I never felt that Justin was that removed in canon and it bothered me some at first, but then I decided that probably Justin *would* be removed because he hadn't had the same experiences that we saw in canon. He never got Brian back, never fought for him. He just lost him...
Yes. And this is why, as I was saying below, I get a different feeling from Justin in this story than I do in canon. Because of the circumstances of this AU, Justin has changed - changed in a way that is still consistent with where he came from in canon, but changed enough that he leaves me with a different impression.
I will feel like a total dork if I get this wrong, but I'd guess the "canon element" that gives you chills is when Brian tells Justin about having cancer.
LOL Do not feel like a dork. That DOES give me chills, or actually it stops my heart beating momentarily every time I read it. However, it's not the specific part I was referring to. My part is more subtle, and might be overlooked. ;)