They walked in from Christmas shopping, Steve more tired of listening to Laurel talk than from shopping. As they crossed the threshold into their apartment and set down their bags, Laurel was going on and on about what they should have gotten while they were out, almost hinting that they should go BACK out and brave the crowds again.
"No," Steve said, putting his foot down. "We are not going back out there. If you want to go shopping again so bad, then you can go yourself. He held out the car keys and jingled them, offering them to Laurel.
"Don't be such an ass, Steve. I'm just saying that we should have gotten some other things while we were out."
"You're just saying? You're just saying? You have been 'saying' for the last five hours! I am sick of listening to you talk constantly. Jesus! All I'm asking for is a little bit of peace and quiet."
Laurel looked at Steve, mouth agape. "Fuck, Steve! You could have said something earlier! You don't have to take it out on me now!"
"How could I have told you earlier, damn it? I couldn't get a word in edgewise! I just wanted you to shut up but you wouldn't stop talking long enough for me to say anything!"
"God," Laurel said, her eyes starting to tear up. "You would not believe how much I fucking hate you right now. Get the hell out of my apartment!"
Steve grit his teeth so hard that it brought on a massive headache. That, coupled with the anger that he felt flowing through his veins made him shove Laurel down on the couch, ripping off his jacket as he moved toward her.