Tinder closes her eyes for a moment as she tries to calm down, trying to figure out how to deal with this without getting her friends hurt. "You don't understand... I've been doing this for over ten years, working for them was the only thing keeping me safe. I don't even know how much I owe them anymore, it's been too long. I just need to start doing their jobs again, that's all I need to do. It'll keep you and everyone else safe, I promise."

Tinder backs up a bit as Nivalia speaks, she knows this is true, but she's come to expect this in her life and part of her doesn't think she can go back. "I don't want to lose you... What if something happens and they hurt you, I can't take the thought of it. I've gotten used to the jobs, I'm good at them, they keep me going." There are just so many things for her to take in, she's never been this clear with someone. Reaching out she grabs her pills off the table, going to take a few more. "This is just my life Niv, I'm used to it."

Tinder shrinks back as Nivalia swipes the bottle from her, fear flashing in her eyes. She takes the pills that are offered to her with a shaking hoof, nervous that they will be taken away again, she needs this. Quickly she downs the pills, trying to take deep breaths to keep herself calm, putting the bottle back in her bag. "But, I like my life... I know how to do this job, I'm good at it. I'm not good enough for others. You stick to what you know, and I know this. You don't need to waste your time on this, on studying them.. you shouldn't waste resources on me. I'll just end up slipping back, I always do."

Tinder scratches at her bandages nervously, taking deep breaths to try to calm herself down, trying to convince herself that what Niv is saying is true. "Ebony said the same thing when he saw my file... He said he'd help. But, I don't know if I'd make it through. Rehab would have to be involved, and I barely stayed going when I was in one last." She glances up at Nivalia as she talks about sorting out the threats, and as much as she wants to run for the hills she knows she has to do this. Slowly Tinder stands up, straightening out her bag and taking a breath. "I can bring you to my dealer.. I don't know any high-ups, they aren't who I real with."

Tinder checks her bag once more, making sure she has enough pills to last her till she gets back. The thought of cutting ties with her dealer is starting to get to her, reminding her of the pain and sickness she'll have to go through if she quits. She looks to Niv and nods a few times, "Okay.. I'll try." She stops at her door and stares out, taking a deep breath before making her way out. She seems to be walking towards the east side of town, her steps slow and shaky, she doesn't want to do this.

Tinder looks over at Niv as she starts to slow down, she knows that his spot is close. Her eyes full of fear, all she can think of is the pain, of having what she relies on taken away from her, of the time in rehab that is to come.. She's barely even moving anymore, just inching forward, she knows this isn't going to go well. But she can't stop now, she needs to keep going. Tinder takes a deep breath and adjusts her bag, not ready for this but having no choice. She looks around a few times before heading down a nearby alley, she can't do this. But it's too late now.. he's already seen her.

Near the middle of the alley, leaning against the wall, is a dark gray earth pony. He blends in well with the surrounding area, other then his piercing blue eyes, eyes that look like they could see into the soul. A light smirk appears on his face as he sees the two approach, "Back for another batch already? And I see you brought a friend, you know that one extra person won't make up for your debt.."

As soon as he spoke Tinder almost seemed to shrink, she can't do this, she can't break ties with this. Her voice shakey as she attempts to speak, "No, I... I just need my regular. Nothing else."

As Tinder speaks he walks over to her, backing her against the wall. His face inches away from hers as he puts one of his forehooves against the wall beside her, blocking her way out. "You know I don't like it when you bring others around... And you know that you need to give me something before I give you something. You saw what happened last time you gave me nothing." His hoof lightly hitting her side, watching her wince from the pain. "Of course, if you're still outta money, you know I accept other forms of payment." His eyes traveling down her body as he speaks.

Tinder seems frozen in fear as he approaches her, she knows this drill by now, it's not the first time. As she's teleported to Niv she seems to straighten up a bit, a little bit of fear leaving her eyes. A deep breath leaves her as she moves closer to Nivalia, wanting to support her. "Thank you.."

As his prey disappears from in front of him he turns to face the two, not afraid to get what he wants. He steps closer, each movement purposeful, each look telling. "You're going to pay for her?" He doesn't seem to be heading for Niv, he knows she's not afraid of him, but Tinder is. He knows he can get whatever he wants from Tinder, "Are you really going to let your friend here waste her money on you?" He reaches up to stroke her face slightly, smirking as she reels back from the touch, "Wouldn't you rather pay for your own? You know how to.." He grins as he glances over to Niv and then back to Tinder, "What do you say? Or, I suppose you could let her pay, I can always come visit your house when you need another dose."