He wasn't usually terribly sentimental, but seeing Rose standing there agog was rather adorable. Also incredibly sad. It brought back so many wonderful memories of travelling with his favourite companion; the girl who'd become so very much more to him during their time together. "You're catching flies," The Doctor broke the silence more to lighten the mood than to tease Rose, because it was clear that she was going through the same influx of emotion and shock as him.
And it was a shock, though the nicest possible kind, and when she spoke it did strange things to The Doctor's insides. "It's me," he answered as she flung herself towards him, and he caught and hugged her as though his life might depend on it. Who was to say how long this whole 'hell experience' would last for, and one last hug might be all they had. The Doctor held her tight for a long minute before he leaned away enough to look down at Rose. "I'm as real as I ever was, though I'm not entirely sure how long that'll last for," he told her with a self concious shrug. "You... you look lovely, Rose," his smile grew brighter as he took pleasure in her presence. "Well look at us. Together for another adventure," The Doctor teased, "I do hope you're ready. I hear it's one hell of a ride... get it? You never did get my puns," he fell back into their easy banter so quickly it almost felt as if she'd never been taken from him.
Except, deep in his heart, there was the pain of her loss, and of his failure to help her when she'd needed it the most. Well, he promised himself, he wouldn't be letting that happen again! He'd move heaven and Earth to see her safely home, and perhaps he'd turn hell upside down too. The Doctor wasn't sure what he'd do if he failed her again, and didn't want to find out!