A/N: Okay… this fic actually started off as a joke between Meagan Snow and I. We were discussing episode 95 of Hetalia, the one where Poland and Lithuania meet to discuss the marriage of their bosses, and somehow, a modern AU came up. Because it looked like Feliks was wearing what was considered underwear back then (but he wasn't; the angle was just weird), we joked that Feliks would show up to this meeting in briefs and a fancy cape only.

While the image of this scene is quite humorous, I will say that this fic will not be a comedy. Yes, it will have some funny moments, but, as a whole, it's not a parody, or a humorfic. It will actually be quite dark.

Since this is only the prologue, the scene described in the previous paragraph will not show up until the first chapter.

Eventually, this will have PoLiet.

I know I should be updating my other fics, especially TWL, but I have no inspiration for them at the moment. I am still working on them, though.

*Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya*

Strictly Business

00: Prologue

Toris Laurinatitis hated funerals. They made his perpetually-aching stomach churn even harder, and caused his eyes to burn as he tried to suppress his tears. Toris had cried at a lot of funerals. But today, no tears were shed. Almost as though they were frozen in his eyes. His body felt numb and cold, even though the weather at the grave site was pleasant. Sunny. The perfect summer morning. Toris never hated irony as much as he did at the moment.

"I'm so sorry for your loss; especially since it was caused by a drunk driver. Rugilė and Mieško were wonderful—"

"You don't think I know that?" Toris cut the man who was speaking off. "They were my parents!" The brunet hated himself for snapping, but he couldn't help it. After hearing the phrase so many times, he reached his breaking point. As tears slipped down his face, the man embraced him.

When Toris finally stopped crying, the man let him go. After clearing his throat, he spoke. "You may not know me, but I was a good friend of your father's. Maybe he mentioned me before? Does the name Jogaila ring a bell to you? Jogaila Vilkas?"

Toris slowly nodded. "Weren't you his neighbor back when you both lived in Kaunas?"

Jogaila looked pleased. "That's me."

"Father told me you left for America before I was born, so you missed my baptism."

"Ah, yes. Rugilė wasn't too happy with me." Jogaila chuckled. "She gave me a piece of her mind when she, Mieško, and you eventually immigrated over here. But she was surprised to discover that my apartment leasing business took off, and how it became one of the most successful companies in the state." Straightening his suit jacket, Jogaila looked at Toris, his eyes serious. "That's actually what I wanted to talk with you about. Now that you're on your own, you need a source of income. There's an open spot at my company, and I was wondering if you'd be interested. It's just secretarial work, but it pays well. And you can stay at my place until you have money for an apartment. I don't know if anyone told you, since you don't have other relatives here, and you're eighteen, but you can't live at your house anymore, since there's no one willing to pay the mortgage."

Toris winced inwardly; he didn't think of the fact that he'd lose his house, but now that it was presented to him, he realized that not only did he lose his parents, but he lost his home, his security, and his chance of going to university, too. I better let the admissions office know as soon as possible. There's no way I can afford college now, even with the scholarships.

Before he realized what he was doing, he shook Jogaila's outstretched hand. "I'll do it."

"Great." Jogaila smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Once you're moved in, I'll get you onto the payroll. Welcome to Vilkas Enterprises, Toris."

Toris nodded, though something in his gut told him that he maybe should have thought the deal over a little more. But he pushed the feeling aside; Jogaila was offering him a chance to live comfortably, as well as having a place to work at. With the way the job market and the economy was going, having either was tough. I'd be stupid not to take this offer. I could always go to college later, once I saved up enough money.

The brunet was pulled from his thoughts when Jogaila tapped his shoulder. "I know it's been a long day, so I'll let you go. But here's my phone number." He handed the boy a business card. "Just call me when you want to start working."

"Okay. And thank you, Mr. Vilkas."

"Please, call me Jogaila. 'Mr. Vilkas' makes me sound like a decrepit old man."

At this statement, Toris couldn't conceal his laugh.

"Laughter is good for you, Toris. And now, you'll need it more than ever. I'll see you soon." With another smile and a wave, Jogaila Vilkas turned and started walking back to his car.

Toris nodded before beginning the journey to his own (secondhand) car. As soon as he unlocked the door, he sunk into the seat, his mind too distracted to start driving just yet. His parents' deaths brought an onslaught of uncertainty, but one thing was clear; his life most definitely had changed forever. He just hoped it would be for the better.

I hope this wasn't too horrible; I am getting back into the swing of writing fanfiction.

Toris will meet Feliks in the next chapter.

Jogaila was the name of the Grand Duke of Lithuania before he changed his name to Jagiełło when he married Jadwiga of Poland and formed the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In this story, Jogaila's company will merge with a woman named Jadwiga's, so this plot point is a reference to that. (That's why I used those particular names.)

Also in this story, Jogaila's surname 'Vilkas' means 'wolf' in Lithuanian. The wolf has an important role in Lithuanian legend (specifically in the 'Legend of the Iron Wolf'), so I figured it would be a fitting surname for this character.

See you next chapter!