Fan4Life: damn why is ChemicalSmuggler so special he gets all the attention from Arik?
 
 ChicagoIsSo2YearsOld: seems kinda gay. IDK.
 
 I made a face, not sure what to do as the chatroom got more and more out of control, comments coming in quicker than I could read them. I was about to call in Kiernan to save me when he posted.
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: Because we are friends. I’m allowed to give him shit.
 
 I gasped.
 
 Arik Vesper: How can I be sure we are friends? You could be anyone.
 
 A ton of questions popped in, basically re-asking how he knew me.
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: I came to your record release. Did you forget me already?
 
 A bunch of fans jumped on that, saying they’d been to shows or release parties, and did that make them friends with me?
 
 Arik Vesper: Of course we are all friends if you’ve been to a show.
 
 I hedged to try and keep the chat more under control.
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: If it’s that easy to be your friend, how do I elevate myself? Do I have to work harder when we play Warped together?
 
 The chat exploded, and I couldn’t breathe.
 
 My fingers froze over the keyboard.
 
 Arik Vesper: Are you here to resuscitate my brain?
 
 I scanned the flying text, waiting for him to reply.
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: Did you give me some sort of key for that? Or is there something I’m missing?
 
 Arik Vesper: I thought you were the one with the dopamine?
 
 It would give it away to the fans, but I wanted to talk to him, not beat around the bush anymore.
 
 DeathbRingeR: OMG is that one of the guys from Dopamine-Fiend?
 
 Closetfreak: IT HAS TO BE.
 
 Littlebitsad: I’m freaking out. Two of my favorite bands in this chat rn
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: Do you need some dopamine?
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: I might have some to share.
 
 Arik Vesper: You brought it with you.
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: Is that a really cheesy way of you telling me I’m making you happy?
 
 Arik Vesper: If I say yes, will you hold it against me?
 
 ChemicalSmuggler: I’m going to hold everything against you.
 
 I smiled and pulled my knees into my chest, resting my chin on them.
 
 The chat moved too fast, and I knew I should be looking for and answering questions, but I craved more replies from Varian.