Black and Blue Love: A Tex/Church Manifesto

[themadmaiden.livejournal.com]

Title: Black and Blue Love: Tex/Church
Author: themadmaiden
Fandom: Red vs. Blue
Pairing: Tex/Church
Word Count: 2203
Spoilers: Spoilers for the Blood Gulch chronicles as well as Reconstruction...you have been warned
Notes: Focuses mostly on the first 5 seasons. Drawn pictures from http://nikon.bungie.org/misc/artoflukemckay.html  Other pictures from many google searches.

 

 

 

First of all, what is Red vs. Blue?

Red vs. Blue is an on-line Machinima series created by Rooster Teeth Studios. It is created using the video series Halo and it's subsequent squeals and is one of the most well known Machinima's out there.

The idea of the story starts with two bases in the middle of a box canyon. One Red and one Good...Blue. The story develops with the teams and hilarity ensues..no really it does.
 

CHURCH

Church is the self appointed leader of the Blue team. He's surrounded by idiots in the middle of a pointless war and because of this is naturally very bitter. He's also cynical and sarcastic by nature and at the start seems to hate everyone in the canyon. Things change a bit as the series moves along. He's still bitter and sarcastic but he has more of a bond with his team. Though he's not anymore likely to admit this than he was before.

Church's skills as a soldier can be questionable as his aim with a sniper rifle has been mocked throughout the series. He seems to be smarter then the other Blue soldiers...though that really isn't saying much. He takes charge very easily in battle despite his annoyance at being there.

Church is a ghost for most the series having been killed by the Blue's tank. He generally possesses the bodies of robots. In Reconstruction it is revealed he is an AI.

 

 

TEX

Code name, Agent Texas. Real name, Allison. Tex is a freelancer that winds up with the Blue team a lot of the time. Tex is the former girlfriend of Church and the reason he joined the army in the first place. She was recruited into an experimental program that implanted her with the AI, Omega/O'Malley. She comes to Blood Gulch, being hired by the Blue team to get their flag back, after Church died. She then was killed and became a ghost in the series and like Church possess the bodies of robots. Also in Reconstruction, they don't know what she is, but it's most likely an AI like Church.

Tex is sarcastic, tough, violent and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. She's taken out entire bases by herself and once ripped out someone's skull, and then somehow beat them to death with it. She'll do almost anything for money as she is quite willing to rip off someones arm for ten dollars. Tex claims that she's not mean, just paid to do mean things. She then however admits that she thinks it's important that you enjoy your job. Aside from the tank, Tex is considered the most lethal soldier in the canyon.

 

TOGETHER 

They Work Well Together:

Tex and Church are both sarcastic, easily annoyed and surrounded by fools. They have a history together, they dated before and Church at least thinks that they were close to being married. They trade jibes and insults. Arguing at times like an old married couple.

--
Church- So? Tex and I have a history, doesn't mean we can't be professional and hold a conversation.

Tex- I wouldn't exactly call them conversations.

Church- Oh, get off my back woman, can't you see I'm working here?

Tex- Please, you call this working?

--
They have a love hate relationship. Despite bickering they manage to pull their acts together when needed and come out fighting..literally.

Both of them have a sort of “screw the world” philosophy when it comes to things but they always make exceptions when it comes to each other.

-

Church Loves Her: 

 

Church clearly still cares a lot about Tex. He calls her his girlfriend frequently throughout the series despite the fact that they're not going out. He's very protective of her, even though she's the most capable one of the team.

In the first season he wants to get the AI out of her head before she can leave. He's extremely distressed at her death. He runs towards her body...shouting in Spanish (he's possessing a robot that only speaks Spanish)

“My God, no! Tex! Tex!”

When they negotiate the Reds later, Church makes sure they get two robot bodies. This is despite the fact that Tex isn't there. Tucker notices this and points this out.

-

Tucker: “Church why do we need two robots?

Church: You know... one for me, and... (under breath) one for Tex.

Tucker: Oh man, don't tell me you're doing this for Tex. You're still in love with her, aren't you.

Church: Hey get off my back, man. Most dead chicks aren't exactly lining up to haunt this dirthole. Besides, if I don't get her a body, she's gonna steal mine anyway”

–

His excuse about just doing it so that Tex won't steal his body comes near the end, like an afterthought. His first excuse makes it clear that he does want her to come back. This is not the first time someone in the series says that Church is still in love with Tex. Both times he doesn't give a definite answer.

When Church is messing with the time line and trying to stop a bomb from going off he manages to create multiple versions of himself. When he finally figures out a plan, his first stop is to free Tex who's tied up. After she's free he has this to say to her.
 
--
Church-“Tex, I recommend you get down there, and try to defuse the bomb that's in Church's stomach. I think you're about the only one here that can do it.

And Tex? The one thing I didn't realize before was this. Maybe I'm the last Church not because I fix everything, but because I died and there's no way I can come back. And if that happens, I just wanna let you know that I'm sorry. I'm sorry I got you mixed up in all this stupid stuff. I'm sorry I wasn't a better guy than I should've been. I'm sorry for... well, for a lot of stuff.

And then he manages to mess it up again...

...But, if we do survive this, then it's totally because of me, and you should build a fucking statue in my honor. (Tex runs off) I'm serious! Somethin' cool. Like me on a horse! No no no wait, a motorcycle! 

But aside from the fact that Church really knows how to ruin moments he really does care. He's sorry that all this stuff had happened to her because she came to the canyon. If she hadn't come she wouldn't be dead and I think he realizes that. He wants to make sure that he gets to apologize for it in case he doesn't get a chance to later.

-

Again, Church is protective of Tex, and it's shown that he worries about her. When Tucker, Caboose and Andy come back from their “quest” she's the first person he asks about.

-

Church: Oh, look who's back, the conquering heroes, what's up guys?

Tucker: Meh.

Church: Hey where's Tex?

Tucker: Gone.

–

As Tucker tells him about the failed quest Church asks if Tex is okay and it comes out that Tex has run after Wyoming (a bounty hunter working for O'Malley). Church is not pleased.

-

Church: Tucker, why didn't you tell me this?

Tucker: Tell you when, we just got here.

Church: Yeah but you've been wasting my time gabbing about your stupid failed quest.

-

He doesn't care about the quest he just wants to know if Tex is alright. Clearly he still harbors some feelings for her. And this bounty hunter had threatened Tex before in front of Church. That time he did not take it well either.

-

Wyoming: Ah yes, dear Tex. After I take care of your little friend Tucker, I'll be taking care of her as well.

Church: When I get out of here, -

-
 
In the last two episodes he is trying to protect her from herself as she makes herself bait for the AI O'Malley. When she turns her radio on to attract its attention he switches his on as well and orders the rest of the Blues to do the same. This way it will be harder for the AI to find Tex. 

–

In Reconstruction he spends a lot of time trying to figure out what happened to her. He knows she's like him (dead) and he wants to find her.

-

Also, on the character profile in one of the dvd's it states that Church's likes are, himself and Tex, his dislikes are, everyone else and Tex. Sure he claims he doesn't like her but she's the only other person to be on his likes list besides himself.

-

Tex Likes Him:

Tex's feeling are harder to pinpoint as she's not in the series that much and she doesn't say much either.

However she has shown that she cares about Church. Tex's final words before she dies in the first season are to Church.

Tex-“Church, is that you? It, it's gone, Church. The A.I., it's gone. Thank you”

The most important thing is if you consider that Tex didn't really know who was there. She might have guessed but since Church was possessing the robot, she had no way of knowing for certain. She was also dieing at the moment and I'm sure that takes away a bit of your ability to concentrate. Yet it was Church she was trying to thank before she died. He was the first person she called out for.

In Caboose's mind in season two, when they are both trying to kill O'Malley, they have him cornered and Church is displaying a skill at saying really bad one liners. One of them however is note worthy.

--
Church- “Alright O'Malley, from now on, if anybody makes my girlfriend cranky and psychotic, it's gonna be me.

Tex-Aw, that's sweet.

Church- Shut up bitch.

Tex- Asshole.”
-

He calls Tex his girlfriend in front of her and Tex didn't say anything about it. In fact her response is surprising. Tex is not someone to find things sweet. And yet the tone shows she's not being sarcastic, she honestly finds this sweet.

Of course Church manages to mess it up, but still the tone of their words after that seems to imply that they say that to each other a lot. They continue with what they're doing without giving it a second thought.

Tex tries to protect Church from O'Malley as well. In the last episode, right before it enters her head she tells Church to run. Her tone of voice makes it clear that she doesn't want O'Malley to hurt him when he takes over her body.

Tex's last words in the Blood Gulch chronicles are while she's on the ship. Church just yelled at her not to do this. In a voice that's very soft and low she says.. “Goodbye”. She's doing what she thinks she has to, but the tone of her voice indicates that she's not happy about it.

 

 

PROBLEMS?...NOPE 

One of the main problems people come up with against them is that they were once together and then they broke up. However you need to factor in O'Malley. The AI was implanted into her to make her meaner. They were dating before she got it...and broke up sometimes after it.

Church has said that Tex used to cheat on him and steal his money. It's only mentioned in passing so it doesn't give much information. In the New Years special, Church makes resolutions for all the Blue team members. The one he makes for Tex has “She meant nothing to me” written on it, as well as. “How many times are we going to have this argument.” Clearly there were issues on both sides.

WHY I SHIP THEM: END

 

Tex and Church have one of those relationships that you just want to succeed. They're able to keep each other sane while surrounded by idiots. I ship them because I think they make a good couple. They clearly still like each other and they work well together but are still able to argue. 

I got into Red vs Blue because of my younger brother. He got me to watch a few episodes and I was quickly hooked. I watched season 4 first and Tex was my favorite character by far. As I watched all of the episodes she was still my favorite but Church was also up there as well. I was drawn to this pairing because I love listening to them interact with each other. Church tries not to show that he cares all the while the two of them are annoying each other. That I think is the most important reason as to why I ship them. They're the only people that would be able to put up with each other for a long period of time.

Why should you like this paring? Well for one thing it's highly entertaining. It's a love hate relationship as well, which is always interesting.

I will leave you all with the best reason to support this pairing... it gives us stuff like this. (With only a bit of shameless self promoting)...

FANDOM GUIDE

Official Sites 

(RvB Website) http://rvb.roosterteeth.com/home.php

(YouTube page) http://www.youtube.com/user/roosterteeth

Fan Work

(Art) http://ventia.deviantart.com/art/Tex-and-Church-WIP-67032444

(Art) http://alienfirst.deviantart.com/art/less-than-perfect-16584076

(Art) http://demonofdoom.deviantart.com/art/Tex-and-Church-104231277

(Art) http://elnea-taichiknees.deviantart.com/art/Tex-and-Church-The-Duel-34182694

(Art) http://trinitylimit.deviantart.com/art/Happy-early-v-day-14874000

(Fic) http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4360120/1/Dont_Ask_Questions

(Fic) http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4104810/1/All_Hed_Ever_Need

(Fic) http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4945396/1/Red_vs_Blue_Stories_From_The_Gulch

(Fic) http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4374862/1/A_Very_Strange_Event

(Fic) http://community.livejournal.com/rvb_het/18771.html#cutid1

(Fic) http://community.livejournal.com/fanfic100/3775665.html

(Vid) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGWfUUTtDig

(Vid) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_jWDuKC3Yw

Comments

[ofangoriousone.livejournal.com]

YESSSS Red vs. Blue fandom, I didn't even know this existed. Thanks for the well written essay/links, this is going to occupy me for a while : )

[themadmaiden.livejournal.com]

Red vs, Blue is love. Glad you liked my essay. :)

[hyper-amychao.livejournal.com]

yes! I love you for this! Thank you!

related icon XD

[themadmaiden.livejournal.com]

Thanks :D. Glad you liked it. It was so much fun to write. Huge Tex/Church shipper that I am. Love your icon by the way.

[apathys-whore.livejournal.com]

While I agree with you wholeheartedly, I think you may be over analyzing the first part you have under Tex. It could be true, but let's face it, I don't think these guys were professionals when they started, and they don't play by the rules. How could Church have spoken to Garry (Gamma) for 1,000 years, when it was clearly before the whole AI thing. Regardless, ChurchxTex for the win. They're the only het couple I like, and that's something coming form a dedicated slash fan.