"I do not know. Angels have died, but not all touch the world in the same way. Think maybe people would still die, but it would not bring them peace."

I shiver at that. Lawks, they might all be lost, all 'em souls, wi' no one to guide 'em 'ome... Realise I've sorta snuggled 'gainst Azrael again at th'thought o'that. Don' want 'im to be lost to us.

But what I say 'bout 'is brother seems to make 'im smile at least. Unfurls 'is wings an' lays back on th' grass, lookin' at the sky. I lie back with 'im an' look up. Clouds are movin' fast, but the sky's still bright.

"Hope 'n Faith. That's what me mum called us. Knew she was goin' t'die, I think, after we was born. Doc 'ad to cut 'er open to get us out, an' th'wound got infected after. But she loved us even though we 'urt 'er, Dad said, an' I believe 'im. An' that's why I can love you, even wi' your job. An' why you can love yer brother." Turn onto me side. "Even if one day yer goin' to take 'im 'ome, too." S'pose if everythin's goin' t'end, even the devil'll feel the scythe.

Lean in a bit boldly an' kiss 'im on the lips. Would be lyin' if I said it were jus' friendly, but it ain't like I expect anythin'. It's cos I can't think of anythin' else I can give 'im, so let that be my offerin'.