There are some things Angeal's learned to come to expect from the Barge.

Enforced closeness is not part of it. He rather liked that the Admiral seemed to be content to let people do whatever they want whenever they want, and this did not qualify. As Shaw arrives, and relief from the worst of the flulike misery washes over him, he reaches .. possibly the same conclusion about the same time she does.

And puts it to the test by closing the rest of the gap, at least until comfortable conversation distance. There's still a personal bubble which must be minded, and he's keeping track of feeling versus proximity as he does it. "... Aren't we a bit early for the usual monthly shenanigans? That'd make it some passenger, wouldn't it?"