Lex walked, frowning slightly as he looked at the person in front of him. He could only see the back of her head right now, of course, but that would be enough. Any change in her body language, her hair swishing back as she tried to hold in a gasp of pain, or a shudder in her shoulders as she did the same, would be something he would notice. And if he did notice such, this would stop, and she would go back to where he could take care of her, and even though this would make her happy, for her health it would have to end. But, so far, his worries were unfounded, which was a relief. It had been easier lately, she had been better than usual, although it was almost a certainty that this wouldn't last for long.
It never did.
His hands were carefully curled around the handles of the wheelchair as he pushed her, up the ramp and into the house proper, out of the rooms specially constructed to keep her healthy and safe, away from the countless monitoring machines that dominated her every day. Even just coming here to the foyer was a significant change of scenery for her. And, further, into a nice sitting room, where they could talk, and where she could look out the windows to the gardens, a different view than she usually got. She saw through cameras often, of course, but that was never the same as seeing them physically. Although he would still not risk her to the actual outdoors, this was something, at least. And, someday, she would be well enough. Someday, he would make her better.
"I can push myself, you know," she mused, looking to the side to see him, eyes following as he sat on the couch next to where he had stopped the wheelchair. She was happy, smiling, as beautiful as ever, even more so without the signs of struggle he was so used to seeing in her eyes. She was at peace though, for now, and he would allow himself to relax in the well-deserved solace.
"I know," he smiled fondly to her, "Please, Lena, allow your brother to take care of you sometimes."
"Lex," she rolled her eyes, green like his. She feigned irritation, although the love never quite left those eyes, "You are always taking care of me. I should take care of myself sometimes, when I'm strong enough to."
"You're always strong, my dear. You are always fighting." He reached out a hand to cover hers over the arm of her chair, his fingers squeezing gently. "Your request isn't one I feel the need to refuse though, so since I've already taken you here, you can drive from now on."
"Thank you," and she turned her hand around so that her palm faced his, her fingers threading with his--it wasn't often she got physical contact. To change the topic though, to move on and talk about normal things like a normal family without troubles would, she asked, "So, what's the next big project you have Lexcorp working on?" It had been awhile since she had heard an update about the company. Although it wasn't the most interesting topic, the majority of Lex's life revolved around it, so it was the most he had to talk about. She'd ask about Superman, but it seemed like he was avoiding that topic now, that he hadn't done anything about the hero in awhile, which was quite the change for him. Lena was proud of him though, she got to see his change, and he overall seemed better now, if occasionally grumpier (if that was possible).
Eyes lighting up, her brother was clearly ready to launch into what she guessed would be a long explanation, which was something else she was used to. "Actually," he began, "The most interesting project is inspired by you." And to the humbled shock he knew he'd seen from her, he continued, "You know how many of my updates to medical technology have been commercialized versions of prototypes I developed for you, and recently we've been expanding on that. Of course, I have several inventions that are being worked on, but the one that is showing the most promise is the scanners--"
