"Well, I suppose that's the case, but..." Without Castiel, Kotetsu would have been a little less grounded in the midst of trying to keep Barnaby from bleeding out and worrying about the long-term. And besides, even if he had just stood there as silent support that was still more effort than any person was asked to do for another. Any kind of trying was worth thanks!

Still, he did need to thank Anise and the others for their help. They were that much further to figuring out what they were dealing with so they could find a solution, preferably one that didn't end in amateur surgery. A skin disease and a volatile stomach were small prices to pay when he could keep his innards intact and not die of infection. Of course, that didn't mean he wanted to proudly display his infection and he couldn't help but try to cover his arm away from Castiel's prying eyes.

"Ah, who me?" he asked as if he was stalling for time to think. "Eh well... It's not as bad as it looks! I didn't want to alarm you. Guess it doesn't matter now since we both have it."