It always is hard to describe, but I think it is always a little bit harder for the one who is left behind as for the one who leaves.. the one who leaves has so much new things to come along and so much more feelings to cope, like excitement and Idon't really know what is happening that the real feeling of loss probably sets in at a point later when you realise it is now for real and we are running out of time here.. ( so later when they lay all their feeling bare with their making love.. caus that definitly is what we see here.. nobody can dout it there anymore and nobody denies it either.. no words needed)
For Brian, the one left behind, the feeling of loosing is centerpoint of life was already pretty real.. cause his life didn't change, exept he had to live it on without his partner on his side every day and minute..
that's why Justin cried when Brian wanted to go to NY and the other way round..
goodbys are always hard.. no matter when, where and how long they are...