Group hugs are still hugs, and Pepper Potts loves hugs. It's also a convenient opportunity to try and balance Gene's hat on his head, although the key word here is 'try'.

"Duh, of course we threw you a party. It's your birthday." She beams at him. "That means we are by law required to have some kind of celebration, and cake must be consumed," she adds authoritatively before descending into giggles. "Seriously though. Cake."

If there is one thing Pepper loves more than hugs and Tony, it's food.