[dino.]

Tbh there's not really one way to write non-cis characters. Everyone's experiences with their genders are going to vary in one way or another so you don't need to be too worried about sticking to one strict pipeline. Some folks can figure it out pretty quickly while it takes others longer. Some end up figuring it out after talking to someone with similar experiences, other times it just kind of clicks. (For example Bumble was harassed during her stretch of missing time from TC by a meanspirited baby who called her a girl and she realized oh! that fits better.) And for some it'll be easier to decide when and how to come out than others. Don't feel like you have to pick a straight line and run with it, if something doesn't feel like it fit's with the character then you can switch it up a bit. As long as the portrayal avoids harmful assumptions/stereotypes (ie. has to start enjoying things that align with their gender identity and hating things that align with their AGAB, it's something that's chosen, infantilizing the character, that it's the only major part of their identity/the only thing they talk about, etc etc) you'll be fine.