[And isn't that a curious response? The heart of it is nothing so unusual. Dio is accustomed to adulation from most, and Pucci is no exception. In fact, it seemed all that Pucci could do was speak in high praise of Dio, to approach him in deference and curiosity. But that's the difference. Deference is not the same as open deprecation as he does now.]
[Is it an attempt to elevate Dio into something higher? Dio throws that out immediately. Not that he does not still have his questions regarding his loyalty and fate, but Pucci holds Dio in greater esteem than anyone else.]
[Does he do it for assurance? That seems unlikely. He managed a little over two decades without Dio's constant presence, he would have no need for that now. In the past, he wouldn't have dared ask for it.]
[So why speak it?]
[Dio is quiet a moment.]
It sounds to me then that your mind is already made up.
no subject
[Is it an attempt to elevate Dio into something higher? Dio throws that out immediately. Not that he does not still have his questions regarding his loyalty and fate, but Pucci holds Dio in greater esteem than anyone else.]
[Does he do it for assurance? That seems unlikely. He managed a little over two decades without Dio's constant presence, he would have no need for that now. In the past, he wouldn't have dared ask for it.]
[So why speak it?]
[Dio is quiet a moment.]
It sounds to me then that your mind is already made up.