Despite the fact it is 2007, same-sex couples on broadcast television are so unusual as to still be considered a Very Big Deal. But a gay male teen couple on a daytime soap? That constitutes an actual milestone in gay visibility.

Earlier this year, CBS’ As the World Turns made that breakthrough when Luke Snyder (Van Hansis) fell hard for newcomer Noah Mayer (Jake Silbermann). And viewers fell just as hard for the couple quickly naming them Nuke as their growing popularity helped to push the show’s ratings up. In fact, Nuke became so popular that a recent poll named them the most popular couple on ATWT and one of the seven hottest couples on all of daytime television.

AfterElton.com previously chatted with both Hansis and Silbermann in separate interviews, but our readers still wanted to know more about the men who play their favorite couple. So when we gave you the chance to submit your questions to the actors, hundreds of readers responded. We chose some of the best which the actors graciously agreed to answer despite their busy schedules. So without further ado, we present you with your interview of Van and Jake!

Gradgirl: Is there one scene that stands out for you, either in regards to the writing, how you acted, or the finished product? What about that scene was so special?
VAN HANSIS: Every now and then a scene comes along that is really strong and is really connected to what the character is going through. My favorite scenes tend to be the simple ones. Back in March or so, I had scenes with Holden where we were fixing a tractor and talking about loneliness. I really liked those scenes.
JAKE SILBERMANN: A scene that stands out to me is the one where Luke and Noah were caught kissing by Noah's father, Winston. It's always fun working with Daniel Hugh Kelley, especially in a scene like this one where he just flew off the handle.

b32guy: Van, how does a guy who grew up without a TV in the house end up pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon, and then get the desire to act either on screen or stage? What or who was your muse?
VH: I think growing up without a television forces children to be more creative in their everyday lives. You have to use your imagination for entertainment. I would make up different characters and stuff like that. My parents enrolled me in an acting class when I was little.

snicks: Do you guys prefer "NUKE" or "LOAH"?
VH: I guess Nuke.
JS: I prefer Loah. It's softer and sounds less like a cleaning product. But Nuke has grown on me.

bitchplease: If you had to change one thing about your own character, what would it be and why?
VH: His wardrobe. No, [I’m] kidding. I guess I would like him to be less gullible.
JS: It would be great if Noah became a little darker as a result of all that’s happened to him — maybe develops some addictions. Tortured characters are always fun — more so when they take out their frustrations on themselves

Uberaeryn: Do you read Luke and Noah fan fiction? Because I'm really kind of hoping you totally don't.
JS: Van told me about one. I don't think I'll be reading any.

TarquinV: Hi, Van. You've mentioned before that you've based the character of Luke partly on a friend of yours that is gay. Since playing the role, have you discussed it with any of your gay friends and was what they had to say positive in regards to the "realness" of the character? Did they offer any advice? Congratulations on such a superlative portrayal. Luke is genuinely loved!
VH: I didn't really base Luke on my friend. But after a few months of playing him, I realized, 'Oh, he's sort of like so-and-so.' They just had some similarities, that's all. I haven't really discussed Luke with my friends. My friends don't watch the soap for the most part. Great friends, huh???

LonePirate: How does the day unfold once you arrive at the studio? What all transpires during a typical work day?
VH: 6:45 AM-arrive at studio. 7 — start blocking, go to hair and makeup. 8:30 — start shooting. We shoot set by set. So, if Al’s Diner is up first and you only have scenes in Al’s Diner for that particular episode then you can be out of the studio by 9:30 AM. Those are awesome days. But if, during the course of one day your character goes from Al’s Diner, to Old Town, to the Snyder Kitchen, you have to stay pretty much all day and can clock in a good thirteen-hour workday. It depends on sets. Lots of naps are advised.

trascendenza: What’s the funniest practical joke pulled and/or anecdote from on-set? (Bonus if you're the one who pulled the joke :)
VH: I’ve never pulled a practical joke except on Alex Chando’s last day when I knew the camera wasn’t on me. I made faces at her to try and make her crack. She never did. She’s a pro.

trascendenza: What is your greatest dream as an actor, the role of a lifetime that you'd like to aspire to?
JS: My greatest aspiration as an actor is too keep pushing myself and to take on challenging roles that fool people. I'm so impressed with performances that make you say "Wow! That was him/her? I can't believe it."

trascendenza: Jake, you've mentioned that you "doodle". What sort of subject matters do you most often find yourself drawing, and do you know why those particular images stoke your creativity?
JS: When I doodle it's usually one of two things: I grew up in the city, so sometimes I doodle in graffiti style. Otherwise, as a comic book fan, I'll draw a superhero. Occasionally the art student in me will take over and I'll find myself doing a still life.