GayTV Recap: Grey's Anatomy (Episode 17x16)

Episode 16 of the seventeenth season of Grey's Anatomy featured further conflict and development in the relationship between Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital staffers, Dr. Levi Schmitt and Dr. Nico Kim. The episode began with Levi (played by Jake Borelli) attempting to sleep while his roommates Jo and Taryn clashed, causing Jo to complain about Levi inviting Taryn to stay in the loft that was never meant for three. Levi tried to keep the peace when he received a message on his phone, informing him that he had been selected for a COVID vaccine trial, which had him excited, until Taryn joked that he would probably be one to get a placebo and not the actual vaccine.  

At the hospital Levi continued to avoid Nico (played by Alex Landi) after Nico's previous invitation to Levi to move in with him, which Levi never responded to. Levi stood in one of the hospital labs, where he caught sight of Nico through the window as he worked across the hall. Levi began to pace, talking to himself about how reasonable it was for him to be avoiding Nico. He was so distracted that he didn't notice the arrival of another doctor, catching him off-guard. 

The doctor (played by Kyle Harris) joked that it was also reasonable to inject yourself with an untested vaccine. Levi realized he was the doctor he had to meet about the vaccine trial. The man introduced himself as Dr. Mason Post, the person in charge of the trial. He apologized for his vaccine humor, but Levi said humor doesn't really work on him. Mason asked how he was feeling. Levi quickly explained that he was a bit nauseous and feeling a bit alone in this, despite reading all of the research. Mason smiled, saying he was actually just making sure he wasn't feeling sick because they couldn't give him the injection if he had symptoms. Levi assured him that he was all good where that was concerned. 

Mason sat down with Levi, telling him that anxiety was completely normal for people who take part in these types of trials. He then assured him that he was not going to be alone in this. Mason promised him that he would be there with him every step of the way, which seemed to calm Levi. Mason got him to relax his arm and Levi received the injection. Mason said he did great and Levi joked that all he has to do now is not die. Mason laughed, saying he wouldn't die from that shot. Mason then noticed a crowd formed outside the lab, watching them. He suggested Levi wave to his fans. Levi turned to see his colleagues cheering him on for the trial, which took him by surprise.

Levi met with Mason one week later, as Mason wondered if he was experiencing any side effects from the vaccine. Levi joked that he wasn't experiencing any nausea beyond his usual, normal nausea. Mason joked that he would not note that for the trial. Mason suggested he have some matzo ball soup before their next check-in. Levi wondered if that helped the vaccine be more effective, but Mason smiled saying he remembered Levi mentioning that it helped settle his stomach. 

Levi was caught off-guard by Mason remembering any of his chatter. He said he didn't even know why he was feeling so nervous. Mason said he always remembers what interests him. Levi then recommended a deli that serves great matzo ball soup, only for Mason to surprise him again by saying he wasn't talking about being interested in the soup. Levi then realized that Mason was talking about him. Mason smiled, saying he would see him next week. 

Levi left the lab, processing his interaction with Mason, unable to avoid glancing back through the window to the lab. He was then caught off-guard when Nico called out to him from across the hall. Levi walked over and Nico wondered how Levi was doing. Levi told him he was doing great. Nico was glad to hear he wasn't having any side effects from the vaccine. The nervous Levi tried to make a quick exit to get back to work, but a saddened Nico stopped him, wondering if they broke up or something. 

Levi turned back and asked why Nico would think that they broke up. Nico said that it was obvious that Levi's been avoiding him ever since he asked him to move in with him. Levi tried to dispute that, but Nico interrupted him, asking if he wanted to see other people. That question hit Levi hard and he admitted to Nico that he didn't know. Nico said that he didn't want anyone other than Levi, so once Levi has this all figured out, he knows where to find him. Nico then walked away, leaving Levi behind with even more on his mind. 

Another week passed and Levi was back with Mason for his next check-in. Mason wondered how Levi was feeling. Levi admitted that he didn't really want to say. Mason then apologized for being a flirt before. He assured Levi that they could move on from that, like it never happened, but Levi said that wasn't really it. He told Mason that he thinks he has a rash on his neck and he's not sure if Mason should examine him because it would feel a little intimate. Mason said he wouldn't if Levi didn't want him to, but he joked that millions of lives could be at stake. Levi smiled and allowed him to touch him. 

A few weeks later, Levi arrived at the hospital for work and locked up his bike outside, only to run into the arriving Mason, who openly observed that Levi rode his bike to work. The embarrassed Levi said he did it for exercise, but he knows he should buy a car. Mason laughed it off, and then complimented Levi, saying that now that he can see his whole face, it's really cute. Levi was surprised when Mason then asked if he might want to meet up, outside the hospital, maybe at Mason's place tonight. 

Mason told Levi that he gets tested for COVID three times a week and pretty much stays home all the time when he's not working, to assure him that it would be safe to hang out. Before Levi could even think to respond, Mason said that he would text Levi his address and he could get in touch with him later, depending on how his day goes. He then left after saying that he hopes Levi's day ends with him. Levi watched him walk away. He was left feeling flattered and astonished by Mason's confidence.

At the end of his shift at the hospital, Levi arrived at an apartment and nervously knocked. The door opened to reveal Nico. Levi then blurted out that he panicked and that's why he's been avoiding Nico since he asked him to move in together. He said that he panicked because he loves Nico and he isn't used to Nico feeling it back. Nico said that he's always loved Levi. He just couldn't say it for a while. Levi wondered what changed. Nico told him that he changed. 

Nico said that he changed because of Levi. He said he thinks about him every day. Nico then revealed his apartment to Levi, with candles lit all over the place. Nico said that he knows how anxious Levi was probably getting about the vaccine trials and he just wanted to be there to take care of him. He said that he never wants to be without him. Nico said that he doesn't just love Levi, he is in love with Levi. This almost brought Levi to tears. He then wondered how Nico knew he was going to come there tonight. 

Nico told him that he didn't know, but he's been lighting candles every night, hoping that he would. Levi said that was so unlike Nico. Then, Nico said that it was like Levi and it made him feel closer to him. Overcome with emotion, Levi locked eyes with Nico and kissed him. Nico lifted Levi into his arms as they continued to kiss, with Levi closing the door behind them.