drharvey | ᴘᴜᴍᴘᴋɪɴ ʜᴏʟʟᴏᴡ﹕ ɪɴʙᴏx

[Marik's been laying low pretty much all of November. He leaned into terrorizing people in the Web far too much to want to be seen around town until hopefully people forget about it.

He missed having that power and he got sloppy. So time to prepend he doesn't exist, work in things to keep his busy, and make some money for warmer clothes.

There is one person though that's made a good impact on him thus far.

The teen sighs as he looks down at his speaking stone and utters James' name into it. Should the older male answer, he'll hear Marik's voice, his tone sheepish and somewhat guilty sounding.]

Hey, Dr. James... It's Namu. I hope... I'm not bothering you.

( Still getting used to the whole sending stone thing, James might be speaking a little too loudly into it at first, voice raised to make sure the teen can hear him. )

Namu! Hello! Oh no, not at all, it's great to hear from you. No, stop that—

( There's a brief scrabble as he grabs his stone back from the Polteageist who nicked it. James waves his hand at the little spirit to shoo it off before continuing, slightly breathless. )

How've you been?

[Huh. Must be a pet of some sort?

Marik fiddles with his earring as he debates on how to answer, not that Dr. Harvey can see.]

Better, I think. I've been trying to keep busy since... you know.

[He purses lips. Why does he feel vulnerable in asking this? Because he's making a gift for James? It's nothing special though. It's just another way to gain loyalty, right? ~~Not a lonely teenager desperately looking for a supportive father figure.~~]

Do you wear cologne? And if so, what scents do you like?

( Though it goes unseen, there's a shift in James' expression — mouth moving to a soft smile for a moment, a little solemn. )

I understand. Kind of been doing the same thing myself.

( An idle mind is a particular danger. The question catches him by surprise though, and he pauses for a moment or two before the reply comes. )

Not in a long time, now that I'm thinking about it. ( Not since Amelia passed away. It's one of those thing he never even realised until just now. ) But I was never picky about it, I'm a simple guy. I'd probably like anything you would.

Why do you ask? ( He say it casually, not pressing. )

[Marik's mind is so overactive, if he doesn't do anything, he'll snap. ~~Again.~~

Hmm. He's not picky though, he says. The teen tries to think of what might be a good combination for him.]

I've started making perfumes. I always made my own back home so... I figured might as well continue here. It'll help me make some money too.

[There's a light chuckle.]

I don't do winters. The coldest Egypt ever got was... maybe 60F? So I'm saving up for some nice coats.

Edited 2025-12-12 15:01 (UTC)

Perfumes, really? That's cool! ( James sounds genuinely impressed by the fact, and there's something that registers seconds later — touched that the boy thought of him enough to ask what scents he might like.

There's also the discomfort to the idea that Namu's not used to cold like this, and James may already be thinking a mile a minute about buying something warm for him. )

That sounds like a great idea! Do you have everything you need here for it? ( He's not sure what all is involved with perfume-making, but if Namu needs any help with ingredients there, James would be more than happy to help if he could. )

Ah... thank you.

[... He's not used to casual compliments like that. Marik chews on his lip for a moment.]

I've got everything I need, thankfully. I spent most of last month in the woods gathering things and seeing what I could find around town.

[Another pause.]

... The Rebirth of [me] the Sun is coming up on the 23rd and... I've heard talkings about something called Givingstide. Would you...

[Why is being a normal person so hard. Why is it so hard to interact with a genuinely good person?]

...... Do you have any plans?

Edited (got my holidays wronggggg) 2025-12-21 06:06 (UTC)

In that case, I'd love to pick up a sample of your work. ( Though unseen, the smile in his voice might bleed through — enthusiastic to the idea, and he laughs. ) With some nice cologne, maybe I'll start being Mr. Fancy again.

( James... you're very lame )

Oh yeah, I've heard a couple people mention this Givingstide thing, ( he offers thoughtfully. The question takes him by some surprise and he's quiet for a moment as he considers it. Finally, the truth comes— )

I ah, haven't made any plans for anything like that, no. I was just going to learn a bit about it from the locals here, but probably not actually partake. Since I'm new and all.

( He knows that's not that real reason. The real reason is that the thought of celebrating any holiday is painful. But there's a reason Namu asked, so James continues. )

Are you thinking about checking it out?

[Marik smiles, not finding the comment lame at all. It'll help Mr. James with his confidence...!]

I'll make you a sample box then!

[There's a long bit of silence, the boy chewing on his lip as he debates on what to say.]

I'm thinking of checking it out. I was also planning... on cleaning the headstones in the graveyard on the 23rd, in honor of Ra's journey through Duat.

[... Like the journey he finds himself here in Pumpkin Hollow.]

Not exactly exciting, I know, but... it feels weird not to do something for it, even here.

[Another pause.]

... You're welcome to join me on either, if you'd like, Dr. James.

Ohhhh, that sounds great. I'll look forward to it! ( He smiles again before falling into the silence that follows, waiting. Then he's sobering again as he listens to the teenager's words, his heart doing a fluttery thing as he realises what Namu's asking.

James takes time to reply, too. Time to think, his words carefully considered, thoughtful. It's true that he has no plans of his own, and it's also true that a part of his wounded heart wants to keep it that way.

But when it comes to someone else's plans... someone who needs some company, needs some help, maybe needs to not be alone during a holiday season from his own culture.... How in the world could James say anything other than yes? He's finding himself so touched to be asked that it almost has him unable to answer for a moment or two before he clears his throat. )

I'd be honoured to go to the graveyard with you. I'd like to help you clean them — and maybe you can teach me more about it. That journey of Ra's. ( He's sure that Namu has very few people here, if any at all, who know of his world's customs. It's important to learn about them and he'd be glad to. )

And I might have to check out this Givingstide thing too, if you're gonna be there. It'd be nice to have a familiar face around. Admittedly I'm a little nervous about it. ( He chuckles, trying to keep it light even as he opens up a bit more of his genuine feelings. )

[He could use more people in his life in general. People to help him on the right track.

Marik feels at ease when James answers, happy to not be utterly alone this holiday. Even when he'd left home, Odion, his brother, always made sure they kept up on the various ancient holidays. Doing it by himself... makes him realize how utterly powerless and alone he is in this place. And tough as Marik tries to act, he's still just a sheltered teenager that needs normal people in his life.]

Thank you, Dr. James. It... will be an honor to have you along. I'd be happy to tell you the tale.

Once I find out a bit more on where and when Givingstide is held, I'll let you know. Then we can plan for that.

Sure! Thank you for the invite.

( He's glad for the chance to see the kid again, check in on him in person. But until then, he can't help asking— )

How've you been doing, by the way? Is there anything I can help you with?

( Non-specific, open, vague: the offer could be for anything. Groceries, chores, a sounding board to listen, just— anything. )

Of course.

[He should have expected the question. Marik realizes he could answer vaguely himself.

But Dr. Harvey deserves some of the truth.

The teen's voice is soft but still somewhat guarded.]

... Just... trying to figure things out, is all. October was... rather eye opening.

( James sighs through the device he holds in his palm, softly. )

Yeah. I've learned a bit more about what other people went through, down there. Sounds like it... tested people right in their sorest spots.

( Like it was specifically targeted at people's upsets, their traumas. )

Have you figured any of that out yet?

I'm not sure.

[Marik frowns.]

... Sort of... realizing why I wound up here though.

[A test from the Gods, clearly. To see if he's worthy of getting his body back.]

And... what I might need to do... to get back.

( James hesitates, mind spinning. He's wondered much the same, gone over so many possibilities and reasons and he's come up with his own thoughts on the matter. Why he was brought here. ...Or at least, he thought he might know. He's not so sure, now. )

Do you think it's something you can do?

( Whatever this thing is that Namu thinks might be the key to getting back. James can't help feeling a twist of worry, though. He doesn't know what the boy might be alluding to, but none of it seems simple. He's met people who've been in this place for years. )

[Marik sounds a bit muffled in his response, his stone resting next to him as he hugs his knees.]

... I don't know. That would mean... fundamentally changing... who I've become and what I want in life.

Sounds like a lot of pressure on someone your age, ( James smiles into his words, though he's definitely worried now. What could that be? What could constitute the poor kid feeling as though he needs to change who he's become, what he wants? )

If you ever need help figuring all that out, I've— I've got your back. I think that's how my daughter would say it. ( A soft chuckle. )

[If he needs help...

What would James even think about everything? The tomb keeper chews on his bottom lip, debating what to say, what to do.

But if he's to return home, he needs to... better himself. Even if that's not what he wants. He wants the power of the Pharaoh, to get back at him for making his family suffer for millennia, for causing his father's death, and to become Pharaoh himself.

Maybe he doesn't deserve that though.

James is the closest thing he's got to a friend here besides Sephiroth, but he's barely opened up to the latter. James on the other hand... There's something... safe about him. Similar to how he felt towards his adopted brother when he was a child, before everything happened.

Marik looks down at his stone for a few moments in silence before finally speaking:]

... I could use your help. I'd rather speak in person though, if... that's alright with you.

Sure! That's just fine. Anytime that's best for you, I'll make it happen.

( It's said earnestly; there's no question about it. )

You're always welcome to come by my place. Or I can meet you somewhere in town if that's better.

[He takes a moment to consider when the best time would be.

Perhaps his birthday. A year older, a new life? It seems symbolic enough.]

... The 23rd. The Sun's Rebirth. After Givingstide. I'll stop by your place in the morning and we can talk before I set out to pay my respects to Ra.

Hey, that works perfect. I'll make it on my calendar, make sure I've got some snacks around the place.

( Someone'll definitely be making a run to the winter market to grab some goodies to have for Marik by the time he comes over. Actually on that note— )

Is there anything special you like to eat for this Sun's Rebirth? I know there's probably nothing much from your world around, but maybe I can find something similar.

Koshari.

[... He blurbs that out almost automatically. Odion always makes it for him for his birthday. It'll be his first birthday without that.]

... If you can find it, that is. Otherwise there aren't any particular dishes I can think of off the top of my head. I'm not a huge fan of red meat or fish though.

( James Harvey is not a cook. He can barely pour cereal without some kind of clumsy incident. What he says next is very dangerous.

...But earnest. He will try this, if he's able to find the ingredients! )

Koshari... If you send me the recipe for it, I'll see what I can do.

[That gets a small chuckle out of Marik.]

I would but... I doubt they have the correct spices for it. I never cooked it myself either so I don't know the exact recipe.

I'd be fine with some baklava, if that's easier.

Ahhh, baklava, I have heard of. I'll see what I can do.

It seems like a pretty special day where you come from, so it'd be nice to have some kind of special treat to go along with it.

Yeah...

[A special day, indeed.]

... I'd be happy with just the baklava though. With some warm tea.

Warm tea I can definitely do. I've been meaning to pick up a new teapot somewhere. The one I have here is uh........

....kinda haunted.

( This is fine. )

[There's a pause.]

... Kind of haunted.

How?

There's a sort of little.... well, I think it's a ghost, living in it. Some kind of little purple guy? He's really gooey.

[You said the magic word, James.]

... Is it... a slime?

( James casts a cautious, sideways look at the possessed teapot in question, where it sits on the kitchen countertop for now, the entity inside seemingly sleeping. ...Or lurking. )

It does look like something that could be called a slime, yeah. Is that some kind of species, where you're from?

No. But it's an archetype I use in the trading card game I play. Jam Tokens, God Slime, Metal Slime, Slime Breeding Machine...

[Yeah that last one is. Uh. The name is weirder than the actual concept.]

If you're alright with it, I'd like to try and interact with it. I never thought slime would actually exist.

( James understands hardly any of this! But that's how his life goes. )

Sure! It can be kind of... er... mischievous, but I don't think it'd actually hurt anyone.

( He does not 100% know this )

I'll introduce you when you come over here. I've been calling the little guy Casper, after someone I know back home.

[Alas, if he had his deck with him, he could should James.

Marik sounds a lot more chipper than he did at the beginning of the "call."]

I look forward to meeting him and getting to see your new place then.

[He's had a lot of time to think about what exactly he's going to be telling Dr. Harvey this day. Whether he takes the man's input on anything remains to be seen, as slipping back into his nasty habits is far more natural for him than trying to better himself.

There are some people he's been nice to since arriving but the boy has certainly made a lot of enemies as well, some he doesn't even realize yet.

Dressed in a nice suit with a wool peacoat, Marik makes his way to James's home. Sure, the two had already spent time together the previous day thanks to the Givingstide get together, but that wasn't exactly a good spot to talk about Things.

He will have the doctor to himself. As well as a possible new little slime friend.

Surely this will go well.

Marik knocks on the front door, waiting for James to answer.]

( Truthfully, James is a bit mentally worn after Givingstide, and the lingering ache of Mourner's Night before. He's glad for an opportunity to get back to business, and to talk to Namu one-on-one in a setting separate from all of that.

This will also actually be his first appointment with someone here. Granted, it's not a super professional arrangement, but the teen's coming over specifically to talk about some things in person, and so James has been making an effort to get things presentable here. Arranging the little home office space, tidying up... His spooky little friend seems to understand something's going on and has been a proper menace trying to distract him from his tasks — when James opens the front door, his hair is a bit of a mess, sticking up on one side, because the ghost(?) has been pulling it.

There's also a faint charred smell coming from the kitchen. James might have earlier burned what he was attempting to make. )

Namu — Don't you look handsome! Come in, come in.

( James ushers the boy inside, cheerful as ever despite everything. )

You're my first visitor here, you know.

Ah—

[He looks at James and... immediately notices the slime in his hair. The man must have had trouble getting ready with that little ghost blob of his...]

Thank you.

[Huh. He hasn't been called handsome since... well, since Ishizu called him that as a child. It brings a bit of color to his cheeks.

Marik steps inside and that's when he notices the smell of burnt food. As he removes his coat and gloves, he looks to the doctor sympathetically.]

I'm honored to be the first but... are you sure you're alright? I didn't catch you at a bad time, did I?

Oh no, not at all! I'm happy to have you!

( James insists quickly, reaching past Marik to shut the door and smiling brightly at him as he gives the teen's shoulder a good-natured clasp before ushering him in further. There is... a certain amount of chaos that follows Dr. Harvey around in life. The ghosts have only amplified it. )

Please, make yourself comfortable. Are you hungry?

If you're sure...

[The teen tenses only slightly at the grasp to his shoulder but passes it off as him removing his coat.]

Oh, um. I'll take a snack since you're offering.

[Marik goes to take a seat, placing his coat down beside him as he looks around the room. He'll wait until James has returned and settled in before he begins speaking.]

You've got a really cozy place here.

( James nods and moves quickly into the kitchen to fetch some things. When he returns, he's (barely) managing a container of treats and two cups of tea. Joining Marik at the couch, he sets the plate and cups down on a nearby coffee table. )

So, I have a confession: I tried to make your baklava and, uh, failed a bit at it.

( The man gives a hapless, dopey grin. )

So then I tried to make something else of my own, some cookies. ....Those got burned. ( Hence the smell in the kitchen... ) So I ran over to the market and picked up some from there. There's a couple of pastries in there, too. Kinda baklava-esque.

[Marik stares for a moment, surprised to hear James tried to make him the treat he wanted. He could have just gone out in the first place and bought him something but... the man tried to make it more personal.

His expression softens as he looks down at the tea cups and box of sweets.

No one's... ever made him something before. Outside of his siblings, of course, but still.]

... Thank you. You didn't need to get me anything, really. I'm sorry you wound up having so much trouble...

ᴘᴜᴍᴘᴋɪɴ ʜᴏʟʟᴏᴡ﹕ ɪɴʙᴏx

sending stone;

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December 23rd;

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