Birds of a Fated Feather (Dick Grayson/Robin x OC) **OC VERSION**

Introduction **MUST READ**

NOTICE: This is the OC version of my story, where the MC is my OC, Caitlin. If you would prefer to read this story in a self-insert format where the MC is called (Y/N), you can find that version of this story on my page. Thanks!

Hello! I'm *redacted*, but you can call me Ela if you want.

I know these intros are really boring but bear with me. This story means a lot to me, and I think to really enjoy it for what it is, it'd be good to know a little more about me and why I wrote/am writing this.

I've been an avid fanfiction lover since I was like 12. It started with my favorite ships and gradually became an addiction to reader inserts. I'd lose myself in the stories, just escaping from the world. I'd tell my therapist about it and tell her that I was kind of ashamed of it. If I were a "normal" person looking into that coping skill would seem weird and icky.

But it was just that, a coping skill, a form of escapism that, as long as it was used sparingly, was a great way to balance my inner world with the world I lived in. Now of course, as a teenager, I went way overboard with the whole escapism thing.

But I'm much older now (LMAO IM READING THIS AGAIN TO EDIT IT— I AM SO NOT M U C H OLDER IM STILL TECHNICALLY A TEENAGER LMAFO), and I know better. I've learned to manage it... to be able to appreciate this world I built for myself and to find beauty in the one I live in.

Now, how does that all tie into this story?

I started this story when I was about 14. I hated school. I had absolutely no friends and I just felt chronically lonely. So I made my own friends inside the stories of my favorite books and shows. I'd been watching young justice since I was in 7th grade, so naturally, the show meant a lot to me, and Robin in particular.

When I wrote this story, I had the full intention of starting the character and her romantic relationship with Robin a few chapters in.

I am 19 now and obviously do not feel comfortable writing anything romantic between 13-year-olds, but I still wanted to tell the story of my OC and how her friendship with Robin was secured.

This book will include only platonic fluff, maybe a few flustered feelings but nothing that heavy.

I fully intend to bring the romance when I write the books for seasons 2-4, however ;)
(yknow, when they're adults 😃)

I used to look back at this story I wrote and just cringe at how awkward and romantic I made it at such a young age, but I've learned to just like... accept it.

So I went through and edited a lot of stuff... I updated the writing and changed some of my original scenes to be a little more wholesome, took out the romantic aspect entirely.

If you happened to be one of the very few people that read this when I first partially released it and you find your way back here I just... wow. Props to you, friend.

I feel like I had so much more to say and share with you all... but I'm drawing a blank.

I'll put all the story info and stuff in the next chapter so y'all can access it a little easier.

You'll see me pop in with my little notes before and after the chapters.

Till then, dear readers.