Work Text:
Karen had seen her many times. Every time she saw her it struck curiosity in her. Who was this woman? Why hadn't she seen her before?
She saw her in the supermarket, taking cheap beer and junk food. She wanted to introduce herself but she just seemed like an unapproachable woman. Cold and distant but with a radiant smile. She was completely set to talk to her.
Then she saw her in the pharmacy. Buying cheap makeup and stuff to refill three emergency aid boxes. She had seen this before with Joyce, fortunately, her friend was wild to tame and never gave her freedom away. This time she caught her before leaving and she just started doing what she was best at, talking.
What started as casual chit chat ended in her living room laughing a little too hard at nonsense. She had told her all about the hell that her home was and about her step-son. She also had a daughter whose characteristics matched one of Mike's friends. They cursed at the men and laughed until she had to go home, or rather taken home since their talking involved one or two glasses of wine.
She later invited her to one of the mom's nights, where Steve Harrington took care of the kids at the Byers home. She didn't understand the kids attachment to him but she let it slide. The strawberry blonde arrived on time and helped Karen with the snacks and such. The rest arrived a little later cursing their work hours and thanking them for this monthly night.
They all got along as soon as introduced, Karen made sure of that. They laughed, drank and played poker. They revived old times and gushed about their beautiful kids. Just what being a mom means.