Journey Online

Summary: After her divorce with A.J. Courtney finds comfort in the one man she trusts. As feelings evolve how long will it take for Jason and Courtney to realize they belong together and when they do....will it be to late. Life has a funny way of placing obstacles in the most unlikely places so come along for the Journey.

As Courtney Mathews Quartermaine walked outside of her apartment building she began to shiver in the cold winter air. Her muscles began to tense up and she could feel chill bumps covering her as the cold air flowed over her warm skin. She snuggled her jacket closer to her body feeling the soft cotton against her face as she proceeded to walk down the empty streets of Port Charles. She looked at the isolated streets that were still covered with holiday wreathes, lights and Christmas decorations accompanied by a thick blanket of snow. It’s after New Years and there are still Christmas decorations up. “I guess no one had the time to take them down” she said quietly laughing at small town life. Looking down at the ground she noticed there were no footprints in the freshly fallen snow. “Well why would there be?” she thought. “Everyone’s probably at home spending time with their families snuggled up by a fire roasting marshmallows or cuddled up reading the stories before they have to get back to work.” She had always wanted to have those kind of real family moments but it never happened because her mother was always working after her father ran out on them. She gently kicked the snow from her feet thinking of her first Christmas here in Port Charles and how much it had changed her entire life.

She abruptly changed her thoughts as she reached her point of destination. She felt nervousness growing inside of her making knots in her stomach. “Don’t worry Courtney your doing the right thing,” she said to herself as she slowly made her way up the courthouse steps and prepared herself to go inside.

As she gracefully walked into the courtroom Courtney slowly surveyed her surroundings and secretly wished for this to be over before it even started. When she looked around the room she noticed that AJ was not in the room. Her breath became shorter and more rapid as thoughts consumed her. “What if he doesn’t show up? How can I get this battle settled if he will not even bother to show up?”

Suddenly she felt a strong hand grab her shoulder forcing her to turn around. “Hey gorgeous what about we just forget about all of this and go on home.” His voice sounded full of sadness and concern.

“AJ no, I told you that I am getting this divorce no matter how much you fight me. It is going to end right here today.” Her tone was strong and determined showing that she was no longer scared and would not back down. “AJ just go over to your seat, cooperate with the judge and this will be over before you know it ok. Do not put yourself through more pain.”

“How can you look at me like that and say those things and show no feelings for me at all ?” Her lack of emotion was tearing him apart. “You know what, I bet you got that from my wonderful brother your protector right? He’s a professional at it that must be where you got it from”

“You know nothing about Jason and I and you have no right to say anything about the two of us” She could feel the anger slowly growing inside of her about to reach it’s breaking point.

“I bet he even gave you personal lessons at it didn’t he?” AJ could feel the hurt consuming him and he was letting words come out of his mouth that he knew would hurt her but he did not care, she deserved everything he said.

He had said enough Courtney could not contain herself any longer she was going to let it all go and AJ was going to get everything her deserved.

“AJ would you just shut up Jason is just my friend and I didn’t have to learn anything from him. Just in case you wanted to know, you were the one who taught me to be like this AJ when you were stalking me just so that I would run to you for help. As far as I am concerned I do not owe you any explanations so get out of my way so we can get this divorce over with and I can finally be through with you.”

Her words cut through him like a million knives stabbing him in the back. He looked in her eyes and seeing her pain he finally realized he was defeated. That he was never going to have her again because she would not be able to handle the torture. With his anger still raging he stormed to his seat clenching his fist tightly vowing revenge.

Courtney took her seat as well and took deep breaths in order to relieve her stress. She was not going to feel bad about this divorce because he brought it on himself. She almost felt a little bit of sympathy for the man but it was quickly diminished by the thoughts of why she was in this situation in the first place.

The trial began as scheduled with the two of them giving all of the needed information to make the divorce final. Neither one said a word but instead sat in shock as they realized what a wreck their marriage had turned out to be. Soon they were dismissed and stood up to leave the room. Slowly putting on her jacket and grabbing her purse she took one last look at AJ slumped down in the chair across the aisle.

AJ looked into Courtney’s eyes for a brief second and saw the pain he had caused her. He hated seeing her like that and swore he would never hurt her like that again. The only problem was his hatred for Jason was growing stronger and he wondered how long he could control it.

Courtney quickly walked down the street in search of a place to be alone and think. Looking around she noticed she was at the docks. “Why did i come here of all places” she thought as she placed her face in her hands and looked out over the beautiful water. The wind began to blow fiercely making waves crash against the docks. Still in shock Courtney did not seem to notice the commotion around her as she took her jacket off and laid it beneath her head on the bench.

The Phone was ringing loudly as Jason Morgan slowly crept out of his bed. Using what little consciousness he had he answered. “Morgan.” The voice on the other end of the phone spoke quickly and hung up before he was able to comprehend what he said. He remembered hearing the words warehouse and problem and he knew where he had to go. He jumped up and got dressed as quickly as possible and ran down the stairs gabbing his jacket on the way out.

“Good Morning Mr. Morgan.“ A man said as he stood at the front of the Corinthos pent house.

“Good Morning Marco,” He said in a hurry as he pressed the elevator button.

“Would you like a limo waiting down stairs?”

“No that is ok I think I will just walk today but would you do me a favor?”

“Yes sir what do u need?”

“Just tell Mr. Corinthos that I went to the office to handle some business and I will be back as soon as possible ok.”

“No Problem I will make sure he receives your message”

The elevator opened and Jason stepped inside and nodded goodbye to the guard. He rushed out of the lobby in to the icy morning wind that beat fiercely against his face as he walked to the warehouse. Normally he would take a limo but he was still tired and he thought the cool air would be a great way to wake him up and he was right. Within minutes his body became accustomed to the cold and he picked up his pace hoping to get inside to the warm air soon.

As Jason entered the warehouse he found the foreman to question him about the problem.

“Joe what’s wrong why did you call me this morning?” he asked a bit confused since he did not remember a single word from their conversation.

“Mr. Morgan I told you over the phone that I had settled the problem. You did not need to come all the way down here.” He was a bit confused on why Jason had come down to the warehouse any way and now he was asking about the problem he had explained on the phone.

“I’m sorry Joe I was extremely tired this morning when I picked up the phone and I could not remember what you had said so I just decided to come down here and see what was wrong.” Jason felt like an idiot coming all the way down to the warehouse when he didn’t need to because he could not pay attention on the phone. “And I am suppose to be the boss,” he though.

“Mr. Morgan I am sorry for your inconvenience I thought you understood what I had said.” Now feeling foolish that he made his boss come down here for his own mistake he looked down at the floor. “Well I really do need to get back to work but if there is anything that you need just let me know.”

“Now what am I suppose to do?” he said to himself and turned around heading out the door.

“I am not going home yet,” He thought as he walked out of the warehouse and his feet began sinking in the cold snow. “I will just go over to Kellys and get a cup of coffee. Who knows maybe I will see Courtney” His spirits lifted at the sound of her name and he began to grow warm inside. He closed his eyes thinking about back to that kiss in the rain wishing for just one more.

****************************************Flashback*****************************************

Courtney: What is wrong with you?
Jason: I'm taking you home!
Courtney: What if you had killed Coleman? How am I supposed to feel if you go to prison because of me?

Jason: Look, I gave my word to protect you and I've lost my patience. I want to finish that guy!
Courtney: You can't just bust into places and start beating people up, especially when we don't have evidence! Jason, I am afraid for you. God, look at you, you're still hurt.

Jason: No, it's ok. I'm all right.
Courtney: No, I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you.

When I saw you laying on that floor, I thought --

He could still feel her lips connecting with is and he could feel every spark from their kiss and he would still remember the unspoken promises that passed between the two of them. It was something he could never for get and never wanted to forget.

Courtney: This -- this is crazy. I -- i love A.J.
Jason: I know. It won't happen again. [Jason ruffles his wet hair]
Courtney: It can't.
Jason: It won't.

“Stop it Jason,” he yelled at himself angrily. He knew that he should not feel this way about his so called brothers wife but he couldn‘t stop his mind from wandering to her. “She is so sweet and innocent and she sees the best in everyone including people like AJ and Myself even when it is not deserved. She listens to me and makes me feel like no other woman ever has. I need to leave her alone she is married and happy from what I can tell and I do not ever want to ruin that for her even if that does mean letting her stay with AJ.” He felt his heart sinking in his chest. He wanted to be with her so much but it was impossible and he did not even know if she felt the same way about him.

He stopped in his tracks when his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of some one crying. The sound was soft like that of a woman and he could hear the hurt and fear hidden deep inside. He slowly walked down the steps not wanting to startle whomever it was that was so upset. He looked down and saw her face covered with gorgeous golden blonde hair. He carefully moved it away from her face and gasped at the sight.

“Courtney what are you doing out here it is freezing” He quickly took his jacket off and wrapped it around her as she sat up. “Courtney what’s wrong? what are you doing sitting out in the snow? Are you ok?”

Fear was rapidly growing inside of him He had never felt like this before and it was slowly taking control of him. He pulled his glove off and placed his warm hand on her frozen face in an effort to get some sort of reaction out of her.

“Jason! Looking up she was shocked “What is he doing here?” she silently thought to herself.

“Yeah it is me. Courtney I need to take you to the Hospital” He needed to be sure she was going to be ok she had to be she just had to.

“No Jason I can not go there please. Don’t let anyone see me like this.” She said with tears in her eyes. “I can’t risk Allan and Monica seeing me like this and telling AJ” she thought quietly to herself.

“Well do u want me to take you to your apartment? It’s not that far from here if you would rather go there.” He could not figure out why she was being so resistant he had never seen her like this before and he could tell that something major was wrong with her.

“I can’t go there either,” She yelled

“Why not? Courtney what’s wrong?” He was so frightened he just could not figure out what was driving her so crazy. She never yelled at him like that before.

“Just please take me wherever you want to go and I will explain to you there ok” She was so confused about how she was suppose to deal with this because she had never been through anything like this in her life and it was tearing her apart. “But please do not take me to Sonny’s, he can not see me like this, not right now. I want to be with you Jason, I need to be with you.” Her voice was so honest and sincere and there was no way that Jason could refuse here even if he had wanted to. Jason called Marco on his cell phone and told him to have a car waiting outside of the warehouse to take him home.

After placing his phone in his pocket he carefully he picked her up in his strong muscular arms holding tightly to her not wanting to let go. Everything about her drove him wild. He loved her laugh, her smile, the sweet smell of her hair each time she hugged him, how she listened, and how she treated him like a real person. She made him feel alive for the first time in his life, and it killed him to see her like this.

He knew that he should not let himself get to close to her. After all she was his brothers wife for whatever that was work but mostly she was Sonny’s sister, but right now the only thing that mattered to him was making sure she never hurt like this again.

When they arrived at the warehouse a limo was waiting for them as expected. Jason opened the door, placed Courtney inside and wrapped her in a warm wool blanket as they made their way to Harbor View Towers.

“Jason I wanted to sat thank you,“ she said looking up into his eyes. She felt as if nothing could touch her and that she was safe when she was with him. He gently wrapped his arms around her needing so desperately to touch her and let her know she would be ok.

“Courtney I know you don’t want to talk about this yet but I want you to know I did not do this for Sonny I did this for you.” Realizing the words that has escaped his mouth he looked out the window trying to distance himself but her voice brought him back again.

“I know and that’s why I wanted to thank you.” She snuggled closer to him with tears running down her cheeks. He said nothing but pulled her closer to him.

When they arrived at their destination Courtney was still to weak to walk so Jason carried her to the elevator and they went up to his penthouse. The Guard that was on duty down stairs informed Marco that Jason was coming up so when the elevator stopped Marco had Jason’s door already opened for him to carry Courtney inside.

He carried her over to the couch and set her down and then proceeded to build a blazing fire in the fire place.

“You need to warm up, your still frozen,” he said as he gave her another blanket and moved her closer to the fire. “Would you like some tea,” he asked still concerned about her well being.

“I can’t believe this. You Jason Morgan made tea?” She was surprised, he did not seem like a guy who would spend his time in the kitchen making tea.

“Well yes only for special guest.” He said looking at her with a mischievous grin on his face. He knew he should not have said that. He just couldn’t stop the thought before it left his mouth. But her answer cause him of guard when she simply said “I would love some thank you”

The next think she knew he emerged from the kitchen with a warm cup of tea in his hand.

“Sorry it took so long I don’t go in there much.” He felt a bit foolish admitting that to her and she giggled.

“I can see that.” She took a nice long sip of her tea and closed her eyes to relax. He sat next to her in amazement. She looked like and angel that was sent down from heaven just for him. Their was an awkward silence and he know she felt his eyes on her.

“I have a bathroom upstairs if you would like to take a hot bath,” he said suggestively

“I would love that but I don’t have and clothes.” Her cheeks began to turn crimson red as he looked at her with a adorable grin on his face.

“Well that will be no problem. You can wear some of my clothes it you would like.” He knew it would be hard for him to resist her prancing around his house in his clothes but he would just have to handle it.

“That will be great thank you so much.” She loved how her was being so sweet to her. No on had ever treated her like this not even her own husband. Ex-Husband remember that she whispered as she watched him make his way towards the stairs.

“No problem. Why don’t you stay here while I go up stairs and run some bath water and I will let you know when it’s ready” He walked to the stairs looking back occasionally to see the beautiful woman he was leaving behind.

She pulled her blanket closer to her and nodded then looked back at the fire to do some much needed thinking. After Jason finally got upstairs Courtney lost herself in thoughts. She closed her eyes and thought back to the kiss in the rain and wondered it he ever did the same.....

****************************************Flashback*****************************************

Courtney: What is wrong with you?
Jason: I'm taking you home!
Courtney: What if you had killed Coleman? How am I supposed to feel if you go to prison because of me?

Jason: No, it's ok. I'm all right.
Courtney: No, I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you.

When I saw you laying on that floor, I thought --

Courtney: This -- this is crazy. I -- I love A.J.
Jason: I know. It won't happen again. [Jason ruffles his wet hair]
Courtney: It can't.
Jason: It won't.

She brought her finger up and touched her lips wishing his were still there against hers. She thought about that kiss a lot lately. Some times late at night she would have dreams of him taking her away to some amazing place and proposing to her. She realized she should not be thinking like this but she thoughts would not leave her alone but antagonized her to think about them more. “I am allowed to do this,” she said. “After all I am a free woman,” she whispered clasping her hands together tightly. She felt something cold on her finger and she looked down to see what it was. “I didn’t take off my ring.” She slowly took her wedding ring off and placed it on the coffee table before laying down on the couch.

When Jason finally made it up the stairs he quickly walked to the bathroom hoping to get back downstairs to her as soon as possible. Upon entering the bathroom Jason looked around at how bland the room really was. It consisted of a two person spa bath tub, a separate stand up shower, and two sinks lined with marble. Most people would say it’s to simple but he liked it just the was it was. It was weird to have a woman in his house to make a bath for. He always pictured himself alone but for some reason something about this just felt right. He pictured her walking to the tub and slowly running her fingers through the water to test the temperature/ Then she would slowly undress and put her clothes in a neat pile. Then she would test the water once again with her small delicate foot before fully emerging herself in the water. Then she would slowly wash her body (something he secretly wished he could do.) At last she would wrap herself in a fluffy towel enjoying the softness against her skin. He looked down at the bath tub and realized he had not started the water yet. He plugged the tub stopper in and turned on the water. Then he got an idea. He went to the cabinet and pulled out a load of bath and body supplies which Carly put there for emergencies as she called them. He picked out a few things to ass to the water and placed the rest back in the cabinet.

When the water was half way full he placed bath salts and bath beads in the water according to the directions. Then he rushed across the hall way to his room to fin her some clothes to wear. He opened his top drawer and looked at all of his boxers wondering which pair he should give her to wear. He finally decided on a pair or royal blue silk ones and a warm long sleeve shirt that would come down to the middle of her thighs. After placing them on the bathroom counter he took a yellow towel out from underneath the counter and placed it next to her clothes. He walked over to the bath tub and turned off the water and tossed in a few bath rose petals. With everything taken care of he slowly made his way to the top of the stairs.

He could hear the sound of her breathing and knew she was deep in thought. Not wanting to disturb her he quietly walked down the stairs. He saw her laying down in front of the roaring fire wrapped in a blanket. She looked like an angel with the light from the flames glistening over her body.

“Hey your bath is ready,” Jason said as he bounded down the stairs trying to distract himself from her beauty. Slowly Courtney stood up and placed a blanket on the couch while folding another one. “You don’t need to do that I will” All he wanted her to so was rest. “You go take your bath and I will make something to eat ok.”

“Oh you cook to? You surprise me more every day.” her smile widened. She couldn't help but smile when she was with him. “Well I guess i will go upstairs and I will be down in a little but ok.”

“That would be great.” He didn’t want to be away from her but now was not the time to be selfish. This was all about what she needed. She took one last look at him and climbed up the stairs. When she reached the bathroom she was amazed at the sight. The room was enormous but that was not what had attracted her. She slowly walked over to the tub. When she saw a special surprise. “Oh my goodness he is the sweetest guy I have ever met.” Her face was glowing as she thought about him. “No one had ever done anything like this for her before, and where did he get the bath supplies?” The room was entirely lit by candles and she wished he was up there for her to thank him but he wasn’t and she didn’t want to bother him. Courtney walked to the tub and slowly ram her fingers through the water to test the temperature. Then she slowly undressed and put her clothes in a neat pile. She tested the water once again with her small delicate foot before fully emerging herself in the water. Then she slowly washed her body and wrapped herself in a fluffy towel enjoying the softness against her skin.

Meanwhile Downstairs:

Jason fell down on the couch needing to rest for a minute before he attempted to make dinner. He sat wondering what she thought of his surprise and what she was doing at this second. He looked at the coffee table and noticed something glimmering in the light of the fire. He leaned over and picked up the tiny object in his hands. Courtney’s wedding ring!!!!!! After Realizing what it was he wondered what it could mean. Was she finally through with AJ or did she just take it off to go take a bath. He was not sure what it meant but the possibilities were endless and he was anxious to know the truth. He put the ring in his pocket and folded up her blankets. After he was finished he walked to the kitchen and reluctantly opened the refrigerator scared of what he might find. His suspicions were right when there was no food inside.

“Well I guess we can settle for pizza,” he said and he pressed #2 on the speed dial of his phone.

“Peat’s Pizza how can I help you Mr. Morgan?” The man on the line was very familiar with Jason's number since he called at least 3 times a week.

He gave them his order and hung up the phone. “How pathetic am I?” He muttered “The Pizza place knows me by name.”

Courtney stood at the top of the stairway looking down on Jason as he ordered their food and she couldn’t help but tease him.

“They do? Now that really is sad,” He heard her say and then heard her giggle.

He looked up to see her. She took his breath away and he lost all train of thought. She so beautiful and innocent in his clothes. The shirt along was at least twice her size and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hey Courtney your already finished?” He was glad that she was here but he would not admit that to her.

“Well yes I wanted to get back down here” Her bright smile amazed him and he was glad to see her happy. He wanted to be with her so much.

“She’s off limits,” He thought “You better leave her alone.”

Courtney noticed the look of concern and fear in his eyes and slowly stepped towards him.

“Is something wrong Jason?” She asked worried about what could be bothering him this much. “Is it Elizabeth?” she questioned but before he could answer her their was a knock on the door.

“I’m sorry I have to get that.” This could not come at a worse time he thought as he opened the door.

Courtney giggled when she saw it was the pizza delivery guy.

Jason loved her childlike spirit and found it very appealing. Her innocence was unmistakable. After paying for the pizza Jason brought it over to the table and Courtney came out of the kitchen with two crystal glassed and a bottle of wine.

“I hope you don’t mind me getting this out I just thought you might like something to drink.” The look on his face told her it was just what he was thinking.

He looked deeply into her eyes and could still see the pain she had felt earlier that day.

“Courtney come sit with me for a moment” he said patting on the seat next to him on the couch.

“Ok is something wrong Jason? Oh what could I have done,” she thought focusing on him as if her were the only thing in the entire room.

“No I just need to tell you a few things” he said confused. “How could she think he would ever be mad at her?” he thought.

“Ok but look if you don’t want me staying here I can go” she shifted side to side unsure of what she should do.

“No I don’t want you to go Courtney. I want you to be here with me”

Those simple words knocked the breath out of her. Slowly she mustered up a thought and asked,

“So Elizabeth wasn’t what was bothering you?”

“No it’s not Elizabeth. I am attracted to you. I know your married to AJ and I don’t want to mess you life up. But is don’t know how to deal with this.” He was amazed by her beauty and her grace and he wanted to hold her closer to him.

Courtney looked down at her feet realizing she had not told Jason yet. “I’m not married to AJ.”

Their words lingered in the air as they tried to comprehend what had just happened and how it would affect their lives.