Patroclus' confessions just made Achilles soften and he knew he couldn't let it pierce through what was left of his cold heart. "I had much to deal with..." he said uncomfortably, obviously still hurt and not quite over it. That wound had cut deep.
He turned to watch Patroclus' face cautiously. He feared the words that were about to come out of his mouth would make him despise any happiness for good.