Elena, you could go with accuracy and still have it be really powerful - especially as Xander is fitting the hardware, refusing to have it anything less than the best and rightest he can do as a final farewell.

edit: GAH. Alas. I can't give you a comparison because the website at which the comparison story is located has now locked my browser three straight times....

Hmm... So, maybe have him dig for screws, they aren't long enough, someone can ask about coffin nails, Spike does the cigarette thing...

deb, the original story is at fanfiction.net, and really not, ah, well, don't worry about not reading it.

I second the "not really missing anything" by not reading the original. Elena's nailed the concept much, much better.

Elena writing somewhat sympathetic Willow. It is an amazement.

Elena, maybe just a touch of grim-lipped trembly Xander in the night, hunting for just the right length, refusing to not be able to find them?

I don't like Willow. I think I understand her. There were so many things about the burial that bothered me, I just had to explain them. connie, the dress Buffy was buried in was slit up the back, it was fastened with hooks or buttons at the neck. I recall it particularily because it indicated, to me, a professional burial. Also, the satin lining of the coffin.

Would Xander know that screws are used? Wouldn't he just assume nails?

Elena, maybe just a touch of grim-lipped trembly Xander in the night, hunting for just the right length, refusing to not be able to find them?

Oooh, interesting... But it would have to be viewed through Willow's eyes, and I'll have to rejigger the timeline...

connie, the dress Buffy was buried in was slit up the back, it was fastened with hooks or buttons at the neck

Really? Boy, you researched that.

I think Xander would not know about screws vs. nails. All the coffins he's seen have been the metal ones with hinged lids, I imagine. Willow might think of correcting him, but might be reluctant to go into Trivial Pursuit mode at such a time.

Elena's right about that dress; I remember it well, because I lusted after it -I thought it was gorgeous and yup, an open back with a single elastic/button dealy closure.

Would Xander know about screws versus nails? I think he would. He's seen an awful lot of vamps crawling out of the damned things, and presumably helped Buffy push some of the empty ones back into the ground.

I always thought vampire just clawed through the coffin and dug their way up.