He nodded at the question.
"...yes, I am." A friend, a guardian, a protector- there were multiple terms that could be used to describe who he was to the other. But for now, 'friend' would certainly suffice. He'd be lying if he said the human's shocked face wasn't faintly humorous to witness, but the Prime was certainly able to keep that section of his thoughts under control. At present, he was more concerned with other things...Ash's health, the fact he'd just blown his secret with almost zero effort....
He shifted only minutely as she'd continued to stare.- At least the other eventually pulled herself free of her thoughts, after a harsh shake of the head.
"Allow me to thank you on their behalf." He was just about certain Ash would've neglected going back inside the library until the outside air had made their illness worse. It was good that another had been willing to help- even more so that she was willing to continue doing as such, despite meeting him.
At least that fear finally seemed to melt from her countenance. A small win- and one he'd gratefully accept.
"You may call me 'Optimus', miss July.- And I will." Another nod. Keeping an optic on them certainly couldn't be that hard, given they were ailing. Make sure they stayed warm...that wouldn't be too difficult. Even as he walked through the home, briefly dogging July's own steps (of which he tried not to overbear- even mass displaced, he was still a goliath), the Prime silently kicked up his internal heating.
Ash shifted to July's call. Head rising ever-so-slightly, only for a mechanical hand to press to their blanket-covered shoulder. It was warm, warm and impossible to resist.
"Please refrain." That was all it took for them to sink back down towards the couch, mouth slightly open as they breathed. His optics would drift every once in a while- but his touch did not. Making sure to emanate the warmth they required, optics occasionally slipping towards the kitchen's archway. The clinks and clatters and other such sounds...he'd have to learn. Not right now, but certainly eventually.
His finials twitched ever-so-slightly to each noise. The purification of energon was a very different process, requiring only the thrum of an engine and a constant stream of fuel.- Eventually, July returned, and Ash managed to sit up a bit so they could get the bowl into their lap.
"...th...an...u..." I'm sorry. For a lot, now- for Optimus blowing his cover (presumably), for July having to take care of them,....so much they were in debt for. They resisted gritting their teeth, hating that they didn't even sound well. Forced to offer half-sentences instead of proper statements,... Felt so ridiculous. Optimus moved his servo so July could perform what she wished, allowing his internals a few moments' rest from exuding additional heat. "...shiverin',...naus...ea...head..." A growl rumbled in their throat. Not towards July, but towards their lack of ability. It only resulted in them shifting forward, eyes squeezed shut for a few moments as the sickness seemed to worsen tenfold.
~~ Opti,...can you?... ~~ Details- what little they could press over the bond, as their head pounded.
"...they cannot seem to stop shivering, and they are having trouble catching their breath. There is also some nausea and a 'headache', though the nausea did seem lesser compared to earlier- up until they growled." The Prime shifted on the couch. "...they wish to state they were growling at themself, not you." Another small pause,... "...there does seem to be some medicine in their upstairs bathroom...but it is old, and may not work as a result."
⫍ Thank you. ⫎ Their hands moved- slow and unsteady, but they managed to sign.
"...'m,- wea-k..." The brunet admitted, their head hanging slightly lower- as if in defeat.