Work Text:
"It's in a man's nature to destroy, and in a woman's nature to create. You taught me how to destroy in combat, now I'm going to teach you how to create on a canvas."
You hand him the brushes, sit him down in front of the canvas and lay down the basics. You thought it'd do him some good, to have a creative outlet and he kindly humors your idea. After all, when was the last time, if ever Chris Redfield got to do that? He hasn't even had the luxury to slow down and appreciate art in decades, let alone create it.
You two make a routine of setting up the workspace together. Just you, him, and Bob Ross. Lots of time and happy little trees later, and you start to see him improve, your chest swelling with pride and adoration.
Spring comes and you two go on picnics together to paint the scenery. You're on top of the hill of a great field of wildflowers, one hand hanging onto your sunhat and the other holding your picnic basket, laughing at the sight of a big, burly man with art supplies in tow and guiding him to the designated spot. No subjects but the live environment. Lunch, then painting.
Being a soldier, he's not used to slowing down like this. He's restless, sighs at this canvas and tosses his brush down. You pick it up and give it back to him, using your hand to guide his with deliberate strokes.
"Relax. Getting frustrated is part of the process."
He grumbles, but he knows you're right. This whole slowing down thing brings him back to his younger years when he enjoyed fishing as a hobby. He almost forgot what it was like to be so at peace, idly watching the clouds go by.
He grows to like it, this little ritual of yours, painting together until eventually the house and garage fill with canvases. Your favorite subjects to paint are plants and flowers. His are forests with creeks and mountains.