From mrspencil: Moriarty at a Christmas ball
Moriarty accepted a glass of mulled wine from a passing waiter, eyes drifting over the crowd. It was always interesting watching the people who came to a ball such as this. Everyone wanted to be seen, except for those who knew they didn't need to be. Those, however, were in the minority, far outdone by the flashy tuxedos and sparkling dresses of England's elite, wishing to show off their presence at London's most prestigious Christmas ball.
A tall figure making his way through the crowd caught Moriarty's eye, and he raised his glass in acknowledgement. Once the man was close enough, Moriarty greeted him. "Welcome, Colonel. I trust you are in good health?"
"Well enough," Moran said gruffly. His shoulder were pulled back with tension, and when the waiter returned with another platter of drinks, Moran quickly shooed him away. "Let's just get on with it, then. I don't want us to be here any longer than we have to be."
"Does being here make you uncomfortable, my dear Colonel?" Moriarty's penetrating gaze rested on Moran.
"It's not the party," Moran growled. "You know I like these parties, when I can have a proper time. This would have been fine if I was just having a drink, or even out on the dance floor, but why the deuce would you make this the place to discuss-" he looked furtively around the room, "- your operation?"
"It was the natural choice." Moriarty sipped his mulled wine, turning back to the festively decorated dancers waltzing across the floor. "For who would expect a Christmas ball to be the place of a clandestine meeting?"