Fandom: Little Nightmares Characters: Roger the janitor, the chefs, the lady Relationships: Roger/reader Request: could you write an x roger the janitor from little nightmares? I don’t know but something really angsty. Its totally up to you A.N: 1) I love little nightmares. I spent hours playing it and getting the hard to the core trophy so I am pretty familiar with them and I find roger to be rather endearing as well. the grannys purpose in this is from a theory I read a while back. She is Rogers grandmother who he bought when he came to the Maw and was originally the nanny for the children and was banished becuase she was abusing and/or killing the children. This is also based on the theory that the children are not eaten, but are kept to be turned into Nomes to keep the Maw running and that they are children who were abandoned in the ‘real’ world and were brought here to keep them alive in one way or another. If you want to read a bit more into this theory (and I highly recommended it) search for theory on the Granny and on the song that plays on the TV by the woman. There will be a part 2 You stepped into the elevator, pressing the button on the wall and turning to let the shutter close and the machine lower you into the lowest areas of the maw. It had been a long day to say the least. You were tired and a little sore but that didn’t stop you from going to see the janitor. Nothing could stop you from seeing him. You had first ran away to the Maw as a teenager. The world was cruel and unkind in every way to you until you heard of a place where strange things could go and call home. To this day, you weren’t sure if you came here voluntarily or if you were called. You liked to think the latter and that the Maw needed you for something. Like many of the inhabitants, it would only accept new ‘staff’ when it really needed them. When you arrived, the Lady was waiting for you, her porcelain mask immediately making you feel uneasy since you couldn’t read her expressions, but she welcomed you into the Maw nonetheless as her maid. Of course, this was a bit of a dated title, since you were more like an assistant to her. She was a very private person, and relied very little on you for things a maid might do, like helping her change. No, you were more of the run-around for her, making sure everything was running smoothly. She gave you quarters within her own, on the lower floor near the elevator that connected hers to the guests. You had a small bedroom, bathroom and living area, which was cosy and more than you ever wanted. The twins were the first two you met. Dee was the oldest and more intelligent of the two. He had a bit of a mood about him most days, but he was generally nice in a tolerable kind of way. His brother, Dum, was a little slow but kind and gentle. You had asked the Lady about their names and she simply answered that they had given it to themselves. She didn’t know if those were their real names or if they had changed their names when they ran away here. You normally got along with them both, often having to be a communication method between them and the Lady. Then you had met Roger. It was a little over a month since you had been there, and you had heard from the twins about the disformed janitor. He mainly kept to the lower levels, but would sometimes come up when needed. You weren’t that fortunate. The lady had ordered you to go to him and speak about the floorboard in the pantry of the kitchen, because the chiefs were complaining that the nomes were using it to come and take food. Of course, this had made you whole body shake at the idea of meeting another member of the Maw without the protection of the Lady, but you couldn’t say no. you had went and he had been waiting for you. You were a little relieved he couldn’t see, because it allowed you to fully inspect him for any danger and keep a close eyes on him. Although you were fascinated my his appearance, you were there for a reason. He didn’t speak, only nodding and tapping his fingers as if impatient. The lady then decided the best way for you to learn absolutely everything about the Maw, you would have to spend some time with Roger. On a Tuesday and Thursdays you would accompany him on his checks, learning the lay out of the Maw as well as how it runs. At first, he seemed to resent your company but slowly, he found himself waiting for you to return. You respected his silence and didn’t try to make awkward small talk like the twins. You would speak sometimes, telling him things about you or stories you found funny and he would chuckle. In fact, the first time he spoke to you, you were surprised. You had thought he couldn’t speak. But you had just finished telling him about how you were almost finished your book and you wondered about asking the Ferryman if he could bring you something. You had thought of the irony of maybe reading Moby Dick but then you admitted to Roger that the Ferryman scared you. There had been a brief moment when Roger had stopped, obviously thinking about something as he moved his jaw from side to side before beckoning you to follow him. He took you to his quarters and into his vast library. You had stared in awe and even more so as you watched Roger guide himself around the shelfs and reach up. His fingers trailed along the books, either counting or taking in the marking, or both, until he pulled down one and offered it to you with a long, outstretched hand. Moby Dick. You had let out an audible gasp, taking it out his hands and flipping through the pages. You had promised him you would return it as soon as you were finished. “Keep it.” He had said in a low, raspy voice. One which sounded like it hadn’t been used in years. From then on, a bond was formed. You went to see him most days after you were finished and you would sit with him in his living quarters. One room, which was a living area, had an arm chair and couch. You would often lie across the couch reading while Roger was content to sit in the chair, relaxing. You joined him for his evening meals, eating with him and helping him clean up. In the space of 6 months, you had become a common part of his life, a scheduled companion which he could rely on and it had been this way for years now. Roger would never have thought that someone might want to spend time with him, much less seek him out in their free time. Nor did he think he could become so accustomed to the company that evening when you had to work late seemed to be slow and boring. He started to crave your company more than he thought he ever would. But he was surprised when you seemed to mirror his own desires to stay with him. Some nights, you would fall asleep on his couch or you would find a way to go see him during your lunch. Roger had even started leaving all his lights on for you. He had little use for them, so you wouldn’t mind searching in the dark for the switch. But now, he kept them on just for you. After being on the Maw for the best part of 5 years now, you were fully comfortable and at home. “Roger?” You called out into the dark, a small smile on your face. He knew when you finished and often would wait for you at the elevator. Stepping out into the darkness, you couldn’t help but feel valuable. For the most part, Roger had done well adapting to have a companion around who could see. He kept most of the lights of, only really working in the dark if you weren’t around. You were about to call out his name again when something touched your back. You let out yelp as you twisted, about to try and stumble away from whoever had snuck up on you, only to come face to face with Roger. He was smirking, a soft chuckle filling the area. He had been in the rafters and had lowered himself behind you. “That’s not funny.” You pout, playfully pushing his shoulder but he could hear the small laugh you let out. When he stood at his full height, he was about 3 or 4 inches taller than you, but he normally sloughed so he could use his long arms and elbows for support meaning he was about the same height. He guided you into his living room, which housed a small TV, a sofa, armchair, table and a few piles of books. It was a little before his bedroom, which you had only been in a handful of times before. His quarters were different to everyone else’s because they seemed spread out across the level. There was a walk from the elevator to the loungeroom then from here to the bedroom and the library. You had offered before to help him move his things into a few rooms closer by, but he refused. He seemed to enjoy it this way. As soon as you were close enough, you collapsed into the sofa, your body exhausted. You heard Roger let out a small hum, often used to enquire about your actions. “With the guests coming soon, the lady has been more demanding and a little more irritated than normal.” You explain, a shiver running through your body. “Is the heating on?” Roger shook his head, a soft growl leaving his lips before he spoke. “radiator was broken. Fixed now, but will take time.” He explained, using as few words as possible. He didn’t like speaking, and his voice often sounded horse and sore so you never pushed him. Besides, after so long, you knew his replies by his body mostly. “damn.” You grumbled, a small part of you wishing you were in your room. The Ladys quarters were always rather warm and cosy. Roger went to his armchair and pulled the blanket he normally draped over his legs off the chair. On his way back to you, his reached his long arm out and to switch on the TV which was playing a children’s lullaby. Roger offered you the blanket, and you couldn’t refused. But when you took it, your fingers brushed against his own and you felt how cold they were. Jumping, you quickly let go of the blanket to grab his hand in both of your own, feeling how the skin was like ice. “You’re freezing.” You mumble, your eyes venturing up to look at Roger. He shrugged his shoulders, but his hand never tried to pull away from your own. In fact, he seemed to enjoy the warmth of your own. Standing up, you picked up the blanket. “I cant let you get ill. Not with the Maw surfacing soon.” You pulled him closer as one of your hands stayed in his own while the other reached out and maneuverer him to sit on the sofa by his shoulder. The sofa itself was low and close to the floor, so he didn’t have to use his arms to help him up. He sat at the end so one of his sides was against the armrest. You sat down directly beside him with your right arm pressed against his left and pulling your legs up onto the sofa, dropping his hand so you could lie the blanket across both your lap and his own. Once it was done, you moved his left arm up so you could crawl underneath and cuddle into him. You could feel how cold he must have been, judging by the chill in his clothes. His left arm quickly wrapped around you and made you smile. You enjoyed it when he did this, even though it was few and far between because his arm would go along your shoulder with his elbow bend about the same level with your own then down your arm and wrap around your legs, his hand rest on your bend knees. You smiled, taking his hand in your own to try and warm it up. His free hand pulled the blanket up himself a little as he slouched, obviously already comfy enough to fall asleep right here and now. you rested your head on his chest and closing your eyes as you felt his other arm come under the blanket and then to join your hands. You smiled, taking a hand in each of your own and squeezing, unable to put into words how right this felt as you drifted off to sleep. ------------------- You hauled the bucket over to the chute and poured the dead fish into it, a shiver running through your spin. It was Dee who had told you who was down there. The Granny, an older woman who was Rogers grandmother and had came with him when he arrived. She had originally looked after the children, but then she turned and started to hurt them. While the children’s fate on the ship was not to be considered the nicest, it was for a purpose and to keep the Maw running. It had to stay running. But the Granny was selfish, and she started to kill the children, whether to ‘save’ them or punish them, Dee didn’t know. But Roger had found out and had turned on his family, telling the Lady of her betrayal. She was banished to the bottom of the Maw. Roger had taken over he duties, caring for the children until they were old enough to ‘work’. He didn’t like it, because he grew close with a lot of the children, but he knew it was unavoidable. This was why the Nomes were often so fond of him, leaving little drawing for him to find. Although he couldn’t see them, he kept every single one of them. It made you smile at the thought of it. you took the bucket back to the kitchen but the chiefs hadn’t started working yet so you were able to remain in your thoughts. Last night, you had fallen asleep in Rogers arms and you couldn’t remember ever being more happy. It would be easy to just say you saw him as a friend, but you didn’t. He meant so much more to you. You were completely and utterly in love with the janitor of the Maw. Smiling, you realised that the feelings may never be returned and in fact, they may never be brought to light. But knowing you loved someone this much was incredible to you. You had never been around anyone enough to develop any sort of feelings, love or otherwise. So the fact that you were able to feel this emotion was more than enough for you right now. Especially because Roger seemed more than comfortable with your presences and touch, you could easily keep your feelings for him to yourself. You heard a bell ringing daintily from the upper levels and knew who was calling you. Washing your hands to rid any smell of the fish, you made your way up to the Ladys quarters. As you entered the entry hall with the stairs, you saw she was standing at the door which you had discover lead to shattered mirrors. She had her back to you so you cleared your throat. “You called me?” You asked, staying at the bottom of the stairs. You found she tended to react better when your head was below her own. Even now, after years of being by her side, she preferred it. You were the closest she could consider to a friend here, and she had certainly changed the way she treated you to be more favourably over the last few years. She was more caring, and treated you more like an acquaintance (or even friend) than an employee. But the last few weeks, she seemed a little on edge. You had just assumed it was because the Maw was going to rise again in a few weeks and she carried the stress on her shoulders. “You did not return last night.” She spoke, apparently not surprised by your presence behind her. “No, I fell asleep in the lower levels. I apologies.” You glance away from her, a little embarrassed she had even noticed. “Where?” She turned her head ever so slightly to the right, and you could just see the white of her porcelain mask. “In Rogers quarters.” You specify, wondering if she might have thought you had just passed out on the floor somewhere. “The janitor.” She said in a quiet voice, more like she was speaking to herself than to you. You frowned, unsure of where this line of questioning was going. You were free to roam the ship as you needed. You had once fell asleep in an empty guest bedroom because you and Dee had had too much wine and you didn’t want to wake the Lady. She had never asked you before. “From now on, you are to remain on the upper levels at all times. You may not go into the lower ones. You will not socialise with other staff, you may not venture into the kitchen or further without my prior request and you are to never see the janitor again.” She spoke quickly but with such authority it made you jump. She had not demanded something in this way from you in a long, long time. But as her words worked into your mind, you suddenly realised what her words demanded you do. “You, you cannot be-“ you were about to question her, ascending a few steps as you tried to process everything. “Do not question me.” She half snarled, making you jump as she started to walk up the stairs to the upper levels of her quarters. She was saying you couldn’t see the others again. But they were your friends, your family. And Roger, why him specifically? What had happened to warrant her to demand such a thing from you. When you first arrive, she had promised you as much freedom of the ship as you wanted. But now, she was stripping it away. you could never see Roger again. Never. Your heart broke in your chest as you gasped for breath as you looked up at after her. “Miss, please.” You ran after her, tears flooding your eyes and streaming down your cheeks as your voice broke. You reached out to grab her arm, to beg her to reconsider. That was when it hit you. Physically. She twisted, and then it felt like a wrecking ball had slammed full force into your chest and you were thrown backwards. Your back collided with the wall, sending the pictures of the wall flying. Your body fell to the floor in a wreck. you hadn’t realised but you had screamed from fear and pain. Your world was falling apart before your eyes as you looked up and saw the Lady. She was grasping onto the handrail of the stairs, gasping for breath and almost doubled over as she looked down at you. For the first time since you had first came here, she looked almost weak. When her eyes met yours, they snapped away as she twisted away from. “my orders still stand.” She called over her shoulder, but her voice wavered. One thing was for sure, you weren’t going to disobey her. Not after this. She could very easily kill you. She left you gasping on the platform between the two sets of stairs, your head against the wall as you tried to focus on something. But your head was spinning, your mind blurry. You heard the ding of the elevator and footsteps. The first to come into view was Roger then Dee then Dum behind him. You were too close to passing out to even process what they were saying, but you did feel Roger lift you up. You closed your eyes and the next thing you felt was the soft bed under you and a hand on your cheek. His long fingers asked a silent question which you couldn’t answer. then you heard her voice. It was screaming, like nails on a chalk board. “GET OUT.” She screamed, making you jump with fear and open your eyes. She said it three times in quick succession which was enough to scare the twins out of your room. But Roger stayed, growled as he turned his head away from you. She wasn’t in the room, but her voice and presence was. “GET AWAY FROM MY MAID!” She screamed again but Roger stayed close, not moving from you. “Go, please.” You reached out and grabbed his hand, begging him to leave you. The lady was angry, and this would only end in one way. No sooner had he shook his head in reply to you, he was thrown away from your bedside towards the door like a rag doll. You winced as you tried to move to him but your body was so weak you couldn’t even move out the bed. “Please, leave.” You cried to him, begging him. If she was willing to hurt you the way she did, you didn’t know what she would do to the others. You were by far her favourite. Roger turned his head towards you, faltering. “Leave.” You screamed at him, your heart breaking. This was the last time you would see him, and you couldn’t even tell him how you felt. You could tell him how much you adored him and why you wanted to stay by his side. You couldn’t even take his hands and rub then softly, a gesture which was reserved for only you two. It was too dangerous. Rogers hands found your bedroom door and he vanished out after the twins. You heard a distant ding of the elevator door closing and it descending with your family to the lower levels. you collapsed in a sobbing mess, occasionally letting out a soft scream of pain which felt like it was ripping your insides. You had never been this broken or torn before. Never.
