All Isabelle could do in that moment was blink profusely. “Elliot.. you..” she couldn’t even form a coherent sentence in this moment. Her boyfriend was working with f-society? She backed up a bit, her anxiety rising.

Elliot didn’t know what to say for a moment either “I swear it’s for good.” He could try to fix this “I know this hard to know, trust me, it was a lot to take in to.” How he’d explain his alters started this.

“But… this group has hurt people, how can it be for good? How are you involved in it?” Isabelle seems to be a mixture of confused and hurt. She doesn’t understand why Elliot would be part of something like this, he wasn’t a bad person. He wasn’t a menace.

Elliot thought how to approach this better “I’d never hurt anyone, I help protect, protect people from people like Ron from the coffee shop.” He explained “Somewhere I didn’t know about fsociety but Mr. Robot showed up when work was getting shitty with Angela and it just went from there and I promise I’d never hurt anyone, I try to save.”

“I understand there are some risks that can come from this and we accept it if that happens.” Elliot replied “But I promise this is for the good, I wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t.” Running a hand through his hair “All I know this started somewhere after I had gotten locked in a computer room from my old job because they couldn’t of leaved because I kept finding flaws in their codes. And next I knew I woke up to it destroyed… And it was just me still alone over the holiday.”

“Am I safe knowing about this?” She asks with worry for herself.

The question made him pause for a second, Shayla was a different situation than this one, he’s never let anyone get this close to cross this bridge of a situation before until right now. He doesn’t want her to become like Shayla. “I promise I will shred anybody down to protect you.” He’d never give a thought of any a split second chance to harm anyone he cares about.

She looks down, concern now going from herself to Elliot. “What about you? What if you get hurt? Or go to prison?” She cared about Elliot too much to see either of those things happen.

Elliot’s fingers fidgeted with the sleeves of his hoodie. “I’ll be fine.” Convincing the both of them at the same time. He’d avoid jail time again like a plague. Reaching down to pet flipper before she just went and did her own thing again.

Isabelle simply sat at the foot of his bed, thinking over what she has just found out. It was a lot to take in. She still had so many questions, and she thought over everything the vigilante group had done. She thought over her own morals and ethics and how she had reacted to the news of it each night. In reality, she wasn’t fully against what they were doing. She felt the security of the country was inadequate, and that f-society might be a solution, albeit the riots and such that broke out from it raised her anxiety. At least she knew that Elliot wasn’t behind that part. These things of course would have a ripple effect.

Elliot just stood where he was, continuing to let his girlfriend process everything that she just learned, he fidgeted with his hoodie sleeves.

“Sometimes my mind hurts… All the bad memories are painful…” she continued quietly. She listened to the crappy 70s music Elliot’s neighbor has blasting. It sounded strange mixed with her high.

He listened to her reasoning of not being able to sleep and also listening to his neighbors music, he understood bad memories “Here if you want to talk about them, don’t have to if you’re not ready, we can continue to mind wish my neighbor finds some other era of songs.”

Elliot continued to stay silent, hearing her start to speak about what was currently running through her mind.

“…Especially my dad. I hate him for everything…” she says in the same tone, angry and hurt, but quiet.

Elliot understood those two of emotions emotion all to well, topic of his parents weren’t the best for him either.

“I don’t know why I trust you, but I do. Maybe because you’re scared like me.” After Isabelle broke up with her last boyfriend she had pretty much sworn off relationships, but Elliot wasn’t expected. She trusted him before she could even stop herself. They seemed like magnets.

“I trust you to and I’m always here for you.” Elliot replied and gently squeezed her hand in comfort.

Isabelle didn’t verbally respond, but she ran her thumb over Elliot’s hand that was holding hers, some kind of small gesture to show her appreciation.

Elliot appreciated the small gesture, though he appreciated every moment with her.

She rolled onto her other side to face him, looking up at him with tired eyes.

Elliot looked back at her, finally able to find the effort to speak “I love you.”

She looked at him with some disbelief now. No one she had dated before had ever said those words to her. “You do? Why?” She asks quietly.

“Because you’re special to me more than a sibling and more than a friend.” Elliot explained

Her expression softened. “I love you, too,” she responded quietly. “You’re special to me, too.”

Elliot laid there for a bit with her in content.

Isabelle didn’t say anything as she moved closer to Elliot, but she was genuinely happy right now. Elliot loving her wasn’t something she had expected or knew she wanted, but it was significant to her.

Elliot never thought he’d get another chance at this level of happiness and love again with anyone since Shayla but he’s thankful for the chance again to experience it with Isabelle.

Isabelle realized her body was tensed, but allowed herself to relax, her head gently resting against Elliot’s arm. She wasn’t sure how he’d react, but it seemed lame to ask.

Elliot didn’t move away, just continued to let her rest her head on his arm.

After Isabelle confirmed that Elliot was okay with her touch, she put her hand on his arm gently. “You’re good, Elliot,” she mumbled tiredly.

“You’re good to, Isabelle.” Elliot softly replied back, he guessed it was getting pretty late, wouldn’t be surprised if it was already into the next day

“Sometimes my mind hurts… All the bad memories are painful…” she continued quietly. She listened to the crappy 70s music Elliot’s neighbor has blasting. It sounded strange mixed with her high.

He listened to her reasoning of not being able to sleep and also listening to his neighbors music, he understood bad memories “Here if you want to talk about them, don’t have to if you’re not ready, we can continue to mind wish my neighbor finds some other era of songs.”

Elliot continued to stay silent, hearing her start to speak about what was currently running through her mind.

“…Especially my dad. I hate him for everything…” she says in the same tone, angry and hurt, but quiet.

Elliot understood those two of emotions emotion all to well, topic of his parents weren’t the best for him either.

“I don’t know why I trust you, but I do. Maybe because you’re scared like me.” After Isabelle broke up with her last boyfriend she had pretty much sworn off relationships, but Elliot wasn’t expected. She trusted him before she could even stop herself. They seemed like magnets.

“I trust you to and I’m always here for you.” Elliot replied and gently squeezed her hand in comfort.

Isabelle didn’t verbally respond, but she ran her thumb over Elliot’s hand that was holding hers, some kind of small gesture to show her appreciation.

Elliot appreciated the small gesture, though he appreciated every moment with her.

She rolled onto her other side to face him, looking up at him with tired eyes.

Elliot looked back at her, finally able to find the effort to speak “I love you.”

She looked at him with some disbelief now. No one she had dated before had ever said those words to her. “You do? Why?” She asks quietly.

“Because you’re special to me more than a sibling and more than a friend.” Elliot explained

Her expression softened. “I love you, too,” she responded quietly. “You’re special to me, too.”

Elliot laid there for a bit with her in content.

Isabelle didn’t say anything as she moved closer to Elliot, but she was genuinely happy right now. Elliot loving her wasn’t something she had expected or knew she wanted, but it was significant to her.

Elliot never thought he’d get another chance at this level of happiness and love again with anyone since Shayla but he’s thankful for the chance again to experience it with Isabelle.

Isabelle realized her body was tensed, but allowed herself to relax, her head gently resting against Elliot’s arm. She wasn’t sure how he’d react, but it seemed lame to ask.

Elliot didn’t move away, just continued to let her rest her head on his arm.

All Isabelle could do in that moment was blink profusely. “Elliot.. you..” she couldn’t even form a coherent sentence in this moment. Her boyfriend was working with f-society? She backed up a bit, her anxiety rising.

Elliot didn’t know what to say for a moment either “I swear it’s for good.” He could try to fix this “I know this hard to know, trust me, it was a lot to take in to.” How he’d explain his alters started this.

“But… this group has hurt people, how can it be for good? How are you involved in it?” Isabelle seems to be a mixture of confused and hurt. She doesn’t understand why Elliot would be part of something like this, he wasn’t a bad person. He wasn’t a menace.

Elliot thought how to approach this better “I’d never hurt anyone, I help protect, protect people from people like Ron from the coffee shop.” He explained “Somewhere I didn’t know about fsociety but Mr. Robot showed up when work was getting shitty with Angela and it just went from there and I promise I’d never hurt anyone, I try to save.”

“I understand there are some risks that can come from this and we accept it if that happens.” Elliot replied “But I promise this is for the good, I wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t.” Running a hand through his hair “All I know this started somewhere after I had gotten locked in a computer room from my old job because they couldn’t of leaved because I kept finding flaws in their codes. And next I knew I woke up to it destroyed… And it was just me still alone over the holiday.”

“Am I safe knowing about this?” She asks with worry for herself.

The question made him pause for a second, Shayla was a different situation than this one, he’s never let anyone get this close to cross this bridge of a situation before until right now. He doesn’t want her to become like Shayla. “I promise I will shred anybody down to protect you.” He’d never give a thought of any a split second chance to harm anyone he cares about.

She looks down, concern now going from herself to Elliot. “What about you? What if you get hurt? Or go to prison?” She cared about Elliot too much to see either of those things happen.

Elliot’s fingers fidgeted with the sleeves of his hoodie. “I’ll be fine.” Convincing the both of them at the same time. He’d avoid jail time again like a plague. Reaching down to pet flipper before she just went and did her own thing again.

A voice comes over the speaker under the emergency button and asks what the problem is. Isabelle, meanwhile, is starting to hyperventilate in the corner of the elevator.

Elliot noticed Isabelle was starting to hyperventilate and so he tried to calm his nerves down as much as possible and explained about the situation going on with the elevator.

Isabelle was still breathing hard. She was already naturally anxious but now she was in a situation that caused more stress. “I can’t… I can’t… can’t calm down…” she breathed shakily.

Elliot just said something that just popped into his head to hopefully calm both of each other down “What’s something that starts with an A?”

Isabelle looked confused by his random questioning, but answered even through her panic. “Apple.”

Elliot continued with the questions of the alphabet, he’d even see if he had a random deck of cards to play with if it helped with distracting.

Isabelle was able to calm down enough to the point where she could speak with composure. Still, her body language clearly showed her anxiety. “We need to get out of here…”

“I know we do, I’m hoping they get this fixed soon to.” Elliot replied “I say we take stairs more often.”

Elliot didn’t blame her “how are you feeling?”

Elliot was relieved when they could finally get off the elevator, letting Isabelle go first before he followed off of it.

As soon as her feet touched the floor, she just about stumbled down. She was shaky with anxiety. She didn’t realize it, either, but she was holding onto Elliot’s arm tightly.

Elliot let her hold on to his arm as long as she wanted, it comforted him also since he himself still had anxiety to.

Isabelle looked up at Elliot, fear clearly still in her eyes, but Elliot being there helped her. “You okay?” She asks.

Elliot nodded “I am now.” He replied “Are you okay?”

She nods but then shakes her head. “I don’t know…”

Elliot nodded in understanding, a perfectly reasonable answer.

She quickly fixes her hair and puts her purse on her shoulder. “I..I just need to take the day off.”

Elliot watched her for a second “I’ll take a day off with you.” Offering to keep Isabelle company.

Elliot watched the movie with her, curled up with Isabelle on the couch “Us.” He actual joked a bit “And whomever made it.” He added. Though he just would continue to watch a weird movie with her for time together.

Isabelle smiled at Elliot’s joke. She enjoyed his sense of humor. “I guess we’re weirdos, but it’s cool.”

Elliot smiled back “weirdos together works with me.”

Isabelle went to kiss Elliot when Darlene started banging on the door of Elliot’s apartment. Isabelle was startled and quickly pulled back.

Elliot was about to kiss her back l, wasn’t expecting a knock at the door either. He went to get up from the couch to answer the door.

When Elliot answered the door, Darlene was standing outside with an unamused look on her face. “You haven’t been picking up your phone. I thought you were dead or something.”

Elliot stood for a second, letting his sister in “No still alive m, just been spending time with my girlfriend.” He’s been meaning to introduce them to each other.

Elliot nodded “Her name’s Isabelle.” He is happy to be dating Isabelle and turned to his girlfriend “This Darlene, my sister.”

“She just met you, we can go out for coffee or pizza night.” Elliot commented back lowly and looked back to Isabelle “Just going to step out real quick and talk with Darlene, think there’s another popcorn bag that can be popped.”

“Okay,” Isabelle replied quietly with a shy smile. Darlene took her brother by the wrist out into the hall. “Mobley can’t get those files offline.” She sighed and crossed her arms.

Elliot thought about it for a second “What part does he need?”

“He needs that stupid IP address. You’re the only one who can get access to it though. Can you get it tomorrow at work or something?” Darlene was annoyed with all the setbacks they’ve been having on this project.

Elliot nodded “I’ll see what I can do tomorrow, Isabelle sits next to me and hopefully works not to busy.”

“What’s the deal with her anyway? Does she know what’s going on with this project?” Darlene raised her brow. She didn’t know how long Elliot had known Isabelle for.

Elliot shook his head “She doesn’t know, works with me, let her stay when she was having issues with her place and eventually we just started dating.” He explained

“She better not hurt you or I’ll fuck her up.” Darlene was completely serious about this. She knew Elliot always got treated like shit alongside going through his own separate problems. She decided that he didn’t need a toxic chick in his life too.

Elliot knew she was just protective of him as he was with her “Darlene I promise she’s good, can even hangout with us and have popcorn, stay a night on the couch if it’ll help ease your mind.”

“I can stay for a bit, but I have a party to go to later on,” she explained. “I don’t want to get in the way though.”

“You won’t ever get in the way, you’re my sister and make sure to call if you have any problems at the party.” Elliot said

Elliot walked back inside with his sister, okay so he forgot he microwaved or was he the one to microwave?, someone microwaved and forgot to clean it “I think they’re in the cabinet?” Did he own any? He was questioning who bought what in this house. Did Darlene help? Glancing to his sister for hopefully she knew.

“Maybe.” Elliot whispered back, just remembered to always check microwave before using it. Sitting down next to Isabelle and let Darlene sit where wanted.

Darlene sat on the floor in front of the couch to let Isabelle and Elliot have the couch together. Isabelle laid her head on Elliot’s lap when he sat down and handed him the popcorn. She pressed play on the crappy movie they were watching. Although it was unbearable, they had nothing else to watch.

Elliot shared the popcorn with his sister and girlfriend, finishing watching the movie with them. Remembering when him and Darlene would watch the oddest movies growing up and now get to share the moment with Isabelle.

Elliot nodded “We were.” He admitted to his sister, that they were high when they picked out the movie and thinking on it, movie was pretty cheesy from start to end.

Elliot nodded in agreement with Isabelle, his own high was still there. Getting up and hugging his sister back before she went off to a party.

Darlene hugged him back “I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I’ll call if I need something.”

“Okay.” Elliot would make sure phone was on a good charge in case his sister needed to call him.

Isabelle and Darlene wave to each other before Darlene heads out. After she does, Isabelle gestures for Elliot to come back over to her.

After his sister left, Elliot made his way back to his girlfriend and relax back in the couch with her.

“Your sister looks a lot like you. She’s nice,” Isabelle points out.

Elliot tilted his head for a second when asking the question “Don’t siblings usually look similar to one another?”

She shrugs. “Not always. My brother doesn’t look like me.”

Elliot looked at her curiously, first time hearing of this information “You have a brother?”

“Yeah, I haven’t seen him in a long time though,” she shrugs. “But he’s shit anyway.”

Elliot listened to her explain the situation with her brother “Sorry about your brother, though just curious oldest or youngest between the two of you?”

"He's five years older than me." She didn't seem to have much emotion as she talked about her brother—not angry or sad or happy. As if she simply didn't care about him.

Elliot nodded “Darlene’s my younger sister.”

“She seems cool. But I’m glad we’re alone again. I like when it’s us. It feels safe,” she says quietly.

“She can be or annoying like the typical sibling can be, but I do like when it’s just us also.” Elliot did feel safe and that was a rare thing for him, he soon leaned in for a kiss.

Isabelle felt nervous at first—even though they were dating and kissed before—but she soon relaxed and kissed him back. She gently rested her hands on the sides of his face.

As their kiss continued on while she had her hands on his face, he had his hands gently rested against her hips.

Isabelle kissed him deeper and leaned into him more. She hadn’t really allowed herself to become romantic for a long time until Elliot. Elliot felt natural to her.

Elliot felt at peace when he’s with Isabelle and he’d cherish this moment and any moment he could get and has already gotten with her.

She moves her hands from his face to his hair as she keeps kissing him.

Elliot continued on kissing her as much as she’d continue to kiss him back.

“Elliot,” Isabelle whispered against his lips.

Elliot took a second to breathe l, thinking Isabelle was asking him a question, not realizing the context use of his name. “Yeah?”

Isabelle smiles slightly at how her cue went over his head. “Elliot…” she whispers again, this time with more intention and looking at his face. She cautiously climbs into his lap, not wanting to overwhelm him but also wanting to make her wants clear.

Elliot got the message to his name as his girlfriend had climbed into his lap, resting his hands on her waist as he leaned in for another kiss.

This time Isabelle was less shy with her actions. She wanted Elliot to know what she wanted. She knew it was okay to. She truly did feel safe with him. It was a safety she hadn’t felt with anyone else.

Elliot started to get a bit restrictive with clothing and reached the hen of his shirt to pull it up and off of himself.

“Sometimes my mind hurts… All the bad memories are painful…” she continued quietly. She listened to the crappy 70s music Elliot’s neighbor has blasting. It sounded strange mixed with her high.

He listened to her reasoning of not being able to sleep and also listening to his neighbors music, he understood bad memories “Here if you want to talk about them, don’t have to if you’re not ready, we can continue to mind wish my neighbor finds some other era of songs.”

Elliot continued to stay silent, hearing her start to speak about what was currently running through her mind.

“…Especially my dad. I hate him for everything…” she says in the same tone, angry and hurt, but quiet.

Elliot understood those two of emotions emotion all to well, topic of his parents weren’t the best for him either.

“I don’t know why I trust you, but I do. Maybe because you’re scared like me.” After Isabelle broke up with her last boyfriend she had pretty much sworn off relationships, but Elliot wasn’t expected. She trusted him before she could even stop herself. They seemed like magnets.

“I trust you to and I’m always here for you.” Elliot replied and gently squeezed her hand in comfort.

Isabelle didn’t verbally respond, but she ran her thumb over Elliot’s hand that was holding hers, some kind of small gesture to show her appreciation.

Elliot appreciated the small gesture, though he appreciated every moment with her.

She rolled onto her other side to face him, looking up at him with tired eyes.

Elliot looked back at her, finally able to find the effort to speak “I love you.”

She looked at him with some disbelief now. No one she had dated before had ever said those words to her. “You do? Why?” She asks quietly.

“Because you’re special to me more than a sibling and more than a friend.” Elliot explained

Her expression softened. “I love you, too,” she responded quietly. “You’re special to me, too.”

Elliot laid there for a bit with her in content.

Isabelle didn’t say anything as she moved closer to Elliot, but she was genuinely happy right now. Elliot loving her wasn’t something she had expected or knew she wanted, but it was significant to her.

Elliot never thought he’d get another chance at this level of happiness and love again with anyone since Shayla but he’s thankful for the chance again to experience it with Isabelle.

All Isabelle could do in that moment was blink profusely. “Elliot.. you..” she couldn’t even form a coherent sentence in this moment. Her boyfriend was working with f-society? She backed up a bit, her anxiety rising.

Elliot didn’t know what to say for a moment either “I swear it’s for good.” He could try to fix this “I know this hard to know, trust me, it was a lot to take in to.” How he’d explain his alters started this.

“But… this group has hurt people, how can it be for good? How are you involved in it?” Isabelle seems to be a mixture of confused and hurt. She doesn’t understand why Elliot would be part of something like this, he wasn’t a bad person. He wasn’t a menace.

Elliot thought how to approach this better “I’d never hurt anyone, I help protect, protect people from people like Ron from the coffee shop.” He explained “Somewhere I didn’t know about fsociety but Mr. Robot showed up when work was getting shitty with Angela and it just went from there and I promise I’d never hurt anyone, I try to save.”

“I understand there are some risks that can come from this and we accept it if that happens.” Elliot replied “But I promise this is for the good, I wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t.” Running a hand through his hair “All I know this started somewhere after I had gotten locked in a computer room from my old job because they couldn’t of leaved because I kept finding flaws in their codes. And next I knew I woke up to it destroyed… And it was just me still alone over the holiday.”

“Am I safe knowing about this?” She asks with worry for herself.

The question made him pause for a second, Shayla was a different situation than this one, he’s never let anyone get this close to cross this bridge of a situation before until right now. He doesn’t want her to become like Shayla. “I promise I will shred anybody down to protect you.” He’d never give a thought of any a split second chance to harm anyone he cares about.

Eliot or well Mastermind turned to Isabelle, remembered Elliot is letting her stay over while plumbing is being fixed at her place. Now was running possible ideas where the hairbrush would be. Taking a second to answer “Is it not in the medicine cabinet?” He asked back.

“No,” she said defeatedly, “can you check my pink bag real quick?” The pink bag she was referring to had all her belongings that she brought while staying with Elliot. Maybe she had left it in there.

He looked around the room for the bag after she mentioned about it, noticed it by the dresser, walking over and checking through it for the hairbrush “Found it.” M replied as he walked towards the bathroom to hand it over to her.

Isabelle gratefully took the brush. “Thanks, Elliot.” She brushed her hair and put it into a ponytail. She then put her blouse on over her bralette and happily walked the front door. “Ready to go?”

“To… work?” Isabelle couldn’t tell if Elliot was joking or not, though he wasn’t one to joke. Maybe he was just still tired, she assumed.

M thought for a second and was still confused, was it really work day? But he’d play along “Right, haven’t had enough coffee yet.”

“We can stop and get some if you’d like. I could actually use some, too, honestly,” she smiled at Elliot.

MM nodded “Stopping by for coffee is good with me to.”

Mastermind nodded in agreement, Flipper was cute and he had already fed her and Qwerty. Which he pet Flipper also before heading out the door also.

“El, you know you can tell me anything, right? I’m your friend.”

M nodded and thought of an idea “Do you want to skip work today and go to the pier and ride the ferries wheel?”

“I’ll just text Angela on our way there and she can tell Gideon we can’t make it in.” M suggested and then took another sip of his coffee.

He looked back at her, ferries wheel felt like a safe space to talk, he’d give it a try. “Another coffee to go before we leave?”

“Sure! The more coffee the better.”

M nodded in agreement and order the two to go coffees.

“Thanks, Elliot. You’re the best,” she smiled lightly at him.

“You’re welcome.” M replied and handed her coffee over after he was handed them.

Isabelle carefully sipped her hot coffee as they walked. She looked up at him. Usually she could read his thoughts by his expressions but it wasn’t happening today. It was like he had locked himself up completely. His eyes had changed too. Sure he was usually monotone even in his face, his eyes kept a sweet look to them. They were understanding. Right now they were sad, it was like they were trying to figure out an equation. They were overly focused, but on what?

Mastermind kept one hand in his hoodie pocket while the other held his drink, usually stuck in his own thoughts and figuring how he was going to talk with Isabelle.

Isabelle gets on the ferris wheel when they get to Coney Island. She leads Elliot into the cart. “Is this okay, El?” She asked softly.

M nodded after looking at the cart “Yes it is.” He responded and slid into the seat.

As soon as the cart lifts up, Isabelle looks to Elliot. “So… since we’re free now, can we talk?” She looked at him with soft expressions, assuring him she was safe to talk to if he wanted to. “We don’t have to, but… I care about you. I don’t want you to hurt, Elliot.@“

Mastermind had listened to what Isabelle was saying and glanced over to her again, cart was always a safe space to talk at, found it hard to speak at the moment but soon started “I’m not very good at talking, especially at talking about what’s going on but I’ll try.”

“It’s okay, I’m not either. I’m still here for you though, no matter what’s going on…”

M thought about, guess it couldn’t hurt to start off small “Sometimes a lot, I get stuck in my mind.”

Isabelle listened intently to Elliot. She looked at him with care.

“Way to much thinking all the time, emotions of trying to learn how to handle.” Mastermind had continued

M looked to her and nodded “Yes like a tornado.” She found the word for his explanation of what was going on with him “Have you ever felt a tornado?”

“Almost everyday since my first year of college.” Isabelle was the around the same age as Elliot, which meant that this had been going on a long time. “My roommate…” Isabelle stopped talking before she got in too deep, right now she needed to help Elliot. “Can I do anything for you, Elliot?”

“It’s okay to continue with your roommate.” M said reassuringly, Isabelle looked like she needed someone to listen also.

“We um… she and I went out one night and she.. got robbed. The guy who robbed her… killed her… I tried to do something but I couldn’t…” Isabelle tried to push the horrible memory from her mind. She played with her empty coffee cup anxiously, reverting her focus make to Elliot. “But I’m okay. I just want to make sure you are too.”

Mastermind payed attention and listened to the story of how Isabelle and her roommate were out and about before they were robbed, he understood death “I’m sorry to hear about what you and your roommate went through, I know what you’re going through when someone close had died.”

“I’m sorry, too. You can always talk to me about what you’re going through, too. I’m always here for you.”

Mastermind took a moment before speaking “It was when I was kid, my dad was working and soon developed cancer, got worse and he eventually died.”

“I’m so sorry, Elliot,” she responds quietly.

“Ever get anxiety to?” Mastermind asked, thinking they both needed to think of another conversation

“That’s what my head is full of most of the time. I worry about everyone and everything. How about you?”

Isabelle seem to get him “I worry like that also.”

Isabelle felt like for the first time someone understood what she was going through. She thought, even if they’re in pain, at least they can support each other. “I’ve noticed it more lately. Your eyes aren’t as bright. Usually I can see their color. I still think they’re cool though.”

Mastermind was thinking of a reply back, it was the most he’s talked about his feelings “So what, I have colorless eyes?”

Isabelle frowned. “No. They’re just a different shade. Usually they’re bright blue, but when you’re sad, they’re pastel.” Isabelle liked to draw and knew a lot about color. She could tell the subtle differences in shades. She was observant.

Mastermind nodded “I never really paid attention to my eyes that much.” He replied

After a moment of silence, Isabelle spoke again. “I’ve seen you go out for smoke breaks at work when you seem frustrated. I do it too. Sometimes I can’t deal with Gideon and the higher-ups.”

Mastermind nodded again, this time in understanding “Get told to take off hoodie way to much.” Gideon seemed alright but the higher ups was definitely something he couldn’t stand.

“I get that. I hate having to wear pencil skirts. All the weird guys stare at my ass. I’m more of a show off to clients at this point than I am an assistant.” Isabelle shook her head and rolled her eyes in disgust.

And Ollie really frustrated him. “Wait doesn’t my friend Angela wear pants?” Mastermind asked. He’s a few who don’t stare.

“I can wear pants in the Fall and Winter. It’s too damn hot to wear them right now. Gideon won’t let me wear ‘loose’ skirts because they’re too ‘informal.’” Isabelle wouldn’t tell Elliot but the only reason she was staying at Allsafe was because of him and the fact that insurance for her therapy was covered.

Mastermind listened to her explain about the skirt issue, he’d probably eventually might tell her how he got fired and hired to Allsafe. “Dress codes aren’t fun.”

Isabelle was quiet for a minute while looking out of the ferris wheel over the pier. She rummaged around in the pocket of her jacket and pulled out a box of cigarettes. "Want one?" She asked, getting her lighter out as well.

Mastermind thought for a second and nodded “Sure.” He wasn’t turning down to smoke. Taking the offered cigarette.

Isabelle passed the lighter to him after lighting her own cigarette, breathing out a breath of smoke. She looked deep in thought as she took another drag.

Mastermind lit his own cigarette and then took a drag of it after handing back the lighter.

Isabelle put the lighter back in her pocket. She continued staring out across the pier. It was a peaceful moment for once.

Mastermind felt calm at the moment as well as he to stared out across the pier to.

“Do you like aquariums?” Isabelle felt like going to an aquarium next. She went there to get away from the world, imagining herself as a sea creature just freely floating around forever. Sometimes she drew them too.

Mastermind nodded “I do, haven’t been since I was around five,six.” He replied, knew he liked the ells and a fish that looked like Qwerty.

“Do you wanna go after we get off the ferris wheel? I have a pass.”

Mastermind thought about it for a second “I’d love to, pass good for a guest?” He didn’t mind paying if he had to.

“Yep, up to four people.” She was excited to show Elliot her safe space, show him all of her favorite fish.

Mastermind let Isabelle off the ride first, he couldn’t wait to see what her favorite fish were. Maybe he’d show his other safe space, the museum.

The taxi dropped them off at the aquarium. Isabelle waited in line with Elliot to enter. “You have a fish don’t you? I’ve seen a picture of it at your desk. It’s a.. beta? Right?”

He nodded in yes “His name’s Qwerty.” Shyla gave him the fish and he’s been taking care him ever since.

“He’s a pretty fish. They have some beta here. We can go there first if you want.” She got to the front of the line and scanned her membership card.

“Thank you, sometimes I change his bowl around the place, mostly keep him by the window in the living room.” Mastermind said as they made thier way to see the beta fish.

“I haven’t seen him at your apartment yet. I guess I was so busy trying to get ready this morning and distracted by playing with Flipper. I’ll have to look for him when we go back.” Isabelle followed Elliot to the beta fish tank. She watched them closely. “I’ve been drawing these. I love the flow of their tails.”

“Yeah Flipper does love all the petting she can get.” Mastermind said as he stared at a bit at the beta fish. And then looked to Isabelle “Do you have your drawings with you?” He was interested in seeing them.

“Actually I do.” Isabelle reached into her purse and pulled out her sketchbook. She flipped through it to the page where realistic drawings of beta fish laid on the page. “I used colored pencils for the highlights of their color. I’m still practicing shading.”

Mastermind stared at the drawings when she turned the page to them, reminding him of the time Shayla showed him the fabrics she created. Stared at amazement at them “You’re really good at drawing.” Taking his time to look at each fish.

Isabelle blushed. “Thanks, Elliot. I’ve been drawing since high school. It’s just a way for me to escape everything.”

Mastermind nodded, still looking at the drawings for a little bit “Still really good.” He smiled a little bit.

“Thank you..” Isabelle was still blushing. She looked closely at Elliot’s face. It was the first time he had smiled today. She saw something in his eyes that was just beautiful to her, she didn’t know what. All she knew was that she sensed care in them, she could tell he was more gentle than he appeared to be. He wasn’t a hacker, or an introvert, or someone trying to take down E Corp, or a worker at AllSafe. He was just Elliot to her.

Mastermind loved when someone shared something special that no one had yet to see and felt honored to be able to see Isabelle’s drawings, quite appreciateing to see the sketchbook and hopefully more if she had any she’d like to share to show.

She flips to another page of drawings of beta fish. These drawings focus more on their tails, and they are improved from the previous ones. “I did these ones last month. There’s just something about the fish. They don’t seem to really care about anything. They just… exist,” she says softly, looking at the beta fish tank in front of them.

Mastermind looked over the next page of the fish “I’d like to find a shelf or a taller table for Qwerty to be closer to the window, can help find one if you want?”

Isabelle turns her head and smiles at Elliot. “I’d really like that.”

Mastermind nodded “can look for one on another day off.” Give time to look for a decent size for Qwerty.

Isabelle still seems entranced by the beta fish swimming around in front of her. She studies their details with her eyes.

Mastermind continued looking at the fish as well, something memorizing about seeing them swim around, all sorts of different types of them, each unique.

It stayed quiet between the two of them, but in a peaceful way, not awkward.

Mastermind was enjoying the time of their day outside of work. Was slowly relaxing.

Isabelle looked back at Elliot with a shy smile. She liked that she didn't feel anxious around him, like she could trust him. She didn't feel that with many people.

MM actually smiled softly back in return, very rare thing for him to do.

“You’re cool, Elliot,” she tells him softly.

“Um… thank you.” MM didn’t understand how he was cool but he’d accept the compliment.

“Sorry, that was.. weird of me,” she shakes her head and looks away awkwardly. “I’m not great at talking.”

He understood, his social skills weren’t the best either. Like right now was over thinking if since now just saying “It’s okay.” Was a good response back.

A voice comes over the speaker under the emergency button and asks what the problem is. Isabelle, meanwhile, is starting to hyperventilate in the corner of the elevator.

Elliot noticed Isabelle was starting to hyperventilate and so he tried to calm his nerves down as much as possible and explained about the situation going on with the elevator.

Isabelle was still breathing hard. She was already naturally anxious but now she was in a situation that caused more stress. “I can’t… I can’t… can’t calm down…” she breathed shakily.

Elliot just said something that just popped into his head to hopefully calm both of each other down “What’s something that starts with an A?”

Isabelle looked confused by his random questioning, but answered even through her panic. “Apple.”

Elliot continued with the questions of the alphabet, he’d even see if he had a random deck of cards to play with if it helped with distracting.

Isabelle was able to calm down enough to the point where she could speak with composure. Still, her body language clearly showed her anxiety. “We need to get out of here…”

“I know we do, I’m hoping they get this fixed soon to.” Elliot replied “I say we take stairs more often.”

Elliot didn’t blame her “how are you feeling?”

Elliot was relieved when they could finally get off the elevator, letting Isabelle go first before he followed off of it.

As soon as her feet touched the floor, she just about stumbled down. She was shaky with anxiety. She didn’t realize it, either, but she was holding onto Elliot’s arm tightly.

Elliot let her hold on to his arm as long as she wanted, it comforted him also since he himself still had anxiety to.

Isabelle looked up at Elliot, fear clearly still in her eyes, but Elliot being there helped her. “You okay?” She asks.

Elliot nodded “I am now.” He replied “Are you okay?”

She nods but then shakes her head. “I don’t know…”

Elliot nodded in understanding, a perfectly reasonable answer.

A muffled "Fanta?!" Could suddenly be heard next door followed by a series of curses and the sound of furniture being moved around. A few more shouts could be heard. The orange cat's ears twitched at the shouts as he sniffed at Flipper curiously. The cat meowed at Flipper as his tail swished around.

Eliot or well Mastermind turned to Isabelle, remembered Elliot is letting her stay over while plumbing is being fixed at her place. Now was running possible ideas where the hairbrush would be. Taking a second to answer “Is it not in the medicine cabinet?” He asked back.

“No,” she said defeatedly, “can you check my pink bag real quick?” The pink bag she was referring to had all her belongings that she brought while staying with Elliot. Maybe she had left it in there.

He looked around the room for the bag after she mentioned about it, noticed it by the dresser, walking over and checking through it for the hairbrush “Found it.” M replied as he walked towards the bathroom to hand it over to her.

Isabelle gratefully took the brush. “Thanks, Elliot.” She brushed her hair and put it into a ponytail. She then put her blouse on over her bralette and happily walked the front door. “Ready to go?”

“To… work?” Isabelle couldn’t tell if Elliot was joking or not, though he wasn’t one to joke. Maybe he was just still tired, she assumed.

M thought for a second and was still confused, was it really work day? But he’d play along “Right, haven’t had enough coffee yet.”

“We can stop and get some if you’d like. I could actually use some, too, honestly,” she smiled at Elliot.

MM nodded “Stopping by for coffee is good with me to.”

Mastermind nodded in agreement, Flipper was cute and he had already fed her and Qwerty. Which he pet Flipper also before heading out the door also.

“El, you know you can tell me anything, right? I’m your friend.”

M nodded and thought of an idea “Do you want to skip work today and go to the pier and ride the ferries wheel?”

“I’ll just text Angela on our way there and she can tell Gideon we can’t make it in.” M suggested and then took another sip of his coffee.

He looked back at her, ferries wheel felt like a safe space to talk, he’d give it a try. “Another coffee to go before we leave?”

“Sure! The more coffee the better.”

M nodded in agreement and order the two to go coffees.

“Thanks, Elliot. You’re the best,” she smiled lightly at him.

“You’re welcome.” M replied and handed her coffee over after he was handed them.

Isabelle carefully sipped her hot coffee as they walked. She looked up at him. Usually she could read his thoughts by his expressions but it wasn’t happening today. It was like he had locked himself up completely. His eyes had changed too. Sure he was usually monotone even in his face, his eyes kept a sweet look to them. They were understanding. Right now they were sad, it was like they were trying to figure out an equation. They were overly focused, but on what?

Mastermind kept one hand in his hoodie pocket while the other held his drink, usually stuck in his own thoughts and figuring how he was going to talk with Isabelle.

Isabelle gets on the ferris wheel when they get to Coney Island. She leads Elliot into the cart. “Is this okay, El?” She asked softly.

M nodded after looking at the cart “Yes it is.” He responded and slid into the seat.

As soon as the cart lifts up, Isabelle looks to Elliot. “So… since we’re free now, can we talk?” She looked at him with soft expressions, assuring him she was safe to talk to if he wanted to. “We don’t have to, but… I care about you. I don’t want you to hurt, Elliot.@“

Mastermind had listened to what Isabelle was saying and glanced over to her again, cart was always a safe space to talk at, found it hard to speak at the moment but soon started “I’m not very good at talking, especially at talking about what’s going on but I’ll try.”

“It’s okay, I’m not either. I’m still here for you though, no matter what’s going on…”

M thought about, guess it couldn’t hurt to start off small “Sometimes a lot, I get stuck in my mind.”

Isabelle listened intently to Elliot. She looked at him with care.

“Way to much thinking all the time, emotions of trying to learn how to handle.” Mastermind had continued

M looked to her and nodded “Yes like a tornado.” She found the word for his explanation of what was going on with him “Have you ever felt a tornado?”

“Almost everyday since my first year of college.” Isabelle was the around the same age as Elliot, which meant that this had been going on a long time. “My roommate…” Isabelle stopped talking before she got in too deep, right now she needed to help Elliot. “Can I do anything for you, Elliot?”

“It’s okay to continue with your roommate.” M said reassuringly, Isabelle looked like she needed someone to listen also.

“We um… she and I went out one night and she.. got robbed. The guy who robbed her… killed her… I tried to do something but I couldn’t…” Isabelle tried to push the horrible memory from her mind. She played with her empty coffee cup anxiously, reverting her focus make to Elliot. “But I’m okay. I just want to make sure you are too.”

Mastermind payed attention and listened to the story of how Isabelle and her roommate were out and about before they were robbed, he understood death “I’m sorry to hear about what you and your roommate went through, I know what you’re going through when someone close had died.”

“I’m sorry, too. You can always talk to me about what you’re going through, too. I’m always here for you.”

Mastermind took a moment before speaking “It was when I was kid, my dad was working and soon developed cancer, got worse and he eventually died.”

“I’m so sorry, Elliot,” she responds quietly.

“Ever get anxiety to?” Mastermind asked, thinking they both needed to think of another conversation

“That’s what my head is full of most of the time. I worry about everyone and everything. How about you?”

Isabelle seem to get him “I worry like that also.”

Isabelle felt like for the first time someone understood what she was going through. She thought, even if they’re in pain, at least they can support each other. “I’ve noticed it more lately. Your eyes aren’t as bright. Usually I can see their color. I still think they’re cool though.”

Mastermind was thinking of a reply back, it was the most he’s talked about his feelings “So what, I have colorless eyes?”

Isabelle frowned. “No. They’re just a different shade. Usually they’re bright blue, but when you’re sad, they’re pastel.” Isabelle liked to draw and knew a lot about color. She could tell the subtle differences in shades. She was observant.

Mastermind nodded “I never really paid attention to my eyes that much.” He replied

After a moment of silence, Isabelle spoke again. “I’ve seen you go out for smoke breaks at work when you seem frustrated. I do it too. Sometimes I can’t deal with Gideon and the higher-ups.”

Mastermind nodded again, this time in understanding “Get told to take off hoodie way to much.” Gideon seemed alright but the higher ups was definitely something he couldn’t stand.

“I get that. I hate having to wear pencil skirts. All the weird guys stare at my ass. I’m more of a show off to clients at this point than I am an assistant.” Isabelle shook her head and rolled her eyes in disgust.

And Ollie really frustrated him. “Wait doesn’t my friend Angela wear pants?” Mastermind asked. He’s a few who don’t stare.

“I can wear pants in the Fall and Winter. It’s too damn hot to wear them right now. Gideon won’t let me wear ‘loose’ skirts because they’re too ‘informal.’” Isabelle wouldn’t tell Elliot but the only reason she was staying at Allsafe was because of him and the fact that insurance for her therapy was covered.

Mastermind listened to her explain about the skirt issue, he’d probably eventually might tell her how he got fired and hired to Allsafe. “Dress codes aren’t fun.”

Isabelle was quiet for a minute while looking out of the ferris wheel over the pier. She rummaged around in the pocket of her jacket and pulled out a box of cigarettes. "Want one?" She asked, getting her lighter out as well.

Mastermind thought for a second and nodded “Sure.” He wasn’t turning down to smoke. Taking the offered cigarette.

Isabelle passed the lighter to him after lighting her own cigarette, breathing out a breath of smoke. She looked deep in thought as she took another drag.

Mastermind lit his own cigarette and then took a drag of it after handing back the lighter.

Isabelle put the lighter back in her pocket. She continued staring out across the pier. It was a peaceful moment for once.

Mastermind felt calm at the moment as well as he to stared out across the pier to.

“Do you like aquariums?” Isabelle felt like going to an aquarium next. She went there to get away from the world, imagining herself as a sea creature just freely floating around forever. Sometimes she drew them too.

Mastermind nodded “I do, haven’t been since I was around five,six.” He replied, knew he liked the ells and a fish that looked like Qwerty.

“Do you wanna go after we get off the ferris wheel? I have a pass.”

Mastermind thought about it for a second “I’d love to, pass good for a guest?” He didn’t mind paying if he had to.

“Yep, up to four people.” She was excited to show Elliot her safe space, show him all of her favorite fish.

Mastermind let Isabelle off the ride first, he couldn’t wait to see what her favorite fish were. Maybe he’d show his other safe space, the museum.

The taxi dropped them off at the aquarium. Isabelle waited in line with Elliot to enter. “You have a fish don’t you? I’ve seen a picture of it at your desk. It’s a.. beta? Right?”

He nodded in yes “His name’s Qwerty.” Shyla gave him the fish and he’s been taking care him ever since.

“He’s a pretty fish. They have some beta here. We can go there first if you want.” She got to the front of the line and scanned her membership card.

“Thank you, sometimes I change his bowl around the place, mostly keep him by the window in the living room.” Mastermind said as they made thier way to see the beta fish.

“I haven’t seen him at your apartment yet. I guess I was so busy trying to get ready this morning and distracted by playing with Flipper. I’ll have to look for him when we go back.” Isabelle followed Elliot to the beta fish tank. She watched them closely. “I’ve been drawing these. I love the flow of their tails.”

“Yeah Flipper does love all the petting she can get.” Mastermind said as he stared at a bit at the beta fish. And then looked to Isabelle “Do you have your drawings with you?” He was interested in seeing them.

“Actually I do.” Isabelle reached into her purse and pulled out her sketchbook. She flipped through it to the page where realistic drawings of beta fish laid on the page. “I used colored pencils for the highlights of their color. I’m still practicing shading.”

Mastermind stared at the drawings when she turned the page to them, reminding him of the time Shayla showed him the fabrics she created. Stared at amazement at them “You’re really good at drawing.” Taking his time to look at each fish.

Isabelle blushed. “Thanks, Elliot. I’ve been drawing since high school. It’s just a way for me to escape everything.”

Mastermind nodded, still looking at the drawings for a little bit “Still really good.” He smiled a little bit.

“Thank you..” Isabelle was still blushing. She looked closely at Elliot’s face. It was the first time he had smiled today. She saw something in his eyes that was just beautiful to her, she didn’t know what. All she knew was that she sensed care in them, she could tell he was more gentle than he appeared to be. He wasn’t a hacker, or an introvert, or someone trying to take down E Corp, or a worker at AllSafe. He was just Elliot to her.

Mastermind loved when someone shared something special that no one had yet to see and felt honored to be able to see Isabelle’s drawings, quite appreciateing to see the sketchbook and hopefully more if she had any she’d like to share to show.

She flips to another page of drawings of beta fish. These drawings focus more on their tails, and they are improved from the previous ones. “I did these ones last month. There’s just something about the fish. They don’t seem to really care about anything. They just… exist,” she says softly, looking at the beta fish tank in front of them.

Mastermind looked over the next page of the fish “I’d like to find a shelf or a taller table for Qwerty to be closer to the window, can help find one if you want?”

Isabelle turns her head and smiles at Elliot. “I’d really like that.”

Mastermind nodded “can look for one on another day off.” Give time to look for a decent size for Qwerty.

Isabelle still seems entranced by the beta fish swimming around in front of her. She studies their details with her eyes.

Mastermind continued looking at the fish as well, something memorizing about seeing them swim around, all sorts of different types of them, each unique.

It stayed quiet between the two of them, but in a peaceful way, not awkward.

Mastermind was enjoying the time of their day outside of work. Was slowly relaxing.

Isabelle looked back at Elliot with a shy smile. She liked that she didn't feel anxious around him, like she could trust him. She didn't feel that with many people.

MM actually smiled softly back in return, very rare thing for him to do.

“You’re cool, Elliot,” she tells him softly.

“Um… thank you.” MM didn’t understand how he was cool but he’d accept the compliment.

All Isabelle could do in that moment was blink profusely. “Elliot.. you..” she couldn’t even form a coherent sentence in this moment. Her boyfriend was working with f-society? She backed up a bit, her anxiety rising.

Elliot didn’t know what to say for a moment either “I swear it’s for good.” He could try to fix this “I know this hard to know, trust me, it was a lot to take in to.” How he’d explain his alters started this.

“But… this group has hurt people, how can it be for good? How are you involved in it?” Isabelle seems to be a mixture of confused and hurt. She doesn’t understand why Elliot would be part of something like this, he wasn’t a bad person. He wasn’t a menace.

Elliot thought how to approach this better “I’d never hurt anyone, I help protect, protect people from people like Ron from the coffee shop.” He explained “Somewhere I didn’t know about fsociety but Mr. Robot showed up when work was getting shitty with Angela and it just went from there and I promise I’d never hurt anyone, I try to save.”

“I understand there are some risks that can come from this and we accept it if that happens.” Elliot replied “But I promise this is for the good, I wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t.” Running a hand through his hair “All I know this started somewhere after I had gotten locked in a computer room from my old job because they couldn’t of leaved because I kept finding flaws in their codes. And next I knew I woke up to it destroyed… And it was just me still alone over the holiday.”

A muffled "Fanta?!" Could suddenly be heard next door followed by a series of curses and the sound of furniture being moved around. A few more shouts could be heard. The orange cat's ears twitched at the shouts as he sniffed at Flipper curiously. The cat meowed at Flipper as his tail swished around.

A voice comes over the speaker under the emergency button and asks what the problem is. Isabelle, meanwhile, is starting to hyperventilate in the corner of the elevator.

Elliot noticed Isabelle was starting to hyperventilate and so he tried to calm his nerves down as much as possible and explained about the situation going on with the elevator.

Isabelle was still breathing hard. She was already naturally anxious but now she was in a situation that caused more stress. “I can’t… I can’t… can’t calm down…” she breathed shakily.

Elliot just said something that just popped into his head to hopefully calm both of each other down “What’s something that starts with an A?”

Isabelle looked confused by his random questioning, but answered even through her panic. “Apple.”

Elliot continued with the questions of the alphabet, he’d even see if he had a random deck of cards to play with if it helped with distracting.

Isabelle was able to calm down enough to the point where she could speak with composure. Still, her body language clearly showed her anxiety. “We need to get out of here…”

“I know we do, I’m hoping they get this fixed soon to.” Elliot replied “I say we take stairs more often.”

Elliot didn’t blame her “how are you feeling?”

Elliot was relieved when they could finally get off the elevator, letting Isabelle go first before he followed off of it.

As soon as her feet touched the floor, she just about stumbled down. She was shaky with anxiety. She didn’t realize it, either, but she was holding onto Elliot’s arm tightly.

Elliot let her hold on to his arm as long as she wanted, it comforted him also since he himself still had anxiety to.

Isabelle looked up at Elliot, fear clearly still in her eyes, but Elliot being there helped her. “You okay?” She asks.

Elliot nodded “I am now.” He replied “Are you okay?”

A muffled "Fanta?!" Could suddenly be heard next door followed by a series of curses and the sound of furniture being moved around. A few more shouts could be heard. The orange cat's ears twitched at the shouts as he sniffed at Flipper curiously. The cat meowed at Flipper as his tail swished around.