A/N: YOOOOO WHAT'S POPPING THOOO?! So I took a small break from the law/order au and started brainstorming new short story ideas. I remember quite a lot of people liked the werewolf au and the zombie au. So here's the next installment of "Spread Thin"! I thought a lot about what I could add to the story and couldn't wait to get started on it, so I hope you enjoy. I actually ended up writing so much that it's gonna get split into two parts, so there will be a Part 5 to this as well! :) Also check my deviantart page for a visual of what the ceremony paint looks like and the dance is the Dragon Dance from Avatar.

For anyone who needs a quick story recap: Asami saved Riko as a cub and together she and Korra raised her. The Avatar Pack didn't agree with it at first but they grew to love her as one of their own. Asami put Riko in school, but the child was bullied. Only one girl, Karina, stood up to the bullies on occasion. They both had crushes on each other, but when Karina offered the werewolf to ice cream, Riko was attacked by a boy who was jealous basically. Eventually Riko stood up to him by shifting to her wolf form. After much explanation, Karina grew more curious than scared. They finished junior and senior years together. And now I present the next part...

A year and a half passed happily for the teenagers. As graduation approached, so did Riko's 19th birthday. She tried not to think about what that meant and instead focused on acing her classes and going through the stupid ceremony to please Asami. She really hated getting dressed up, but when she rejoined with her girlfriend afterwards, it was all worth it. Asami had taken tons of pictures.

Karina turned her eyes away from the photo of them kissing in their caps and gowns and started up the stairs to their room, which was still in the wolf's parents' home. She gently pushed open the door and was surprised to hear snoring. Yeah, she and Asami had a long day at the repair shop, but it wasn't that late. Since she started working for the omega, plenty of accidents had happened at the garage, causing them to stay later than usual.

However, she soon realized what had happened when she saw the alpha's hand resting under the waistband of her shorts. Her shirt was tossed and her other hand lay above her head.

Karina sighed sadly as she realized that she had missed an episode of Riko's heat. When she first witnessed it a year ago, she was scared since the alpha pushed her away in fear of hurting her. Through some gentle touches and stern persuasion, Karina got it through the wolf's thick head that she wanted this and was ready for it. Riko was probably more scared than either of them. Karina had never seen the alpha more nervous. She was scared too of course, but she soon found it entertaining and enjoyable. Riko eventually found her own confidence growing from her lover's enthusiasm.

So yes, the human was sad that she had missed another shot at it. She sat next her girlfriend and pulled the blanket over her, then kissed her above her eye. "You couldn't have waited an extra hour or two, could you?"

"Ehh, no." Riko sleepily mumbled. As her lover's scent hit her nose, she regained some awareness. "Hi."

Karina giggled and arched a brow. "Hi yourself. Did you have fun?"

Riko groaned and rolled over to face her. "Not really, would've been more fun with you."

"Which is why you still need to learn restraint. I could've come home and we would've had a lot more fun, but I guess we can't now. I'm gonna take a shower since I'm covered in sweat and oil." Karina said as she walked into the hall to the bathroom.

She glanced over her shoulder and saw Riko sitting up and staring after her. She smiled when she heard quick footsteps catch up to her as she opened the bathroom door. She giggled as she was lifted onto the counter and met lips with her girlfriend. She always knew how to get what she wanted.

"You sure you're up for another round?" Karina asked, poking at her ego.

Riko growled dominantly. "Of course I am, as long as you are."

Riko woke up the next morning when she felt something combing through her hair. She peeked her eyes open and saw her girlfriend rubbing her head from above her. She purred and crawled further into Karina's lap. The human smiled and continued the motion, knowing how much the alpha loved having her head rubbed.

"Shouldn't ya'...be a' work?" Riko asked sleepily.

Karina chuckled. "I took the day off. We need some alone time."

Riko forced herself to open her eyes to look up at her. "Does that mean I get tha' day off too?"

"Well, I'd like to say yes. I think Korra can handle a day by herself."

Riko smiled and dropped her head back into her lap. "Good, 'cuz I wanna just lay here with you all day."

Karina smiled sadly, knowing she was probably going to ruin her day later on. It wasn't until after lunch that she actually brought the taboo subject up when they were laying outside under a tree.

"Riko, what're you going to do?"

The wolf frowned and lifted herself on her crossed arms behind her head. She glanced down to her chest where her girlfriend was resting her head. "What're you talking about?"

Karina sighed. "I mean about the ceremony. You have to make a decision. You're 19th birthday is coming up at the end of the month. They already gave you enough leeway when they gave you an extra year to prepare for the ceremony."

Riko huffed. "I'm tired of ceremonies. We just graduated two months ago."

The human scowled and leaned up. "This is more important than graduation. This is the rest of our lives we're talking about."

The alpha stared at her for a few minutes in surprise before she slouched back down and watched the clouds. "I don't know still. It'll completely change everything."

"I'm still going to stand by your side, no matter what."

Riko glanced back up again, noticing that her girlfriend was leaning over her now. "You really mean that? You'll stand by me when the pack is against me? When I have to fight enemies and potentially get hurt? If I get kicked out of the pack and get labeled a rogue again?"

Karina sat in her lap and poked her forehead to silence her. "I will stand with you through all of that and more. I will stay with you when you're sad, happy, excited, injured, and sick. Okay? I love you."

Riko froze, then smiled brightly as a tear made its way to her eye. "I love you too."

Night had long since fallen and the whole pack finished setting up. Riko gulped as they approached the fire pit where everyone was waiting. She felt something firmly grasp her hand and she saw Karina slide up to her out of the corner of her eye. The girl gave her a bright smile. "Are you ready?"

Riko settled her hoarse breathing and nodded. "Let's do this."

Karina carefully guided her to the ceremony circle. Korra, Asami, and Kohaku met with them before she entered the ring. Korra squeezed her shoulder in reassurance and sent her on her way to the fire pit. Karina stayed put with the family as she watched the love of her life take a big step forward for a wolf.

Riko took a deep breath and sat crisscross style in front of the fire. She glanced up and saw her elder sitting on the other end of the fire.

The air was tense around them. If this didn't go as planned, things might get ugly. Some people still didn't agree to let the outsider stay. Others grew quite attached to her and wanted her to stay. Either way, some people would still be unhappy.

Kya stood up and faced the large pack. "Before we begin the ceremony tonight, our alpha has placed one last test for her cub, which majority of the pack asked for."

Everyone knew of the 'test', yet some people began muttering things amongst themselves anyway. Riko took another breath and straightened her hunched back. She was ready.

Kya faced the teenager through the fire again. "Riko Sato, when I ask whether you will stay with the Avatar pack, what is your answer?"

The forest went quiet. Korra and Asami watched anxiously. Even though it was Asami's idea to introduce the outside world to the cub years ago, now the omega nervously gripped her wife's hand. Karina watched smugly with her arms crossed, already knowing how her lover was going to answer.

Riko whipped her head up and confidently stared back at her elder. "I am going to stay with the pack and lead beside my mother."

Cheers instantly arose and even a few howls disrupted the forest. The cub smiled as most of her pack was happy with her answer. Those few who disagreed had already disappeared from the ceremony. Riko glanced over her shoulder at her family and warmth shrouded her heart. Both of her parents were crying, which was exceptionally rare for the alpha. Karina smiled proudly at her, while her brother jumped up and down in excitement.

Kya chuckled wearily and rose her hands to quiet the crowd. "It looks like the pack is happy with your answer. Now, are you ready, Riko?"

Riko showed her canines as she smiled brightly and she nodded. She then placed her fists together as Korra had instructed to her prior to the ceremony. Kya picked up a few tools from the ground and began the ceremony. "No matter how you became a part of the pack, you are now a part of our family. I've had the pleasure of watching you grow up, raised by two of the most amazing women I know. You're gonna do great things, I can feel it. You'll be a great leader, just like your mother. Now it is up to the spirits to determine your element."

The elder then motioned to the pack and drums and pipes starting sounding. Kya picked up a handful of dirt at her feet and tossed it into the fire. She then began chanting foreign words and shaking a rattle of some sort.

The drums rung in Riko's ears as she watched the elder dance slightly as she called to the spirits. Her mind felt heavy as pressure built in her chest. Somehow she saw Kya motion that it was time for her part and she wearily stepped up. She gulped before biting into her thumb, then placing her hand over the fire and let a drop of her blood go.

As soon as the fire devoured her offering, the ground immediately below the fire cracked and expanded completely to the edge of the circle. Riko stumbled in surprise but managed to keep on her feet. When the ground stopped shaking, the cub looked all around to make sure her family was okay. She caught Kya's sight and saw that the woman was smiling. The elder picked up a cup of red paint and approached the cub.

The air felt tense again, but in a good way this time. The older woman dipped her fingers in the paint. Riko flinched slightly when the cold paint made contact with her face. Kya placed three small circles on the girl's forehead. Then she drew what could be described as upside-down L's on her cheeks.

"Congratulations Riko." Kya whispered to her, then took a step back and presented her to the pack. "I give you alpha Riko Sato of the earth element!"

The pack cheered and Riko was soon ambushed with hugs by her family. The official adult wolf happily laughed and hugged them in return. Soon everyone began chowing down on food that they brought specifically for this night.

Tenzin came up from behind Korra and placed a solid hand on her shoulder, startling her at first. "You should be very proud, Korra. It's not every day that we get earth sent our way."

Korra chuckled and proudly watched her family eat. Riko seemed content just watching everyone else celebrate. "Yeah, we usually get water and fire. It's seems only your family is being granted air. Maybe we're finally getting to branch out again."

Tenzin chuckled in agreed. "It does seem that way. I'm just glad all of this food didn't go to waste. Anyway, enjoy your night with your family."

Riko sat on the log with Karina relaxing in between her legs as they watched everyone dance and celebrate. Eventually Asami found them and motioned them forward. "You know you can't just sit back all night. You're only halfway through getting your tattoo."

The alpha rose a brow and helped her girlfriend to her feet. "What're you talking about? I thought I just had to go through the initiation ceremony."

Asami laughed and shook her head. "No, dear. There are several more things to do. The first: dancing."

"Dancing?!"

"Oh it's not so bad!"

Riko pouted as Karina jumped up and down in excitement. "C'mon Riko, I wanna dance! You have to do it anyway."

The wolf sighed and reluctantly let herself be pulled to the dancing circle. Asami soon joined them after she found Korra. Asami whispered in her daughter's ear as they walked past. "Copy Korra."

Riko gulped, forgetting to reply at all. The pack cheered as Korra stepped up and began the dance. Her daughter simply watched for a few minutes before she noticed her mother was repeating the steps over and over. They caught eyes and Riko realized she was meant to join her.

Korra smiled as the younger alpha finally joined her. She started from the first step and proudly watched her daughter copy her. Riko picked up the fluid motions and was soon smiling. Simultaneously they threw their hands to the air, then slid to the ground in a lunge. After a number of moves, they rounded the circle, getting closer to each other as they finished the dance. The fire grew stronger with every move. Energy ran rampant through the duo as they finally joined fists together. They smiled brightly, even though they were sweating like crazy.

The pack howled in excitement. Riko grinned and joined in confidently. Korra laughed joyfully and playfully punched her in the shoulder. Suddenly Korra blinked and backed away. Riko turned around and saw her girlfriend standing behind her. Her smile never faltered and she lifted her into the air as she hugged her. Karina laughed and held onto her shoulders.

Riko carefully set her back on her feet, but the human whispered something in her ear. "Be careful you don't sweat too much. That ceremonial paint might wear off. And I really like the warrior look it gives you."

Riko's teeth shone as she continued to smile. "I feel like a warrior. I feel amazing! What's next?!" She asked, looking for her omega mother.

They looked around and saw Asami speaking with Kya in the distance. Karina smiled and began pulling the wolf towards them. "C'mon alpha, let's go find out the next step."

Riko growled silently so only they could hear it. "I know what the last step is."

Karina blushed and elbowed the girl in the ribs, making her groan in pain.

Riko huffed in through the pipe and then sighed outwards. She passed it to her girlfriend, who seemed hesitant, but then she saw the entire pack waiting for her to take her turn. She reluctantly took a puff and passed it onto the next person. Riko laughed and playfully nudged her. "What? Can't take a little bit of the medicine pipe?"

Karina scowled. "Those are drugs, Riko."

Riko waved her off. "Oh please, they're natural plants. Besides, it's part of every ritual, so you might wanna get used to it."

Karina angrily took a few more puffs as her turn came around again, but eventually it did its job and she relaxed a bit. Soon the couple was laughing at the simplest things. Korra elbowed her from her spot next to her. "Hey, don't get too messed up. Your tattoo is next."

Riko's eyes widened and she nodded excitedly. She was careful when her turn came back around.

"You ready?"

Riko breathed in and out deeply, then nodded to her elder. Tenzin picked up the needle and began the tattoo. Riko hissed in surprise and her body erupted in goosebumps. She felt someone sit beside her and grab her hand. She squinted her eyes open to see her lover. She smiled even through the pain and tried to put her attention somewhere else. She glanced around the tent and noticed that they were the only ones there. Riko was only allowed one person to accompany her to the tattoo tent. Her family and pack waited outside. A small pot lay in front of them, emitting smoke to help calm her nerves. Luckily, the medicine pipe from earlier still had some effect on her. Her attention was brought back to her arm when Tenzin hit some sensitive skin.

Korra paced nervously outside. Asami sat on the ground with their son. Kohaku would be turning ten in a few months. The boy was starting to grow as tall as his parents. Asami sighed. "Korra, please stop pacing. You know she's fine. We all go through this ritual."

Korra sighed and paused her pacing. "I know but this is our child and we're not there with her!"

Asami grabbed her arm as she began pacing again and pulled her to sit down. "It was her decision who to bring in there with her and she chose Karina. I think that just goes to show how serious they are."

Korra slowly went wide-eyed with realization. "Do you think...?"

Asami nodded. "You need to talk to her about it soon. I get the feeling they won't be able to wait much longer."

Korra was about to respond, but then the flap to the tent flew open. Both of them quickly jumped up and smiled when they saw their daughter brandishing her element on her arm. She looked exhausted, yet excited. She wore her element with pride for the whole world to see, even if it was covered in a plastic wrap for protection at the moment.

For the rest of the night, the family simply watched their pack enjoy themselves. Riko was drained from all of the rituals she had to go through. Eventually she began falling asleep her girlfriend's shoulder. Karina sighed and nudged her awake. "C'mon, let's go home."

Riko forced herself awake and glanced around. "But the ceremony..."

Karina chuckled quietly. "They're gonna be out here 'til morning. You need rest."

Riko sighed and let the human help her to her tired feet.

Korra eyed them as they walked home. "It looks like you have an extra night to talk to her." Asami spoke up from beside her.

Riko felt sleep catching up to her like a forest fire. She didn't think she would make it, but suddenly her legs met with her bed. She sighed, not caring how she got here, and planted herself into the cushions.

Karina chuckled and yanked the blanket up from under the alpha. Sleep was gaining on her as well. She crawled under the blanket and pulled the other girl into her arms. Riko was already out cold and let the human hold her close. "So much for that last step you were talking about." Karina giggled quietly, and then followed her girlfriend's lead.