APRIL 2018
The contract arrived Monday morning—eighteen pages of legal jargon that Adrian read three times before signing.
Salary: Significantly more than any stunt work he'd ever done. Not enough to retire on, but enough to live on.
Dates: Training from April 15 to May 10. Filming from May 14 to June 8. Four intense weeks.
Confidentiality clauses: He couldn't discuss script details, his character, or specific scenes with anyone outside of production. Violation would result in a lawsuit and immediate termination.
Adrian signed. Scanned. Mailed back.
Two days later, a package arrived at his apartment. Inside: the complete script for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, marked "PRODUCTION DRAFT - CONFIDENTIAL."
Adrian opened it that night. Sophie snuggled up next to him on the couch.
"Can I read?" she asked.
"Technically, no."
"But..."
"But I'm not going to say no."
Sophie smiled and snuggled up against him.
They read together for three hours. Adrian searching for his scenes. Sophie absorbing everything.
"Here," Adrian said, pointing to page 47. "First appearance."
SCENE 47 - INTERIOR - RUSKA ROMA THEATRE - NIGHT
ALEXEI VOLKOV (20) performs a fight sequence on stage. Bare torso, displaying extensive Ruska Roma tattoos on his back and arms. Every movement is precise, lethal, beautiful.
JOHN WICK enters, escorted by guards.
THE DIRECTOR watches from the box.
Sophie read silently, then: "Bare torso. Tattoos. They're going to put temporary tattoos on you."
"Yes."
"What do they look like?"
"I don't know yet. The makeup department decides."
They continued reading. Page 52—Alexei's decision to hunt down the killers. Page 58—the fight in the rainy streets of New York. Page 64—the confrontation with John.
Page 71—the sacrifice.
Sophie read the final scene silently. When she finished, tears welled in her eyes.
"It's beautiful," she whispered. "Tragic but beautiful."
"Yes."
"Are you ready for this?"
Adrian closed the script. "I don't know. Ask me again in two months."
APRIL 15 - FIRST DAY OF TRAINING
The gym in Burbank was the same one where they had trained for Chapter 2. Familiar but different. This time, Adrian wasn't just another stunt double.
He was Alexei Volkov.
Jonathan waited for him in the center of the space, clipboard in hand.
"Cole. You're early."
"Always."
"Okay. We're going to work hard these next four weeks. Choreography, weapons training, basic Russian for the lines, and..." Jonathan paused, "physical transformation."
"Transformation?"
"Alexei isn't just a stunt double. He's Ruska Roma's son. Trained since childhood. That requires a specific physique." Jonathan gestured toward an area with weights. "You're going to gain five kilos of muscle. Definition, not mass. A ballet dancer with a warrior's body."
"In four weeks?"
"In four weeks. We have a nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a specific regimen. You're going to hate it."
"Okay."
Jonathan smiled slightly. "There's also the matter of the tattoos."
MAKEUP DEPARTMENT - THAT AFTERNOON
The makeup artist's name was Yuki—Japanese-American, in her forties, with a portfolio full of film work that Adrian recognized.
"Sit down," she instructed, gesturing to a chair in front of enormous mirrors.
Adrian complied. Yuki studied his bare torso as if it were a blank canvas.
"Alexei is Ruska Roma," she said, almost to herself. "Russian. Adopted orphan. Trained as a warrior but also as an artist. The tattoos should reflect that."
She pulled out designs—detailed sketches on paper.
"Upper back: double-headed eagle. Russian imperial symbol. Represents loyalty to Ruska Roma." She displayed the design. "Arms: traditional Russian geometric patterns. Left shoulder: theater mask. Right shoulder: stylized knife."
Adrian studied the designs. "How long does it take to apply them?"
"Three hours. Every day of filming."
"Every day?"
"Every day your torso is visible. They're high-quality temporary tattoos. They last 18-24 hours maximum. After that, we have to remove and reapply them."
"I understand."
"We'll do a test today. See how they look on camera. If Chad approves, these are the final ones."
The next three hours were uncomfortable. Yuki worked meticulously—applying each line, each shade, each detail with surgical precision.
When she finished, Adrian looked at himself in the mirror.
He didn't recognize himself.
The double-headed eagle covered his upper back—wings outstretched, imposing. Geometric patterns wrapped around his arms like ancient armor. The theatrical mask on his left shoulder seemed to watch him. The knife on his right promised violence.
"What do you think?" Yuki asked.
"It's... different."
"That's the idea. Alexei isn't Adrian. These tattoos separate him from you. When you wear them, you are him."
Adrian turned, watching the light play with the designs. "Yes. It works."
Yuki smiled. "Good. Let's take some photos for Chad's approval."
TRAINING WEEKS - APRIL
The days merged into a brutal routine:
5:00 AM: Wake up. Measured breakfast—protein, complex carbs, zero processed sugar.
6:00 AM: Gym. Strength training focused on definition. Weights, endurance, control.
9:00 AM: Choreography. Combat sequences with coordinators. Repetition until perfection.
12:00 PM: Lunch. More protein. More vegetables. Constant water intake.
1:00 PM: Acting work. Scene reading. Accent adjustment. Emotions.
4:00 PM: Basic Russian. Tutor teaching pronunciation of her lines.
6:00 PM: Review. Corrections. Notes.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Lean protein. No carbs after 6.
8:00 PM: Script study. Memorization.
10:00 PM: Sleep.
Repeat. Sophie saw him whenever she could—mostly weekends. Each time, she noticed changes.
"You're more defined," she observed one Saturday in late April, tracing the lines of his abs with her fingers.
"Fif pounds up. All muscle."
"It shows." She smiled. "Alexei is getting into shape."
"Yeah."
"How are you feeling?" Adrian considered him. "Tired. But ready."
FIRST WEEK OF MAY
Training intensified.
They added specific elements: umbrella work (Alexei uses one in a scene), practice with prop knives, precise timing for the rain sequence.
Chad visited the gym on May 7.
"Show me the street sequence," he ordered.
Adrian executed—fluid, precise, lethal movements. Every strike controlled yet brutal. Every transition flawless.
Three minutes nonstop.
When he finished, Chad nodded slowly. "Good. Very good. You are Alexei."
"Thanks."
"Filming starts Monday. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Sure? There are no second chances. Once we start, what we capture is what we get."
"I'm ready."
Chad studied him for another moment. "I believe you. See you Monday. 5 AM. Don't be late."
SUNDAY, MAY 13 - EVE OF FILMING
Adrian spent the day alone in his apartment. Reviewing the script. Visualizing scenes. Preparing his mind.
At 6 PM, someone knocked on the door.
Sophie.
"Hi," she said, coming in with a bag. "I brought food. I know you're on a strict diet, but I thought the night before wouldn't kill anyone."
"Sophie—"
"Nothing crazy. Just pasta with chicken. Carbs for energy tomorrow."
Adrian smiled. "Okay."
They ate on the sofa, light conversation carefully avoiding the topic of tomorrow.
When they finished, Sophie cleaned up while Adrian showered.
He came out with a towel around his waist, his hair still dripping.
Sophie watched him from the sofa, her expression gentle.
"Come here," she said.
Adrian sat down next to her. Sophie snuggled up against his side.
"Nervous?" she asked.
"A little."
"It's normal."
"I know."
Comfortable silence.
"Adrian," Sophie said eventually.
"Yes?"
"Whatever happens tomorrow, you've already won. You got here. You got the part. You trained like a pro. That alone is huge."
"Thank you."
"But also..." Sophie sat up, looking directly at him. "You're going to be amazing. I know it. Everyone knows it. You just need to believe it, too."
"I'm starting to believe it."
"Good."
Sophie kissed him—softly at first, gradually deepening.
When they parted, she smiled. "Do you want some company tonight? I know tomorrow's a big one, and maybe you'd rather be alone—"
"Stay."
"Yes?"
"Yes."
They moved into the bedroom.
The conversation slowed. Hands found skin. Clothes gradually disappeared.
There was no rush. No urgency.
Just connection.
Two people who loved each other, existing together in the space between what was and what would be.
Afterward, they lay entwined—sheets tangled, breaths synchronized.
Sophie traced invisible patterns on Adrian's chest. "What are you thinking about?"
"About how I got here."
"So?"
"I still don't fully understand it."
Sophie laughed softly. "Sometimes good things happen for no reason. They just... happen."
"I guess."
They lay in silence until Sophie fell asleep—head on his shoulder, arm across his chest.
Adrian stayed awake longer. Staring at the ceiling. Processing.
Filming would begin tomorrow.
Tomorrow he would become Alexei Volkov.
Tomorrow, everything would change.
He was ready.
He had to be.
MONDAY, MAY 14 - DAY ONE OF FILMING
The alarm went off at 3:30 AM.
Adrian immediately turned it off, not wanting to wake Sophie.
Too late. She was already stirring.
"What time is it?" she murmured, her voice still sleepy.
"Early. Go back to sleep."
"No." Sophie sat up, rubbing her eyes. "I'll make you coffee."
"You don't have to—"
"I want to."
While Sophie went to the kitchen, Adrian took a quick shower. Cold water to fully wake him up.
When he came out—towel around his waist, hair wet—Sophie was back in the room with two cups of coffee.
Adrian sat on the edge of the bed. Sophie put the cups on the nightstand and positioned herself behind him, kneeling on the mattress.
Her arms wrapped around his torso from behind—her hands flat against his chest. Her chin rested on his shoulder.
"You're going to be amazing," she whispered against his ear.
Adrian felt her lips curve into a smile against his skin.
Then Sophie gently bit his ear—playful, affectionate.
"Sophie," Adrian said, but he was smiling too.
"What?" She kissed him just below his ear. "I'm just motivating you."
"I don't need motivation at 4 AM."
"Everyone needs motivation at 4 AM." Sophie hugged him tighter. "Especially before they become a tragic Russian assassin."
Adrian laughed—a real laugh, not forced. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being here. For... everything."
Sophie turned around to face him, still kneeling on the bed behind him. "I'll always be here. No matter what."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
They kissed—slowly, deeply. A temporary goodbye before Alexei took over.
When they parted ways, Sophie smiled. "Now go. Become a legend."
5:00 AM - ARRIVAL ON SET
The studios were in Astoria, Queens—specifically built for the interior scenes of Ruska Roma.
Adrian arrived at exactly 5:00 AM. The parking lot was already half full—crew arriving, getting ready.
Inside, he found his trailer—small but functional. His name on the door: ADRIAN COLE - ALEXEI.
Something in his chest tightened at the sight.
Real. This was real.
There was a knock at the door. "Ready for makeup?"
"Yes."
MAKEUP TRAILER - 5:15 AM
Yuki was already set up—full makeup station, tattoo designs ready.
"Good morning. Take off your shirt. Let's get started."
Adrian obeyed. He sat in the chair, shirtless, while Yuki worked.
Three hours. Meticulous application.
Other actors passed by—brief greetings, curiosity about the elaborate tattoos.
At 8:15 AM, Yuki finished. "All done. Check the mirror."
Adrian stood up, turning around.
The double-headed eagle covered his back. Geometric patterns wrapped around his arms. The theatrical mask and knife marked his shoulders.
It wasn't Adrian Cole looking back.
It was Alexei Volkov.
"Perfect," Yuki said. "Now wardrobe."
WARDROBE - 8:30 AM
The wardrobe department had three options prepared:
Option 1: For the training scene—just black sweatpants. Torso fully exposed. Tattoos on full display.
Option 2: For the rain scene—impeccable dark suit, long black Ruska Roma-style coat, umbrella.
Option 3: For the final scene—torn shirt, blood-stained pants, wound makeup.
"We're shooting option one today," said the wardrobe coordinator. "Training scene. Chad wants to establish Alexei immediately."
Adrian changed into sweatpants. Nothing else.
He looked at himself in the full-length mirror.
Defined physique—the result of four weeks of brutal training. Tattoos covering skin. Hair slicked back.
Alexei Volkov.
Ready to exist.
MAIN SET - 9:00 AM
The theater had been meticulously reconstructed—rows of red seats, a huge stage, ornate boxes. It looked like something straight out of Imperial Russia.
Chad was in the center, checking camera angles with his cinematographer.
"Cole," he called as Adrian entered. "Come here."
Adrian walked toward the stage. Crew watched—some curious, others professionally evaluating.
Chad studied him. "The tattoos look good. How are you feeling?"
"Ready."
"Good. Because we're going straight to this. Scene 47. Alexei training. John enters. The Director observes them. You have no dialogue in this part. Just movement. Pure physicality."
"I understand."
"Show me your sequence."
Adrian stepped onto the stage. The lights adjusted—a single spotlight illuminating him.
He took one breath.
And performed.
The sequence he had practiced for weeks flowed naturally—twists, punches, kicks, all choreographed like a violent dance. Every precise movement. Every seamless transition.
Two minutes without stopping.
When he finished, absolute silence fell over the set.
Then Chad began to applaud slowly. Others joined in.
"That," Chad said, "is exactly what we need. Everyone in position. We'll film in thirty minutes."
Adrian briefly returned to his trailer. He checked his phone.
Text from Sophie: Kill it. Love you.
Text from Tyler: Today's your day, bro. Make it epic.
Text from Rebecca: Proud of you. Always.
Adrian smiled, put his phone away, and headed back to the set.
Alexei Volkov had work to do.
SCENE 47 - TAKE ONE
"Quiet on set!"
Adrian was in position—center stage, single spotlight on him.
"Cameras rolling!"
"Sound rolling!"
Chad raised his hand. "And... ACTION!"
Ballet music began to play—Tchaikovsky, appropriately Russian.
Adrian moved.
Not as Adrian Cole, stuntman from Los Angeles.
As Alexei Volkov, son of Ruska Roma, warrior born of theater and blood.
Every movement was deliberate. Every imagined strike connected with unseen enemies. Every turn showcased years of brutal training.
The cameras captured everything—multiple angles, perfect lighting, tattoos gleaming under the lights.
Keanu Reeves took his mark—silent, watching with a John Wick expression that gave nothing away.
Anjelica Huston appeared in the upper balcony, looking down with maternal pride.
Adrian finished his sequence—final kneeling position, head down, controlled breathing.
"CUT!"
Silence.
Chad checked the monitors. He nodded slowly.
"Perfect. We print that one. Next angle in fifteen."
They filmed the scene for six hours—multiple angles, lighting adjustments, safety shots.
Each time, Adrian executed flawlessly.
At 3 PM, Chad declared, "We've got it. Scene 47 complete. Great work, everyone."
Applause from the crew.
Adrian stepped off the stage, sweat covering his torso, tattoos gleaming under the lights.
Jonathan approached. "Day one. First scene. Nailed it in six hours. That's a record."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. It usually takes two days to get everything done." Jonathan smiled. "Officially welcome to John Wick, Cole."
THAT NIGHT - 8 PM
Adrian returned to his apartment exhausted.
Yuki had removed the tattoos—an hour-long process that left his skin slightly irritated but clean.
Sophie was waiting for him with dinner—plain pasta, protein, exactly what he needed.
"How was it?" he asked as they ate.
"Good. Really good."
"Just 'good'?"
Adrian smiled slightly. "Amazing. It was amazing."
Sophie beamed. "I knew it would be."
They finished eating. They moved to the couch.
Adrian lay back, Sophie snuggling up to him.
"One day done," Sophie said. "Many more to come."
"Yeah."
"Ready?"
"Yeah."
But as he lay there—Sophie asleep against his chest, the silence of the apartment enveloping them—Adrian processed.
Today had been the beginning.
The transformation of Adrian Cole into Alexei Volkov had begun.
And there was no turning back.
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I want to thank everyone who commented and gave reviews. I honestly didn't expect it. Thank you for your support. I also wanted to mention that I've been thinking about Adrian and Sophie's relationship. I've honestly grown very fond of this character. I don't have any plans yet to end their relationship or continue it, but that will depend on how the story progresses, and then I'll make a decision. That's all for now. God bless you all, and thank you.