Peter and Walter have been arguing for the past five minutes about something that sounds either extremely scientific or like a debate over breakfast food- Steve isn't sure which. Either way, he's made himself as scarce as possible, talking quietly to Gene about nothing in particular while he rubs her ears and she looks at him like he's the only insane biped in the room.

Steve doesn't quite bolt for the office when Olivia calls, but it's a close thing. He stops just before he reaches her. "Yes ma'am?"