"Okay, I know we're in the middle of something important, but I think we should have random sex."

There are so many reasons why this might be an absolutely legitimate choice! From sex magic to distraction to generating positive energy... ;-)

I tend to think the writer is pretty much a vessel and the story is actually the boss.

If the story goes in a different dircetion than originally planned, hey: I am willing to go with it. Provided it works. If it doesn't, that story and I will have to Have Words;-)

Looking at your notes definitely counts.

I found it very encouraging, because I still like the showdown - at least in note form, it works very well. So I guess if its long, that's all for the better, right? ;-)

Besides, the rest of the story may very well grow in editing. We shall see...