Author's Note: I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion, nor do I own any guitar manufacturer. Everything is © of its respective owner, etc.

Shigeru Aoba was a man who loved music. He was an avid guitar player, and was a member of the Tokyo 3 band "The Racketeers," who played at all of NERV's major events, (check out my other Eva fanfic: "Shoujo Ai at the NERV Potluck") and had recorded a few tracks for local radio stations. Even at his job at NERV, Shigeru was often seen playing air-guitar during down time. Yes, Shigeru Aoba loved music, a love that was rivaled by only one other love: that of women.

Now, Shigeru's mother (who died in the Second Impact, God rest her soul,) had always told Shigeru to not be a louse, to treat women with respect, and that romance in the workplace would never work out. Shigeru realized the difficulties a relationship with someone at NERV, (how could he compete with Gendou Ikari?) but that never stopped him from looking, and dreaming.

The funny thing about Shigeru's musings were that he always let his love of guitars slip into his fantasies. This wasn't like playing guitar solos for women to arouse them, this was a little more…serious.

Below are a few examples, told from Shigeru Aoba's unique perspective.

Misato Katsuragi: Operations Commander. She's a fine looking woman. Aging has been really kind to her. All that beautiful hair, and even better curves. She's always getting drunk, I might just get some next time NERV has a party. Oh, that'd be sweet… Too bad Kaji has first dibs on her. She's an awful lot like a Gibson SG, now that I think about it. Those full curves, designed for warm tone, but she can take control and play the lead part sometimes. Oh, man; I bet she could keep the rhythm as long as it takes…

Ritsuko Akagi: scientist extraordinaire. What a woman. She's so analytical, but precise. I just wish she wouldn't keep wearing the lab coats, they stop us from seeing her real body shape. That miniskirt, though… that's been good to me. When she does all those calculations, types really fast, wow that's impressive. Almost like a Steinberger Transcale Custom. Not the best to look at, but so versatile and precise. She's a clean, fast instrument and she knows it.

Asuka Langley Sohryu: a fighting machine. She's so brash and competitive, and so proud, too. The way she gets so assertive in battle, it's pretty hot. I know she's still young, but she seems to have a lot of experience. She looks like she'd pull some pretty risky maneuvers. Just like a Gibson Flying V, I guess. She's edgy and loud, and designed for one thing: Full-Tilt hard rock!

Rei Ayanami: the first child. She's pretty mysterious, actually. She looks even younger than Asuka, and not quite as well-endowed, but she's got the look about her. The way she wears that plugsuit is pretty sexy. She looks better in it than Asuka, anyway. I bet she'd be like a nice old Fender Telecaster: fast and responsive; really the definition of uke. She'd probably get it done quick and quiet, but so intensely. Designed to sit in the background, but do a great job from there.

Last but not least, Maya Ibuki: the NERV officer who stole my heart the very first day. Such a cute, innocent person. She's optimistic, kind, and warm-hearted. The way her eyes sparkle on a sunny day leaving HQ in the afternoon, it's like the bright sparkling tone of an old Semi-Hollow Body Rickenbacker 360 series. Light and bouncy, but with the speed to do almost anything with the right setting. She's a great all-around woman, and probably my favorite of all.

Sorry, Okaasan. I might just ask her out tomorrow, see if she's up for a drink and a little late-night 'soloing.'