Every reader's experience is different and that's not to say that all of them aren't equally valid. The overly attentive to detail part of me used to deal with this (and probably will again) by writing the hell out of everything single thing so that I cover it several times from different directions. That way, I convince myself that no one can fail to get the message I wanted without interpreting (yes, I hated English Literature class where teachers just made up the concept of 'this is what the author meant' when what I really believe is that they wanted to tell a story that happened to reflect something.)
But in this style of story, I don't have the luxury to do that. Things have to keep moving. I can't bash ideas over the head until they submit to my will. On the other hand that means I should be clearer first time around.
Though you did get to the point I wanted, that 'love' (not sex) is a genuine power, even in this world.
You might say that Willow's dive through the window and her (not-entirely accidental slow stripping of Tara in the course of the story) are both aspects of who she is in this story. She's willing to take big risks to save the world. But when she does she expects the universe to pay her back. And Tara's part of that.
The Dottie thing... Yeah, I want to work her into a future story. But short of giving her superpowers (only vaguely hinted at for the slayers-in-another-life) active involvement in the next story will take some thought. I very deliberately kept her out of the action here, fighting against the concept that a sidekick exists to get into trouble. No. See, Willow's perfectly capable of getting into trouble.
Having made that point, next time I have to find a reason for her, though I do want her back.
Along with Lehane...
Since you ask the question... Lehane appeared there mostly to touch base with the character and show where she (and Buffy) were. But my feeling (unless I change something) was that she was being sincere. Buffy was - after Raiders - back to being a friend to Willow. Just one that had shacked up in lust (at the time) with her mortal enemy. You know, girl stuff
Rushed? Sure, by my own standards. But this was deliberately written for Nanowrimo. A novel in a month. Sure, it took a little longer, but the first draft was pretty much there in that time. Also, it's to match the movie style. I could've lingered in some places (and compared to the first draft actually did) but it was a choice. The next one is likely to take more time though as I suspect it will be the final part. I don't think many people believes Indiana Jones needs 4 parts!
What you're referring to though is more of a monster movie type story, which has its place - my background should show I love them too! - but in truth... that's not what the source material for this really is. It's adventure, it's swash and buckle. It's done in 2 hours and (looking at Raiders) you do that with some exposition to establish the threat and then... beat it. Could I do that better? Sure. But stylistically that's not where this was going to go. That would be a different story and one even less related back to Tara and Willow. Part of the thing I worry about with cross overs is that they aren't REALLY Tara and Willow. Just people who have the names. Part of how I try to get around that has been to keep it fast moving and not get into the characters in real depth. Keep it like a movie. Otherwise... it just seems further away.
But that's me and my reasoning.
I don't doubt that the direction you're talking about would be a fun one, but I hope you can see why I didn't go there
But, like I say, it seems likely that the next part will be longer. More involved. I've pretty much pushed Women in Black back to Nanowrimo this year and so... started toying with Raiders 3 for now.
Thanks,
willowtaraloverKatharyn
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yeah, I know I'm a just a big ol perve like Willow. I think we may be distantly related. 
