A/N: Hey guys! This is my first ever one-shot about Balinger, the underrated coupling of Baljeet Tjinder and Ginger Hirano. I think they deserve as much attention as mainline Phinbella. Ever wonder how Baljeet and Ginger got together? Well since it wasn't shown in canon (they only shown that they became together in AYA), this is my version on how they ended together. So enjoy!
Setting: half canon/AU. 2 years before Act Your Age. Ginger and Baljeet are 16 and 17 respectively.
He might be a nerd and unpopular but I really like Baljeet Tjinder. I like him more than as a best friend; I think I love him. Oh if only I can be his girl.
Ginger woke up to this thought every day for the past 3 months. In fact, she was crushing on Baljeet for almost as long as Isabella had a crush on Phineas. Back when they were kids and tweens, Baljeet and Ginger are also the best of friends. After daydreaming again in 'Baljeetland', she went down from her room and sat at the dining table with her mom and her sister, Stacy. Even they approve of her crush on the Indian nerd.
"You are the best of friends, Gingy! Of course he's the perfect guy!" Stacy remarked. Ginger, more commonly known as Gingy, can't help but blush.
"Isn't it too early to be talking about crushes?" her mom asked. The two sisters shook their heads. After finishing their meal, Ginger's phone rang. Sure enough, it was Baljeet. She loved it when he calls her without any forced drama or whatnot; it's as if it's part of their nature.
Phone call
G: Baljeet!
B: Whoa someone's excited this morning
G: Of course!
B: Say you wanna hang out today?
G: Who's it gonna be?
B: Just me and you
G: giggles Really? Okay! Where?
B: Downtown. I saw this newly opened karaoke bar
G: Okay! I'll go anywhere as long as you're there
B: Shut it Gingy you're making me blush
G: Am I?
B: Anyways, is 11 good?
G: Yeah!
B: I'll pick you up at your place
G: Okay Jeet bye!
B: Bye Gingy!
End call
Ginger can't help but squeal so loud that Stacy thought she can be heard from Candace's house. "So what's this now sis?" Stacy inquired.
"Baljeet's asking me out!" Ginger replied, "We're going to this new karaoke bar downtown!"
"That's great! Does that mean you'll admit to him?" Stacy asked.
"Admit what?"
"Come on Gingy, don't be oblivious! That you LOVE him!" her sister teased.
"Maybe Stace" Ginger said. That's when Stacy gave her little sister one of those death hugs. "Stop…s-strangling…m-meeee!" Ginger said as she was struggling to break free from her older sister's grasp.
Stacy broke loose from the grasp and chuckled, "Why don't I help you pick your outfit for today, eh?" Ginger nodded and they went to her room. While she was taking a shower, Stacy was searching for a suitable outfit for her sister's date with her bestfriend/crush. When she was finished, Stacy showed her sister the outfit; it was a violet backless dress.
"It's simple", Ginger started, "and I like it!" She slipped the dress on and it did hug her body pretty well, revealing her hidden curves. "Wow Gingy I never thought you're that sexy" Stacy drooled. Ginger simply slapped her sister in the face.
She put on some light make-up on her face and pink liptint. She also shaped her eyebrows using a shaper; she doesn't need to use brow gel as her brows are thick and on fleek as well. She also combed her long wavy black hair and placed a violet hairband on top of her head, matching her dress. "How do I look sis?" she turned to Stacy.
"God damn Ginger Hirano! You're all grown up now!" she said. Ginger blushed at her sister's compliment. She was looking for shoes to wear when Stacy beat her to it. She showed her a pair of white ballet peep toe flats.
"I used to wear this until they got small for me" Stacy sighed; "It's all yours now, Gingy" She slipped on the flats, revealing her freshly pedicured silver toenails. Spinning around, she managed to mesmerize Stacy. Grabbing her sling bag with her phone and purse, Ginger went down towards the TV room followed by Stacy. Even her mom's jaw dropped when she saw Ginger.
"Wow Gingy, you really now are a fine young lady!" she said. "Thanks!" was all that Ginger can say. She checked her watch and it's already 11am. Baljeet's gonna be here any minute now. What would he think of my outfit? She nervously thought. A couple minutes later, the doorbell rang and Stacy answered.
"Hi Stacy!" Baljeet greeted, "Is Ginger here?"
"Yeah, come in first!" Stacy replied as she ushered the Indian nerd towards their sofa. He waited for only a few minutes when Ginger came into view. From the look of his face, she can tell that he was mesmerized by what she's wearing. Baljeet meanwhile, was also equally dressed as nice, wearing a striped polo shirt and jeans.
"So Baljeet, let's go?" Ginger asked. He walked her towards the bus stop and as they were waiting, Baljeet suddenly held Ginger's hand. She looked at her hand, locked together with his and looked at him. The two best friends blushed and looked away from each other, still their hands not breaking away.
Damn it Ginger, don't break down this easily. You don't want to be obvious right? Ginger thought.
I like Ginger but does she like me too? Come on I'm not entitled for relationships and stuff. Baljeet thought.
The bus, Danville Express D-940, arrived a few minutes later. It wasn't rush hour so the two friends were able to sit together on the bus's 3x2 seating configuration meant to sit 61 people. Ginger was at the window seat while Baljeet is on the aisle seat. After paying their fare, the two friends chatted like any normal bestfriends. Baljeet can't help but glance at Ginger; her cute outfit, her laugh, basically everything about the Japanese girl is driving him nuts.
Of all the girls I've had a crush on, why do I feel like Ginger can be my girl? He thought of the things that he liked about his best friend: she's sweet, caring and would do anything for her friends. Whenever I'm with her, I feel like someone accepts me for who I am. She's also beautiful both physically and in actions. That one time when she was wearing a one-piece swimsuit, damn she's sexy. When Baljeet broke off his deep thought about the girl beside him, they've arrived at their destination.
The two friends walked down the street towards the karaoke bar. Baljeet placed his arm over Ginger's shoulders; much to the latter's delight. His arm started to shudder, which worried Ginger. "Something wrong, Jeet?" she piped.
"Huh…oh, it's nothing" Baljeet whispered, hiding the fact that he has butterflies in his stomach. Ginger noticed this but decided to keep it to herself, because if she said it, this might scare the hell out of her crush. They got in the karaoke bar and found a place to sit in. One of Ginger's friends was their waitress for the day.
"Hey Gingy!" Milly greeted. "I see you brought a boyfriend eh?"
"We're JUST best friends Milly!" Ginger exclaimed. Unbeknownst to the two Fireside alums, Baljeet shuddered at Milly's remark.I can't believe her friends accept me! That's it! I'll tell her today! But how am I gonna do it?
"You know, you two are perfect for each other" Milly added.
"Really Milly? How about you and Buford?" Ginger shot back. Baljeet laughed as Milly started to blush as red as a cherry. She broke the awkward situation when she took the couple's order. "Serving time is 12-15 minutes!" she said before she disappeared in the crowd of people.
Despite the environment being loud, Ginger and Baljeet were surprisingly quiet. They looked at each other, wondering who'd start the conversation first. Well, I'd lose nothing if I spoke up first. After all, I am the guy. Baljeet thought.
He cleared his throat and started, "This your first time in this bar?"
"Yeah, Jeet" Ginger replied, looking at her feet. She's trying to avoid eye contact with her Indian friend. Despite being best friends, the two felt something they never felt in the years they've been friends. Which is, they felt uneasy and shy with one another.
Am I getting butterflies in my stomach? Ginger thought. I never felt this way before to other guys who've asked me out.
Baljeet also started to act uneasy. Should I admit to her? That I like her? But what if she doesn't feel the same way? Once again, the Indian broke the silence when he told his Japanese friend his stories. Ginger felt slightly comfortable again when they talked like normal friends do. They exchanged stories and talked about other things as Milly served their meals. "Enjoy you two lovers!" she remarked as she served their food. After Milly left, the two best friends proceeded in eating.
"Enjoying yourself?" Baljeet asked.
"Of course!" Ginger answered, "It's just you and me, without the entourage." They continued enjoying each other's company. After finishing their meal, the two friends watched the people singing at the karaoke machine by the stage. Ginger was in awe with the voice of a guy singing On Bended Knees by Boyz II Men.
What if I sing to Baljeet? That way he's sure to realize that my feelings for him are true! She thought, and then whispered to him. "Hey let's move near the stage"
"Uhh okay, Gingy" Baljeet nodded. At their new table, they continued watching the singers. Baljeet thought of a way to admit to his best friend. Should I say it word by word or through singing? Damn it, Baljeet! Don't blow this up!
Ginger meanwhile, thought of a way to get to the stage without being obvious to Baljeet. I can't take it anymore! I'm gonna sing to him and I don't care what his reaction will be. As long as you said your part, you're good Ginger Hirano. She cleared her throat and spoke up, "I'm just gonna go to the CR okay?"
"Okay, I'm not going anywhere" Baljeet smiled as his friend went for the toilets.
Not going anywhere, eh? This is my chance! Ginger said to herself as she was reapplying her liptint. Just then, Milly barged inside the comfort room.
"So Gingy, whatcha doin'?" she smirked.
"Thank the heavens Isabella wasn't here, Milly or else" Ginger answered.
"Have you told him yet?" Milly piped.
"Oh I will, just you wait and see" the Japanese girl winked at her curly-haired troop alum as she left the comfort room. Now I just have to find a way to get to the stage without him seeing me. She thought. Luckily, she found another machine nearer to where she was standing, but a tad far from where Baljeet is. The operator ushered her over when she was caught staring at the song list, "Hey miss! Do you wanna give a shot?"
"Yes, yes I do" she started then whispered to the operator's ear, "but I'm gonna need someone to hear me sing"
Meanwhile near the stage, Baljeet was wondering why his best friend was gone for quite a while. I will never understand girls and their obsession with so much time in CRs. He thought as he was drinking beer. A few minutes later, one of the machine operators came to him."Uhh are you Baljeet?" he asked.
"Yes?" the Indian answered nervously.
"Come with me" the man said, pushing Baljeet off his seat. Before he could react, the music started to play loudly again and his cries were drowned out. "What's that? I can't hear you, sorry" the man shrugged. The two guys arrived at another machine.
"Why are we here?" Baljeet asked.
"Just grab a seat and enjoy the voice" the man smiled as he disappeared towards the machine. The singer introduced, "This song is dedicated to my best friend whom through this, is my way of saying that I like you so much" she announced. The Indian teen didn't recognize the voice at the same time he couldn't see her face. He spotted Milly serving drinks and grabbed her arm, "Hey you know whose singing?"
"How should I know?" Milly snapped, "I'm a bit busy you know"
"Oh right, sorry!" Baljeet said sheepishly as the curly haired girl rolled her eyes. Milly turned around; muttering to herself, "I hope he realizes who's singing behind the box is Gingy" Ginger is inside a soundproof studio room behind the machine. The door is concealed from the outside with a handle that can only be opened from inside. The singer announced again, "I know you can't see me but I want you to know this" With that, the intro of the song started to play.
If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young and we both know
They'll take us where we want to go
Hold me now, touch me now I don't want to live without you
Baljeet started to get mesmerized by the singer's voice. Wow whoever she is, I wanna meet her. Now if only Ginger was here to listen this. He sadly thought as the people around him started to sing along to the chorus.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
If the road ahead is not so easy
Our love will lead a way for us
Just like a guiding star
I'll be there for you if you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Hold me now, touch me now I don't want to live without you
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
During the instrumental, Baljeet started wondering who the singer was. He heard something familiar with her voice but he can't pinpoint who it was. Could it be…her? No come on Tjinder, she doesn't like to sing remember? But wait, if she sings, is she singing about me? Just like the rest of the crowd, he also sang along to the song.
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You oughta know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through
But nothing's gonna change my love for you
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause for the singer. Baljeet was still wondering who the singer might be, when she announced, "I would like Mr. Baljeet Tjinder to please stand up in front of the machine" The Indian teen was shocked; why him? The crowd applauded him as a spotlight was facing towards him. Oh my gosh, what's going on? Ginger I need your help right now! He was literally screaming deep inside as he hid it with a nervous grin. He heard the studio door open as a female figure came into view. "Who are you?" Baljeet asked.
The spotlight turned towards the girl and revealed the figure of his best friend Ginger Hirano, wearing her violet dress. "G..g-Gingy?!" Baljeet stuttered.
"Yes Jeet, it's me" she smiled.
"I thought you…" he said before Ginger cut him off.
"That I don't sing? I DID say I don't sing much, I never said I couldn't" she answered. Baljeet was speechless; he never thought his best friend was the girl singing. He finally realized that Ginger sang for him. "Why me, Ginger?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Because I like you Baljeet!" she admitted.
"But I like you too!" he retorted.
"No. I mean I love you Baljeet Tjinder!" she said out loud. That froze Baljeet in his tracks as Ginger explained."It started during that time we got that tree sap. I felt like you seem interesting, which is why I had a crush on you. When we became best friends, that's when I started falling for you, Jeet. I never told them early on because I thought you might not like a girl like me. But you made me feel that I was special to you. Now I'm wondering still if you like me too" she finished looking down her feet.
Baljeet was touched by his best friend's revelation. She does feel the same way as I do! Now how am I gonna tell her I fell for her too? The crowd went silent; waiting for the Indian teen's reaction towards his Japanese friend. He grabbed Ginger's mic and spoke up, "Ginger, I never thought that you saw something in me that made you love me. Heck I don't even see something special about myself. But you did and I don't think words are enough to explain what I want you to know"
Without warning, Baljeet placed his hand on Ginger's cheek while the other one on her waist and smashed his lips against hers. Ginger was shocked at this but embraced the kiss as the crowd started to cheer for the couple. A moment later, they break off, gazing on one another. "I never thought that you'll love me back" Ginger said shyly.
"Don't think that Gingy, because I DO love you" Baljeet smiled as he embraced his new girlfriend for another kiss.
2 years later in Act Your Age, they're now seen as a legit couple helping Phineas and Isabella be together.
A/N: Alright guys! What do you think of my first oneshot/Balinger story? Please R&R and if you have any other story ideas regarding the shipping, just leave me a PM! Btw the song is Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You :)