Chapter One:

Hesitations

News travels fast in a small town like Nome. Because of this, it can often reach the town's canines as quickly as it does the humans. As a result, it was big news indeed when the idea of a sled dog race was proposed in order to find out who would be on the team. With the urgency of the situation and lives on the line, a meeting was held in the boiler room the day before the race was scheduled to happen. Most dogs attended. Some to give their thoughts on the matter, others to offer support to those whose owners were in the hospital. One attendee, however, intended to use this situation to his advantage. A certain champion lead sled dog with his own little agenda.

There was one dog, on the other hand, who wasn't attending the meeting at all that evening. That dog was Star. Had he not heard the news? Of course not. Sure, he had heard the news. It was no secret about what was happening. However, it was the very thought of a race for something this serious that invoked a huge sense of worry in the small husky, who was hoping to find the encouragement that he could even do it. Especially since there was no doubt he was going to inevitably be entered in the race. The only doubt there was… was the doubt he had in himself. However, he felt it was best to consult someone else other than the boiler room meeting attendees. The times he went to a meeting, no one really ever paid him any mind. Attending this one would be no different. As far as he was concerned, he was as unnoticeable as a fly on the wall to most of the others. But there was someone who would listen to him.

That someone was Balto.

Star never forgot the time the two had their first friendly little talk on that one calm, quiet night. It was really something of a turning point for the both of them, and to say Star was grateful would be a huge understatement. Being given the chance to have a real friend for the first time? Star felt he would never be able to thank the wolfdog enough.

It was early in the afternoon and most of his comrades were hanging out in the boiler room, discussing the plans for the race tomorrow. As for Star, he was sitting a little further out at the edge of town. Just past the large gold dredger. He was looking out to the edge of the water, his eyes fixated on that one unmistakable wooden boat.

It had been a couple days since Balto's friendly offer for a visit. Though it was something Star deeply appreciated, almost to no end, there was almost always something seemingly holding him back. For starters, he wasn't quite sure Balto's little goose friend, Boris - who Star had yet to learn the name of -, would take him showing up too kindly. However, that was the least of his worries.

What would happen if Steele were to find out…?

The most that one little goose could do was just put a slight damper on his spirits with judgment after that little incident in the alley. Steele on the other hand…. The very thought of it practically infested poor Star's mind. He'd seen how Steele would use his intimidating looks, size, and strength to his advantage, and was already well aware of his deep dislike towards Balto. What would he do if he found out one of his own sled team members was hanging out with the halfbreed? Star had spent the past half an hour not only contemplating how to approach meeting up with Balto, but also looking over his shoulder. Just to make sure he wasn't being watched. Luckily, Steele was nowhere to be seen and, as a result, hadn't noticed. With the given circumstances, it was practically a miracle he barely took notice of Star at all. At this, Star found he could loosen up, at least a little bit. Especially since he now had someone on his side for once who could offer support.

Star continued to rack his mind over what he'd say once he reached the boat. He didn't want to come off as awkward, as he felt he'd done quite enough of that already with everyone else. He certainly didn't want to run any risk of losing quite literally the only real friend he had.

"Maybe I should just try being forward. Try not to stutter so much… oh but where would I even start..?"

"I wouldn't mind a simple hello."

Star's heart nearly pounded straight out his chest as he did a full twirl and stumbled back on the snow in shock. Standing there behind him… was Balto. The small husky had to take a few seconds to compose himself and even catch his breath, much to Balto's bewilderment.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

Although sincerely apologetic, Balto couldn't help but admittedly find it slightly humorous. At least in an endearing sort of way. Slowly, Star stood himself back up as he finally processed who was addressing him.

"Oh! it's just you. Sorry I'm so jumpy.. I was worried it may have been someone else.. You know, with how they can be."

The wolfdog softly nodded as he quickly put two and two together. Star was on edge about meeting up in case anyone else saw them. Can't blame him, he thought.

"Say um, Balto? About that offer you made. Well, I was wondering… that is, I was hoping if I could… well…"

Balto just couldn't help but give a warm smile, seeing Star try his best to put his words together. It was like looking into a mirror reflection of how he must've looked like the one time he almost ran into Jenna. He really could see a lot of himself in Star. He chuckled as he gestured his head in the direction of the trawler and started to walk in the same direction.

"Follow me."

And just like that, Star felt he needn't say anymore. Balto knew exactly what the husky was going to ask. He really was very understanding. With a hopeful smile on his face and a slight bit more confidence than earlier, Star began the calm walk down to the boat with his new friend.

To Star's surprise, the old, beached wreck was much farther out than he thought. He didn't mind the walk though. It was much more peaceful out here, away from the bustle of Nome during the day. Not to mention the ocean view. Although still a distance away, he felt he could watch the calm, gentle ripples of the water for hours. As they neared the boat, Star finally broke the silence as he decided it'd make things feel a little less awkward.

"So, Balto, what exactly were you doing in town today? I thought you'd be on the boat."

"Oh, just visiting a friend" came the wolfdog's reply, leaving out how the friend was, in actuality, Jenna.

The thoughts of friends began to fill Star's mind again. It felt odd, how the town outcast seemed to have more friends than he did. It didn't quite sit well with him and, truth be told, he felt a little envious. Not a disliking kind of envy, but more of a left out feeling of envy. However, before the thoughts could plague his mind again, he shook it off.

At least he had a friend in Balto. One friend amongst the town's canine residents was better than none, and he was more than content with that. Even if Balto was the outcast of the town.

Soon enough, the two reached the old wooden boat. Now that he was up close with the vessel, Star was dumbfounded at how big it actually was, having always only seen it from a distance. He began to wonder how Balto could even get onto it. That was until they made it around to the other side, where it was revealed to him that an old wood plank was set up as a makeshift ramp. Star stood at the bottom of the ramp as he watched Balto lead the way. Admittedly, Star wasn't so sure. Minus the underlying concerns he had about how unstable the ramp could be and not wanting to fall off, he began to have his doubts again.

Maybe this isn't such a good idea… Steele won't like this if he finds out, and I've never even entered anyone else's home but mine… What would I even do? What if I'm not welcome…? What if-

"Star?"

Star broke out of his thoughts to see the wolfdog, standing at the top and looking down at him.

"Is everything alright?"

Star didn't know how to answer. He didn't want his self-doubt to become an issue or a burden but he didn't quite know how to hide it.

"Oh! Oh, yes, I'm fine."

"Are… are you sure..?"

Balto was now halfway back down the ramp, his voice showing a hint of growing concern. The disheartened look on Star's face said it all once again. He wasn't fine. He just sat down slowly, looking down at the snow beneath him as he thought of what to say.

"I… I'm not sure…"

Balto contemplated what he should do or say. Something was clearly bothering Star, but he couldn't be entirely sure what though. Then, he smiled comfortingly and gently nudged Star on the side.

"We can go up together if that makes it easier. I understand it can be a bit daunting."

At first, Star didn't respond but then, he smiled a small shy smile. Balto really meant what he said. Star was welcome here and if anyone had an issue with it, he had Balto to back him up. No one had ever done that for him. No one really ever had Star's back before, aside from his owner. He looked over at Balto, who was also smiling that same inviting grin.

Star slowly nodded, got back up, and quietly said "I'd like that. Thanks…"

He paused for a moment, before adding…

"...friend."

The warm smile on the wolf-dog's face turned into a beam of pride. Side by side, the two canines made their way up the board into the old fishing boat. On top of what Star first saw as an uninviting piece of old driftwood, but now saw as an open door. Open for him anytime he needed his friend Balto to turn to.

Author's Notes: Personally, I don't have much to say regarding this first chapter other than setting the plot in motion, but I do sort of want to point out that the idea of Balto and Star being friends stemming from my first fic (which I guess can be seen as a subplot since these stories are meant to take place within the film) really came from how Star is quite literally the only character outside of the main supporting characters like Jenna, Boris, Rosy, etc that actually supports Balto through most of their screentime. (I know, the whole alley bullying scene with Steele and the others but it's kinda clear Star just wanted to fit in with them and act like them, which is an idea I actually tackled in my first story. Poor thing literally got frightened by Steele's howling in that scene, there's no way he had any actual malice in him.) Felt it would also kind of explain the extreme turnaround from his first appearance to when he becomes the character who gifts Balto the position of the lead dog later in the film, not to mention defending Balto against Steele in a deleted scene. Of course, this is just written for fun and doesn't have to be taken as legitimate headcanon or anything, especially since it would somewhat complicate the flow of Balto's arc from the film. Just me wanting to fill in gaps and delve more into Star's character because I adore him that much lol