Chapter Text
Dean’s never been the most spontaneous person on the planet, so when he spots a flyer calling for Omegas to audition for Delete One, a well-known dating reality show, he screws up his courage and dials the number.
Not everyone finds a mate on the show. Still, Dean hopes it might give him the confidence he lacks, a little fun for once, and maybe, if he’s lucky, an Alpha might take a liking to him.
Last year, there was only one match, but if anything, that makes Dean think this is exactly what he needs. He knows hundreds of Omegas will apply, yet if he doesn’t put his name forward, he’ll never know whether he might have had the chance to compete.
The day before, his mom and dad sat him down. His mom made burgers and her famous pie. His dad offered him a pat on the back and a beer.
That was how Dean knew this was an intervention, thinly disguised as them helping him find a mate.
“Son, you seem to be drifting since you finished school,” his dad said, like this had been rehearsed and knowing his mother, it probably had.
The whole intervention made Dean’s skin itch. He didn’t want to be here.
“Baby, listen,” his mom said with false sympathy. “Your grandparents know some nice girls you could meet. Why don’t you give that a try?”
Dean nearly snorted out his beer. Girls were good at making friends, but he knew his mate was going to be boy-shaped.
“Mom, look, I’ll think about it, okay,” Dean said, toying with the bottle in his hands.
“That’s all we asked, baby. Plus, living with Ash, he’s a little kooky.”
Dean drank his beer, biting his tongue. He should defend his friend, but Ash was a little kooky, and Ash would be the first to admit it.
“Ash is a good friend, Mom. I like my job. It pays the rent and everything else I need.”
Dean saw the glance, the silent exchange over his head.
“There’s a summer ball next month, son. Your grandparents expect you there,” his dad said.
“I’ll think about it.”
He thanked them, left the dishes where they were, and walked out.
The next day, he found the flyer.
Without hesitation, he called the number, stating his age, that he’d just finished college, and that he was working for his friend Ash. They invited him in for an interview.
A month later, the day before the ball, his parents and grandparents expected him to attend, he called his brother, Sam.
“Dean, I just finished class. Did you need something?” Sam asked, sounding harassed.
“Sammy, look, you know I was meant to be at the summer ball tomorrow.”
Dean could hear a commotion in the background, and his brother must have found a quiet corner.
“Sorry, I think a few classes ended. Did you say the summer ball?”
“Yeah. Sam, listen. I’m on my way to Claim Island. Can you tell Mom and Dad, and say sorry for me?”
“Dean, what? You’re serious?” Sam said, his voice rising an octave.
“I had to, Sammy. I have to do this for myself. Be spontaneous, for once in my life. I tested well, and they picked me.”
“Dean, they have hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants each year. You’re not guaranteed to find a mate.”
“I know, Sammy. But it’s what I want more than anything,” Dean said, sounding hopeful.
“Good for you, Dean. Don’t worry about Mom and Dad, I’ll handle them. So, you still have your sights set on a boy-shaped Alpha?”
“Yeah. Anyone with boy parts.”
Dean heard Sam choke on a laugh.
“Mom and Dad are going to get a shock,” Sam said, sounding amused.
“I tried to tell them. They kept pushing, and this is me taking charge of my life,” Dean said.
“Brother, take your time. When they hand out the diaries, use them most contestants don’t. How many Alphas are there this year?” Sam asked, sounding more engaged than their parents ever had been since Dean presented.
"I don't know, it's all wrapped up in secrets."
"Okay, so get the measure of your fellow Omegas, and even the Alphas," Sam said.
"Thanks, Sammy. I'd better go; my gates are being called. See you soon."
“Next time I see you, you might be mated. Good luck, Dean. I’m proud of you.”
“Same back at you, kiddo. Love you, Sammy.”
“Love you, Dean,”
Dean walked toward the gate with the crew and the other contestants, smiling. If he had Sam’s blessing, he really didn’t care what his parents thought. He loved them, but they’d pushed, and they never listened.
-0-
Dean sat in a room full of Omegas.
He’d ended up between a potted fern and a too-cheerful poster that read Smile. The cartoon sun beamed down at him like it knew something he didn’t.
The air was stifling. At least he’d dressed for it, torn denim shorts, a black T-shirt, flip-flops, and sunglasses pushed into his hair.
Two girls, one blonde, one redhead, sat a couple of seats away from four other Omegas opposite him, talking animatedly.
Dean took an instant dislike to them. Everything they said would be going straight into his diary.
“The idea is to date and find the rich Alpha,” Omega One said.
“Yeah. There’s a three-month grace period. Spend all their money, then claim they hit you and file for damages,” Omega Two said, cool and blasé about the entire matter.
“I can’t wait to land a rich mate. I’ll let them touch me once in a blue moon, no children, I detest the things. I’ll bleed them dry, of course,” Omega Three said.
"I only came on here so I can mate with an Alpha. There is no point unless I can be in control of the purse strings. I should've been Alpha, but I was dealt the wrong hand. I must get my parents on my good side to get my hands on their inheritance." Alpha four said.
The two women seemed shocked by their comments and moved to sit near Dean.
"Hey, my name's Jo, and this is Charlie."
“The names Dean. Nice to meet you both.”
“Did you hear them?” Jo said, shocked.
“Sadly, yes. I don’t think it’s for show.” Dean said.
“That’s why they choose them, for the drama,” Charlie explained.
“The Alphas will figure it out,” Dean said. “I mean, who would want to mate someone so...”
“I think you can use the word bitchy, Dean, even for that Gordon fellow,” Jo said, smirking.
“Mind you, the show sees and hears everything,” Charlie chuckled, pointing to a few cameras and a microphone hidden in the fern nearby.
“So, do we know how many Alphas there are this year?” Jo asked. “Last year there were six.”
“They change it every year,” Charlie said, shrugging.
"My name's Dean Winchester, by the way," Dean said, properly introducing himself this time. "I finished college, and work for my friend Ash."
They were only allowed to use first names on the show, but here he was sure it was fine.
"Jo, work at my mom's bar, need to find myself."
"My name's Charlie Bradbury. I run a fashion/costume design business."
"Like cosplay?" Dean asked.
“I like you, Dean,” Charlie said. “Yes, I do commissions. I also work with a local studio and clients who want alternative wedding dresses.”
“A mixed bag, then,” Jo said.
Charlie nodded.
Someone came to the door and called Dean’s name. He gave the two women a small wave.
-0-
Dean was taken to a room that he’d noticed many times on the show. Inside, he met the hosts, Rowena MacLeod and Balthazar Black.
“Dean, welcome to the show. It’s the first time we’ve met, but we want you to feel relaxed around us,” Balthazar said.
“Now, dearie, your aim is to find your mate. There will be ups and downs there, always are on this show,” Rowena added.
“This year, we have a new twist. And we want you to be that twist. When the Alphas vote, you’ll have the power to veto the result,” Balthazar explained.
Dean looked between the two hosts. “How many times do I get to do that?”
“Once per Omega,” Balthazar said. “So, use it wisely. You can only save each person once.”
“Is there a catch?” Dean asked. There always was with these things.
“Yes. If anyone finds out, no more vetoes,” Rowena said. “It’s that simple.”
“I’m not sure I’ll find a mate.” He fiddled with his sunglasses. “I wanted to be spontaneous, have fun, and be more myself. I want to learn something before I leave the island.”
“You will, darling. I promise,” Balthazar said.
“I think you’ll be surprised,” Rowena said. “You might just find your Starfish.”
-0-
“Welcome to Delete One, where Omegas fight for the chance to find their dream Alpha- their Starfish. And can I say, Balthazar, you’re looking smashing tonight,” Rowena said in her Scottish brogue.
Rowena wore a ruby-red dress that fell to her ankles, while Balthazar sported a matching ruby jacket. The air was cooler than it had been earlier, but it was still too warm for a jacket like that. Dean figured Balthazar must be roasting.
All the Alphas were in black tuxedos. The male Omegas wore white linen pants and light linen short-sleeve shirts, while the female Omegas were dressed in snow-white gowns.
“Thank you, Ro, darling. You’re looking stunning yourself. Hello, everyone, and welcome to Claim Island, Season Eleven."
We have four, yes, four, great-looking Alphas this year. All of our Alphas take medication, so they have no scent, and there’s no danger of them going into rut. The Omegas will have to rely on good old-fashioned conversation.” Balthazar said.
“This year, all four Alphas are male, a first for the show,” Rowena said with some enthusiasm.
Balthazar nodded. “Last year, if you recall, Peter and Iris found their Starfish Match.”
Dean watched as they cut to the VT, and a makeup artist rushed over to powder their noses.
A woman counted down “Three, two, one”, and they were recording again. The show wasn’t fully live; it only went live on Saturdays for the vote-out. The rest was filmed a day in advance, giving production time to edit and handle any unexpected problems that might arise. Then it was shown all week to a rapt audience.
“It was a bloodbath last year, and that’s how we like it,” Balthazar said.
“That it was, dearie. Now, the rules of the show, most of you will know them. If not, where have you been?
We have four Alphas and ten Omegas vying for the chance to find their Starfish. For the first week, they’ll get to know each other. In the second week, voting begins.
An Alpha can declare an Omega their Starfish but only if that Omega agrees,” Rowena said.
“Much like last year, if we find Omegas and Alphas working together to get at the cash prize, they’ll be made to leave the island. Believe me, this island is wired for sound,” Balthazar added.
“The campgrounds are sacred. After eleven at night, unless it’s part of the game, no Omega and Alpha shall mix. If they’re found together, they’ll be sent packing,” Rowena finished.
“No one is your friend on the island, so be warned. Omegas will do their best to gain an advantage over the four Alphas not only to delete other Omegas off the island, but to try and catch their Starfish,” Balthazar said.
“This year, the Alphas can’t tell the Omegas what they do for a living or how much money they make. If an Alpha is found doing so, they’re automatically disqualified and will be carted off the island,” Rowena said.
“There are hidden twists and turns along the way. May you find your Starfish,” Rowena declared.
“The prize fund this year is a cool $850,000, split between the winning couple. Even if three couples remain, only one Omega will be left on the island. Only one Omega standing,” Balthazar said.
Everyone clapped and cheered.
“The Alpha line-up this year is Castiel Novak, Michael Milton, Fergus Crowley, and Benny Lafayette,” Balthazar said.
The Omegas glanced at each other. Each year, they were told something about the Alphas taking part, but this year, they’d only been given their names.
The night grew darker, and the tiki torches, along with the television lights, kept everyone brightly illuminated.
“How lovely. Let’s meet our Omegas,” Rowena declared.
“First Up — Dean, twenty-three, from Kansas, freshly graduated with a degree in early years education.”
“Next, Charlie, twenty-five, all the way from California and the proud owner of her own costume design business.”
“Then there’s Gordon, twenty-five, currently unemployed, from Ohio.”
“Ruby, twenty-six, a hospital secretary from Rhode Island.”
“Bela, twenty-four, works for her father and hails from Kentucky.”
“Megan, twenty-four, unemployed, from Wisconsin.”
“Jo, twenty-four, from Kansas, who works for her mother.”
“Garth, twenty-two, from Washington, currently studying at college.”
“Adam, twenty-three, a college student from Alabama.”
“And last, but certainly not least — Kevin Tran, twenty years old, a college student from Michigan.”
“We’ll see you back here on Saturday for all the updates on Claim Island. Follow the contestants on our cameras on Mondays and Wednesdays, and check our social media for additional updates,” Balthazar said.
Everyone was clapping and cheering.
The director called cut, and they were all allowed to eat and take off their filming clothes.
Charlie was talking to Dot, one of the crew’s costume designers, while Jo chatted with another crew member. Dean spotted Castiel by the coffee machine.
“Hey, that stuff is like the black void.”
Castiel chuckled. “Yes, it’s not the best. I was hoping the food bell would ring soon; it seems we won’t need another take.”
“You hot in that outfit?” Dean asked.
“No. I’m fine, but it would be nice to be in something more comfortable.”
“Yeah. It’s too hot for this,” Dean said, tugging at his sweat-soaked clothes. He could hear the swish of the ocean and felt a longing to jump into it.
“I need a shower.”
Castiel checked his watch. “You should have time, Dean. It does look like it’s trying to become your second skin.”
“Yeah. I’ll see you around. Oh, I should’ve asked, is Castiel okay for me to call you?”
“Yes, for now.”
Dean walked off, wondering what for now meant, then shrugged and went to change into something better.
-0-
Dinner was held around the fire pit. The food was great, and Dean felt full and pleasantly sleepy. Shadows danced across people’s faces, the sound of the ocean a consistent melody in the background. Charlie and Jo sat beside him, and he glanced over at the four Alphas.
Benny was a broad-shouldered Alpha with a neat beard. He had blue eyes, brown hair, and a Louisiana accent. Dean had overheard him talking to one of the waitstaff about the food and where it had come from, so he put Benny down as working in the food industry.
Fergus Crowley, with his British accent, still wore a suit unlike the other Alphas. His eyes kept drifting to a smaller boy sitting on a log not far from him. Dean pegged him as a self-made businessman, maybe, though he could just as easily be old money. One thing was certain: he liked Kevin.
Michael Milton was talking to Castiel, their heads bent together. Michael had blue eyes too, though lighter than Castiel’s — no, Castiel’s were like sapphires. Michael seemed more reserved and much younger than him.
Castiel was older than Michael and Benny, but Dean had a feeling Crowley was the oldest in the group. He wondered who would be the dominant one. Would they play games or team up?
Castiel looked over at him and winked, and Dean ducked his head. Shoot, caught staring. He tuned back into Jo and Charlie’s chatter.
“So, first week, who are you going to speak with?” Jo asked.
“Not sure,” Charlie said.
“Michael or Castiel, maybe,” Dean said.
“You might have to battle your way into an Alpha’s orbit, Dean. I think Gordon and Bela might fight you for that,” Jo told him.
“You think Meg and Ruby will try and schmooze Crowley?” Dean asked.
“Why?” Charlie asked.
Dean raised an eyebrow. “Meg and Ruby are demons, and so is Crowley.”
“How do you know that?” Jo hissed, glancing around to make sure no one could hear them.
“It’s obvious, come on, guys. He’s sitting there in a suit even though it’s hot. You watch those two will stick to him like leeches,” Dean said.
“It’s the first time we don’t know anything about anyone. Usually, they tell us if we’re human or something else,” Charlie said thoughtfully.
“They asked me,” Jo said.
“Same,” Dean added.
“Must’ve missed that question. I mean, I’m gay, and they still kept me on the island,” Charlie whispered.
“I’m bi,” Jo told her.
“I’m gay, so this doesn’t bother me. Why would they keep you, Charlie, if you’re not even interested in men's parts?” Dean asked.
Charlie burst out laughing. “Men, parts Dean, I like you. As I said before, it makes great TV. I know I’ll leave early, but what a great experience.”
-0-
Rowena stood with a camera down by the water’s edge. She wore a straw hat and a red sundress.
The four Alphas sat on rugs provided for them.
“So, Alphas, after the first week on the island, you’ll each get a pile of cards. You’ll pick one from the pile, and whichever Omega you choose, you’ll spend the entire day with,” Rowena said. “How do you feel?”
“Will this happen every week?” Castiel asked.
“Yes. The pile will get smaller, and you might even get the same Omega again or never spend a day with some of the others,” Rowena explained.
“Where will we spend the day?” Michael asked.
“On our neighbouring islands, so no one can interfere with you. Each Alpha will take turns. On Saturday, you will vote for an Omega to leave the show. If you all choose the same name, they’re voted out. If you all vote for a different Omega, no one goes home. If there is a stalemate, the head Alpha gets the deciding vote.”
“Who’s the head Alpha?” Crowley asked.
“We’ll have the Omegas vote on that at the end of this week. You’ll find out on Saturday.”
“Great,” Benny said. “Long as it’s not me, I’m fine.”
Castiel acknowledged that, but if Benny were picked, there wasn’t much anyone could say.
-0-
Dean walked alone beside a silky azure lagoon. He sat watching fish and dragonflies, and, making sure no one was around, cupped his hands and let butterflies of every colour flutter out. He grinned; they were magical, adding to the beauty of the place.
Dean couldn’t use his magic at home; his parents didn’t like it. Here, he felt freedom, maybe only for a week until he was voted out, but until then, he would revel in it.
Castiel stayed silent, hidden behind a tree. He had never seen anything so beautiful, and he wanted to get to know Dean more. For now, he would wait and see if the shy Omega came to him; if not, he had plans to change that.
He crept away, keeping Dean’s talents to himself.
Dean spotted Charlie talking to the wardrobe woman again he thought her name was Dorothy. She’d been kind to him. Dean did wonder if his new friend was already getting slightly attached to her.
Jo was with Brian, a crew member; they also seemed to be hitting it off.
Dean saw Ruby and Meg all over Crowley; he was trying to evade them, and Dean found it hilarious. Gordon and Bela seemed to be targeting Michael, and Garth was talking to Benny. Castiel was speaking with Kevin and Adam.
Dean left them all to it and paddled in the water. It was warm. He was far from home, yet here he felt relaxed, even if he was fighting for something. Dean would let them fawn over the Alphas this week, next week, he had a plan.
“So, all votes are in. Castiel will be Head Alpha.”
Dean smirked that didn’t surprise him. Crowley seemed miffed, but the others shook Castiel’s hand and congratulated him.
Dean half wondered if Castiel was a teacher because of the presence he carried. You didn’t want to do anything wrong under his nose.
Two nights ago, Meg had tried to throw cake at Kevin after he told her she was after money, not love. He was correct, of course, but she didn’t want to be called out like that. It made for great television. When Castiel stepped in, he tutted and shook his head.
“Megan, you need to put that cake down. Do we have to separate you like children?”
Dean felt heat creep between his ass cheeks. Meg huffed, went to wash her hands, and sat apart.
Kevin got a high five from Garth, but he’d made himself a target.
Dean did wonder, though, what Crowley had said to Castiel right after it happened.
“Now, you have the weekend mostly free apart from the vote on Saturday night. You’ll see the Alphas again on Monday. We’ll record the vlogs tomorrow, along with anything you’ve written in your diaries. Remember, we have the diaries; no one else can see them,” Shona, the director, said.
Dean put his hand up. “When can we call home?”
“Sundays, Dean. Ask the crew for your phone, and they’ll give it to you, or you can email whatever you want.”
Dean was happy with that. He didn’t know if he wanted to hear any news yet. He’d told Sam he would talk to him when he got back. Maybe next week he’d call, yes, that would be a good idea.
Dean closed his eyes and smelled the perfume of the flowers, lilac and orange, and allowed himself to drift away.
-0-
Dean had written far more in his diary than he’d realised: what he thought the Alphas were, what they did for a living, their personality types. He’d done much the same for the Omegas.
“So, Dean, tell us what you think of the four Alphas.”
“Crowley’s a demon. I clocked that right away. He’s old money and wears his suits like armour. They’re tailor-made, and he growls if you so much as get sand on them. Crowley likes Kevin, but Kevin’s kind of shy, and Meg and Ruby are all over him like Pooh Bear with honey.”
Benny's in the food industry, and the number of times he asks about the food and tries to get into the food trucks is comical. He’s got his eye on Garth, and those two have been spotted going for walks. No one seems to bother them. I think Benny’s a vampire, by the way.”
“Michael’s a doctor. When Adam hurt himself, he knew far too much medical stuff. I also think the Alpha has a crush on him. I can’t get a read on what he is, but he refers to Castiel a lot, which must mean they’re the same kind of creature.”
“Castiel, again, not sure what he is, but he’s the second oldest here after Crowley, then Benny, then Michael. They’re all ancient creatures and definitely rich. Castiel’s strict, and you’d better watch out if you’re up to no good. But have you seen eyes like that before? He’s such an enigma, and I want to try to speak to him more. Bela and Gordon seem like gnats, always buzzing around him.”
“What do you think about your fellow Omegas?”
“Um… Bela, Ruby, Meg, and Gordon are after money and then plan to throw the Alphas away. I think you might’ve caught that on recording. I don’t think that’s right. Look, I might not find my Starfish, but I only want to find love. Is that so much to ask that people here want that too?”
“What are your plans for next week?”
“Try and talk to Castiel, though that won’t make me popular,” Dean smirked. “I want to see how Castiel reacts if they’re mean to me.”
“Thank you, Dean. We’ll see you next week.”
Dean was happy with how it had gone. Next week, he would stick to his plan. Not even Jo or Charlie knew about it. No, that was for him and the millions of people watching the show each night.