honestly natquik and barnacles have the most adorable relationship they are the most family ever i can only imagine that barnacles sets aside as much time as possible in between missions to see nat and make sure he's doing well since he's been on his own for a truly unhealthy length of time
when nat eventually finds out about noms he is the worst probably- my guy wants nothing more than to be on either end of the stick at all times. poor barnacles, reserved and anxious pred that he is would have a really hard time with nat trying to pry his jaws open at any opportunity
it definitely doesnt help that nat is not even a little afraid or embarrassed about being eaten and is determined to make sure his little polar cub isnt starving himself just to take care of people around the globe (barnacles repeatedly has to remind him that hes not little or a cub anymore); and really, barnacles minds it a bit less that he feels that he should. it does sate something lovely and awful in him to hold the professor so close and safe and have him not even be afraid- and i mean, if hes asking for it... whats really the harm in indulging every once in a while. ..natquik was alone in the antarctic for an awfully long time after all.....
also @the-sussy-imposter2 said nat would babytalk barnacles in german and i have latched onto that headcanon like a racoon w rabies i am in love