A/N: A little while ago beautywithin16 gave me a prompt to write an AU where Brian and Jackie break up (instead of marrying) because of Michael, with the optional extra of Michael getting the wrong end of the stick. The lines used at the start of this chapter are from "For Their Sins" and partially inspired this fic, the idea of using this song came later. Anyways, this is what I came up with - hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Dedication: For beautywithin16 (Happy Birthday!)

You & I

…
And I know, I can tell you anything
You won't judge, you're just listening
'Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me

'Cause my darling, you and I could take over the world
And one step at a time, just you and I (just you and I)
'Cause you're the only one, who brings light just like the sun
One step at a time, just you and I (just you and I)
-'Just You and I', Tom Walker
…

"It's love that causes the heartache, it doesn't always need to go wrong."
"Sometimes the smallest mistakes can haunt you forever."

Inwardly Jackie winced at the word 'mistake' as she tried not to apply it to the situation she'd found herself in.

"Well?" Brian prompted, looking up at her hopefully from where he was down on one knee beside the couch, offering her an engagement ring.

"I'm sorry," she said after a moment, "isn't this all a little…sudden?"

Brian's brow furrowed slightly, "But we've talked about this, about our future."

"Our future?"

"Yes, our future," Brian confirmed, eyeing her warily, "I thought this was what you wanted."

Not with you.

Unbidden, the words sprang into her mind and Jackie only just stopped herself from voicing them. She settled for nervously taking another sip of her wine before giving him a wane smile, "It's just…taken me off guard," she told him.

"Do you need time to think about it?"

She slowly shook her head, "No."

Brian's faced clouded, "No, you don't need time to think about it or…no, you don't want to marry me?"

Jackie bit her lip and Brian nodded.

"I see," he said resignedly as he got stiffly to his feet.

"I'm sorry," she said softly as he pocketed the ring, looking anywhere but at her.

"It's fine," he said flatly, "I'm just glad we've realised this is going nowhere now and not years into the future," he continued, looking her in the eye. "At least we won't keep wasting each other's time," he added, with a touch of bitterness.

Jackie got to her feet as well, "Brian…" she began, reaching out for him, but he evaded her grasp.

"It's fine," he snapped, "really, Jackie…just…let it go," he finished in a calmer voice, grabbing his jacket and heading towards the door.

"I do love you, Brian," she told him quietly as she followed him to the door.

Brian sighed and looked back at her, "Just not enough."

Jackie had the grace to look guilty and Brian gave her a self-deprecating smile as he shook his head, "Goodbye Jackie," he said finally as he left.

"Goodbye Brian," she whispered as he shut the door behind him and her tears started to fall.