Psychotic [Larry AU]

The fluorescent lights of the university hall hummed, casting a familiar glow over Louis Tomlinson’s psychology class. He paced the front, a natural in front of his eager students, discussing the intricate nuances of mental disorders.

"Sometimes people confuse three mental disorders," he explained, his voice calm and clear, "only one of which could be referred to as 'common' within the population. These are bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and multiple personality disorder, also known by its clinical name, dissociative identity disorder."

A student, Lucas, raised a hand. "Why the confusion, Mr. Tomlinson?"

Louis paused, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Well, Lucas, this has largely resulted from the common use of some of these names in popular media, and as short-hand by people referring to someone who is grappling with a mental health issue. The disorders, however, have little in common other than the fact that many who have them are still stigmatized by society."

Nods rippled through the room. The bell rang, cutting through his thoughts, and a collective groan went up from his students. Louis, ever the charmer, waved them off with a giant smile. "Oh cheer up, my dear hedgelings, I'll be seeing you all tomorrow."

As the last student filed out, Louis packed his bag, a familiar sense of accomplishment settling over him. Teaching was his passion, a side to his more serious work as a psychological consultant for the London Police Department. He grabbed his keys, his mind already shifting gears. Another day, another case.