She'll know Elliot has been truly Invasion of the Bodysnatchers turned into someone other than himself on the day he initiates a hug between them. Instead he just lifts his eyebrows a little, nods, mouth a line.

"I've gotta go." Does he really, though? He's not actually Clark Kent. But he was on his way somewhere when they ran into each other, so maybe. "Don't do anything stupid, okay. And make sure you read all the shit they give you." It's kind of big-brotherly, that don't embarrass me attitude. But then, that's how Elliot gets people to do shit for him, trying to prove they're better than his expectations for them. And maybe it's a little protective, too. Even all grown up and buying his meds, Darlene always feels a little like she's his responsibility.