Sean fell asleep to the way his dad stroked his head. He was feeling a bit better about the festival, but it still worried him a little. He certainly hadn't been preparing for it like others had. He awoke the next morning to his dad calling up the stairs. "Sean? Get up! We leave in ten minutes!" Sean groaned but rolled out of his bowl chair reluctantly. Now that his first Heat was over, he was feeling a little more like himself again. Dressing in some loose shorts and a plain grey t-shirt, he made his way down the stairs. His dad was dressed casually, but he still managed to look much nicer than himself. His dad looked him over, then tugged on his sleeves as he asked curiously. "You don't want to show off your arms?" Sean brushed his dad's hand away, rubbing his arm a little embarrassed as he said flatly. "Why? Have you seen some of those Alphas? Why humiliate myself?" His dad leaned over his shoulder a bit, telling him a little playfully. "You are a strong Omega, Sean. You should be proud of that. Show off a little. It's what these Festivals are for. Loosen up. Have fun." His mother came around the corner, hefting a bag as she told him seriously. "But put on some sunscreen! It's going to be sunny." Sean rolled his eyes, but his dad chuckled and swatted his ass to get him moving to the door.

Sean hesitated to step outside. His eyes scanning the lawn for Nathan and Mark. After being cooped up for his safety, it just didn't feel right stepping outside now. His dad wrapped an arm around him though, ushering him out to the car as he told him in a glee filled voice. "They went home early this morning. They have to get ready too. You'll be fine. Your Heat is over. There will be plenty of Zetas around to watch your back. Like your mother." His mother let out a playful growl as she loaded the car and Sean shied away from them. They were going to embarrass him. He could feel it. Climbing into the backseat, Sean took a deep shaky breath. This was the first day of the festival, and he was so nervous that he thought he might throw up. His parents packed the car like they were going on a camping trip, adding to his distress. How long would they be out there? He'd been to the festivals before as a kid, but he couldn't recall camping there for days on end. From the passenger seat, his dad reached back to tap his leg, informing him calmly. "Breathe, Sean. You're going to be ok. It's not like you're going to the Vet." Sean chuckled, then asked anxiously. "Why all the camping gear? We never camped before."

His dad grinned, answering promptly. "You aren't a puppy anymore, Sean. We can stay longer at the festival this year. Puppies only spend a short time at festivals to keep them from getting hurt. It allows them to play games in the morning before the big dogs play. Then they go home to nap and come back at night for their bunny hunt and story time. While the big dogs... engage in nocturnal playtime." Sean groaned as a blush tinted his cheeks, mumbling out to himself. "Ugh... I didn't need to know that. You've ruined Bunny night." His dad laughed, propping his feet up on the dashboard. When his mom climbed in, she asked them with a worried look. "What are you boys talking about?" Sean answered with 'Bunny Night' at the same time that his dad answered with 'Mating.' Sean dropped his face into his hands, while his mom turned on the car and said openly. "Oh. Well... that comes later." Sean leaned forward to put his head between his knees. He wanted to hide before this conversation revealed things that he didn't want to know. To his joy, they didn't talk more about it. They just jumped into fond memories about the first time they played the games. Discreetly, Sean listened in and calmed down. They made the place sound fun.

He had been avoiding the last few Festivals since getting his scent and had forgotten things about it. Hearing them talk, brought back some bits and pieces from when he was a young puppy. He even found himself getting excited as they drove under the large wooden camp sign. The smell of popcorn and BBQ food filled the air. The place was decorated in colorful flowers and bunnies. As his mom pulled into the large open grassy parking lot, Sean looked around at the groups of laughing and chatting people. There were even young puppies running around with kites and blowing bubbles. His parents got out, calling out to people they knew and asking where to set up their tents this year. Sean had to build up his confidence before slipping out of the car. He helped his parents carry their cooler and tents into the woods. Finding a cluster of other tents that were set up in the shaded tree line. He helped his mom set up the tent, listening to his dad chat with the other Zetas that sat around their tents. It was early enough that everyone was relaxing and socializing. The Zetas were early risers. So, it wasn't a shock to see all the Zetas up and about. There were very few Omegas, Alphas, or Betas here yet. Plenty of puppies though. After setting up, his mom pulled him close and kissed his temple as she whispered to him. "Whatever happens. I am proud of you, puppy. Just try and have some fun."

Sean nodded, then pulled from her to wonder around. Zetas were setting out the games and discussing what order they'd be played in and what the rules were. Giving them time to learn the changes before helping to referee the Alphas, Betas, and Omegas later on. One Zeta was starting to set up the smaller rope for a game of tug-of-war for the puppies. He recalled that rope being so much bigger, but it was so small. Once it was set up, the Zetas began to call over the puppies. Sean leaned against a tree to watch the puppies run over and take up the rope. The adults cheered them on, but Sean could only think about the time he did it with Mark. They had lost but he'd never laughed harder than seeing Mark all tangled up at the end. It made him smile to see the puppies having fun. His smile faded though as a voice behind him said a bit sarcastically. "Well, look who decided to show up this year." Sean briefly looked over his shoulder to see Ethan and a few other Omegas passing by. Ethan jogged up to him, asking almost defensively. "Never thought I'd see you here. What's your plan? Challenge the Alphas and Betas to a wrestling match? Or have you finally decided to play with the Omegas?"

Sean turned his eyes back on the puppies without a word. From somewhere behind him, another Omega called out to Ethan. "He wouldn't do that. He thinks he's better than us." Ethan moved around to stand in his peripheral vision upon saying clearly. "Ya. That sounds about right. What a day it is going to be. Try not to cry when you can't win against even us 'submissive' dogs." Ethan started to walk away but stopped to say sourly. "Why did you even bother to show up? What Alpha or Beta would want you?" Sean tried not to say anything, but he shifted a little to snap back lightly. "I'm going to love seeing your face when Mark passes you over." Ethan whirled around, snapping back bluntly. "Don't count on it. Mark gave me a gift during my Nesting period." Sean stiffened, looking at Ethan as he removed Mark's red flannel from his backpack. Flashing him a grin, Ethan smugly told him as he smelled it. "He has the best scent, doesn't he? Guess he wanted to make sure I was... wrapped up in his scent." Sean didn't want to believe it, but now that the shirt was out of the bag, he could smell Mark's scent coming from it. Ethan stuffed the shirt back into his backpack, stating out sternly to Sean. "Face it. He likes you as a friend. He doesn't want to breed with a mutt like you."

Sean felt like a knife had been plunged into his heart. Why would Mark have given Ethan his favorite flannel shirt? Mark had sat outside of his house when he was in Heat... but was that because he was just upset Nathan was taking an interest in him? Some sick rivalry. Ethan began to laugh as he strolled away toward the other Omegas that were waiting for him a bit farther down now. He watched them huddle up and laugh as Ethan whispered something to them, before heading to get some food. Turning to look at the tree he was leaning on, Sean tried to compose himself. Why did it matter? Why did he care? Although, a part of him now was getting paranoid as he saw Alphas and Betas start to arrive in groups. Were they playing a joke on him? Was this a set up? He suddenly wanted to go home as his stomach churned. Thomas passed by him, then stopped to do a double take. Swatting his other Beta friends, he laughed out. "WHOA! Hell must have frozen over, boys! The wannabe is here." Sean moved off the tree to walk away, but Thomas rushed after him to cut him off. Stopping in front of him, Thomas purred out in a sickly sweet voice. "Hey. Don't go! We're glad you're here. Aren't we boys?"

Sean glanced over his shoulder to see the other boys creeping up around him with smiles as they sniffed the air where he was. Sean let out a low growl to warn them about getting closer. Prompting Thomas to tell him teasingly. "Relax. We are just glad you finally have accepted your role as an Omega. In fact... since were are old friends. Maybe you'll want to hang out with us? Get a few drinks? Maybe join us for a dance?" One of them reached out to touch his ass and Sean lost it. Grabbing the man's wrist, Sean yanked him forward and flipped him over his body to the ground before kicking him in the balls. The others jumped back but laughed as Sean growled aggressively at them. They didn't see him as a real threat. Thomas raised his hands to beckon him as he teased out. "Show me what you've got, little Omega. Come on!" Sean growled louder, drawing the attention of the Zetas close by. The other Betas started to back away as Zetas tensed and started to move toward them. Thomas stayed though, teasing on with a grin. "What are you waiting for? Try me. I'll put you in your place, bitch." Sean lunged forward to attack him, and Thomas braced himself. As Sean reached him, Thomas moved fast. Dodging his hands to duck down and tackle Sean's torso. Sean let out a sharp yelp as Thomas lifted him off the ground and flipped him to the grass like he weighed nothing.

Sean thrashed but Thomas shoved him down over the grass, growling over his shoulder. "That all you got?" Sean tried to use all his strength to shake him, but it was no use, Thomas was stronger than him. Sean was reduced to whimpering as Zetas yelled out. "HEY! GET OFF HIM!" Thomas quickly rose off him as Zetas reached them to separate them. Raising his hands innocently, Thomas stated out. "I didn't do anything. He challenged me." Sean slowly got up on all fours, barely looking up as a man pushed through the crowd of Zetas and punched Thomas off his feet. Thomas yelped, hitting the dirt hard as the man growled so loud it made the Zetas and Omegas tremble a little. The Zeta Alphas rushed over to shove the two apart as Mark's voice broke over the crowd. "Ya, you are real tough, Thomas! Taking down Omegas like that! Manhandle him again and I'll rip you apart, asshole!" Two Zeta Alphas tried to restrain Mark as he tried to chase after a fleeing Thomas, who yelped like a spanked puppy back to his friends. Mark shoved the Zeta Alphas to the ground, his canine teeth growing out and his eyes wolfing out as his anger boiled over. The Zetas tried to calm Mark down, but it didn't seem to be helping. His eyes were locked on Thomas as challenging snarls rumbled from him.

Sean got to his feet, wondering if Mark would fight Thomas since the Zetas were struggling to keep him from going after him. Sean looked to the puppies who watched with wide eyes. More Zeta Omegas moved in to account for the puppies with worried faces. At least until a powerful voice called out. "MARK, HEEL!" Mark's anger instantly faded, and he began to pant from the strain of his close transformation. All eyes then turned to the lead Alpha as he slowly made his way into the fray. The lead Alpha looked furious as he rushed up to grab his son's arm and took him away from the crowd to scold him. The Zetas exhaled in relief, encouraging the puppies to continue to play in order to fill the awkward silence. Dusting himself off, Sean refused to look at anyone. He felt humiliated that he couldn't take a weakling like Thomas. Then the crushing feeling of Mark giving Ethan anything just overwhelmed him. His dad reached out to hug him, but Sean slipped away and ran toward the woods. He wanted to be alone. Finding a nice grassy spot, he dropped down to his knees and began to cry. He didn't want to be here anymore. He wanted to go home and hide in his room. He'd made a mistake thinking he could do this. He felt so alone.

Huddling up against the base of a tree, he tried to calm himself down. Hearing someone approach, he huffed out to the person down wind of him. "Dad, I'm sorry. I can't do this..." Behind him, Nathan answered in a warm voice. "Don't give up. They are teasing you because you let them get to you. You fuel them with things to use against you." Sean jerked at his voice, rolling over to face him better. Wiping his tears off his cheeks, he snapped back. "I was not!" Sean hiccupped, then cursed to himself. Nathan crouched down to be more at his eye level, telling him gently. "Trust me. Men like him. They get off showing off for a crowd. It's a psyche out tactic. He wants you to feel alone and inferior to him. He craves your attention. Wants to be seen as some big bad dog on campus. So, he picks on you because he thinks you are an easy target because he's never seen you fight." Sean sniffled, muttering out. "Now he has... and it meant nothing." Nathan raised an eyebrow, chuckling out lightly. "Meant nothing? You knocked a Beta on his ass. How many Omegas have you seen try to do that? Did you see their faces?" Sean glared at Nathan, snapping out. "They laughed at me!" Nathan leaned closer, saying calmly in return. "They were afraid of you."

Sean shook his head, but Nathan didn't back down as he added with a smirk. "They are like a bunch of dumb puppies playing with a snake. They think because they outnumber it that they are safe. It's all fun and games, until the snake bites." Sean shook his head again, mumbling out. "I didn't do anything to him." Nathan pointed at him, telling him seriously. "Not knowing how to fight isn't the same as not doing anything. You attacked him. You DID something." Sean hated that the statement made him feel a little better. He felt like it was a lie. Looking him in the eyes, Sean asked him defensively. "You saw what he did... and did nothing?" Nathan never blinked as he answered honestly. "I was going to step in... but you are pretty tough all on your own. I didn't want you to think that you needed my protection. Because you don't." Nathan then blushed, adding after under his breath. "When I heard you whine. I was running up... but your friend beat me to him. Besides... I would have killed him. I don't give second chances to dogs that challenge me." Sean huffed, gesturing off as he said bluntly. "Mark is still alive." Nathan smirked so genuinely that Sean blushed, listening to him retort playfully. "You pushed me through a fence."

Sean chuckled to himself, and Nathan laughed with him. Getting to his feet, Nathan extended a hand out for him. Sean accepted it and Nathan pulled him up to his feet in one good pull. Standing so close to him, Sean stared at Nathan's black shirt under his black leather jacket. He wanted a hug but resisted the urge. Nathan removed his dark sunglasses from the top of his head, then shook his own dark hair. Slipping the sunglasses on Sean's face to cover his red teary eyes, Nathan leaned in close to his ear and whispered soothingly to him. "Every fight you survive is a win. You can learn from your mistakes. And in the meantime... fake it until you make it. You didn't lose. You let him win, because losing to an Omega would destroy his fragile ego." Sean snorted, adjusting the sunglasses on his face. Nathan draped an arm over his shoulder, leading him back to the festival as he asked him curiously. "You hungry? My treat?" Sean blushed, leaning against him as Nathan held him close in a comforting hug. To Be Continued...