Damien's voice was icy. "The act of finding me a 'fascinating subject' to study is DEHUMANIZING with or without the chains." He was one step from calling the pot and the kettle if it didn't get into Isamu's head.

"I want to think of you as a friend." Damien was honest and back to his calm self. "I've spent my life being someone else's fascinating study subject. If you don't understand why I think you seeing me that way is unethical and unwanted, then all of your study has truly told you nothing about who I am."

He still thought of Isamu as a friend but he needed to get through to him, especially if he was going to let him meet Dominic any time soon.