[He watches the boy do battle with himself. He's very clearly torn between what he desires and Dio's promises, and the warnings that have been passed down to him from whoever this silver-haired man was that warned him of the dangers of associating with Dio. It's an argument between heart and mind, which means that Dio already knows what the victor will be.]

[Humans are weak, predictable creatures like that. Even when logic and reason would warn them away from something, they are ruled by their emotions. The more basic the emotion, the stronger it is. That means Dio always plays a dangerous game with the way he flirts with fear and terror, but he knows how to avoid in its over-indulgence. He also knows that there are some things even stronger than fear, and that the human need for acceptance and love will always outweigh anything else. Even if Trip comes to be terrified of Dio, there will be a part of him that will always crave his approval and attention if he takes this step closer to Dio.]

[Dio only need wait and then just like that, Trip seals his fate.]

It's not your fault, [he says, his voice moving towards something akin to gentle if not entirely.] I told you when we met that it's always easy for others to make assumptions because of what I am, and I was not entirely forthright with you. What else could you do but assume the worst?

I admit, withholding information from you was largely to protect myself, but my enemies are quick to attack if they sense someone associated with me will pose themselves as an immediate threat. The less you knew, the safer it would be for you.

[Dio tips his head a little to one side.]

But I suppose there's little sense in keeping any further truths from you now that they've approached you. You must have questions.