Ari Haswari stepped off the elevator and approached the bullpen, where only Kate was seated, drinking a cup of coffee. Ari changed his approach, sneaking up behind Kate instead of entering the bullpen directly.
"Shalom, Caitlin," Ari said, causing Kate to jump. Her coffee flew out of her hand and landed on top of Ari's head, exploding. He was covered in coffee from head to toe.
"I am so sorry," Kate said as she stood up and turned to Ari.
"At least you didn't shoot me," Ari joked in reply. He rubbed the shoulder that Gibbs shot a few months earlier, wincing slightly.
"Next time, don't sneak up on me like that." Kate smiled and hugged Ari, but let go quickly when Gibbs came around the corner.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Gibbs snapped at Ari, placing a hand on his SIG.
"I come in peace," Ari replied. "I am Agent DiNozzo's replacement for the duration of this op."
"How the hell'd you pull that assignment?"
"Officer David is my Control Officer and half-sister."
"I wonder if DiNozzo knows?" Kate said to Gibbs.
Ari groaned, rolled his eyes, and banged his head on Kate's desk no less than five times. "Ziva has not stopped talking about DiNozzo since she met him."
"And you did not stop talking about Agent Todd after you met her," Ziva said from behind Ari. He turned beet-red and Ziva started laughing. "Now we are even, Ari."
Trying to hide the grin crossing his face, Ari said, "They have been briefed. And you have a plane to catch."
"I am aware of that. I will see you when this is over."
Ziva walked to the elevator, allowing a smile to cross her face. For the first time since Ari joined Mossad, she had the last laugh in their ongoing battle of wits.