Proof

He called her right after she got off work one evening, as if it was the most normal thing in the world. „Hello Caitlin", he had said in his usual arrogant tone of voice and invited her to a cafe in the city. She doesn't know why she said yes or why she didn't tell Gibbs. It was as if all that mattered was that rush, she always feels when she hears his voice.

So she sits there now, quietly staring at his face, while he ordered for both of them.

„Why did you call me? ", she finally asks him, breaking the silence after the waitress has left.

„Because I wanted to see you, of course. Why else?" Why else? To kidnap her again? To simply annoy Gibbs? A million possible reasons are flashing through her mind. She mentions none.

„To see me? Stop acting like you are just some guy, who I met in a bar and now wants to meet me again after a drunken one night stand." She blushes just a little, realizing what she just said.

At first, he only grins in response, like a wolf who had just separated his victim from the herd and is about to attack. „Drunken one night stands? " He pauses, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. „Why Caitlin, I didn't know a good catholic girl like yourself would do such a thing. " Once again, he acts as if he truly knew her, when he really just met her twice before.

"You have no idea what I would or would not do." Defiant as always, he expected that.

"Oh, but I think I do." He leans closer, his voice huskier than before. "I don't believe that you have ever done a single dangerous or reckless thing in your life."

That's enough. She will not endure his insufferable attitude any longer. "I'm leaving. And don't call me again." She gets up, ready to leave, not even caring that she hasn't even had her coffee yet.

That's when she sees his keys on the table, too tempting to ignore.

So she makes sure he looks up, right into her eyes, while her fingers slowly creep over the table. "Next time I'll shoot you, that's a promise."

Just one second more and she's got them. It isn't until she starts the engine of his motorcycle, that she hears him behind her. It is too late though, she's already gone.

For a moment he is completely stunned. Ari is a man, who always thinks about every possible outcome of every possible situation, he might find himself in. He isn't used to surprises like this one. He reacts fast too, pushes some guy, ready to mount his own machine, out of the way and takes it, quickly racing after Kate.

Even though she might have the better motorcycle, she isn't as experienced at driving as he is. It is easy for him to catch up with her and block her way.

"I must admit, that I have underestimated you, Caitlin." He speaks while he gets off the stolen bike. "Now you have made me curious."

Her eyes shoot up at him, staring blatantly, still high on adrenaline. "Curious about what?"

"About what else you might be up to." She hasn't noticed how close he suddenly is. "What did you say about one night stands, before?"