He is so lucky to have such an understanding friend in his life.

Phae sounds like my Capone the cockatiel. (He's a front table rescue from Petco.) He totally hates my face, but at least he doesn't flap and startle in his cage when you are in the same room. He even tolerates me taking Dijon out and cleaning the cage/putting in toys.

I'd say it's a HUGE step.