N for Nuance

Definition: Nuance; a subtle or slight degree of difference

Word count: 423

They were identical reflections of each other as the brothers jogged around the track. They kept a steady, almost rhythmic pace as they moved, graceful even as their cheeks tinged pink with exhaustion. The two brothers exchanged a glance, keeping stone faced as they approached their teacher.

"That's three laps. Are you going to tell me who is who or do I have to give you three more?"

"This should be illegal," one of them mumbled between breaths. She still wasn't sure which one it was, the older or the younger one and their impassive expressions didn't much help.

She crossed her arms, "It's not illegal. It's detention - now you," she pointed to the twin on the left. "Run three more laps, the other stays with me. Go." Maybe being one on one would give her something to work with.

They exchanged another glance, speaking in prefect union. "Yes, Mrs. McCarson."

"Sorry I'm late." A familiar voice called from across the parking lot. Martin jogged the length of the grass to the track, a loose smile on his friendly face. "Oh dear," he said, giving his indiscernible sons a once over. "What ever they've done, I'm sure they're sorry."

"You're son, Mr. Davis, was caught skipping class. Only they won't tell me which one it was."

Martin tried to hide the amusement beneath a mask of faux annoyance. "I will get to the bottom of it," he said, already knowing very well which one it was. After years of falling prey to the twins' good-natured antics, Martin (ever the scientist) had developed a system for telling the twins apart - their faces were identical, indistinguishable, especially when wearing the same expression; but there were small, almost unnoticeable differences.

Noll's tendency for stoicism gave him a tough, rigid posture that, no matter how hard he tried, Gene just couldn't emulate. He had a perpetual lean about him, a slight tilt of his shoulders that radiated ease and quiet wisdom.

"Okay, I'll end their detention for today. But one more absence boys' and you'll both be suspended."

The twins nodded in acknowledgement before turning their backs to walk with Martin back to the car. Their adoptive father knew that it was Oliver who walked on his left and Eugene on his right; knew very well in fact. But as he opened the cars back door, turning to give them the required 'disapproving father' look, he decided not to tell them.

After all, it wasn't everyday he had the upper-hand against his two mischievous sons.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoy this one, it took forever to write ^.^;

Thank you to everyone who reviewed!

ELV