Author's Notes: NejiTen drabble, with a Lee cameo. "Pranayama" is Sanskrit for controlling the breath through inhalation, retention, and exhalation.
Pranayama
She sat in between Neji's knees, her legs crossed, eyes closed, her focus solely on the air filling and leaving her lungs. That is, until Neji leaned forward and reached around to lay a hand flat against her collarbone, his chest pressed against her back.
"Neji," she admonished him, opening her eyes. "You're going to make Lee suspicious!"
He grunted, unimpressed. "That idiot?" He looked across the training yard to where Lee was kicking a stump. 175, 176, 177... "He doesn't see anything unless it's right in front of him."
She arched an eyebrow. "And you do?" she asked, half teasing.
His reply was serious. "I don't have to look at you to see you." His hand pressed down against her sternum. "Now, exhale," he commanded.
Struggling against the pale blush on her cheeks, she obeyed, closing her eyes as Neji aligned his breathing with hers. They had been working on breathing and meditation techniques all morning, Tenten grateful for the chance to develop… well, whatever it was that was blossoming between her and Neji. With his hand to guide her, she breathed with him, breathed herself into him until they occupied the same space. The brush of his arms against hers was magnified, the weight of his palm on her chest her only anchor.
Without realizing it, she leaned back against him, fitting herself into curve of his body. It was so comforting, so peaceful and relaxing…
Inhale, hold, and exhale.
"Hey, Tenten."
Neji opened his eyes long enough to glance at Lee. "Quiet. She's asleep."
For once, the hot-headed ninja seemed to be at a loss for words as he took in the closeness of his teammates. Ignoring him, Neji closed his eyes, dropped his hand to Tenten's waist…
… and breathed her in.
The End.