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“I’ll be fine, OP! Don’t you worry about me.” you mumbled, a soft yet tired smile sneaking its way onto your face as you looked up at the mass-displaced red and blue mech.
“You’re sick, how can I not worry about you?” he sat down on the side of your bed, placing one of his servos on top of your hand. His optics are distant and full of regret as if he was the one who caused all this.
“It’s not your fault,” you whispered, turning your hand palm up and intertwining your fingers with his digits. “It was inevitable, anyway.” you chuckled, looking up at the Prime with a loving gaze.
You put your free hand up to your mouth, going into a coughing fit. Optimus let out a long vent and averted his gaze, looking towards the window that has long since frosted.
Winter had come early in Jasper, the pristine white snow and the faint yet noticeable snowflakes were able to entice both you and the kids into going out early in the morning. Snow angels, snow fortresses, and small clumps of snow were all the evidence that was left of the fun that you all had.
Upon entering the base though, you and the others were struck by a strong gust of warm air, causing you all to shiver and slowly get warmed up by the heaters of the base. Ratchet and the other ‘bots, being mechanical beings, had not known that organic beings could get ill just from a change in air and temperature; so you had to withstand the slow but sure symptoms of a fever coming up.
Once you told them that you started feeling sick, you immediately got a strict talking-to by both Ratchet and Optimus. You didn’t complain though, it was funny to see both of them fretting over you and your health.
“If only I had known what was going to happen--” Optimus started, thinking back at the events that had just happened.
“You are not the one to blame. No one is.” you cut him off, squeezing his servo in reassurance. You could hear him let out a soft ex-vent, his shoulders sagging in defeat. Your smile grew as you watched him mentally reprimand himself, his engines softly rumbling.
Comfortable silence ensued, no other sounds but your breathing and the low hum of Optimus’ engines.
“Would you.. like hot chocolate? I heard they’re fairly enjoyable during these times.” the Prime softly whispered, his optics finding your own once again.
Your eyes widened, surprised that he’d known of that.
"Miko, ah, she told me about it.” a light blue color dusted his faceplates, his optics averting in bashfulness. You’d have to tell him how adorable he looked one day.
“I’d love some hot chocolate just about now,” you smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles. “Especially if it’s made by you.”
You watched as his optics widened and darted to yours for a second before averting once again, a timid smile crawling onto his faceplates.
“Hot chocolate it is then. I’ll be back, love.”
He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, keeping it there for a few seconds before pulling away. He rubbed the back of your hand with his thumb, sending a soft smile your way before standing up from his place on your bed. He made his way to your door, looking back at you over his shoulder before departing.
"Sweetspark, I have returned,” he said as he made his way towards your bed, pushing your door closed with his pede. “It may not taste the best, but here it is nonetheless.” he set the mug down on your nightstand, the sweet smell reaching your nose.
You were bundled up in a plethora of blankets, your eyes and nose peeking out from the top of the homemade cocoon. “Optimus?” you rasped out, prying your eyes open to look at the Prime.
“I’m here, love.” he murmured, sitting down beside you. He caressed your face with a touch as light as a feather, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear. His spark twisted at the thought of you having to undergo this fever for days, but he knew that he couldn’t do anything else but wait it out with you.
“Can I—” your body shook as you let out a series of coughs, “Can I have the hot chocolate?” you mumbled as you began to snake your hand up to the top of the blanket cocoon.
Optimus shushed you, putting a servo over where your arm is. “Just sit up for me, sweetspark. Can you do that?” You nodded and began pushing yourself up against the headboard to the point you were sitting up.
“There we go. Try not to push yourself too hard while you’re resting, okay?” he said as he sent a soft smile your way.
You nodded again, watching as the Prime picked up the mug from your nightstand and brought it close to his face, blowing on the liquid a bit to cool it down. He put the mug in front of your face, silently coaxing you to drink the warm liquid. Your brought your lips to the brim of the mug, slowly drinking the hot chocolate and savoring the taste.
“Is it good?” he asked once you finished the last drop of hot choco, his helm tilting to the side a bit.
You nodded once more, the corners of your lips tugging upwards and into a smile. "Always has been, my love." you whispered, your eyelids beginning to get droopy.
He chuckled and shook his helm, amused. "You should sleep now," he said as he raised a servo to cup your cheek. "It's.." he paused, checking his internal clock. He let out an ex-vent, "It's quarter to 11."
Your eyes widened, though you were not surprised at that fact. Sleeping late is one of your habits, after all. You smiled, nuzzling your cheek against the palm of his servo. "I guess you're right, OP. But can you do me a favor?"
"Of course, what will it be?"
"Can you," you averted your eyes, smiling sheepishly. "Can you stay with me? At.. at least until I fall asleep?" you asked, looking up at Optimus with the most pleading look you can muster. The Prime sighed, his shoulders sagging as he gazed at you in adoration.
"When have I ever left you, sweetspark?" his voice was as soft as a whisper as he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on your lips that lasted a few seconds before pulling away. "I will stay here for as long as you need."
You mumbled a quiet 'thanks' as your vision slowly turned dark, your body succumbing to the tiredness you felt.
"I will always be here for you, my dear."