I'm a sucker for Armand being his true self around Daniel and being loved for it. The man who spent 500 years trying to replicate old patterns of abuse by being a meek follower found a human he didn't care for, didn't need to please, didn't have a desperate desire to attach himself for, so he could be his true self. Armand's every step around Lestat and Louis were calculated, a carpet of eggshells, but Daniel was unimportant. The real difference between Daniel and Loustat is not that Daniel sees something they don't, it's that he is SHOWN what they aren't allowed to see. To them, Armand is a beige pillow that puts them into a coma with his kisses, because he never challenges them - in fear of going too far. Daniel saw his true self, was forced to endure him, and somehow matched his freak. That would never happen if he was a powerful vampire himself.