GayTV Recap: Grey's Anatomy (Episode 15x12)

This week's episode of Grey's Anatomy found recurring gay intern Levi Schmitt (played by Jake Borelli) arriving for his rotation in the ICU, seeking advice from leading doc Meredith Grey on how to deal with the patients in intensive care, given how difficult he figures it will be. Meredith refused to sugarcoat things, telling him that it can get very emotional and intense being in constant contact with a patient, but also isolating for the doctor. She encouraged him to keep close watch over their patient, Natasha, but to also take breaks to keep his own emotions in check and keep his spirits up.

With the episode's timeline starting in December, Nico (played by Alex Landi) arrived to keep Schmitt company, and the two discussed Christmas, with Nico revealing that his family gathering would have been more fun if Schmitt was there, surprising him. Schmitt proceeded to invite himself to Nico's family gathering next year, despite being Jewish. Seeing how deserted the hospital was that night, Schmitt remarked that it was a bit spooky, but Nico promised to protect him. Their playful banter was soon interrupted by Dr. DeLuca. The trio rushed into Natasha's room after a call for help from her fiancé Garrett revealing that she had woken up.

The staff gathered the next morning in Natasha's room, as Schmitt ran down her condition to them and they gave her and her fiancé their hopes and plans for her continued positive recovery. Time progressed with the staff attending a New Year's Eve party thrown by chief Karev and his wife Jo. Schmitt & Nico arrived together, surprising DeLuca who was expecting Meredith. Schmitt revealed to him that with Natasha's breathing tube being removed, Meredith chose to stay with her instead, leaving him stood-up. Schmitt & Nico enjoyed the party and shared a kiss after the countdown.

Schmitt returned to his rotation duties, reporting updates on Natasha to the attending physicians, Meredith & Jo. Natasha & Garrett's spirits were rising as she continued to improve, but that hit a snag when she started to experience other symptoms, leading the doctors to discover fluid build-up requiring surgery.

Schmitt headed into the operating room with Meredith, DeLuca & Jo, with Meredith mentioning something about him seemed different these days. He figured they would notice his unfortunate trademark glasses were gone, but the docs said it was his improved performance at his job that caught their eye. He then revealed to them that he was dating a guy and it had him feeling confident about a lot of things in his life. He came out to his superiors in the operating room, and they showed their support.

With the surgery uncovering yet another problem, Natasha's recovery stalled and she and Garrett grew frustrated with the setbacks as more time passed. She suffered pulmonary embolism, leading her to be placed back on a breathing tube. Soon after, Karev and the team were requested in her room. Natasha told them that she was unable to eat, or breath, or escape more medical problems, and she wanted the breathing tube removed.

With Natasha set in her decision to die, the doctors obliged and later gathered once again to help Natasha & Garrett get their wedding under the stars. Schmitt & Nico were present for the ceremony, with Nico placing a comforting hand on Schmitt's shoulder, knowing he was going to lose this patient on Valentine's Day.