Title: Natural

Summary: An unknown batter named Edward Masen takes a losing baseball team to the top of the league. Edward lives out his fame but can't seem to shake the idea of the mysterious woman he meets on the train.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from this work.

A/N: Thank you to my amazing mind soulmate and awbffe, LoveBadBoyVamps, for beta reading this chapter. *muah*


By the time I woke up, my mind was made up. I spent all night—not the smartest idea the night before a big game—and weighed all my options. I had to do what was best for our future. Bella's, the baby's, and mine. She had let me all the way in last night and I was determined not to let her down. I knew how hard that was for her after years of trust issues. Bella told me to make this decision for me and not worry about how it would affect her. After hours of debating I finally believed her. What made my decision was my father's words echoing through my head, "You've got a gift Edward... but it's not enough - you've got to develop yourself. If you rely too much on your own gift... then... you'll fail." I had developed myself and relied on Bella. Bella was strong and fierce, she could handle anything that was thrown at her. This was a decision for me and me alone.

I felt her nuzzle into my chest. At some point during the night Bella had clung to my whole body. Her leg now rested over my thigh and her arm pulled my body to her. She sighed in content and then propped her chin up so she could look at me.

"Hello, handsome." She smiled.

I pushed back the haystack that was her hair. "Good morning."

My body shifted so I could lean over and press my mouth to hers. She hummed against me and I could tell she was fighting back another smile. Her body moved to lay completely over me and I knew she could feel my reaction to her against her thigh.

"It is a good morning." She ground against me.

Her legs spread over me as she moved herself over my erection. A low growl escaped my mouth at the feeling of her wet and slick against me. I wanted inside her. The night had been long and hard and my body didn't feel nearly as sore as it had been the night before.

I whispered softly in her ear, "I want to be inside you."

Her response was a delectable shiver that coursed over her whole body, followed by the tell-tale blush. She lifted her body and slid her hand between us. Her nails scratched along my chest and played with the trail of hair leading from my navel to where I was ready for her. She gripped me firmly—stroking several times—and positioned me at her entrance.

Bella slid down me achingly slow. She seemed to be prolonging the feeling but I simply stared at her face. Her eyes were hooded and her mouth stayed parted only to close as she licked her bottom lip. It was the most erotic sight I'd ever seen.

When I fully consumed her, my hands slid up and stopped on her stomach. There was our child growing, an example of the love we held for one another. A love that stood strong even as Bella tried to fight it. My hands slipped even further to cup her breast and Bella chuckled. I looked up alarmed.

"You realize you play with them every time we fool around." She giggled. "And you get this far away little kid look on your face. It's kind of cute."

I smirked and she lifted her body as she moved over me. My body moved with hers but I let her mostly do all the work, taking what she wanted from my body. Her hands gripped my chest and I when I felt she was close, I pulled her face down to meet mine and joined our mouths. She moaned into our kiss as she lost herself in her orgasm. The feeling of her walls clenching around me, holding me inside her became my undoing and I released into her.

We spent the morning making love and only stopped to eat breakfast. I knew what she was doing. She was taking my mind off the stress of tonight's game and letting me know that she was here for me no matter what my choice was. I was only hoping she would be able to accept it.

She showered after me and left me alone to pick out my suit. It was then that I noticed the garment bag hanging on her closet with a note stating my name. I walked towards it unzipping the bag to reveal the most beautiful suit. It was entirely black with a matching vest and a blue, burgundy, and white tie. I slipped it on my body and stood at the mirror looking at myself.

Suddenly, a pair of arms entrapped my body and I looked up in the mirror and was met with a pair of deep brown eyes.

"You like it?" she asked.

I nodded. "You didn't have to. This is really too much."

"No, it's not. It's about time you look the part. You're one of the greatest players in the game, Edward."

"How did you know I'd be here?"

She shrugged and turned to get dressed. "I didn't. If we didn't run into each other last night you were going to have it delivered to your hotel."

I turned and kissed her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I waited as she got dressed in a simple burgundy dress—one that matched my tie. Her hair up in a simple bun and I watched in awe as she applied her makeup. Bella was and would always be the most beautiful thing in my world.

We made it down the stairs and were greeted by Esme and Carlisle. Esme was beaming at the look of the two of us—hand in hand—making our way down the stairs. She kissed us both and wished me luck.

"'Bout ready to go, Masen?" Carlisle asked.

I nodded. Bella would be heading to the game with Esme as I took a taxi with Carlisle. I kissed Bella goodbye and then I was off to meet my fate.

Once in the taxi, I could tell Carlisle was overcome with nerves. He was in a tan suit and wore a hat that hid his blonde hair. His whole body was shaking in nerves and when he spoke there was nervousness to his voice. He needed to relax.

"Carlisle, you're making me jittery."

He released a short laugh. "It's just that I want to win this pennant worse than I've ever wanted anything in my goddamn life."

I felt the guilt rush over me.


As I walked out onto the field, everyone took notice of my injuries. They took in the slight limp in my step and the gashes that covered my face and arms. Many asked what happened and I simply stated a fight that got out of hand. They were too drunk the night before to remember my disappearance and I didn't blame them.

We lined up as Rosalie Hale sang the national anthem. Her voice was beautiful and I could hear Emmett's praise over all others in the stadium. When I turned towards where he was I was greeted with Bella's smiling face she did a slight wave and I nodded in acknowledgment.

It was time for the game to begin and I had to act my part.

Since it was a home game we were in the field first. I ran out to my position in right field and threw the ball around with the other outfielders. The crowd erupted into cheers as we made our way out and I could tell they were just as excited as the team for having made the pennant after such a losing streak.

"Let's go Knights!" a fan yelled from the stands and the whole stadium repeated.

We were playing Pittsburg for the pennant. It all relied on this one game. The umpire welcomed the Pittsburg batter out on the field as our pitcher threw his last pitch.

He waved his mask in the air. "Play ball!"


We had two outs and Weber stepped out onto the mound. Our pitcher wound up and threw the pitch and he made contact sending the ball straight back towards me. I was ready for it, running with all my might as I caught up with the ball, catching it in my glove and sending it to the second baseman.

Three outs.


The new pitcher for the Pittsburg Pirates was a new up and coming pitcher named Jacob Black. He was tan and had a tall build. His jet black hair was long and pulled into a pony tail underneath his hat. He had excellent control and was helping me play my part beautifully since even I had a hard time hitting against him.

The whole stadium erupted into cheers for the Knights but even I was having a hard time hitting off this guy. Every pitch seemed to go the opposite way I was expecting it. I was constantly being fooled. The announcers blamed it on the fact that I didn't participate in batting practice before the game, choosing instead to walk straight on the field. They couldn't be more off.

My timing was off and no matter what I tried I couldn't even make contact with the ball. Aro Volturi was going to be happier with my performance than he could've imagined. But we were holding our own in the field keeping the score zero to zero. If we weren't going to score it didn't seem they were either.

Carlisle and Phil were proud of their team for holding on and still fighting. There was definitely a fight to be had if Volturi had anything to say about it.


Marcus Lowes was up and the count was three and one. Our pitcher sent the ball high and he walked to first. Next walked out Alec Simms, last up he grounded to first so we weren't too worried about him. The pitcher checked Marcus and sent the pitch toward Alec.

But, he was ready for it.

He swung and the power of his swing sent the ball flying high towards me. I ran with it trying to have it in my glove before it fell to the ground. But it was still flying high and seemed to have no chance of falling. The ball went over the wall and the Pirates had their homerun.

The Pirates were now up one.


Some point in the sixth inning a letter was handed to me from one of the base coaches. I opened it and was met with Bella's writing.

Edward,

I believe in you and I'll be right by your side when all this is over. I love you.

All my love,

Bella.

I closed up the letter and looked towards Carlisle and Phil. They were trying their hardest to get us on the scoreboard but there seemed to be little help when such dark forces were against them. Aro Volturi had his workings and his hooks were well into those he worked with. People including me.


This was it.

The score still remained one to nothing. The Pirates were beating us and they knew it. Jacob Black had been playing beautifully. He had one of the best fastballs in the league and no one had been able to hit off it. Sam Uley had gotten to second purely on luck with a wayward pitch hitting him and being able to steal second. The weight of the game fell on my shoulders.

This was the game. Tomorrow one of these two teams would be playing in the World Series and right now it all came down to me, Edward Masen.

Bottom of the ninth. Two outs. Man on second.

And it all fell down to this at bat.

I strode forward with determination and I could almost see Aro's proud smile. Lightning and thunder could be heard in the background and it set the perfect setting for what was about to happen. I squared off at the plate and waited for fate to take its place.

Black wound up and sent the pitch right to my bat, and with all my might I hit it. The ball went flying off to the side making it a foul ball. I made my way back to home plate when I realized the gravest of things had happened. There on the ground lay my Wonderboy broken in two.

Seth came running out and picked up the two pieces. My heart was distraught. Here was the bat that had played my future. The bat had made me what I was today. I took it from Seth's hands and held its remains. It was over.

Seth looked up at me, waiting.

I tore my eyes off the bat. "Go pick me out a winner, Seth."

"Okay."

I slapped his back and watched as he ran towards the dugout taking Wonderboy with him. He stopped right in front where all the Knights bats lay and grabbed one running back towards me and holding it firm in his hands.

I took and noticed the lettering, "Clearwater Special" carved onto the wood. It was the bat we had made together. My face broke into a smile as flashes went off around the stadium. Edward Masen was about to bat for the first time without the help of his Wonderboy bat.

I held the bat in my hands, testing its weights and stepped forward to the plate once again. Wiping dirt on my hand to aid in my grip I faced Jacob Black.

He removed his hat and wiped at the sweat gathering there. I took a couple of practicing swings preparing for what I had decided to do. The nervousness must've shown on my face because the umpire spoke up.

"You alright, fella?"

I nodded. "Yeah, let's play ball."

The crowd was loud. Everyone seemed to be on their feet, cheering and rooting for the Knights to win it. I looked straight ahead and saw Bella—hands clasped—staring at me. Emmett had his arm around her shoulder but she wasn't leaned into his touch. She just watched.

Every person in the stadium was calling my name and I looked on as everyone seemed to be on the edge of their seat. Black wound up and sent the ball flying.

What I did next would change the lives of those who loved baseball forever.


A/N: Dun… Dun… Dun…. What do you think Edward decided to do? Take Volturi's offer and protect Bella's name as well as his future? Or did he save Phil and Carlisle's career and send the Knights to the pennant leaving him and Bella to deal with the consequences? Let me know what you think of our beloved Edward Masen.

This is the last chapter before the epilogue. Thank you to all those who reviewed and enjoyed taking this journey with me. Especially, eifeltwr who pimped me out all over facebook and to JaneOldPW who spurred the initiative for me to continue it. As always I send my thanks to LovesBadBoyVamps and Kerrbear1969 for being my awbffe's.