An Omega's Desire

Chapter Ten: "The Festival Begins"

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."