The road to love is rocky, and for Sherlock it isn't any easier. It takes a special American girl to capture his attention, his friendship, and later his heart. *covers 10 year span before Series 1* *1 of 5 in series* *WILL EDIT, LIMITED INTERNET AT MOMENT*

He had looked out for his little brother all his life, and in all his life Mycroft had never panicked - until tonight. Angsty one-shot, part of the non-sequential 'A LIFE BEFORE JOHN' series which will look at Sherlock's early adult life. Rated T for mentions of drug use.