I am sure he and carter can become friends eventually, whether it's through the girlfriend or not. He's a chatter.
He loves to read and loves fantasy work, so he might be a fan boy in the least awkward way possible. This guy is also neurotic to the core and goes without sleep a lot.
Depending on how long he's been a teacher, he could have taught one of this guys two kids. Ones 19, ones 21. If that's too far back, they can always form an organic friendship.