Rage


January 3rd 2014

It's a strange thing to be spellbound.

Immobility is an often side effect of my awestruck state of mind. Every twist and turn, the way he circles the room or how his eyes light up with every laugh has me mesmerized, my throat constricts because his fluidity is like watching a swan dance. Leaning back in the plush leather chair I watch Riley jabber on about his life, barely ever breaking eye contact mostly because if I glance away I feel like he might disappear. The boy I had met long ago has flourished into a man; his body is lean, tight with hidden muscle definition that was only skin and bones before. The same fire blazes within his auburn eyes as he determinedly ignores Edward and instead focuses all of his attention on me. I am not ignorant to the way their gazes clash together, as if beckoning a silent challenge between them.

I am very much aware of the slight narrow slant of Edward's emerald orbs and how he juts his chin out, clenching his jaw tightly whenever Riley reaches over to graze my hand. When we first entered his apartment I stood in the foyer smiling to myself because this place was so very Riley. The décor was something out of a magazine, with bold neon quarreling colors, Leopard skin rugs and Zebra printed wall paper.

"Sorry the place is such a mess—" He had apologized self-consciously but nothing looks out of place, in fact everything is immaculate. "I've hardly had anytime to clean today but I'm so glad you could make it on such short notice, Lord knows I've been meaning to call but you know how it is once a girl gets sidetracked."

I chuckled expressing my gratitude for having us over. When we sat down Riley was the perfect host, asking if we needed anything or if we were thirsty and offered to bring us some Thai tea because according to him it healed the soul. Edward and I sat together on the couch, while Riley chose a chair right across from me after he had brought a small tray of tea cups into the living room, placing it on the coffee table.

"I didn't know you would be bringing a guest, so having Edward here was a bit unexpected," Riley commented offhandedly. "But I'm glad you both could make it. Now, enough of that pish posh I have so much to tell you…."

Listening intently I learned that after Riley got out of prison, his mother passed away a few days later, he looked forlorn as he spoke about her final hours and how she never stopped fighting until the very end. Then he recalled his travels around Europe and meeting a gorgeous man from Italy who couldn't speak a word of English but gave amazing head. It was then he grew pensive, laughing to himself about his brief but disastrous stay in France and being deported back to America shortly after. It was hard not to get enthralled with Riley as he lectured about grandeur, seeing the Eiffel tower or sunsets over the canal in Venice.

"Damn," I drawled grinning widely. "You've done so much."

"Yup," Riley said pouring himself some tea. "Once my probation was over I took off and never looked back, not once. Life is a moment, an experience and I want to indulge in all the pleasure of the world before I leave it for good. Oh! Listen to me going on and on like some brainless tart. Jasper, darling, please tell me about yourself and hold nothing back I can always tell when you're lying."

"I haven't done much since I've been out," I said sadly. "Mostly just workin' fer Edward's firm tryna get back on my feet and goin' to school, I have a private tutor now."

"All bought and paid for by New York's finest," Riley mumbled under his breathe.

Edward fixed him with a hard look. "What is the matter with Jasper getting a tutor?"

"Nothing at all, honey," Riley smiled sweetly. "I'm an old soul who happens to think buying affection is neither commendable nor even suitable for someone like you."

Edward bristled and I could tell he was going to resort to a nasty reply.

"Ya'll just relax," I said slowly. "He didn't buy my affection trust me, I've loved Edward for years you know that."

Riley smiled but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I know, it's just strange….."

"What is?"

"Seeing you again…" Riley responded softly, his delicate well-manicured hand reached over to squeeze mine. "Your face…." Unexpectedly his auburn eyes welled up.

"Battle scars," I responded "I reckon it makes me look badass,"

Riley released a sob laugh. "I can't ever thank you enough….you saved my life."

"It ain't nothin'" I blushed. "You put up a good fight too,"

"Yeah," he sniffed, swiping at the tears. "I'm sorry I never kept in contact. Things just got really complicated when I got out."

"I understand,"

"But we found each other now," He continued. "Look at me, getting all choked up with my mascara running."

"Don worry it doesn't make ya look any less gay."

"You should see me in heels and a dress," Riley winked.

"Do ya still perform at the club?"

"Honey, I've never stopped," He replied looking abashed. "They've added singing to my set and you know how much I love the spotlight, it's really a dream job."

"Glad to 'ear it, you always were a princess."

"Now, there's no need for name calling and if I recall correctly you aren't that far from being one as well."

"No fuckin' way,"

"Yes, way—Mr. Bottom bunk."

"I'm never gonna live that down am I?"

"Nope,"

"Well, at least I ain't dumb enough to piss off the guards by askin' if they'd give you condoms and lube."

"You know I don't like to get messy when I masturbate," Riley said casually.

I laughed. "Ya used to make little kitten noises."

"Better than the grunting noises you used to do, I thought you were doing a gorilla mating call."

"Awe, now you've wounded me,"

"Hmm, yes, you know how I like it rough," He leaned over his chair. "A good spanking will put me in place,"

"Yer a piece of work ya know that?"

Riley smirked. "Well, I was born naked, wet and hungry I guess things only got worse."

Throwing my head back I laughed, snatching his hand and kissing his knuckles. "God, I've miss you,"

"I've missed you too," He replied. "There aren't any big strong cowboys to keep me company up here,"

"I'm sure you managed,"

Edward cleared his throat loudly, drawing us both out of our banter. It occurred to me that he wasn't used to this kind of language. Briefly glancing at the time Riley jumped up, throwing the brightly colored boa over his shoulder. "I have a show,"

"Really?" I beamed. "When, right now?"

"Well, in a half hour so I have to get ready. I had hoped you'd come and watch and then we can grab a drink after?"

"Of course, I reckon that would be fine," I replied rubbing my chin thoughtfully. "Unless…Edward are ya goin' back to the house—"

"No, I am most definitely coming,"


The bar was packed solid with people.

Wall to wall, we could barely maneuver past anyone without bumping into them. Edward clung onto my hand while we found a decent spot to watch the performance from. A crowd of people swarmed the stage as a women in drag belted out the lyrics to I'm Every Woman by Whitney Houston dressed in a long elegant red dress, hair piled high on top, nearly drowning in sapphires.

"I have to go get changed," Riley yelled over the music, in one bold move he kissed me on the cheek before weaving his way through the throngs of scatter men and women on the floor. I chuckled after him, as he disappeared behind the stage.

Edward was less than amused.

A large part of me wondered why he even bothered to come at all since he was having such a shitty time. I knew he wasn't Riley's biggest fan but the sour expression he continuously wore was starting to grate on my fucking nerves. Aside from the fact that Riley was intent on goading him on, he should know by now that it was all harmless fun, plus he was nothing compared to what I had to endure with Garrett. Turning towards him I kissed his temple, my hand cupping the back of his head, during this action I noticed him visibly relax and it occurred to me that Edward's possessive and territorial behavior came from him being scared shitless of my feelings for Riley.

Since we frequently danced the line of friends and lovers I could see where his stress lie, yet what bothered me immensely was that he didn't think I could be trusted.

"Ya okay?" I asked lowly in his ear.

"Yes," Edward said. "Just didn't expect him to be so….colorful."

Instantly I felt the need to defend Riley but that wouldn't help the situation so I stayed quiet. The music pumped, it had been a while since I've been to a club, let alone a gay bar so I took a few minutes to take in my surroundings. Various men were in a state of undress with their shirts hanging out of their back pockets, gyrating to the beat, the dance floor was overflowing with men and women alike most of them too drunk to see straight. There was a dark hallway in the far left corner beside the bar which a lot of people were coming in and out of.

"That's the backroom," Edward explained.

"What's that?"

Edward smirked. "I'll show you next time."

The mischievous glint in his eyes didn't go unnoticed by me and I smiled, wrapping both arms around his shoulder blades hugging his back to my chest. Leaning in close I sang the lyrics to a song blasting through the speakers, occasionally I'd forget the words and make them up, causing Edward to laugh. The mood lightened considerably between us and I kissed his clothed shoulder as the performer stepped off the stage and another took the mike. It continued like this for two more performances singing pop and upbeat songs from the top forty list and by that time Edward and I were slow grinding to the music, with his ass flush with my cock and my hands digging into his hips to hold him there, languidly kissing up and down his neck.

"Hey ya'll this song is dedicated to my best friend,"

I stilled immediately eyes snapped to the stage where a woman with big red-curls, shimmering dark blue dress that dipped hazardously low in the front and back with a long slit that ended mid-thigh.

"Jasper Whitlock you dirty bitch, this is for you,"

Throwing my head back I chortled clapping loudly for Riley while he blew me a kiss. His makeup was utterly fabulous and flawless, Smokey blue and black eye-shadow with long lashes, I barely recognized him. Clutching the mike close, I watched him smirk before the music started up and I recognized the song instantly as Brainstorm's Lovin' Is Really My Game.

I can't catch no man

Hangin' out as the discotheque, but I believe in the boogie

Oh, but the boogie don't believe in me

Well, I got my way of groovin'

Sitting down right in my seat

I get soul satisfaction

Yeah, without jumpin' up and down on my feet.

Swirling his hips Riley owned the stage and the audience as he walked up and down purposefully, even inviting some people to come dance with him as he did a great rendition of the song. My jaw nearly dropped when he rolled his hips in a way that looked absolutely sinful, gaining loud whistles and screams from the crowd. He was in full disco diva mood, sassy and elegant with a special smile he saved just for me. Flipping his wild red hair, he rolled his hips wailing into the mike like he was born to do it and I felt pride swell in my chest.

Lovin' is really my game, yeah

It's my game, it's my game, it's my game

Lovin' is really my game, it's a game, yeah

The song ended with thunderous applause and he chuckled heartily, tossing his wild curly hair over his shoulder giving them flirtatious looks. "Thank you, you're all too kind."

"We love you!" Someone shouted from the crowd.

"Well, I know who giving me fellatio tonight," Riley announced his voice light and airy. "But before that how many of you queens want to hear some Alicia Bridges!"

I love the nightlife

I got to boogie, on the disco 'round, oh yeah,

Oh, I love the nightlife

I got to boogie, on the disco 'round, oh yeah,


"That was fuckin' amazin',"

It was after four in the morning and we were sitting at an empty table near the bar sipping beers and talking about the performances. The place was completely empty save for a few employees that were cleaning up and getting the club ready for the next night. Riley was stripped down to his regular clothes—well if you could even call them regular—he was wearing yoga pants, matched with a neon pink off the shoulder sweater exposing his milky skin. All the makeup had been washed off, yet there was still a bit of glitter on his cheeks and his dress lay in a plastic bag beside him for dry cleaning.

"Thank you," Riley blushed. "It's been ages since I've heard that song but I knew you'd enjoy it. Do you remember that night I couldn't sleep—"

"And I ain't ever been good with lullables—"

"You asked if I knew Alicia Bridges—" Riley cut himself off laughing.

"Yeah, yeah, then I sang soundin' like some dying cat to ya all night so you could catch some sleep."

"Jasper you were horrible!" Riley chuckled loudly. "I still have nightmares."

Looking momentarily lost Edward's eyes flitted back and forth between us. "In prison the cots are uncomfortable an' it can be hard to catch some sleep," I explained. "So this one night after listen to Riley toss and turn fer hours I decided to sing to him,"

"He was so bad he pissed off all the guys on our cell block,"

"Didn't it cheer ya up? So stop fuckin' complainin'," I rolled my eyes. "Now, Edward knows I can't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid on it,"

"I'm sure he knew that before, sweetie," Riley smirked.

"Fuck off,"

"Awe, always the gentleman," Riley cooed, leaning over to place a big wet kiss on my cheek.

We bantered like this back and forth, beside me Edward was unusually quiet drinking from his beer the light in his eyes seeming to fade as soon as Riley joined us at the table. This rivalry they had going on I would never get, it was like a constant competition Edward couldn't understand that Riley was a naturally open person, he connected through touch It helped him become familiar with people, and every time his hand would touch mine I'd watch Edward's face turn murderous. It's bad enough he wouldn't attempt to get to know Riley he was just fiercely stingy.

"We should go somewhere," Riley announced.

"Where?"

"Anywhere—the moon, the stars—Ireland?" He bounced. "Oh! How about back to Texas you always talked about seeing if you have any relatives alive and I could use some time away from the city."

"I dunno…." I said rubbing my chin. "My momma had a sister but I ain't too sure about that, I reckon she passed away…"

"So find out," Riley encouraged. "Aren't you tired of wondering?"

"Is that true?" Edward asked abruptly. "Were you really thinking about going back to Texas to find your family?"

"Yeah…I thought 'bout it a few times,"

"Oh….." Edward said nodding slowly. "You never told me that…"

There was no accusation in his tone just compliance and I wondered if maybe he was a little hurt that I shared that information with Riley and not him.

I shrugged trying to keep things casual. "It's no big deal….just a thought,"

Edward nodded but didn't comment any further. "I'm going to hit the restroom,"

Standing up he leaned over planting a searing hot X-rated kiss on my lips with way more tongue action than necessary. Drawing back he smirked before striding across the bar, weaving his way through the tables confidently. Licking my slightly swollen lips I adjusted my pants, my jeans suddenly becoming too tight. Riley sat across from me, his hands folded over his lap as he drank something red out of a martini glass, he was unable to hide the smug look on his face.

I knew exactly why he had brought up my thoughts on going back to Texas—it was to bring Edward's controlling nature to the surface and to make him feel inferior. It was a bold move on Riley's part, innocently recalling those days spent in prison were our discussions seemed endless, yet one look at Edward's face and anyone could tell that there was a struggle. His brow would twitch or he'd sip his drink too long as if he were stopping himself from exploding.

It occurred to me that these little reactions were what Riley thrived on, a barely visible look of satisfaction would fall over his features before he was divulging into another topic, just like the fiery creature he was. Riley had always been good at predicting moves, like an open book he could read their signals and adapt quickly so that the other person unknowingly made moves towards his advantage. Easily he could see how Edward's insecurities ran deep and he was having fun preying upon them.

"What are ya doin'?" I drawled, leaning lazily back in my chair.

"What do you mean?" Riley asked feigning innocence.

"Ya know what I mean," I replied. "Yer windin' him up,"

Casually he took a long sip of his fruity drink. "So what if I am?"

"Stop,"

"Jasper, sweetie, come on I'm just testing the waters….you shouldn't expect anything less from me I mean, honestly. I know he wants to be in every aspect of your life and it must sting to know he isn't."

"Edward don' need testin' he's perfectly fine."

"You can't seriously believe that," Riley said in disbelief. "He looks like he wants to pummel me into the ground for even breathing in your direction. It took you so long to get over him I have no idea why the hell you would put yourself in this situation again. He's pure toxic waste if you ask me."

"Nobody asked you."

"Don't get snippy I'm just trying to help you out."

"By makin' Edward feel like shit..?"

"Of course not,"

"Then…what?"

"I'm trying to make you see that the world is at your fingertips, honey all you have to do is take it." Riley beseeched. "We've talked for hours about how happy you would be in Texas and the good things you want to do with your life once your probation is over…all I'm saying is don't let him stop you,"

"Edward isn't standin' in my way—"

"You love him, I know, even a blind man can see that, however with him there's always going to be something." Riley said firmly. "Whether it's not taking his medication, his crazy family or his roommate, something's always going to happen that's seemingly beyond his control. He's never to blame for all of the situations that he's put you in but when shit hits the fan he's dragging you down with him."

Turning my head away I refused to respond to that, mostly because it was true. Edward had this way about making things seem like he was always the innocent party.

"Nothing to say, eh?" Riley goaded. "Because you know I'm right."

"All that's in the past now—"

"History has a way of repeating itself and I know that if Edward fucks up again you aren't ever coming back."

The words hung in the air causing a bitter taste in my mouth.

Riley was so damn intuitive, he could read people without even trying it all came naturally to him. Taking a long drink from my beer I thought seriously about his words. If Edward did indeed fuck up again, then I would not come back come hell or high water. Even being with him now was a still a bit of a struggle, mostly because we had so many issues to work out.

"I'll say this just once," I drawled, my jaw clenching. "Change the fuckin' subject,"

"Whatever, you don't want to hear the truth that's fine."

"Are you done?"

"For now," Riley snorted taking a sip of his drink; while he brought the glass to his lips I saw that the shirt dipped low enough to see his chest marred with small purplish discolorations. Noticing where my eyes were drawn he quickly pulled it up giving me a half shrug. "Lesions number thirty-six," He gave a humorless laugh. "KS honey, nothing to worry about I've just had a few minor setbacks but everything is fine now."

"How long have ya had it?"

"Three years….I didn't know once I got out of prison…Marcel must have when he…." Riley turned away, looking uncomfortable. "Anyway, I didn't know until it was too late and by then the HIV had already developed, progressing and before I knew it I had AIDS,"

"If I could kill that motherfucker all over again I would,"

"I know you would but that doesn't solve anything,"

"Ya know….when you told me," I said slowly. "When ya told me a few days before Christmas I—I didn't want to believe it…I mean—I was so fuckin' scared that you'd…." My throat immediately constricted when I tried to explain my feelings, it was the single most horrifying experience of my life and I wished that I could take it all away, the agony that Riley had lived through because of that bastard was revolting, it made anger curl in my stomach and I fought to maintain control of my actions.

I wish I could kill Marcel all over again, wrap my hands around his thick neck and squeezed while he choked and gasped for air until he body went slack in my arms. Although it would change nothing I'd still love to relive the satisfaction of knowing that Riley received justice. In order to deter my thoughts I make an effort to change the subject. "How are you feelin'?"

"Good, today is a good day," Riley replied somberly. "Some days are bad but my T-cells are up, they changed my cocktails and so far there aren't any side effects so it's good….Look, I know this is hard for you and I promise Jasper that it's not the end of the world—"

"Ya can't promise shit,"

"Honey, I need you to be strong for me," Riley begged. "I'm fighting with every breathe in me and I need you to do the same,"

Tears stung the back of my eyes when I thought about it, a world without Riley made me sick to my stomach. Snatching his hand I held on for dear life.

"You're my best friend," He said softly. "And you mean everything to me,"

"Maybe we can get ya new doctors, ya know? Really smart ones like they have in the movies and fly ya out to New York to get the best possible treatment—"

"We both know I won't go,"

I slumped in my chair resigned. "I hate bein' so far from you, if somethin' were to happen you'd be 'ere all alone without anyone lookin' after ya—"

"I'll be fine," He waved his hand dismissively. "I have my weekly groups, friends that live around the block and my performances,"

"Yeah, but—"

"Jasper," He said sternly. "I've gone this long without you I'll be just fine,"

"Are ya sure?"

"Darling, there would be riots in the streets if I ever stopped performing," He smiled, but his eyes were tight around the edges. "Never mind about all that, I'm safe and happy that's all that matters right now."

His was face drawn from exhaustion and I could see the bags under his eyes that seemed to be permanently etched into his face. The disease is there just beneath the flesh, crawling towards the surface to get free. Through all of his sexual escapades I knew he was careful, so careful of infecting anyone else and he makes sure all of his partners are well informed. It's so acutely disturbing that someone so young had lived through so much pain and suffering, it makes my heart ache.

In another life Riley would have gone to college, majored in design or fashion living the life he's always wanted in a penthouse and a long term boyfriend. I could imagine him using his flare of clothing and excelling in the fashion industry and his mother would be free of cancer rooting him on from the sidelines, while he became an international phenomenon. However much I wished it to be true I knew that would never happen. My momma used to say; "the life we get is the life we got".

Being in Prison is what brought us together and I could never regret that.

Riley groaned stretching his weary limbs.

I smiled weakly, taking his hand and brushing it against my rough cheek. For some reason his skin was always so soft, like baby skin and I just loved running my rough hands up and down his arms. Sometimes he would laugh and call me a big Ol' flirt.

When Edward came out of the bathroom he glanced down at our joined hands but didn't comment and we got ready to leave the bar. On our way out I held Riley's hand in mine, intertwining our fingers as he leaned on me heavily. Inside the limo Edward was quiet, glaring at the window, steadily avoiding eye contact with us and I honestly couldn't bring myself to care right now.

I didn't know when I was going to see Riley again so I wanted as much physical contact as I could get. When we pulled into his apartment complex, we rode the elevator up and walked Riley to his front door. Completely drained he swayed on his feet as he struggled to get the door open, laughing at himself in the processes.

"Gods I am so tired,"

"Maybe I could stay and make sure—"

"Jasper I am fine, I just need my beauty sleep, okay?" Riley said trying to pacify me.

"Alright," I mumbled knowing how stubborn he could be. Leaning down I wrapped both arms around his waist, burying my face in his neck inhaling deeply.

"Now, don't get all choked up I'll see you soon," Riley forced a chuckle.

"When?" I demanded.

"Well, I think a trip to New York is in order," He replied. "My shine and glitter has always been too bright for Forks, so who knows,"

Pulling away I kissed his cheek then licked down the side of his face. Riley squawked, swatting at my shoulder as he shoved me away laughing. "Asshole,"

"You love me," I grinned.

Glaring at me he wiped off his cheek with the back of his hand. "Just leave before I do something I'll regret,"

"Goodnight," I said. "I'll call you later,"

"Yeah, whatever you'll be lucky if I pick up," He said pouting. "Edward….always a pleasure,"

"Riley," Edward clipped right back.

Waving goodbye he gently closed the door and we turned and walked back down the long corridor in silence. It was after six in the morning both of us were exhausted and I was keen to get back to the Cullen's and get some much needed rest. Even as we walked I could tell there was something wrong with Edward, his back was ramrod straight and he strutted a few paces in front of me stiffly. Far too drained to ask, I continued to walk mechanically, whatever his problem was we'd deal with it tomorrow.


The next morning I awoke with a start to an empty bed, not entirely surprised mostly because I figured this was Edward's way of punishing me for my behavior with Riley last night. It was unusually cold and the chill that filled the atmosphere had nothing to do with the weather outside. Yawning I stretched my limbs, rolling my neck and other taut muscles, without wasting any more time lingering, I jumped in the hot shower. It was around noon when I dressed in a long sleeve bright orange shirt, along with jeans that hugged my body nicely, my bare feet padded on the hardwood floors as I walked into the living room.

Edward was there alone on the couch, with his reading glasses on and some legal documents in hand, skimming over them. He didn't look up when I entered but I knew he felt my presence. Clicking my tongue I went into the kitchen to find something to eat. There was a plate on the counter with a lid on it and a sticky note that said Jasper on it.

Smiling to myself I took the food, which consisted of a large portion of—bacon, eggs, pancakes, taters, bread and some fruit—and popped it into the microwave to warm it up. When I was done eating, deliciously full thanks to Esme, I joined Edward on the couch, propping my feet onto his lap waiting for a reaction.

Edward studiously ignored me and it wasn't until I ground my heel into his crotch that he finally spares me a warning glance.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing,"

"Don' seem like nothin',"

"I'm tired and the weather has fucked up our plans for leaving since it's a goddamn blizzard outside,"

I shrug. "I don' mind stayin' a little longer,"

"Of course you wouldn't," He mumbled.

A beat goes by. "Put that down,"

Edward skeptically eyed me over the rim of his glasses. "Why?"

"Just do it,"

Lowering the papers he placed them back in the folders and set his glasses on the coffee table. Lazily I leaned back in the couch, watching as he crawled towards me on his knees.

"You have my undivided attention Mr. Whitlock," He said smoothly his face several inches from mine.

Tucking his short hair behind his ear I smirked. "Do ya trust me?"

"Conditionally,"

"Liar,"

We both laughed and Edward settled between my legs. "Seeing you with Riley last night made me realize that I was wrong and I want to apologize for my behaviour….it was rude and well…I'm sorry,"

"S'okay," I replied, gently stroking his ear. "You should probably apologize to Riley though,"

"I will," Edward said looking down. "I hope a ticket to New York would suffice,"

"What?"

Edward smirked. "I know how much he means to you so I got him a ticket to New York, he can use it anytime—"

The words died in his throat when I kissed him. "Thank you,"

"Anything for you," He chuckled. "When you were with him….I've never seen that side of you—so playful and carefree…I love seeing you like that," Edward laid his head on my chest, snuggling as I wrapped my arms around him. I wasn't sure where the other Cullen's were but I was glad to have this time with Edward. "I love you,"

For the first time in a long time I felt hope.

It settled in my chest finally clouding out all the despair I had carried around for years. When I stared down at Edward I didn't see the demon, all I saw was a boy who I loved more than anything in this world, a boy who had given up everything just to be with me. With him the darkness coward, receding back to the shadows allowing the light to shine through. In a flash I could see the future stretch out before us, a canvas with one endless highway distending beyond the horizon and into the unknown.

"I love you too,"


A/N: :-)

Thanks a lot to those who shared their thoughts on the last chapter I really enjoyed reading them and to Beanothercullen for editing this chapter for me.

I decided to give the angst a bit of a break for now and just let these boys have some long overdue romance;)

So what did you guys think about Riley? Will Edward's ever be fully comfortable with their friendship?

Let me know!