Although multi-household kitties can get along great and even snuggle together, they still always have a "pecking order". I'm guessing that Pepper was "top cat" and now that he has passed, Storm is. I know that some of my kitties will look at my lap as if they are dying to jump into it, but then they'll look over their shoulder and see someone more "dominant" and turn away. Storm has probably always loved you just as much as Pepper and wanted to be a lap cat .... but now he feels comfortable asserting himself!

As far as him having done so when he was a sick baby .... more dominant cats are "ok" usually with kittens ... until they become more of a competitor!

I think a new kitten would fit in just fine in your household, whenever you are ready!!! It will just be Storm's turn to "rule the roost"!

Good luck finding a new baby, and remember we'll want tons of pictures!!!