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Published:
2025-08-24
Updated:
2025-10-08
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4,067
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9/?
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Tell Me More

,

Summary:

Haley has moved to Zuzu City in search of the financial stability she never found in sleepy little Pelican Town. Sebastian is stuck in the Valley, toiling away in his basement bedroom. One day, he decides to send a letter to the one person lucky enough to escape.

Notes:

This is a super fun collab project between Tora and I! Sebastian's letters are written by me (halixius) and Haley's letters are written by ToraTales. We're writing blind, so the story is as unknown to us as it is to you. I hope you enjoy!
- Hali

Note: A ship is possible but not guaranteed. We'll update the tags as we go.

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

Haley,

Hey. This was supposed to be an email but your sister insisted I write to you by hand. I don't even know why I'm writing. You'll probably just burn this if it even gets to you at all. The post office is a joke these days.

You're lucky, you know? You're like the only one of us to escape. I guess I just want to know what the world is like out there. Anything has to be better than this dull ass town. I'm going crazy here. I guess that might be obvious since I'm writing a fucking letter, pen and paper, stamp and all, and I'm writing to you of all people. No offense, it's just… you know. We didn't exactly "vibe" or whatever the kids say these days.

Rambling. Sorry. If you see this, and for Yoba knows what reason you do decide to respond, maybe send me some pictures? That would be cool. I could live vicariously through your travels. I could pretend for a minute that I'm not stuck in this shithole.

Sebastian

 

 

Hey, basement boy!

Sorry for the late reply, I tried to find a fireplace to chuck your letter into, but no one in this Yoba forsaken city has one, they're all electrical. Can you believe it?

Just kidding, of course. It's nice to hear from home.

You spoke with Emily? How is she? Tell her hi from me the next time you see her.

The city is pretty much what you'd expect: Noisy and dirty, but most people ignore you, which is nice. You won't believe how good it feels to buy snacks in the store at 8 in the morning without getting judgemental stares from your friend's grandma, or whatever.

My apartment is tiny, but there are more stores, cafés and clubs within walking distance than I can count, so I guess that's a positive. There are a couple of good restaurants I enjoy too, but none of them beat Gus' food of course.

What are you doing these days? Still working on the computer things?

Please, please, please tell me all the latest gossip, I'm dying to know what everyone's been up to!

Haley

P.S I was really surprised to get your letter (mostly because I didn't know you could write) but thanks anyway.

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

Heather,

I can write just fine but I can barely read Ye Olde Flowery Handwriting.

If you're ever on the North side you should check out a cafe called Deja Brew. Best cup of coffee I've ever had in my life, seriously. I'd kill for a monthly delivery of their beans. They even do all the cute little lavender lattes or whatever it is you drink.

Emily is good. She's, y'know, Emily. I see her every Friday at the Saloon. She says 'hi' but can't you just call?

Still working on the computer things… Yup. I don't see that changing any time soon. I don't think you want me to talk about my work.

I don't know gossip. I just mind my own business. I guess I overheard my mom talking about how that weirdo that lives on the beach is shacking up with one of the town moms on the sly. Oh and Abby thinks she saw Alex staring into Penny's window.

What are you doing up there? There's no way you're making a living with photography.

Sebastian

P.S. It's "basement man" to you

 

 

Hi Basement Man!

I knew it!! Alex has had a crush on Penny since we were young, I'm sure of it. Too bad she's into Leah. She never told me that, of course, but it's painfully obvious. Also, excuse my yelling, but:

ELLIOTT GOT WITH WHO?

I'm serious Seb, if you don't figure out which town mom it was along with more details, I will throw you in the next Luau Soup.

Tell me about your computer things anyway! It can't be more boring than my dayjob. I've been working as a seamstress in a small boutique (Emily isn't the only one who can sew). The customers are dreadfully dull, but it pays well.

I still do photography on the side, mostly evening jobs in concert venues shooting for whatever bands are playing. That's more fun, but the hours are horrid and naturally it only pays well if I get any good pictures (which I do, of course!)

I went to that café last week. Their lattes were good, but their iced tea was to die for! Thanks, I blame my new addiction on you.

Honestly, city life is more of a hassle than you'd think. It would be nice to visit home soon. I'd call Emily but she's not exactly happy with me right now. Sisterly love, you know. She'll come around eventually.

By the way, attached some photos and some of those coffee beans. Hope they made it there okay!

Haley

[arrow pointing to hand reaching up from Luau Soup] You, before the Governor eats the soup, and you along with it.

[art that depicts the contents of a package sent with the letter: a bag of 100% organic coffee beans from Deja Brew; a photograph of Haley sitting on a blanket outside holding a camera, signed "XOXO"; a photograph of Bella's boutique; a photograph of city streetlights at night, labeled "Zuzu City"]

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Harley,

Thank you. For the beans and stuff. I meant to send this two weeks ago but would you believe a junimo snuck into my room and stole this letter and I had to chase it all through the woods? Bet you thought they were just fairy tales, huh? Nope. Thieves. Anyway, really, thanks. I had to order a grinder because Pierre never carries any real coffee but it was worth the wait.

I don't think you want a box full of Gus's spaghetti, so I'm sending you some gold instead. I hope it's enough to cover the beans + shipping.

Penny and Leah? Yeah, I get it. Leah is hot but she looks like and she does those weird sculptures so that's pretty cool.

Look, if you want a taste of me all you have to do is ask. No soup required. I don't know anything about Elliott but Abby said she can't be in the house during aerobics class anymore because it feels like all hell might break loose if someone cha-chas the wrong way.

I thought sewing was a basic home ec thing? I can sew too if this is a competition. Gotta get my patches on somehow. Cool that you found good work up there, though. Even if it's not your favorite, sounds like it's enough to keep you from having to crawl back here.

Are you seeing someone now or did you drag a mirror to the park for that photo?

My work is all about synergy, pivoting, velocity, MVPs, KPIs. Fun words that mean half-listening in 2-5 pointless meetings a day and chasing people around to clean up the messes they make. And trying to design new protocols and features so I can prevent idiots from bringing the whole platform crashing down. Again.

Sister troubles? I don't know anything about that. I could talk to her or something? No, you're right, that's a stupid idea and it's definitely not my business. I don't know why I'm writing this out and now it's getting awkward so

Good luck or whatever.

Elder Being of the Sacred Basement

you eating spaghetti —>

 

 

Oh Great Grandpa of the Deep & Dark

That’s too long. I think Frog Man suits you better.

Thanks for the gold, but the beans were a gift, and no offense, but I don't need your money. I'm sending it back, use it to bribe the junimos not to steal your stuff or something.

I'm sure my three piece form fitted outfits can't compare to your iron-on definitely well sewed patches. Maybe you could come here and teach me a thing or two! I think my boss would have an aneurysm if she saw your torn jeans and washed out hoodie. Actually that sounds like a great time, do feel free to drop by any day!

Synergy, pivoting, and velocity? Sounds like one of Emily's rants about planets and rocks. Are you sure your job is related to computers? Sorry it's giving you a hard time. Have you ever considered… Dare I say it… Pivoting?

The photo was taken by one of my many suitors! A handsome man, very tall and ever so funny, and he's super rich too. You wouldn't know him, he works in a different city. Did I mention he's handsome? And he would definitely taste better than you, with or without the soup.

How are Sam and Abigail doing? Are you guys still hanging out regularly? I imagine Caroline is getting impatient waiting for one of you to give Abigail a pendant.

By the way, last week the craziest thing happened. I've been dying to tell someone! I was at a concert taking photos as usual when the manager came and told me he liked the work I'd done in their previous show. He'd recommended me to some guy who's apparently a music producer for one of those big companies. Somehow he decided he was impressed by my photos, and long story short, I got invited to shoot a promo album for this band called wink-281. Have you heard of them? They were new to me, but I think they're kinda popular. Either way, I'm so excited!!

Sincerely, the Spaghetti Monster

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

Are you fucking kidding me?? Do I know wink-281? We tried to get tickets to their show but they sold out within like 5 minutes. Congrats. That's pretty big, Haley. You're like a real photographer now. I don't mean that in a condescending way, in case it comes off that way.

BTW Frog Man is probably the nicest thing anyone has ever called me. Are you feeling okay?

Pivoting? I'm only good at this one thing. I honestly don't know what else I would do. It's whatever, I just have to put up with this corporate rat race until I can branch out on my own.

Give Abby a pendant? Don't be gross. She's more like my sister than my actual half-sister. But if your handsome, tall, funny, super rich suitor is ever looking for another suitee, give him my number. I'm not above being a sugar baby if it gets me out of this town. I'm just saying.

Sebastian "Frog Man" Rosenthal

p.s. there is more but I put it on the back. It felt right.

<— Marvin
(he could be the flower queen now that you're gone)

[on the reverse side]
Hey, listen, maybe you already know this and I'm really not the one you should be hearing it from, but… there was an incident at the saloon last night. IDK what happened exactly but that blacksmith guy was drunk and started a fight with Shane and it got loud. I think it was about Emily. She kind of had a meltdown in front of half the town and Marnie ended up taking her home. Sam and his mom checked on her this morning and said she seemed ok. Just thought you should know since you've been asking about her.

 

 

Hey Frog Man

Thanks for letting me know about Emily. I'm sorry that happened, please kick both the blacksmith and Shane's shins for me. I swear to Yoba one day I will —[scribbled out]

I never wanted Emily to work in the Saloon in the first place, but it's good for her to have a routine, you know? Gus should have stepped in if he was there.

I talked to Jodi on the phone (Emily didn't answer), she agreed to keep an eye on things for a bit. Thanks again for telling me.

Don't throw away the napkin I added, it's signed by three of the members in wink-281. I should have gotten something better for them to sign but I didn't think about it until it was too late, sorry.

Will you be going to see the Moonlight Jellies this year? I'm seeing if I can get time off to visit home.

Haley

Sorry for the hasty letter, wrote it at work

Chapter 5

Summary:

Sebastian's POV of the Moonlight Jellies festival and what happens after their first meetup since becoming pen pals.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Hashtag Fashion Girlie,

The napkin is really cool. Thanks. I put it in a frame so Sam doesn't use it to wipe up his Joja Cola next time he spills it and almost ruins a game board. Almost had to hang it outside though, because wow, I don't know what perfume you use but it is potent stuff. Did you spray the napkin or do you bathe in it before you go out?

I am going to the Moonlight Jellies. It's one of like two festivals I don't hate. Well I guess by the time you see this I already went because it's tomorrow. Maybe I saw you there. I was the guy at the end of the dock in the really cool blacklight paint spatter hoodie. I have a theory that it'll light up from the jelly's glow. Hope I was right.

If you showed up, I'm sure I don't need to tell you. Bet you'll sniff out the drama like a bloodhound. But in case you didn't, you might want to know that the valley's most pretentious romanticized ginger won't be making an appearance tomorrow night. A lot of pearls are being clutched, whispers being whispered. Or so I hear. But like I said, I don't do gossip.

Frog Man

 

 

"Yoba, why do I have to be so fucking awkward?" Sebastian muttered under his breath, pressing the heels of his palms into his eyes.

The last of the moonlight jellies had migrated out of sight three hours prior, yet he was still awake. Still leaning back against the headboard, hoping the earth would open up and swallow him whole as the night played over and over in his head. Haley tapping his shoulder. Himself stumbling through an awkward greeting—

'Hey cam girl'? Really? Why the hell would I say that?—

Her running off almost as quickly as she'd come in. Sam jabbing him in the ribs as soon as she was out of earshot.

At nearly five in the morning he was out of bed, smoking another cigarette while he tried to think of anything else. The splatter-painted jellyfish on his hoodie seemed to mock him as he stared down at it, having a one-sided conversation like any definitely normal, totally not-fucking-stupid person would.

 

 

The internal cringing had continued to eat away at him as the days turned into weeks with no new letters waiting in his mailbox. Eventually, he told himself that it didn't matter, that they weren't friends; they were nothing more than two bored and lonely people passing time. And, eventually, he began to believe that.

As fall and then winter rolled in, it became easier to occupy his mind with upcoming festivals and an increased workload. The memory stopped haunting him completely as a new friend began to occupy more of his days, and in time, more of his nights.

The letters had been stashed in his desk drawer shortly after the Dance of the Moonlight Jellies, then moved to a storage box in the closet while tidying up for a New Year's get-together. Sebastian had breathed out a small sigh of fond rememberance as he looked upon the collection one last time. Then, out of sight and out of mind, they had slipped away from him altogether as he rang in the new year with his lips on his new beau.

Notes:

psst... don't worry, guys. this is not the end.

Chapter 6

Summary:

Haley's POV of the Moonlight Jellies and what she's been up to since then!

Chapter Text

Haley pushed a stray lock of hair away from her face with the back of her hand, trying to juggle the dishes in the sink without making too much noise. Her sister was sleeping on the couch after another fight, and Haley did not want to wake her. The apartment was not big enough for two, but despite Haley's best efforts, Emily had not taken well to being left alone in Pelican Town. Her behaviour that most of the townspeople had chalked up to Emily being quirky had escalated to the point where Haley was afraid Emily might land herself in trouble, and no matter how patient Gus had been, she couldn't expect the same from the rest of the town.

Truth be told, Haley was happy to have Emily with her, despite the tension brought on by the small space. She'd been so bored, and so lonely, despite living in a city full of opportunities and people. She didn't belong here.

Putting the clean and dried dishes back in the cupboard, she caught sight of a familiar box on the top shelf. The small plastic container sent a jolt of shame through her system like it always did, knowing it contained his letters. The neat pile of paper topped by the last one she had yet to reply to burned a hole in her chest everytime she was reminded of its existence. It was surely gathering dust by now, but everytime she'd reread his last letter, she cringed at the memory of their meeting last summer.

"Nice hoodie, did you get into your mom's paint buckets again?"—

Haley shuddered. Had she known that he had indeed painted the hoodie himself, she would have been kinder about it. The bright colors against the dark fabric had lit up beautifully as the iridescent jellies arrived.

"You should write to him, you know."

Haley slammed the door to the cupboard shut in surprise. Turning around, she saw Emily staring at her from the couch. She was wearing that dreamy expression only Emily could, staring into an undefined point in the ceiling.

"How do you know about the letters?" Haley asked, immediately recoiling at her own defensiveness.

"Found them on my first day here. Hadn't seen that box before, it seemed new," Emily shrugged, as if a meticulous mental catalogue of Haley's belongings was completely normal.

"They were personal, Emily. Don't go snooping through my things."

"Why would you keep personal things out in the open?" Emily asked, stretching through a yawn.

"It was in a box on the top shelf inside a closed cupboard!" Haley felt heat rise in her chest at her sister's nonchalance.

"You should still write to him."

"How do you know I didn't?" Haley huffed.

"No man would leave a blonde like you hanging, even Sebastian. So, since the last letter was referencing the Moonlight Jellies, I figured it was sent almost a year ago."

"The letter could be about this year's festival."

"The dust proves otherwise."

"Bullshit."

Emily seemed to mull this over for a moment, but Haley didn't budge.

"Also the previous letter was him talking about me," Emily admitted.

"Oh." Shame washed over Haley. "You weren't supposed to see that."

"I know." Emily stretched, laying back down on the small couch. It was hard to tell if the knowledge had any effect on her. "I'll forgive you if you write to him."

"I'm not doing that."

"Why not? Are you scared?" Emily's gaze pierced Haley like needles through her skin.

"I'm not scared!" Yoba damn her own stubbornness.

"Then why? What's the worst that can happen?"

Haley sighed in exasperation. "You wouldn't understand."

"Okay, but you only ever wear that frown when you're worried, so I think you're lying."

"I'm not scared, Emily." Haley swallowed thickly.

"Then write the letter."

"Maybe I will!"

"You should."

"Fine!"

Haley huffed again, stomped into her room, and closed the door behind her. It slammed shut a bit harder than she had intended, but she figured Emily was used to her dramatic exits and didn't bother apologizing. Instead, she made her way to her desk, sat down on the cheap chair, and pulled out her small collection of stationery from the desk drawer.

Rifling through the different papers, envelopes, pens, stickers, and tape, she found what she needed and laid it out in front of her. For a moment she considered throwing it all away, but the thought of Emily's judgemental look stopped her.

What's the worst that can happen?—

Finally, she took a deep breath, hand shaking as she wrote:

 

 

Hey Stranger.

It's been a while. I'm sorry I never replied, and I'm sorry I was a jerk at the docks last summer.

I wanted to reach out, but everything with Emily got a bit out of hand and I needed to take care of her. She's doing better now but I had to bring her to the city for a while (I guess you might already know that from Sam through Jodi). She'll be back working at the Saloon soon, I just need to work out a routine with Gus, in case anything happens again.

Anyway, I understand if this is out of the blue after so long, but it would be nice to talk again. If you still have paper to write on, that is. Or, if you ever get your bike fixed, we could meet up in the city. I'd love to show you this pond in one of the parks nearby. It has frogs. Not as beatiful as the mountain lake at home of course, but the coffee shop next to it is on par with Deja Brew.

Hope you haven't gone completely hermit on us yet.

Heather

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

Hailstorm,

It was a nice surprise to get your letter. You're lucky - I almost had to write this on a dirty sock. I just happened to find this one last sheet of paper that wasn't expired yet. I don't know why you're apologizing, though. Pretty sure I'm the one that made an ass of myself.

Feels kind of silly to say but I miss Emily. I never knew her very well but the saloon hasn't been the same without her. Tell her I said hi.

My bike is fixed but maybe I can get River to drive us up in their truck some weekend. We've been talking about making a day trip to Zuzu anyways. Did you ever meet River? It's been so long I can't remember if you had already moved by the time they moved onto the farm. I'm sure Emily told you about them either way. You girls love your small town gossip.

Hermit Crab

p.s. I bet you'll never guess who's getting divorced ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

 

Dear Bicycle Boy

Let me just say right now, if you ever send me your dirty socks I will write to your mother and tell her it was you and Sam who set off those fireworks inside the community center that one time.

I'm sending Emily home soon. She might be back by the time you get this letter, so your pool fridays will be back to normal before you know it.

I never had the pleasure of meeting the farmer, but Emily told me they were cool, even if they could use a new outfit. Bring them along so we can go shopping? I think there's something in the water at home, making everyone lose their sense of fashion. Seriously, what's with all the overalls?

By the way, I went to a market the other day, and you won't believe the shit they try to pass as 'fresh produce' here. Even Joja Mart wouldn't sell this crap at home. I miss Marnie's eggs. I hope your farmer gets the crops up and running before the season is over. Let Rio know that if they plant sunflowers, I'll buy a whole bunch.

I would normally bet on Abigail's parents for the divorce, but at this point it could be anyone. Don't tell me it's Robin and Demetrius? I'm sorry if that's the case. Your mom deserves better though, so maybe it would be a good thing..

XOXO Gossip Girl

Chapter 8

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Wow, Haley. You know, you can be a real bitch sometimes.

Insult and tease me all you want, but don't talk about my partner like that when you've never even met them. And whatever you think you know about my family? You don't.

I burned that letter. I wouldn't want River to find it.

Hope you learn to enjoy the murder factory eggs.

- S

Notes:

go ahead, take your rage out on me in the comments 😇

Chapter 9

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

So they do wear overalls, got it.

If you didn't want to go shopping, you could just say that.

For what it's worth, I didn't mean to offend them, I think you all have equally horrible fashion sense.

Hope you are happy together.

Notes:

Well... everything is on fire, huh? How are they gonna move on from this? Stay tuned to find out.