This is going to be a series of one-shots based on an article I saw a while back about obsolete words that should become popular again. Each chapter will focus on one of the words on the list, and I will give the word, it's origin, and meaning at the end of the chapter.

Thanks to Tree23 for looking this over very very late last night.

You've developed a kind of sixth sense when it comes to him. When exactly it happened, you're not sure. But regardless of the time or place, you can tell when he's watching you. Staring. And you used to find it creepy—still do at times—but now you also see everything that is behind that stare. His acceptance of who you are, his astonishment that he gets to see you stripped bare—both literally and figuratively—and most of all, the look of a man in love.

And you don't even have to turn around to know he's entered the room.

What it is that alerts you to his presence this time, you're not exactly sure. It's later than usual, probably close to ten, and you're stopping for a pizza break with the boys. Your back is to the door and your eyes closed as you lift the first piece to your lips, the smell of green peppers and onions luring you in after a day so busy you haven't eaten any real food since breakfast. Something in the air changes just before you take the first bite, and you can't help but smile into it. That he's here, come back to see you even after he was taken away from you for the majority of the day.

That first bite crosses your lips and you don't even bother holding back the moan. The pizza is good, yes, but you're more interested in creating a reaction in the man who's standing behind you, most likely at the entrance to the break room.

Your eyes open and look across the table. Ryan's eyes have flickered beyond you, but he doesn't say anything, gives no indication of Castle's presence in the doorway.

But you know he's there. And you can practically feel his eyes on you, as if they're burning into you.

He still doesn't make his presence known, so you decide to have a little fun at his expense. You lift the pizza to your lips once more and close your eyes as you audibly show your appreciation for the exquisite combination of vegetables, meat, and cheese evenly proportioned over the crust. The moan is loud and deep, and you're certain that Ryan and Esposito are feeling uncomfortable right now.

You open your eyes slightly, see them looking away as if they're intruding on something personal, and continue on your mission to drive Castle crazy. You peel the stray piece of mozzarella cheese of what remains of the slice in your hand, and lean your head back as you take in the long string, your lips finally closing over the gooey cheese once your fingers reach your mouth.

A gasp comes from the door, and you smile in victory. The boys cough, probably as a reminder that you're not alone.

"It's not polite to groak, Castle." You open your eyes and see that his mouth is agape and he's leaning against the door jamb as if he actually needs it to keep from falling over into a heap on the floor.

"I wasn't—I mean, I—"

"You weren't what?"

"I wasn't interested in the pizza."

From the corner of your eye, you see the boys exchange confused looks with each other. "Uh," you hear Esposito stutter, "I think I need something to drink." He rushes for the door, Ryan closely behind him, and you laugh at the way they always hide their eyes when "Mom and Dad" are acting even the slightest bit flirty. Never mind when you're getting Castle hot and bothered over a slice of pizza.

But you both laugh when they leave the room, and you forget how tired you are when you bounce out of the chair and into his waiting arms.

"For the record Beckett, I was in no way interested in the food. I was mesmerized by the woman eating it. And as hot as it was, hearing you moan like that over a piece of pizza has me kind of jealous."

"Don't worry, Castle," you say as your hands cradle his cheeks and bring his lips just a breath away from yours. "That was all for you. Knew you were there the whole time."

You kiss him, deep and hard. Your hands find their way to the back of his neck, keeping him close even when he pulls away with a look of wonderment that takes your breath away. He looks like he has something to say, but he says nothing, just leans forward until your foreheads are touching and you're breathing the same air.

"Kids with Martha?" you whisper, now desperate to leave this case until tomorrow so you can leave with your husband.

"Both asleep, if you can believe it. I called Mother as I was leaving the fundraiser and she said they were both sleeping soundly. So here I am."

"Here you are." you repeat, knowing there's a plan in there somewhere.

"So here I am, making an effort to steal away my wife and spend some alone time with her before she has to catch more bad guys tomorrow."

"Hmm, that does sound very appealing." Your eyes cut away into the bullpen, looking for Ryan and Esposito, and you see them hovering aimlessly by their desks, not wanting to interrupt your moment. What you see makes the decision easy. "Give me five minutes and we can get out of here."

Groak

Meaning: To silently watch someone while they are eating, hoping to be invited to join them.
Origin: Unknown