Author's Note: Some of these were posted before, but seemed to work better in a drabble series than separately. They're usually longer drabbles, but they'll vary in length and mood, from the dramatic to the comic, from the romantic to the kinda weird. Enjoy, and please review!

P.S. I haven't forgotten about The Kudou Files, but I've been feeling uninspired there for awhile. Thanks to everyone who's posted!

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Title: Make A Wish
Author: RanMouri82
Word Count: 429
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Detective Conan's owned by Aoyama Gosho, but I just call him A-dawg.
Pairings: Ran and Shin'ichi, and a little surprise.
Notes: Ran never thought her wish would come true.

Make A Wish

Everyone's voices hushed in the midst of confetti, streamers, and balloons as they were lit: eighteen candles gleaming around a strawberry cake. For Mouri Ran, who had a heart for wishes, they were a flaming ring of hope.

"What are you waiting for?" hissed Sonoko, nudging her with her elbow. "Make a wish!"

A wish . . . .

If there was anything Ran could have wished for at that moment, it was the return of someone she loved very much, and that dream was so close. Ran shrugged her shoulders with a smile and, drawing a breath so deep it stretched her stomach, blew out every single candle. Sure, why not?

Kazuha hugged Ran with a squeal while Heiji rolled his eyes. The Osakan girl cried, "Your wish has gotta come true now!"

"Yeah, but certain people aren't even here," Sonoko grumbled, crossing the room toward the light switch. Before she could reach it, however, a male hand flicked the switch on.

Heiji blinked at the newcomer. "Oh! Hey, Kudou."

From behind the cake, Kudou Yukiko scowled. "Shin-chan! You missed the candles!"

Into the doorway emerged Shin'ichi, looking cool yet sheepish in his grey sweater and khakis as he scratched the back of his head and grinned. "S-sorry, Ran. I was, uh, looking at something interesting—"

"Eh?" Sonoko said, with a snort. "You're the one who decided to host Ran's party at your house, and you run off, missing her blow out the candles to," she continued, scratching the back of her head to imitate the young detective, "look at something interesting."

Ever the silent yet understanding one, however, Kudou Yuusaku suddenly stepped between Sonoko and Shin'ichi and planted his hand on Shin'ichi's shoulder. "I think Ran might actually be interested to know about this, too . . . hmm?"

Ran could have sworn she saw Yuusaku wink. No, it can't be!

But before she could protest, Shin'ichi had caught her by the hand and led her into the hallway. "Don't say I didn't warn you," he muttered. Then, with a mysterious smile, he added, "Still, I think Dad's right this time."

As Shin'ichi gently opened the front door to the starlit night, Ran's heart leaped to her throat. T-this can't be real!

Ran's eyes quickly readjusted to the darkness. Treetop silhouettes filled the indigo sky with a leafy canopy, framing two, smaller figures that stood close to each other by the gate: Mouri Kogorou and Kisaki Eri. And they were kissing.

Promptly grabbing Shin'ichi by the waist, Ran squeezed so hard, it took his breath away. "Thank you so much! My wish . . . it worked!"