The Fault is Not In The Stars But In Ourselves

To Learn the Truth, No Matter How Much It Hurts

A/N: Listen.... I'm... so sorry it's been so long. I'm also so sorry I can't promise it won't happen again. The Fault has become a "sporadic updates" story. 

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Theo had never met Dr. Geyer in person before, but he still recognized him instantly as the man walked into his hospital room. Theo had seen pictures, of course; he'd looked at pictures of all the pack's loved ones at one time or another–memorized them so completely that he could pick any of them out of a crowd from a mile away. He also recognized him from Liam's instagram stories; from the Friday night videos of the man cheering alongside Melissa at Lacrosse games, from the silly selfies at family game night, from the cozy movie night stills.

Even without those, though, Theo was sure he would've been able to recognize him.

Even without knowing him at all, Theo would be able to tell he was Liam's dad.

They may not be related, really–and they certainly don't look even remotely alike–but even still Theo could recognize the bits of the man that Liam carried with him every day. The easy smile that played at the man's lips, the confidence in his step, the easy way he carried himself–the way that it was an act, the way that the easiness was hiding a lingering tension, a sense of anxiety that was so well-hidden that Dr. Geyer may not have even seen it in himself.

Theo–the real him, the other him–had studied human behavior enough to recognize this carbon copy of Liam standing in front of him.

His breath caught in his throat, wedged between the sides, like a boulder–completely impassive in its size and stubbornness to move. His throat grew dry and raw as he fought for air, but all he could do was stare at the man in front of him.

All he could do was watch the man that resembled Liam in behavior, and realize that–this might be the only part of Liam he had left. This might be the only part of Liam that still existed in this universe.

"Hey, Theo," Dr. Greyer said with a smile as he settled into the chair next to Theo's bed side. "Ms. McCall said you wanted to speak with me?"

Theo attempted to swallow back the boulder, but all he could muster was a tiny nod.

Dr. Geyer's lip twitched as he looked at Theo, the smile threatening to fall. "It's been a bit since you've requested to see me. Are you feeling okay? Everything alright?"

No.

He felt like he was dying.

He felt like the world was ending.

He felt like he had sentenced this universe to death by living.

He felt everything but alright.

"Fine," Theo murmured anyways, his cheeks reddening.

It suddenly felt ridiculous, calling upon his doctor just to ask about his step son–one who clearly didn't exist, because if he did then Melissa would surely know him. Then surely Liam would be here.

"No," Dr. Geyer said with a sigh, "I know that look. That's your 'I'm thinking something I can't tell you' look." The man set his clipboard aside and leaned forward. "Come on. What's going on?"

Theo shook his head. "You're going to think I'm crazy."

"I don't like to use the term crazy," Dr. Geyer said, seriously.

Theo nibbled at his lip before looking up at Dr. Geyer. So far, the doctor was the one thing in this whole universe that even hinted at the possibility that Liam not only existed but was still–alive. Somehow.