope you keep writing your little slice of life fics :) They're great!

The way this started out is such a contrast to the way it ended. It was weird but still good. Barnabas is a refreshing character to write about don't you think? Its fun to try and get his mannerisms right.

Absolutely wonderful slice of life story of the Collins family. It's great to see a day in their normal routine (if you could all the things that happen to them normal).

As much as Carolyn has disdain for her family, we see that she really cares. My favorite part of the story was the bit where she and David went to town and opened up more about themselves.

Looking forward to more fics from you!

Splendid, been waiting for this. :)

Loved the fish creature battle at the beginning, images of everything from The Creature From The Black Lagoon, to the fish monsters from Buffy to the deep ones from the Cthulhu mythos ran through my head as I visualized them. I wonder what drew them there? Or was it just a random occurence?

Nice take by the way on Carolyn's full werewolf form, I always liked the werewolf from AAWIN and the movie itself is one of my favorites.

The way you write the relationships and the exchanges between the various family members is a joy to read, just wonderful. The dialogue is also spot on, you captured the characters beautifully as usual.

Nice bit there recalling how Elizabeth reacted to what Carolyn sang on stage by the way.

Your DS fics are ranking right up there with your LMI fics among my favorites. Can't wait to see more. :)

Your Dark Shadows stories started brilliantly and they just keep getting better, I love everything about this story, the humor, the action, the interaction between the characters all of them are fantastically written in such a way that brings the story to life beautifully as you read it.

You’ve impressed me once again I love your fanfics, please don’t ever stop writing them.

Aside from not explaining where the fish-men are from (I trust that you will, later), another fine 'slice of life.'

Re Barnabas's reflections on all the gains humanity has made in 196 years. For all that I loved the 1991 series, I never could figure out why *that* Barnabas didn't express the slightest bit of curiosity about all that had happened during his slumber, and it makes sense to remedy that here, just as the film did.

The bonding experience between David and Carolyn is a nice touch; despite her antagonism, she's discreet/sensitive enough to avoid mentioning the painful truth behind his father's departure. And he would be a little pervert, wouldn't he? He would have to be, to know what she does that makes her make 'kitten noises.' ;)

I loved this-a tie and Hai Karate! Such normal Father's Day gifts, yet so perfect for Barnabas (I like the cravats but he does need to lose them now and again.) I loved his responses to the gifts and his feelings, and how he realized he's the patriarch of the family now (a perfect role for him.)

I LOL'd over those shark creatures-they didn't stand a chance against the Collins family! Woods Hole? I know a guy named Hooper there who loves sharks of any kind, so he'd be happy to come out. I think this is pre-Jaws, but I always figured Hooper had worked at Woods Hole for a few years before going to Amity, as he was very confident and I don't think they'd have sent a novice where a death was involved.

As always, you write the feelings and inner monologues of the family extremely well. You "get inside their heads."

Agreed about "An American Werewolf in London."

If you are still taking requests for little slice of life fics, don't Barnabas and Victoria technically need a wedding? Even if she has Josette's memories, Josette and Barnabas were never married either. It seems to me that Barnabas might be a stickler for a legal union. I'm not talking elaborate wedding-married in the parlor by a judge at sunset, and then a little reception to follow. Surely there would be some way to fudge the paperwork (this was back in the 70's before your whole life was in some computer somewhere) if Barabas needed a birth certificate or something.

Ok, I'll shut up now. I don't mean to tell you what to write, it's just something that's been in my head since your last fic.

Thank for another lovely little chapter! Again, I'd love to post a link at The Collins Library on FB.