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// Chapter 1 
// Story: White Fur and Purple Scales 
// by cosmicriff 
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It was Hearts and Hooves Day! And no one was more excited than Spike the Dragon, humming along, flowers in hand as he skipped towards Rarity’s boutique. This was finally going to be the day he confessed his feelings!

Along with a bouquet of roses he bought from Roseluck, Lily, and Daisy, he also had with him a big, shiny emerald he dug up himself. It took everything in his power not to eat it, but it was worth it to make the pony he loved happy!

He knocked on the door and rocked back and forth on his toes in excitement. A white unicorn answered, but it wasn't Rarity.

“Oh! Hi Spike!” Sweetie Belle greeted Spike happily with that adorable squeak in her voice.

“Hi, Sweetie Belle. Is Rarity home?” Spike asked, barely acknowledging the younger unicorn.

Sweetie Belle frowned. “Sorry, Spike. She’s on a date today!”

Spike’s eyes widened with shock and the bouquet he was holding burst into flames. “A date!? With who!?”

“Not sure!” Sweetie Belle shrugged. “But she seemed super happy!”

Spike’s expression fell. “Oh, okay. Thanks anyway.” He turned to walk away as tears filled his eyes.

Sweetie Belle called out. “Wait we can still-” but it was too late. Spike had already run away crying.



Sweetie Belle paced around her room, deep in thought. She hated seeing Spike so sad. He was always so helpful and nice to her sister. His adorable smile, the way his green eyes sparkled...she shook her head. She didn't have a crush on him, right? That was crazy! He was her sister’s friend’s brother...kinda. And Twilight was also occasionally like a mentor to her. 

Still, she couldn't shake the feeling there was something about Spike that drew her to him. During lessons with Twilight, she’d notice him helping her by bringing books, snacks, anything she needed really. And even more frequently she often observed him assist her sister with almost zero hesitation.

She felt bad for him. Nopony seemed to appreciate just how caring he really was. 

Sweetie Belle went over to her bed and lifted the blanket to reveal a purple dragon doll with a striking resemblance to Spike. She didn't mean anything when she got it but now she wondered if her subconscious was telling her she merging all along.

Part of her wished she was the one he would compliment and give nice gifts to. She'd certainly appreciate it a lot more than Rarity. Great, another reason to be jealous of her big sister. 

Sweetie Belle sighed and went to bed, hugging the dragon doll tight.