(drabble for @the-aether-ghoul)
Nothing looked right in the shops, most of it junk or just… entirely too impersonal. Also, costly. Instead Ifrit had started scavenging through the church, looking for something that wouldn’t be missed and of the right material but he knows if he was caught they’d punish him, and that was the last thing he needed right now. Instead he’d broken down and gone to Papa Nihil, asking if there was something he could use and fully expecting to be glared at and turned away. He’s quite surprised when the old cleric instead pulls open a drawer to place two gold coins on the desk and slide them over to Ifrit.
Ifrit blinks at them incredulously before picking one up, turning it this way and that before lifting his mask to bite at it. Yeah, solid gold. Damn. Papa gives him a grin and a congratulations, shooing Ifrit out the office and bidding him good luck in his endeavor.
It takes Ifrit a couple days to get them right, taking much longer since he doesn’t have the proper tools. He makes due with that he has, finding some things to use as a crucible and to make a basic mold to melt down the coins and cast the rings. Ifrit wonders as he works if he could convince the clergy to let him buy some proper things to work, perhaps even offer to make items for the clergy instead of them commissioning outside jewelers and smiths for their work.
Finally, a week after they’d hobbled back from the cave, Ifrit has the rings ready and nestled into a little velvet box he’d snatched from a wayward sister. He’s been debating how to go about it the entire time he’s worked on them, finally picking a time to make his move just after he’s finished. There was a massive assembly planned, the church in its entirety to be in attendance, and it was the perfect thing. Aether might kill him for doing this so publicly, but that Ifrit could deal with. He wanted everyone to know, to see him announce his love and devotion to his mate and also show them he was going to take care of him, no more running the poor quintessence ghoul ragged being asked for healing or to fix all their problems unless they wanted Ifrit to be breathing fire down their necks. And, Ifrit wanted to do something, give the church something happy and sweet to see and talk about amidst all the turmoil and drama plaguing its occupants lately. If it helps with that, then the inevitable smacking Aether will give him afterwards, in private, would definitely be worth it.
When the day arrives he’s filled with a nervous energy, making Aether give him an odd look as he feels it through the bond. Ifrit tries to mask it, kissing Aether to keep him from questioning him further as they all file out to the main cathedral, taking their places amongst the pews. The place is full to bursting with every member in attendance, making Ifrit feel small and almost claustrophobic. The Papas each go through their sermons, followed by the Cardinal and Sister Imperator, then finally Papa Nihil himself takes the pulpit, reading out the last satanic prayer to conclude the assembly. Just as the entire congregation begins to rise Ifrit pulls Aether to just in front of the pulpit, Nihil clapping and yelling loudly for everyone’s attention once more. All eyes focus on the two ghouls, the room gone dead silent and Ifrit thinks for a tiny moment he might just pass out from the anxiety.
“Aether, love, mate,” he begins, somehow keeping his voice strong and even, carrying over the congregation as he pulls the little box from his pocket and goes to one knee, opening the lid and presenting the ring to the quintessence ghoul. “Will you marry me?”
