The first time Howard Moon told Vince Noir that he loved him, he was laughed at. Not maliciously, but it still stung him and wounded his pride. He hadn't wanted to die without saying something sweet and meaningful, and Vince had laughed at the sentiment.
The second time Howard told Vince he loved him, he was elated, ecstatic, euphoric. He was certain that Vince loved him, why would he have kissed him like that if he didn't? So tenderly... but Vince had pushed him back again, said that he was wrong; gone wrong.
Howard Moon was nothing if not persistent....