A/N: Just to clarify for the first chapter, in Summer 2013 Chaya (born April 2009) would just have turned four and Ben (born September 2012) is about eight or nine months old. For someone who asked, Ziva was rescued September 6, 2008 - I didn't use the canon dates for that. Replies to unsigned-in reviews at bottom. Thanks so much you guys! Next Snapshot will be posted Sunday :) ~Aliyah

Spring 2013 (Chaya is almost four, Ben is around six months old)

Tony was asleep with Ziva in his arms when a panicked cry brought him to his feet. "Daddy!"

He was in her room moments later, gathering the trembling little girl into his arms. "I'm here C, what's wrong?"She clung to him and Tony couldn't help but remember Ziva's nightmares and how hard it was to calm her down when she woke up. Slowly he rubbed Chaya's back until her sobs became hiccups. Pulling her favourite blanket off the pillow where she slept with it every night, he wrapped it around her small frame clothed in a Jasmine nightgown and held her tightly. "Can you tell Daddy?"

Chaya rubbed her face on his shirt. "There was a monster," she shared in a hushed whisper.

Tony kissed her head. "A monster like Mike and Sulley, or a monster like the one in Benny's closet?" She never went into her brother's room after dark, convinced something terrible hid in the shadows.

Chaya shook her head. "Scarier than that. He had claws and big teeth and he made a terrible roar." She shivered. "He chased me and I fell down and he was going to get me."

"Not while I'm around," Tony asserted. "No monster is going to get my baby girl."

Chaya frowned up at him with Ziva's eyes. "I'm not a baby Daddy." She sounded indignant and he chuckled.

"No, you're my big brave girl." He cradled her against him. "Are you better now?" Tony had stopped asking about okay, because it never was at the time.

She nodded and reached for Challah as he tucked her back into bed. "Stay 'til I sleep?" Chaya asked, her expression trusting, her fingers curling around his just like when she was a baby.

Tony swallowed hard and kissed her knuckles, getting comfortable beside her. "Absolutely. I'll be right here honey, I promise."

Chaya closed her eyes knowing her daddy's promises were always kept and Tony stroked her curls slowly over and over. She rolled to her side and he ran his fingers up and down her spine, watching her smile as she drifted into dreams. He waited until he was certain she was asleep before pressing a kiss to her forehead and returning to his bed.

Ziva moved to his side and fit herself back into his arms. "Is she alright?" Sometimes she missed the days when Chaya had only wanted her, but she would not change the bond between her husband and daughter for all the world.

"Bad dream," he whispered, getting comfortable and kissing her lips gently. "She's asleep."

Ziva's hand came to rest over his heart. "You always make me feel safe enough to go back to sleep too. That is why she calls for you." She sighed sleepily and closed her eyes. "You are her hero Tony."

A smile claimed his lips before the oblivion of slumber. Her hero. Somehow then he knew he'd become the kind of dad he'd always dreamed of having. To be a hero in his daughter's eyes was one of his greatest accomplishments.

Replies:

NCISlover (Ch 1) - Thanks :) I look forward to seeing what you all think of the rest, there are some in this collection that I'm really proud of. Aww...I'm glad you enjoy my stories. Huh...that's interesting. Not a Snapshot but kind of a prequel to the series. You know what, I'll seriously consider that. I wouldn't mind filling in the gap between Somalia and home. I'll let you know, thanks! And thank you for reviewing!

abbyandgibbs14 (Ch 1) - lol, well, I consider tears a compliment, so thanks :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. As much as I love to talk, I've learned that sometimes a lot can be said wtih just a few words. Agreed, Tony is a terrific dad. Thanks for reviewing! :)