oooh 6 and 17 for silver and ivan from that ask meme? :3c
This one is so good too, omg! Hi fellow mutual by the way! It was so good to see you in my ask! 😭 Buckle in!
6. How comfortable is your OC in their skin? Do they like who they are? What would they want to change about themself?
For Ivan
I'd say he's relatively comfortable. If there is anything Ivan dislikes about himself, it's his ability to just not tolerate loneliness all that well.
He's had an actual serial dating problem in the past. Knows it's only killing him, but yet, he puts his nervous system through hell after hell just to be loved even if he's not ready for it. He's cognizant of that problem, though. He wants to not suffocate like that and change it.
Regarding other aspects of identity, he is a cis man who has explored the concept of gender and various expressions before as an example. Not afraid to cross-dress, wear make up, do any of that. (He even enjoys it!)
But he still has always landed right back at home so to speak. He's very secure in that, expressing himself outwardly however he pleases with his identity in tact.
For Silver
Well this guy's a fucking case. Where do I begin?! Okay. *smiles*
Silver is not at all comfortable in his own skin. Thinks he's too old, too fat, too unattractive already as it is — even if others plausibly disagree with him, that's what he thinks. He's rather insecure. He's been trying to improve this though in his own way. Getting more tasteful clothes, asking others for advice or input. Many people tell him though (especially Ivan) that he's fine just the way he is. Silver, if he could change anything about himself, would definitely just be to not have so many insecurities. It bleeds into so many things. Worse for him, when he used to be so charming in personality and confident.
Regarding his own identity and relationship to it — one thing that may come as surprise to you all, is if he was given the time to actually process it, Silver would not be cis. He'd probably fall somewhere along with being nonbinary, just still okay with masculine terms. But he's not ready to have that conversation with himself yet unfortunately. And I have no idea if he ever will.
17. What are some of your OC's coping mechanisms during stressful or overwhelming periods in their life?
For Ivan
They're quite varied.
A bowl of ice cream and a tv show used to be sufficient when he was younger. Now that he's older though, it's more like a warm bowl of soup and a heated blanket.
Ignoring everything but work. <- That coping mechanism is NOT working.
Probably his best coping mechanism — journaling, about any and everything. He's done it for years and it's definitely kept him from saying things too risky or on impulse, as well as understand himself better.
Mentioned earlier, not the healthiest mechanism — dating serially/throwing himself at people.
Formerly, drinking. Not the best mechanism again. Ivan had a few years where he was rather deeply alcoholic. (About ages 23-25, began after Silver and him cut ties when they were younger.)
For Silver
Coincidentally, also drinking. He doesn't indulge as much as Ivan did, but he'll do it despite every warning his doctors give him not to. The amount may be less, but in a way he's still at high risk due to his health conditions.
Also ignore everything but work. <- NOT working.
Walks. Out in nature, he'll go for a walk if he's particularly stressed or needs a moment. Definitely one of his better mechanisms. It definitely takes a certain degree of cognizance to get here though for him.
Silver is depression prone, so he will make himself useful to combat this. This mechanism is neutral almost, as it could hurt him or benefit him depending on the context. Most of the time it is good. He'll volunteer or just get involved with other people. Phone a friend to ask for a favor or to give a favor.
Hope you enjoyed these responses!!! Smiles.