It started as an innocent admiration. Carl just really admired the way Ella did things without unnecessary violence and managed to get what they needed to get done done. Then it developed into a little crush, Carl noticing the littler things about them, like how long their hair had gotten since they first met, or how tight their sleeves are getting on their arms due to muscle growth.

Then it was infatuation. A big fat crush. Carl wasn't exactly subtle about it, he just never acted on it. It's not like Ella is too much older than him, but he didn't think his dad would be okay with him dating someone that isn't in his exact age range. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, either! He's 18 and Ella is in their early 20's.

They were paired together on a scavenge trip and he was excited. He smiled at them when he approached them, "hey, did you hear we're together for the scavenge trip?"