What is the appropriate way to react to anything? That is a question both of them so often face.

"... I think he was trying to say he wasn't mad at me."

It isn't quite the same as what he feels about it, which is a question he is unsure he can answer. But he cannot keep giving uncertain responses. But Tony had been so upset over everything, it would have been quicker and easier to just storm off. It has to mean something that he'd taken the time to leave the gift for him.