Chapter 24- Kismet

Didn't mean to take you for granted

Didn't mean to show I don't care

Didn't mean to throw away this once in a lifetime of chance being with you

And I'll drive for two hours

To bring Butterfingers

I don't mind the distance, this kismet's a dance.

Julian knew from day one that he was not going to be any competition when it comes to the heart of one Brooke Davis. Reading the book, and having made a movie about it, he knew, as a director that Lucas Scott is and will always be irrevocably in love with the brunette bombshell. Nevertheless, no, he had to take the chance when Lucas married Peyton. Under his lucky stars, Brooke became his. However, it seems that his star's has lost their twinkle, because he just walked in on his heartbreak.

Julian wanted so much to punch the longing look on Lucas' face, he knew Brooke would understand, but he knew as well that it would hurt Brooke if he did it. As he raised his hand to stop Brooke from explaining the situation, his mind raced as to how exactly he should deal with it. He did not want to lose Brooke, but at the same time, he just wanted to run away as far as he can to spare himself the extra heartache. Brooke's pleading face is going to etch in his mind forever. The way that she looked at him crushed his heart a little bit more.

"Brooke, it's ok." Julian found himself saying. "What the fuck did I just say?!" his mind raced.

"Julian-" Brooke started.

"Brooke, stop. I knew from day one what I was gambling. What I had on the line. I had to read the book a hundred times to make sure the movie came out right, remember. Nobody has to be a genius or a psychic to know that both of you would always harbor feelings for one another. You were not only a couple, you were best friends, and best friends, they make great relationships." Julian stated.

Lucas was surprised at Julian's words that he actually broke his gaze from Brooke to the heartbroken director. Lucas and Julian has gotten past the tension of being the men in Brooke's life, this however, breaks that and is overloading the seismograph 10 times more. He didn't want Brooke to come out looking like a cheater, because she really didn't cheat on Julian. This whole thing is on him.

"Julian—" Lucas tried.

"Lucas, you don't have to explain. I know how you feel. I have been in love with Brooke from the time she stormed at me for the way I depicted her character in the movie." Julian said with a slight chuckle.

This did not go unnoticed with Brooke.

"Julian-" Brooke tried again.

"Brooke- it's ok." Julian said again interrupting her.

At this point Brooke has just had enough of being interrupted and not being able to explain.

"No! I will speak and I would suggest you listen, you interrupt me one more time before I get this out and there will be hell to pay." Brooke said stubbornly.

Both men laughed at her sudden outburst. Trust Brooke Davis to make the whole situation a little lighter because of her not so subtle reactions. She stared them down with daggers, causing both men to raise both their hands in surrender.

"ok, go ahead, Brooke." Julian appeased.

Brooke softened and her pleading look is back in her face.

"Julian, I love you. I really do. Don't think for one second that I don't. Do not doubt my love for you. Do not doubt that what we have together these past 2 years has been a joke or has been fake, because I am telling you now that it is not. I have seriously considered forever with you. You picked up the pieces of what was left of Brooke Davis. You tried so hard to pull me through the darkness. You knew when to make me laugh, when not to bug me, and when to comfort me. You have been with me through depression, and my successes. You never let me down. You are my constant companion for the last 2 years. I—" Brooke started to falter, tears finding their way in her eyes.

It broke Lucas' heart hearing this afraid that this is the last time he would see Brooke, the way she was talking made him less confident that he would ever win her heart again. Julian on the other hand, knew that there is a but coming.

Julian closed the space between him and Brooke and gathered her in his arms dropping a kiss on her forehead.

"Brooke, I have never doubted your love for me. I told you, I know that I come in second in your heart, Lucas always will have the first place, for two years I basked in your love. I cannot say I did not expect this, because honestly a part of me always knew that two parts in Lucas' book is true.

Lucas and Brooke looked at each other confused.

"She was fiercely independent. Brilliant, beautiful and brave." Julian said slowly savoring every word. He took Brooke's hands in his and said. "That's true." You know what else? Brooke shook her head, and Julian gave her a slight smile. "People who are meant to be together always find a way to each other." Julian said.

Brooke looked at him with newfound confusion, and Lucas looked relief albeit overwhelmed. Julian stepped away from Brooke.

"You are brilliant, beautiful and brave. You know what else? Brooke, you are a believer. You believed in our relationship, and you believe in love. You made loving seem so easy. You believe in people. You have a big heart, and I am so honored to have been given even just a sliver of that golden asset."

"I do know that your heart has always been with the guy that took that 3 point shot blindfolded. I'm not mad at you Brooke. I only want your happiness." Julian said. As he stepped away from Brooke, she ran to him and threw her arms around his neck crying.

"Oh Julian…" she sobbed.

This time I surrender my everything forever,

Life doesn't matter

Just our souls together.