George Washington sighed to himself, head in his hands. President: such a role to live up to, a role to define. He was a simple man through and through. A natural leader, a daring soul, but not brilliant. Just a man. Who was he to lead a country?

But how could he have declined, when everyone so fervently believed he would accept and make a wonderful president? He couldn't have. No, like it or not, he was to be the first head of this new country. "President of the United States…" Washington murmured aloud, letting the title and its intensity sink in.

"With all due respect, sir, I'm sure you saw it coming," a younger voice answered from beside him.

The older man glanced up, unfazed by the sudden new presence. "I've told you not to call me, sir. We've been through enough together, and if anyone is deserving of respect, it should be you." His tone was stern and serious, but not unkind.

"We sure have, sir—I mean…Washington?" America tested out the name. The other nodded in approval, but remained quiet. A short silence passed.

"I was just stopping by to wish you luck," the young Nation scratched at his left arm. "With the inauguration and everything. My people…our people…they really admire you. They're thrilled. But I'm sure you've noticed…"

"America…" Washington trailed off, looking out the window at the rising sun.

"Yes, sir?" America replied out of habit, before correcting himself. "I mean, Washington?"

"What do you think, if you'll pardon my asking?" his gaze was back on his Nation, eyes uncharacteristically soft with a hidden apprehension.

"I think you'll make an amazing president," America replied, without missing a beat. "You've been through so much with me, and you never once gave up. You always kept going and held things together, even when we seemed to be losing. Without you, I'd still be with…England."

"You miss him still." It wasn't a question, but a statement. America paused with his mouth open, not sure how to respond.

"I do," he admitted after a stretch. "But I like being independent. Being free. England…never let me do so many things."

"Hearing you talk about other countries…" Washington shook his head in muted amazement. "It's the most peculiar thing. I'm not sure I'll ever quite be sure what to make of you."

"Why make anything of me?" America turned to face the window. "I'm America. That's really all there is to it."

"But you're so human…"

"Aren't countries made of humans?" the young Nation countered. A grin broke out over his features. "You'll make a great president, Washington. I believe in you."

"Thank you, America," Washington stood to shake his hand. "That means more than you could ever guess."

Historical Notes: Washington was elected president in 1789, with John Adams as his vice-president. The Americans were very enthusiastic. Cheering crowds greeted him along his journey from his home at Mount Vernon to New York, the temporary capital where the inauguration would take place.

He was very firm, dignified, and conscientious, but also cautious, knowing whatever actions he made as president would set the mold for his successors. He was very careful of Congress, believing that the president should not push legislature, or even propose it, and only use the veto when a bill was unconstitutional. He took the separation of powers very seriously.

He stressed the dignity of office, and tried to make it appear respectable to the rest of the world by employing a degree of splendor. He had twenty-one servants, and a carriage drawn by six cream-colored horses.

Although the Constitution never mentioned the Cabinet system, Washington had a habit of consulting with his department heads for advice, starting the trend. He always asked advice, and respected others opinions, but was a strong president, always able to come up with a solution, even if it was long in the making.

It's so awkward writing historical characters ^^' I hope I didn't botch Washington up too bad. That would be terrible…