CODING ━ grey's anatomy

chapter twenty one

"Go, Cass. We've got it."

Cassie nodded thankfully, hopping on the elevator and making her way up to Denny's room, where he was watching Jersey Shore.

She snorted at the screen, gaining the man's attention. "Hey bubbles, what's up?"

"Not much," she shrugged, sitting on the end of his bed and facing the TV. "Why are you watching this?"

"It's entertaining," he replied, turning down the volume so he could hear her properly. "Hey, Cass, I actually wanted to talk to you about something."

Cassie turned, her face falling slightly at his serious expression. "What is it?"

"I just thought you should know," he paused, "I signed a DNR this morning."

Her face went blank. "What?"

Denny sighed heavily. "I'm weak, bubbles. And I'm in pain. And if Dr. Burke can find me a heart soon, then that's great. But if he can't... I don't know that it's worth it."

"Of course it's worth it!" Cassie instantly disagreed. "What are you even— what are you talking about?"

He looked up at the ceiling. "Do you believe in heaven?"

"No, not really."

Denny smiled sadly. "I do. I believe that when all of this is over, there will be peace. And honestly, kid, I'm in a lot of pain. Right now, going to heaven doesn't seem to be the worst thing."

"Stop it," Cassie snapped, her eyes watering. "Stop talking about heaven and dying and going into the damn light. You're stable. You're not dying anytime soon. Burke will find you a heart—"

"I know," he interrupted. "I know. But just in case he doesn't, or something bad happens, I'm signing the DNR. Okay?"

"No, no, I—"

"Bubbles, please," Denny begged. "Just in case. It's what's best for me."

Taking a shaky breath, Cassie slowly nodded in acceptance. "Okay."

Denny grinned, pulling her into a hug. "Okay."

☆

"Two dead, 14 injured. The policeman say the gunman got away so there could be more incoming," Webber said, unaware of the three interns listening in on the conversation.

"I could stay. We could send Bailey," Burke replied.

Webber shook his head. "No. You're our only cardiothoracic transplant specialist. You go get that heart."

"Heart?" Cassie asked Cristina and Alex hopeful. "For Denny?"

"Oh, forget it. I already asked," Cristina said. "It's not going to—" she cut herself off when Alex and Cassie ran after Burke on the helipad. "—happen."

"Dr. Burke! Dr. Burke! I heard you were getting a heart. Can I go with you?" Alex asked as Burke boarded the helicopter.

"I asked first," Cristina butted in.