Thought the Galaxy Nexus wasn't "officially" getting 4.4? Regardless, it's not really a fair comparison anyway. Nexus devices by their very nature will always be ahead with OS software updates.
Is there something in particular in 4.3 you want for the Note 2?
Also, I'd be cautious when 4.3 does get released for the Verizon Note 2. Other variants of the Note 2 that have received it are reporting issues, in particular with the new Knox security software that's included.