A/N: So, um, hey fanfiction '^^. About not starting another story until I finish The Sins of Virtues... I'm sorry I haven't even updated it in two weeks, I've just been busy with my schoolwork and sadly, an idea has been bouncing around my head. I'll try to be frequent about updates on this story :) I'm not searching for one, but a beta reader would be nice and I would appreciate it. Oh, and MichaelCole, if you're reading this, try not to troll me too hard, kay?

Disclaimer: I do not own Smile Precure, nor do I own Miyuki, Nao, Akane, Yayoi, Reika, Joker, Majorina, Akaoni, Wolfrun, or the teacher.

Behind the Mask
Prologue

Reika was inside the classroom of the school. Unlike most days where she would be trying her best by focusing and doing as the teacher said, her mind was muddled and curious. She was thinking about the Bad End team, wondering about a particular member. Joker was an interesting figure with a strange attitude. He seemed like a sadistic lover of destruction, yet he also appeared to attempt to confuse his opponent by trying to get them to speak. He provoked others by the art of confusion. Reika huffed and gave a small shake of the head as she rid herself of the thoughts and paid attention to the teacher.

Cold air surrounded the area of the town as she walked on the sidewalk. She had her bag slung over her left shoulder, right hand hanging at her side. The girl was making her way to the library so she could get started on her essay. In a way she felt as though she were being watch, a strange aura being around the area. There were not many people on the sidewalks, her being one of the few that were. Most people would choose to stay inside with the cold weather that was about this wintertime.

The hot breath of Joker against the skin of her neck made a small shiver go down her spine. A small blush coloured her cheeks as gentle arms wrapped around her shoulders and he whispered, voice quietly mocking her. She could feel his body press against her backside as she was drawn close to the villain. Nobody else walking by had taken notice, the streets now being empty.

"Scared, are we?" his cool voice taunted as he nuzzled at the crook of her neck.

"W-what are you doing?" Cure Beauty stuttered, writhing slightly. This was supposed to be a battle between the two of them, was it not? She attempted to step away from his figure, but his arms only tightened around her body in response. "Let me go," she demanded, trying to bury her slight fear.

"As you wish," He replied, arms slipping away from her form. Beauty couldn't help notice the absence of his warm arms. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought of Joker's strange actions out of her mind. Cure Beauty turned to face him. She found her eyes stretch wide in surprise as Joker's lips touched her. It wasn't a very long kiss, only lasting for a few, dare she say, heavenly seconds. Her eyes widened as he broke away and placed a hand on her cheek. "Never underestimate the enemy, hm?"A smirk grew across his face, although she could not mistake the small pink on his cheeks. In a whirlwind of cards, he had disappeared.

Needless to say, she could not focus on doing the essay once she reached the library.

It had been months since that day. About two months since that day, the two had ended up exchanging a few kisses from now and then, having decided to get into an actual, but of course secret, relationship. Neither one of them really knew what drove them to do such a thing, but fate had it's odd ways of doing things. The two kept up the disguise of hate, still fighting each other in battle. Both of them had the knowledge that it was forbidden for one under the rule of Pierrot and a Precure to be friendly with each other, let alone be in a relationship, whether it was a serious one or not. The other Precure didn't know of the fact of the two practically dating, nor did the Bad End team. They didn't have to know, and hopefully they would not learn of it any time soon.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the bell that signaled that it was time for lunch. Miyuki completely drew Reika out of her thoughts by mentioning that the time for lunch was now. "I'm coming, Miyuki-san," she replied to her cheery friend.

~SS~

The lunchtime conversation was all quite to Reika. Nao, Akane, Yayoi, Miyuki, and Candy were all speaking to each other, but she did not contribute to the conversation. Her mind was just as adrift as it was during class time.

"Reika," Akane questioned the blue haired beauty, "You alright?" She appeared concerned, as well as the rest of the Precure group. Blinking, Reika nodded to her friend in reply.

"I'm fine, no need to worry." She gave all her friends a half-hearted smile.

"Miyuki!" Candy complained as the happy character snatched up her own cookie and nibbled on it teasingly. The fairy jumped up to grab the cookie as the group of Precure laughed playfully. They all tried not to take note of Reika's absence in the conversation that they were having as they laughed together and Reika remained silent.

In truth, she was not alright. These thoughts kept bugging her and she hated it. 'Joker's mask…' her thoughts started to go adrift 'There is something different about it. Why does he wear it, I wonder? And his eyes, they seem to be so dark behind it. He could be hiding something'. Putting on a smile, she tried to push away the thoughts of her supposed boyfriend, for it was best to worry about it later. Sadly, later appeared to be now and her thoughts kept returning to the same subject.

'Why does Joker wear that mask? Whatever reason, I am going to find out, and I will do it soon.'