Indeed, being covered with mud is significantly less enjoyable once there wasn't a current reason for it. "Aa," he agreed, getting to his feet, slipping the knife back into the sheath at the small of his back, and offering Pepper a hand up.

Being in the side yard of the dojo, they didn't have to go through the main part-- they could access the door that went directly into the part that was his apartment. "Take the shower first," he said, waving a hand in the direction of the bathroom. "I'm making coffee."