Malcolm Macduff

Montrose Magpies : Chaser : 33

[skillshare-blog]

Photo by Nathaniel Arroyo.

[littlestcatapult-deactivated201]

I don’t know about that, I insinuated I was going to dye my hair pink once and Great Grandma Gertrude said she started having heart palpitations. Maybe all those wars have left them a little disoriented.

Oh… that’s actually very refreshing to hear, thanks, Mr. Macduff! My family can go a little overboard when it comes to the rivalry, so if they’ve ever thrown a tomato at you or something, I’d like to formally apologize. I kind of wish my dad would have a normal midlife crisis instead of developing a personal vendetta against an entire team of players, but. Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind! 

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

He laughs. Okay fair. But that heart palpitations were probably because of the clash it would cause with the catapults robes. 

It took a lot to set Mal off, or to get into his bad books. Juliet Capulet had done nothing of the sort. I know it's not likely that we'll run into each other much seeing as we're based on far sides of the island but if you ever want somewhat unbiased advice just send me an owl. He laughs. Like the Magpies don't get up to things! Believe me I know some of the pranks they get up to. It gets to the point where I just ask them to not tell me. I’d love to stay and chat, but I have to get going

[orlando-de-boys-blog]

Orlando was watching the heated discussion between some other patrons, he could really only make out what two of them were saying but one of them seemed very determined in their defense of donuts as the ideal fried pastry. With a silent chuckle he turned back to Mal and only caught the last of what he was saying. Vandalism? Yeah. Probably some viral campaign the Catapults dreamt up. I swear he did it here just to get at me. Sounds like him. 

Going to have to start some new campaigns soon.

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

He looks over to where O is watching two people having an in depth quarrel that looks like a lovers spat to him. Had Mal missed something? The only ‘he’ Orlando could be referring to is his brother. He as in your brother? Sorry to say this O, but he does seem the kind to stoop. But they’re probably in Caerphilly saying the same thing about us. 

[bjfergus-blog]

Banquo rolled his eyes but grinned. “I seem to remember that very differently, dearest Mal. Few oppurtunities then, and even fewer now. But, Merlin, we’re not talking about Hogwarts. That’s ages ago. I was a kid. You were a kid.”

“Alright, but you walking into my home and bringing it up the first chance you get doesn’t count as the topic coming up.”  

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

I only have fewer opportunities now because we’re on the same team, dearest Banquo. Mal quips back. I know, it’s hard to believe that we actually liked to see each other lose. We’ve lived quite a lot of life since those days. Hell! You’ve got a wife and kid!

Right, fair enough. I swear that I will not walk into you home and bring up wizard vs Jedi as the first round of conversation. 

[magcutio-blog]

“I do not,” Mercutio retorted, a hint of a grin curling full lips up at the very corners. “My dive is perfect. Even Ben says so.” 

“Ah, but Beth hasn’t ever gotten her hands on you in earnest before, has she? You think there’s nothing left to be broken, but all that really means is you haven’t pissed her off enough to watch her spin ‘round like a Whirling Dervish.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

“And Ben complements everyone on the team. You know it’s his way of trying to get us to by drinks for him when we go out.”  Mal starts pealing off the tape on his hands and wrists. He might as well call it quits on the punching bag. His shoulders are starting to feel tight. “She hasn’t because I have never given her reason to want to wring me out. Beth and I get on as well as any player and manager do.” It’s not like Beth or any of his team mates had ever seen him at his worst. He only allowed that out when he was alone, very alone.

[lauriewestwood]

With another amused sip of champagne, Romeo stifled a groan. “C’mon Mal, play nice. I clean behind my ears sometimes. At least twice a year, I can promise you that.” Despite the joking tone of their conversation, Romeo can see he’s struck a chord. He often forgets that not everyone has the lustful brain of a twenty five; not everyone ended the night with a feminine conquest. Even if he regrets what was said, Romeo continues to be characteristically not serious, adding, “People change, you never know. Not that you should - you know what they say. Can’t teach an old man new tricks.” He finished the champagne, setting the empty flute on a passing waiter’s tray. “Okay, now you just sound like a chaperone at the Yule ball. Don’t get stiff on me, Duff.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Mal laughs. I may not play nice, but at least I play clean. Let me guess, those two times are for your birthday and New Years? Mal is thankful that Romeo drops the subject, mostly. Romeo is no different than his own parents, and friends outside the team. ‘It’s been three years, have you started to think about seeing people again?’, ‘I have this really great friend, you should meet her.’ He knows that it is all done out of kindness on their part, but he hasn’t moved on yet. Old man with no new tricks you say? Who said I needed new tricks? 

Oh! You should thank me, none of us want the the owner of the team’s seven year old to get drunk. That’s the last thing any of us need.But, I’m not completely without a sense of fun. I just don’t find fun in all the same things you do. 

[bjfergus-blog]

Banquo offered him a sad kind of smile. “That’s a good one, but no.” He lead the way over to the bar and ordered a drink. “Fleance didn’t want to come.” For obvious reasons. “Mel’s with him at home. She may come later, but…” He let the sentence trail off as he took the drink. 

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Mal nods, quiet for a moment. That’s reasonable. Mal doesn't push fro a reason why Fleance didn’t want to come to an even he usually loved. He’s pretty sure he already knows the answer. It’s a shame you had to come then. Could have made it a family night rather than being here because the invitation from management made it pretty clear it wasn’t optional. 

[bjfergus-blog]

“Mal!” Banquo greeted him, thankful for the familiar and friendly face, even if it was covered by a mask. Banquo’s own mask wasn’t any more decorative than Mal’s. It was simple and black and didn’t conceal his identity well. In previous years he had worn themed costumes with Mel and Fleance, but that idea had to change. Fleance had made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with a night that celebrated something he didn’t have. “Come get a drink with me. It’s significantly less stuffy if you’ve had a drink.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Hey! Yeah, sure. A drink sounds good right now. Mal takes a step back, looking at Banquo’s outfit. Have you gone really abstract with the costumes this year? You’re night and Mal and Fleance are invisible because the night is hiding them? Usually, Banquo and his family were some of the most enthusiastic of the walpurgis goers. Tonight though, Mal hasn’t seen Fleance or Mel. It concerns him. Because I’m really not seeing the costume this year.

[bones-lejuste]

“That’s the point, Duff! It’s one night where you can be whoever you want- I think next year I’ll be Marilyn Monroe.” He snickered falsely at the joke, appreciating that it was made nonetheless. “Does it? I was hoping for something unreasonable- perhaps something so dasterdly that it might make this night stick out as compared to all of the other nights where I blackout.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Mal shrugs. Maybe I just don’t have enough whimsy in my system to appreciate the festivities to the extent that you do. Monroe? That’l be interesting. How far are you going to take it? You going to try and achieve her figure? Because Ben...I think that’s a lost cause for you. How about I pretend like I didn’t hear you say what is going to become a major headache for Beth, I’m sure. If I never heard it I can answer all her questions truthfully when I say ‘I had no idea.’

[lauriewestwood]

Dressed to the nines (or the tens, or the twelves), Romeo Montague expected his night to be nothing but reporters wanting to know who he was wearing, cameras flashing in his direction, and witches throwing themselves at him. Truthfully, he expected that every night, even on sweat drenched returns from the gym, but Romeo so far was a little disappointed. However, the arrival of Mal was enough to distract him from his lack of action - Romeo clapped him on the back, accompanied by a contagious grin. “Stuffy or not, you look classy. You clean up well.” His face twisted into a smirk. “Chasing more than the Quaffle tonight?”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Mal could count on his team mates knowing who he was every Walprugis event he attended. Romeo is no different. He laughs and shakes his head. Well, thanks. Classy was what I was going for. In a teasing tone he continues. I resent you saying that I clean up well. Of course I clean up well. Between the two of us, I’m the one who know’s how to wash behind his hears. At Romeo’s next words Mal tenses up for a split second and starts to twirl the ring on his finger absent-mindedly. In the three years you’ve known me, has the answer ever changed Romeo?  He shakes his head, thinking back on her. No Romeo, I; not going to chase anything tonight other that the kids away from the punch I know for a fact that someone spiked. 

[bones-lejuste]

“But I’m also fairly certain that you’ve had years to figure out the right and wrong types of masks to wear on Walpurgis-” Ben ribs him gently, laughing as he replaces his glass. “I’ve got a backup though just in case this one doesn’t work out.” He chuckled, looking across the room at Beth. “Somewhere in the middle, I think.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Oh! I’ve had years and years. Honestly, I understand the spirit of the night...but I’ve never been fond of the whole mask aspect. People can present a false face. Mal tilts his head and smirks. Work out? It’s not going to work out, it’s a stuffed eagle, what are you expecting it to do? Crunches? Your game sounds reasonable though.

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Sorry I’m late to the party. The invitation that was so carefully worded to make it clear that this was a non optional event for all Magpie employees, had said “black tie masquerade”. Mal played along, getting a new suit and a mask, but he dones’t need people to think he’s someone else. He’s comfortable being himself, he’s not terribly comfortable in his suit though. 

You find it stuffy in here? Or is it just me?

[bones-lejuste]

“I know it was my idea to wear a mask with a bloody eagle on it, but does it have be so- uncomfortable?”Ben twisted and shifted his mask for the umpteenth time that night, trying to have it sit comfortably on his face and failing miseraly. “Feel like there’s a condom covering my face.” he murmered dark, plucking a glass of champagne off of a passing tray and down it in in one gulp, only to place in on another tray that whizzed by. 

“What do you say? How about we take a drink everytime the vein in Beth’s forehead throbs?”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

That, my young friend, is why I opted for the simple design. Mal gestures to his simple gold toned mask. He doesn’t much care if people know who he is under it. He takes a glass for himself from the one that stopped for Ben. He laughs.

Define “drink”. We talking a regular drink of champagne? Or are we downing a glass every time. Mal’s pretty certain he already knows the answer. 

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Wizard Masquerade

A menswear look from April 2016 by cloudsoverheadgrassunderfoot featuring title of work, Allurez, Masquerade, Fratelli Rossetti, men's fashion and menswear

[bjfergus-blog]

“…I guess a jedi would have a significant advantage, but a wizard with the right amount of training and luck could win.” Banquo stated, a bit defeated. He wanted the wizard to win! “But do me a favor and never tell Mel I said that. And don’t tell her any of that either. I don’t need her using you as support.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Yeah, with the right amount of training and luck! Mal claps Banquo on the shoulder. Ah! But now that we’re team mates I have so few opportunities to beat you like I used to. Practice just isn’t the same. Mal is teasing of course.

Fine, but if I’m ever around and the topic comes up again don’t expect me to keep quiet. I will defend my stance. 

[littlestcatapult-deactivated201]

I guess that’s true. Then I’d have to go into hiding, you know. Notorious old lady wrath. Well, hold on there buddy, I don’t want to go turning their whole world upside down. At that age it might cause a heart attack.

Well, I imagine it’s a lot more pleasant than the earful you’d get from a Catapult fan if they saw you waving it around. It’s pre-season, people are already sharpening their teeth and working on their home game banners.

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Have you not met any elderly women? No brownie recipe, or lack there of, is going to put them six feet under. They survived two wizarding wars and a good portion went through the effects of World War II as well. And the Great Depression. 

Yeah, I guess you’re right about that. It was a sort of strange and unusual punishment...for what I don’t know. He sighs and shakes his head. What would the start of quidditch pre season be with out all of that? Just to be clear, though I play for the Magpies I don’t feel the need to grind any of the Catapults into dust because of what team they play for. You’re young and you have a bright future in the game. Just remember that there’s no knowing who your future team mates might be. 

[ameliawritessometimes]

“You’re welcome,” she smiled. “Well, now I’m curious as to this entire boating situation. You might have to take me to see this. Maybe we could do a trade off; you show me this incredible boat that seems to make you so happy and I can provide the mimosas. Almost like a compromise.”

[chaserdonechasing-blog]

Mal is very aware of the sweat that’s making his shirt stick to his muscled torso. He starts spinning his ring around again. Actually, I don’t have to do anything because I prefer to keep personal relations separate from any sort of work relations. By all means you can interview me to your hearts content about my sail boat, but that’s all it’ll be. That, and vacationing with a thirty three year old player whom you’re supposed to have a professional relationship is the last thing your young career needs.