Mario Batali & Michael Stipe's lunch date

Photo: Getty Images

In the latest expression of their mutual BFF adoration society, restaurateur Mario Batali dug deep and bid $20,000 to win buddy Michael Stipe's creation for the Lunchbox Auction for the Food Bank of NYC.

Always an overachiever in his own quiet way, Stipe told the Daily News: "I made a bronze camera and buried it in chocolate inside the lunchbox, so you have to chisel it out." They also wanted to know what he packed for lunch as a kid, and though I'm not sure why, now I feel obligated to pass it along: "Carrot sticks and peanut butter-and-cheddar cheese sandwiches."

I swear, I'm not even implying there's something going on with these two. I just love that they're so out and proud in displaying their obvious affection for each other. Aww.

Previously > The rest of REM's totes straight