Author's Note: This is the last prompt in the list! Thanks for reading!
Erza paced the length of the kitchen and peeked out into the dining room again. There was no getting around what had to be done. She just needed to say it, and do her best to get on with her life. There were so many better options out there for her than the occupant of the table.
"Listen," Erza said as she stepped back into the dining room. "I just can't do this."
There was no response. Not that she'd expected one.
"I know you're trying your best. I see your efforts and appreciate them, but this just isn't working for me." She took a deep breath and stared at the head of the table. "I want us both to be happy. And you know –" Erza found herself slipping into a more patronizing tone. "It's really not even you. It's me. I just have certain needs that aren't being met. I'm really sorry."
The dining room was silent, and she knew the hard part was still ahead. She didn't consider herself an unkind woman, but she did have her limits.
"I think maybe it's time for you to go," she said softly as she approached. "We just can't ever be together." Erza gently closed the cake box, and kissed the lid with as much compassion as she could muster.
"Erza, what are you doing?"
She spun around to find Jellal staring at her with raised eyebrows. He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Trying to be polite before I return this cake."
"Why are you returning it? I just brought that home this morning."
She scowled at him and carefully lifted the box from the table. "I don't like lemon cake, Jellal. It has to go."
"You're a cruel mistress, Erza." He laughed as he held the front door open for her. "I'll walk with you to the bakery. I feel like this rejection is my fault."
"You tried." She smiled as she passed him on her way out the door.