Where the 5 actually resides is kind of important. If it is in your hand, then there is a two flush on the board on the flop. If it is on the board then less relevant but still good to know.

I would have led the turn here as even if V has Qx, he should know the Ace is a good card for you to barrel and he may call again. Would hate to see the turn checked through given we have a ton of $ we want to get in the middle.

AP, the pot is around $1k and we both have $3k left. If you really believe that neither of you have any bluffs, then I think you should bet for value here and likely fold if raised. V would be very ambitious to raise your river bet without an very nutted hand....he might even call with as good as AK.

I screwed up posting this hand but the turn completed the rainbow.

I did not consider bet/fold but it's probably best as villain is sure to bet more than me and I save a bit of money.

Result:

Hero mutters under his breath that he can't fold a boat here and finally calls.

Villain shows AQ

I so wanted to be the one guy that folds here but alas, I'm just not that good

There is absolutely no way you can x/fold to this river bet. Maybe you could consider a x/fold if he makes a huge overbet, but not when he bets less than pot.

Bad luck on the cooler.

Yup. Cooler for sure, but I think b/f river is optimal given that IF V won't bluff raise, then any raise is super nutted and you can save some $ on the end. Additionally, if you are ahead, V will simply call so you get value from hands like AK, AJ, etc. Win-win.