[ Granted permission, Yu straightens up slightly and gives Nanako a nod. Alight with cautious excitement, she lets go of her big brother's hand and climbs onto the bed. Still, her first reaction is to wriggle her way right into Yu's side, where he immediately - and comfortingly - wraps an arm around her shoulders. She uses his body like a shield, hiding behind the bulwark he makes, gripping his shirt and peering at Chatterclock with all the curiosity in the world tucked into one little girl-shaped package. ]

"It's okay with me as long as it's okay with big bro."

[ Yu pats her head, which seems to give her a bit more courage, and she sits up slightly. ]

"You mean you really wanna help? Big bro spends a lot of time in the la... lab... labyrinth." [ She sounds it out, a twisty but manageable word. ] "I worry about him a lot, and I know dad doesn't really like it. Sometimes they fight."

Nanako...

[ The emotions in Yu's voice are layered, and thus difficult to pull apart. His brow is drawn down low while he looks at her, his frown one of concern. ]

We're not fighting. Everything's alright between uncle and I.

[ Nanako looks up at him with those big brown eyes. ]

"You promise?"

Yeah. Promise.

[ Mollified, if not totally reassured, Nanako rests against him, her cheek smooshed on his chest, while she looks back at Chatterclock. ]

"So, your name is Chatterclock, right?" [ She considers for a moment ebefore beaming at him. ] "That's really cool! I like it! Um... I'm Nanako. It's nice to meet you."

[ This whole time, Yu hasn't said anything else over their mental connection. He's quiet, not tense, but ... holding himself apart, wound up tight as a spring. Something about this interaction, about Nanako being here, seems to have him feeling very cautious. Since she brought up the labyrinth, his arm has been a little tighter around her - not just comforting, but protective. ]