Tristan Graves POV

I was frozen as my brain tried to catch up with my body. I reacted on instinct as the hand had approached, but now my brain - and my anxiety - were both back in full force as I was experiencing the fifth most embarrassing thing in my life.

'Bloody Hell, did I assault another teacher on my unofficial 'first day'. Just my luck.' I cursed myself mentally.

I was so lost in my cursing that I forgot the precarious position I'd put this gentleman in. It wasn't until my grip slacked and he started falling while flailing his other arm, that I realised. I was very careful as I dragged him into a sitting position on the bench next to me.

I sat quietly and cursed repeatedly in my head until I heard him clear his throat. I flitted my eyes over and he began to speak.

***

Saul Silva POV

Once I was no longer in an arm lock over his lap, I composed myself.

"Bloody Hell..." the man groaned next to me. He appeared embarrassed, so I cleared my throat and introduced myself.

"My name is Saul Silva, I am the specialist instructor and Headmaster at Alfea. Sneaking up on you was wrong, but I did not know if you were friendly."

He nodded along with me, but he only seemed to pay half of his attention to me and the other half was focused on his shoes. I tried to look for his eyes, but he only glanced at me in his peripheral.

He mumbled out something, but it was too quiet. I quirked an eyebrow. Sighing, he reached out and presented his hand. I tentatively reached to shake it. It was a firm handshake for a timid guy. He turned his head and locked eyes with me after our hands withdrew.

"Tristan Graves. Counsellor and substitute." He said with more confidence. I nodded. "I'm sorry for dragging you over the bench." He apologised. I nodded again.

"Well, that is one way to meet the headmaster of the school..." I tried to joke. From the look on his face, it fell on deaf ears. "It was interesting to meet you, Mr Graves," I spoke as I got up.

Looking around, the students were all distracted.

"I will deny that you pulled me over a bench," I spoke without turning to look at him, "so don't worry about it. We can both start fresh on your actual first day."

I heard him chuckle so I took that as a good sign of agreement.

Walking away, I try not to give away how much my arm hurts.

***