Sandor and I watched some TV last night. The last 2 times he got brave after about 20 minutes or so. Before he would just sit still. He wasn't aggressive or defensive, just sitting still. As long as I sat down ;)
Yesterday he started exploring a bit after 20 minutes. Never went far, but didn't act worried or stressed.
Picking him up out of the cage is a non issue now, don't even get a hiss or huff and puff. He comes out of the cage easy, and I always return him slow and easy too, allow him to slither off my hands in his own time. Which he does nice and easy.
His googly eyes still watch me, but now it is a curious and relaxed watch, not the stiff, big eyed "i'm gonna eat you if you come any closer" watch, haha.
He is such a nice fattie :)