Work Text:
June Egbert had come out as a woman on her forty-sixth birthday, three years ago.
It had been a long time coming, apparently. She had largely confided in her sister, despite the rather significant difference in their experiences.
Two years ago, on an insignificant date, someone new and familiar showed up.
John was a lot like June, presumably on account of them being the same person. But, at the same time, John wasn't June. Ignoring the more obvious discrepancy, he acted differently. He was more introverted, more closed-off. Spoke less, spent more time with himself.
John does not spend time with June.
Old Earth iconography has always depicted John. People will always be uncomfortable with change.
June had seen herself depicted recently; locked in embrace with John, everything but their faces had been stylistically meshed together in breath-blue swirl. Her features were contorted; smaller nose, longer hair, softer jawline - in contrast to John, made to be more obviously masculine. The replies delved into a debate about gender-bending.
John does not show up in public.
June shows up in public, and she is asked if John's alright. She makes a joke, says she's fine, but that it's June now. People get upset.
June doesn't often read the news -- especially not relating to the gods -- but everyone falls to boredom. She is referred to as the Heir, the God of Breath, as Egbert. Her chosen name is relegated to small text at the bottom, listed after 'John'.
June does not let it get to her. It's only natural that people will get one version of her lodged in their minds, an unchanging individual, set in time from the beginning. It's a standard part of Godhood. This is how it is.
Dave remarks on how creepy it is how quickly people pick up on the slightest changes. People obsess over new haircuts, new outfits, who he's with, how he speaks. June does not let it get to her.
John does not appear in public. June's image remains stagnant, unchanging.