Inducing a bluff raise? Needless spewing?

Here's a common situation that I know is difficult. Maybe you can help me.

It's 5/10 6m online. I'm stuck and looking it. My main opponent SB plays 50%+ and goes in for FPS occasionally (I don't know how often, but I've seen him go off). He also has some sense and can make some decent/cagey post flop plays.

I open raise QQ utg and am called by the blinds. Flop 976 rainbow is checked to me, I bet and they call. Turn A completes rainbow. Checked to me and I bet and SB check-raises and I call. River is a blank. He checks and I check behind (I would have called a bet).

My thoughts: I don't think I can give a free card and I don't think I can fold on the turn, as I can redraw against 2 pairs. I think that my opponent gets out of line occasionally and puts me to the test actually mitigates towards making it a bet, but I'm open to other views.