He looked up and considered Ignis' words. "Is that 'mum's the word' as in you like to be called 'mum' or 'mum's the word' like shut up it's our secret?" He could see it going either way. You know, Wei Ying goes by 'mom' too."

His expression turned curious. "How does Noct make you believe Mady isn't being manipulated?"

He smiled with the hand lightly on his face. It was sweet and helped him feel their bond. They were a team in this. For all of their issues with miscommunication and sharing too small of a space, he could always count on the man to gently tug and remind him of their connection. "We'll see. You may need to be the favorite for a while."