[ Verbose and absurd and often unaware of when he's being a bit overmuch, the Doctor has at least begun to recognize after all these years (nearly a thousand, now!) that it's a lot to thrust on someone to explain that he can diagnose a blood clot often just by looking at someone, but he can't do actual surgery. He can travel through time but he's too distractible to do something mundane and seemingly easy like balancing a checkbook. He can take on a Dalek army and trick them with a Jammy Dodger, can destroy a fleet of Cybermen, but refuses to carry a weapon. His knowledge is vast and he has degrees in loads of things, from the serious to the silly, but he leans on maintaining an air of mystery and silliness himself. Beneath it all is far more than he often lets on, or can easily explain to someone he's just met.

But he loves her suggestions! ]

A thousand years with this name, now you've got me questioning myself. Good ones in there!

[ He smiles softly, briefly looking at her. ]

I chose the name Doctor, because I thought...well, the name you choose — if you can choose — it's like a promise. To the universe, in my case. When people call on me, wherever they are, I come if they're in need, if they're in trouble, no matter what it is, and I'll be there. Doctor seemed fitting, though you've nearly sold me on Ninja.

I'm sorry, for what you've been through. Experiments, though — certainly doesn't surprise me, given how they are here. Have you been here long, Julie?

[ He does get back to his painting, though, nearly finished now. ]