Istredd rolls his eyes at being accused of lecturing him; it's never intentional when it happens, not really, but that is how he approaches things. He's done too many research lectures. He already knew this was going to be an uphill battle but at least he got him here.

Istredd did at one point rudely insist they had it worse, and perhaps he still feels that way, but he understands that it isn't so simple. Different types of torture. Different types of pain. Both real. When Lucifer leans forward and decides to get aggressive, Istredd doesn't back down or try to calm him down as usual.

Maybe he's changed even more than he knows, at least for now. Istredd glares at him and abruptly reaches forward, gripping Lucifer's face in his hands. Just doing so flares their bond to life even stronger, although it doesn't need to touch, but still.

"You have forgotten we are bonded." The anger does seep between them but also frustration and sadness and unfortunately desire too, although in what way it isn't very clear. There are layers. Want for something. Need for something. He looks into Lucifer's eyes with an intensity rarely seen. "I see you, not an idea. You chose this."