HERO($13.56) is SB w AQhh
UTG($11.16)
CO($2.35)

UTG opens to .17
CO calls .17
HERO raises to .90
UTG calls
CO folds
(pot 2.02)

I decided to go large w this raise since there are 2 players in the pot and we're gonna be OOP on every street that comes. I usually go 4x when im in SB/BB facing an open so w 2 players i think going larger than 4x is okay. My 3b range from SB/BB is pretty tight so most hands im raising have playability and equity against most holdings.

FLOP: 4d 9h 9c
HERO bets .60
UTG calls .60
(pot 3.22)

I think checking this flop is okay too - maybe even better than leading since a lot of villians flatting range after we 3b is gonna have hands that continue this flop (66-JJ, AK, he'll have some 9's - A9s,9Ts,98s although idk how frequently hes calling those pre flop when we 3b large). If we are gonna be betting this flop i think going small is optimal. What do you guys think? Is leading or c/c a better play on this flop?

TURN: 2h
HERO checks
UTG bets 1.46
HERO calls 1.46
(pot 6.14)

I think if we are gonna be betting the flop we should be betting this turn as we pick up NFD to go w our 2 overs to board. I think this is a critical mistake we're making by c/c. Especially since it makes playing rivers tougher for us now cause when we hit our flush it looks fishy to lead. Also, what are we doing when we hit an A or Q on some rivers? I dont like my check here if im betting the flop. One question im unsure about is if we're betting turn what our sizing should be? On turn there is 3.22 in pot so if we lead again should we go bigger? Anytime we bet large and get called we know we're behind going into river. At that point if we bet turn, get called, brick river, are we always giving up? Is there a case to be made for betting smaller on the turn? It gives villian a better price to call w his marginal hands so not rly accomplishing much as since we dont have a made hand we want to be folding out our villians range on turn if we bet. Im not sure what best option here is in terms of bet sizing should we take the betting option. Thanks for any insight/tips cause this is a tough spot for me.

RIVER: 4h
HERO checks
UTG bets 6.14
HERO calls 6.14

On river I think calling is okay. We hit our flush and villian shouldnt have many fulls houses (A9s,98s,9Ts, maybe A4s at some frequency but not very often imo).

UTG shows KTdd, HERO wins $18.42