Let me first say, thank you for picking this story. It's always been one of my favorites and I think it is really beautifully written.
For me the difference in Justin's voice (although I think it's canon-founded), and the angst level, come from the emptiness inside Justin and his jadedness. We know and love him as passionate, determined to fight for the things he cares, alive. Brian seems very still too. They seem to be getting comfortable in each others void here, when at the same time they feel like two waterfalls prevented from falling. Hhm, do I make any sense? What I want to say is, that they don't quite manage to pull through the "removedness" even though they care so much. So, pensiveness yes, but also hesitation? We've seen Justin more active and Brian less than in this story, but again I agree that it has a foundation in canon.
At the same time, this is where some of the most beautiful sentences come from. This story makes me want to paint words on my wall.
I agree, their relationship is more balanced. The AU setting gives them the chance to rediscover each other on new levels. That worked very well for me. And that is, for me, also the reason, why it makes sense that they don't fuck until a year has passed. First Justin is reluctant because he doesn't want to lose himself in the dysfunction that is Brian Kinney again and then Brian is reluctant too, probably because he is aware of his own feelings.
I'll be back in a minute with quotes. Can anyone tell me how I can quote from the story in italics when it's only linked here? I'm new here.
P.S.: English is a wonderful language but not my mother tongue, so please bear with the quirky metaphors..