A/N: I hope you enjoy this short chapter!

Regina wanted to say that she resented being forced into a movie night with Robin Locksely. She never particularly liked Christmas movies. She'd always found them a bit too sappy. A little too on the nose and hopeful to ever be taken seriously. And frankly, the idea of watching one while sick and alone during the holidays kind of turned her stomach. (Then again that might just be her cold talking.)

However, Robin did give her the hotplate. And honestly, she couldn't be more grateful to him. One cup of hot tea, which he'd also brought her, and her throat felt better than ever. As she'd sat in her room letting the chamomile work it's magic her mind had wandered over to her across the hall neighbor more than once.

He seemed kind and extraordinarily generous, even by holiday standards. It didn't make sense that he was alone during the holidays same as her. She'd seen all the friends he made. Surely he had somewhere to go. Someone to be with. No matter what the case he was here for the break. And he appeared to be taking an interest in her. Which was flattering as well as a bit unprecedented. Perhaps he was just lonely. If that was the case then Regina could relate. Honestly, she was a little happy that Robin had invited her out for a movie night. After getting that call from her mother she thought she'd spending the holidays alone. At least now she had plans with someone, which was more than she expected.

Once her clock hit seven-fifty she started wrapping herself up in blankets before heading out. She felt better but she was still a little sick and felt like she'd need the extra warmth. She'd already changed into a pair of fresh, more attractive pair of pajamas. Which she told herself was just for her need to be more comfortable and not in any way for Robin's benefit. However, she couldn't say the same for the swipe of lip gloss she'd added before going out.

The common room was just a few feet from her room so her journey wasn't far. Before she even turned the corner the smell of Mongolian barbecue hit her nose and her stomach growled. She was starving but she worried that her throat wouldn't be able to handle anything other than hot soup at the moment.

The dorm common room was a cozy place. With a fireplace, three relatively comfortable couches and a television it was a decent place to study and chat with friends if you had any. Regina had spent a lot of her time there these last few weeks, sitting at the table in the corner, cramming for finals and making liberal use of the coffee vending machine. It was usually crowded but she liked studying there. The noise blocked out the intrusive thoughts she tended to have.

Tonight, however, the common room was silent. With everyone gone there was no longer any noise to fill the space. When she turned the corner she only found Robin, waiting for her. Well, waiting and trying to hook up his laptop to the television. With the Chinese food laid out on the coffee table, she watched as he struggled to link up the proper wires. A smirk grew on her face.

It was like watching a chicken try to do long division.

Clearing her throat she stepped into the room and he looked up at her. A wide grin appeared on his face and she felt her heart skip a beat. "Good evening," she said.

"And the same to you," he said, giving up on his laptop. He gave her a once-over. "How are you feeling?"

"Better… thanks to you," she reluctantly admitted.

His smile widened. "Always happy to help."

"And I suppose it's my turn to return the favor," she sighed, stepping around him and heading for the laptop. "I used to do this for my dad. I'll have it hooked up in a minute."

A sheepish look appeared on Robin's face as he nodded his head gratefully. "Thank you. Technology is not exactly my strong suit."

She smirked up at him as she set to work. Looking him over she noticed that he wasn't the only one in pajamas. Robin apparently had gone festive with his sleepwear. He wore a black long-sleeved thermal shirt paired with black and red pajama pants. With a closer look, she discovered that the red spots on his pants were actually reindeer-shaped. It seemed a bit childish but she couldn't deny it brought a smile to her lips.

Holding back a giggle she commented, "Really loving the holiday pajamas by the way."

Robin's eyes dropped down to his pants as a slight blush rose up in his cheeks. "They were a gift from my roommate and actually quite comfortable," he playfully replied.

"I'm sure," she said, nodding her head with a clear grin on her face.

"There's no shame in embracing the holiday spirit," said Robin, sinking onto the couch.

"Never said there was," replied Regina. After a moment's pause she added, "They're cute."

She saw Robin's cheeks turn a deeper shade of red and felt a spike of pride knowing she'd caused it. Sighing she snapped the last cable into place, checked the connection and then joined Robin on the couch.

"Everything's ready," she said. "So what movie are you forcing me to watch tonight?"

Robin tilted his head from side to side. "Not sure. It's a bit of a tie right now."

"Between what?" Regina drawled, apprehensively.

"Between the Christmas classic It's A Wonderful Life…"

Regina internally groaned.

"…and the offbeat Christmas classic… Die Hard," finished Robin. He narrowed his eyes at her. "I assume you have a preference."

Regina. "For the love of God… please pick Die Hard."

A sharp guffaw of shock escaped from Robin at her choice. "Really?" he said, the shock clear in his tone. "You would rather watch Die Hard on Christmas than It's A Wonderful Life?"

"Absolutely!" asserted Regina. "It has a better Christmas message."

"In what way?!" argued Robin. "It's a wonderful Life is a story about a man rediscovering that life is worth living with the help of an angel. It doesn't get more Christmas oriented than that."

"Please," drawled Regina, rolling her eyes. "It's about a narcissistic man needing to be assured of his own self-importance before being able to enjoy his holiday."

"That's a very interesting interpretation," Robin sarcastically mused.

"Now Die Hard is a true Christmas movie," continued Regina seriously. "It's about a man trying to reconnect with his family for the holidays. And of course, things go wrong…"

"Mild way of putting it."

"But in the end he uses his talents and ingenuity to reunite his family, stop the bad guys and save the day," she finishes. "Which is why John McClaine is a true Christmas hero."

She jutted her chin out at the end of her rant, looking pleased as punch with her argument. And Robin had to admit it was a rather good one.

He raised up his hands in defeat. "Alright, you've convinced me," he said. "Die Hard it is."

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