Gabriel involuntarily fidgeted and focused on the steering wheel for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. Lycca and Adrien both told him to talk to her. Such an obvious solution that he dreaded for no discernible reason.

It took a while, but he finally turned back to her. "I'm sorry," he said, this time far more genuine than his earlier attempt. "I have a problem.." He paused and took a deep breath. "I'm scared, Iris. When you disappeared, I did everything I could to keep Adrien safe. To the point of being overprotective.. And then he almost died, and the brothers probably know who we are. I couldn't help but be overprotective toward you too. I just... I don't want anything to happen to you, and I feel like I can't do anything if I'm at work and you go out and get attacked..."

Iris stared at him waiting for him to talk. When he finally opened up, she felt her heart sank. She felt her mouth slowly dropping. Adrien was right. She reached for his hand. "I won't let anything happen to me again I promise." She paused and thought about what he said more. "Is that the real reason Adrien is on schedule? So you know where he is it all times?"

Iris was quiet. She really wasn't sure how to respond to that. She leaned back in the passenger seat, but Iris didn't remove in her hand from his. She just looked away from him trying to collect her thoughts. Iris wanted to say no dip, but that would be harsh. So she just remained silent.

Gabriel leaned back and stared at the ceiling of the car. He felt so stupid right now. He shouldn't have pushed the issue. "I've turned into a terrible control freak..." He murmured.

"I'll say," Iris mumbled. She let go of his hand and placed it into her lap. Iris kept her gaze out the window. Now would be the time to compromise, but now it was up to him come up with one. She was too mad to bring up the solution Pain suggested earlier.

Gabriel stayed silent for a long time, trying to figure out what else she wanted from him. He apologized. He told her what was going on in his mind. And now he still didn't know how to fix the issue. Iris had mentioned a compromise earlier but had yet to offer it.

He bit his lip as he realized she probably wasn't going to tell him what it was. He wracked his brain for a compromise, but it was hard for him. He wasn't used to compromising after six years of having control over everything.  Finally, he turned to look at her. "I would still prefer you text me when you're out, but I know that's not something you'll agree to.. Are there any times you would be willing to give me a heads up if you're going out for a bit?"

"Only when I won't be home before you," she said without looking at him. The chances of her being out that long was slim, but it was only time she would check. Iris was not going to budge on her stance even if was scared.

Gabriel frowned and looked out the window so she wouldn't see how unhappy he was with that answer. He needed a reasonable counteroffer. "I don't think that will lessen my fears. What about if you're going to be out for more than an hour or two? Would it be okay to you if you gave me a heads up?"

"No," Iris said and looked at him. "I'm not changing my life, Gabe. I gave you my offer and it's final." Yes she should help ease his fears, but would be letting the brothers win psychologically.

Gabriel was quiet again as he weighed his options.  She was not going to give in... He had three options. Disagree and restart this fight, agree and let her do as she pleased, and agree while secretly having a butterfly tail her.  He knew what option he should pick, but... With that, he made his own mental compromise. He'd let her do as she pleased as long as his butterflies continued to watch over her.

"Fine. If that's what you want."

Iris blinked. "Really?" She was expecting him to fight back more. "You're finally giving in?" Iris was in shock. She thought this fight would go on much longer. This worried her for some reason.

"Yes. I'm not happy about it, but it's obvious I'm not going to change your mind," he answered. "Besides, this fight is just adding tension between us." Hopefully, that was a good enough excuse to keep her from being suspicious about his motive.

"Well no because what you wanted was out of control," Iris said. Her anger still hasn't dissolve. "Now let's just go home. I'm done talking to you for the day."

Gabriel frowned but nodded. If this was the best he was going to get, then he'd take it. They drove home in silence and he went straight to his office when they got home.

Adrien watched as his parents returned. He was done with his homework but decided to act like he was still working so he could keep up with what was going on.