Papa!America x Child!Reader - American Lullabies

"Papa?" you called softly, tugging on the fabric of America's pants.





He frowned. "What's wrong?"





"I-I had a nightmare. I want to stay in here with you."





He smiled and nodded quietly. "If that's what you want, my princess."





America was currently sitting at his desk, working through a stack of paperwork. He seemed to be getting double his usual amount of paperwork, which wasn't fun for either of you. America knew that you wanted to spend time with him, but he knew that he had to get his work done.





You crawled up onto his bed, snuggling under the covers. You tried to fall asleep, but after a few minutes, you huffed in annoyance and shifted your position, causing America to look up. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"





You glanced over at him. "I can't get back to sleep."





America stood up, turning off the light on his desk. He walked over to you, lay down, and pulled you close to his chest. "What do you want me to do?" he said softly.





"Sing me a lullaby?" you asked hopefully.





He chuckled and nodded his head before asking what song you wanted him to sing.





You thought for a second before replying, "Shenandoah."





America smiled, remembering the times he had sung that song to you when you were a baby.





"Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I long to hear you,
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.





Oh Shenandoah,
I love your daughter,
Away you rolling river,
I'll take her 'cross
That rollin' water,
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.





This white man loves
Your Indian maiden,
Away you rolling river
In my canoe
With notions laden
Away, I'm bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri.





Farewell, goodbye,
I shall not grieve you,
Away you rolling river,
Oh Shenandoah,
I'll not deceive you
Away, we're bound away
'Cross the wide Missouri."





You were drifting off to sleep, but managed to get out, "I love you, Daddy."





"I love you too, sweetheart. Now get some sleep."





For a second, America stole a glance over at his desk, laden with papers that he needed to get done. He frowned, contemplating finishing them now. But then he looked at your sleeping form and shifted to a more comfortable position. My daughter is more important than paperwork. My boss can wait.