The party was in full swing by the time Masha and Vee arrived. The house was alive with thumping music, flashing lights, and the raucous laughter of high school students taking a break from their responsibilities. Masha's hand was intertwined with Vee's, offering both comfort and guidance through the lively throng of people.

"This is going to be fun," Masha whispered with a grin, feeling the atmosphere's contagious energy.

Vee, always the more reserved of the two, looked around uncertainly. "I've never been to a party like this before. It's... overwhelming."

Masha squeezed Vee's hand reassuringly. "It's alright. Stick with me, and you'll have a great time."

As the evening progressed, Masha introduced Vee to various friends and acquaintances, breaking the ice with shared stories and laughter. Gradually, Vee started to relax, charmed by the new faces and the genuine warmth she received.

Somewhere during the night, a drink was handed to Vee. "Just a beer," someone said with a shrug.

Not wanting to seem out of place, Vee took a tentative sip. The taste was unfamiliar, a little bitter, but she decided to give it a go, reasoning that everyone else was drinking it, and it seemed harmless enough. Little did she know that alcohol and basilisks were a risky combination.

By the time she had finished the beer, Vee's demeanor had shifted. She was louder, more boisterous, and her inhibitions seemed to have melted away. Masha noticed the change immediately and approached her with concern.

"Vee, are you okay?"

Vee giggled, swaying slightly on her feet. "Masha! I feel... floaty. Everything's so funny and... spinny."

Masha's eyes widened in realization. "How much did you drink?"

"Just one beer," Vee slurred, holding up a single finger and trying to focus on Masha's face.

Remembering that alcohol might have a different effect on basilisks, Masha's protective instincts kicked in. "We need to get you home."

As Masha attempted to lead Vee out of the party, Vee became a magnet for attention, singing loudly and dancing with wild abandon. Some found it amusing, recording the spectacle, while others were simply bewildered.

Finally, with the help of a few understanding friends, Masha managed to get Vee into the car. The drive home was an event in itself, with Vee alternately laughing hysterically and then becoming emotional, expressing her profound love for everything and everyone.

Once they reached their destination, Masha had her hands full trying to get Vee safely inside. They stumbled up the stairs, Vee's arm draped around Masha's shoulders for support.

Vee, still in high spirits, started recounting the events of the night, her words tumbling over each other. "Masha, that was... that was so much fun! But also... so weird. I've never felt like that before."

Masha chuckled, easing Vee onto the bed. "You're a lightweight, my love. We're going to have to remember that for future reference."

Vee pouted. "I didn't know! But thank you for looking after me."

Masha smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Vee's face. "Always."

Not wanting to leave Vee alone in her inebriated state, Masha decided to stay with her. Slipping into the bed beside Vee, Masha pulled her close, feeling the warmth and steady heartbeat of the basilisk.

It wasn't long before Vee's breathing evened out, indicating she had fallen asleep. Masha stayed awake a little longer, watching over Vee and pondering the night's events.

Finally, sleep claimed her too, the two of them nestled together, a protective cocoon against the world outside.

The soft glow of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. Masha stirred first, the events of the previous night flooding back. They glanced down at Vee, who was still sound asleep, her face peaceful. Gently extricating themselves from the tangled sheets and Vee's grasp, Masha stood and stretched, their joints popping in protest.

The soft shuffling from the bed indicated that Vee was beginning to wake. Masha turned to see Vee slowly push herself to a sitting position, rubbing her eyes and groaning.

"Good morning, sunshine," Masha said with a playful smirk. "How's the head?"

Vee groaned again. "What happened? Why does everything feel so... heavy?"

"You, my dear, discovered the joys of alcohol. Well, at least the joys it brings to a basilisk," Masha replied, fetching a glass of water and some aspirin from the bathroom.

"Basilisks can have aspirin, right?" Masha hesitates at the side of the bed. The disguised basilisk nods. "I haven't had any issues with it before,"

Taking the offered items, Vee sighed. "I remember the party... and trying that beer. But after that, it's all blurry." Vee flushed, burying her face in her hands. "Oh, Titan... did I say anything embarrassing? Do anything?

Masha sat beside her on the bed. "You got quite intoxicated from just that one beer. Luckily, we made it home, and you didn't do anything too embarrassing."

Masha chuckled, running a hand through Vee's hair. "You might've sung a couple of songs and declared your love for various things, including me and this bed."

Vee peeked out from behind her hands, mortified. "I'm never gonna drink again."

"Maybe that's for the best," Masha said, leaning in to press a quick, soft kiss to Vee's lips. "But don't worry too much about last night, my love. Everyone has their moments, especially in high school."

Tucking a strand of hair behind Vee's sensitive ear, Masha leaned forward and locked eyes with the basilisk, silently asking for permission. Instead of answering, Vee closed the distance and captured Masha's lips in hers, burying her fingers in the enby's short dark locks.

Masha responds by intertwining their legs and draping an arm around Vee's waist. Vee deepens the kiss, her tongue flicking across Masha's lips, requesting access. Masha accepts without so much as a moment's hesitation.

A few long moments later, the need for oxygen forces the pair to separate. Vee pulled her head back and smiled weakly, staring into Masha's brown eyes. "Thanks for taking care of me, Masha."

"Always," Masha replied, squeezing Vee's hand. "Now, how about some breakfast? I think you could use something to soak up the remaining alcohol."

Vee nodded gratefully, allowing Masha to lead her downstairs. The events of the previous night might've been embarrassing, but if anything, it only brought the two of them closer. Vee realized that she could always count on Masha to be there for her, no matter what. And Masha knew that they'd always be there to support Vee through every new experience, good or bad. They were a team, and nothing could break their bond.