Access Fifteen (Destiel AU)

i. The Iron Man

June 9th—

Dean's first real day on the island was filled with just as much work as any other day. He had arrived with his brother the day before on June eighth. For high school students, it was first week– the first week of break– but for college kids it was first week of freedom. Though Dean didn't attend college, he was still of that age. He felt that same rush of free will as the other twenty-year-olds on the island did. However, he could only feel so much as he was attempting to gain a job, which would confine him to hours of work with most likely minimum pay. Still, he went looking. 

There was no newspaper or message board for job adds, so Dean decided on asking around. His first stop happened to be at a small strip mall, the only strip mall, in town. He found a pizza place, which had no openings. The two clothing boutiques looked a little effeminate for Dean. The ice cream and video store was closed for repairs. His last option was to ask in the candy shop. 

Dean stared up at the sign that read Sugartime and sighed, "Maybe, I'll get lucky."

He pushed open the door and walked inside. The place was a small but welcoming, with a radio playing towards the back. Barrels of candy litered the store, along with boxes and dispensers all filled with an abundance of sugar. As Dean walked in, a bell had chimed, but it could barely be heard over the sound of Aerosmith blasting through the speakers.

The only worker in sight had his back turned and was restocking a mix of lollipops. He was humming along to the radio, occasionally singing to himself. It wasn't until he turned around, strumming an air guitar, that he noticed a presence. 

"Dream on, dream on, dream- Oh, shit." The short man stopped. For a moment, both he and Dean observed each other. 

The first thing Dean spotted the man's bold golden hair and embarrassed frown turned grin. However, the man instantly noticed Dean had on like three layers of shirts and jackets, despite it being June. He blatantly checked Dean out, looking him up and down.

"How're you doin'?" He smirked. 

Dean furrowed his eyebrows. "Excuse me, but who the Hell are you?"

"They call me Gabriel around here, sometimes Gabe if they're feeling spontaneous." The man grinned at him, turning down the music. He slid behind the check out counter and pulled out a lollipop. "So, what can I do for you, pretty boy?"

Dean flushed and blinked at the man. Awkwardly, he stumbled through his sentence. "I'm not, uh, I'm sorry, but I'm not gay."

"Weird you bring that up," Gabriel replied, throwing off the wrapper and sticking the bright red candy in his mouth. "'Cause I'm not flirting with you, dumbass."

Again, Dean blushed, but held his pride. "Then, why'd you call me pretty boy?!" 

"You're pretty," Gabriel smirked, leaning over the counter. Dean made a confused face.

"Get ahead of the times, buddy," Gabriel continued, taking the lollipop from his mouth and pointing it accusingly at Dean. "Ditch the hyper masculinity."

Dean straightened up, angry at being scolded like a child and by a stranger, nonetheless. He was pissed, but he was also in need of a job. 

"I'm not hyper masculine," Dean replied, shortly. "Just not into the complimenting thing."

"Okay, pretty boy," Gabriel smirked, sitting on a bar stool behind the counter. "Can I keep calling you that? Just for fun?"

"You could call me by my name," Dean huffed, crossing his arms.

"Which is?" Gabriel questioned, leaning forward with feigned interest. 

"Dean Winchester," Dean answered.