One Tree Hill's Nathan And Haley's Most Memorable Moments Ever
It's hard to argue that there is any other teen couple in TV history that is more iconic than Nathan (James Lafferty) and Haley (Bethany Joy Lenz) from "One Tree Hill." Their relationship withstood a full nine seasons on one of the most melodramatic teen shows of all time. They survived teen pregnancy, a high school wedding, a burgeoning music career, NBA stardom, a kidnapping, and countless other obstacles. Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) may have been the original heartthrob, but Nathan has always held a special place in the hearts of fans.
Nathan and Haley began as star-crossed lovers of sorts. Nathan was the high school jock who was fine with being a jerk to people he thought were uncool. Haley, on the other hand, was the definition of uncool, at least by high school standards. A nerd without much social standing, Haley was content to coast along unnoticed. But then something magical happened. Nathan fell for Haley and grew into a kind, considerate human being, and Haley decided it was okay to be seen every now and again. Nathan realized he could be a jock and a good person, while Haley found herself playing the unprecedented role of the nerdy cheerleader.
Nathan and Haley had countless romantic moments — and a few heartbreaking ones, too — over the course of the series, and it would be a difficult task to compile every single one. So, we've decided to assemble the best of the best in honor of this beloved duo. Keep reading to explore Nathan and Haley's most memorable moments on "One Tree Hill."
Don't say I never gave you anything (Season 1, Episode 3)
It wouldn't be accurate to call Nathan and Haley's relationship a slow burn, as they got together in Season 1 and stayed (mostly together) all the way through to Season 9. But it did take a few episodes for them to grow close, and the early days of their relationship are some of our favorite moments between the two. Their relationship begins when Haley becomes Nathan's tutor. Nathan only agrees to be tutored by Haley so he can use her to upset Lucas, while Haley makes Nathan promise he'll stop tormenting Lucas if she helps him. Nathan's ulterior motives for getting close to Haley quickly melt away as he begins to earnestly fall for her.
In the third episode of the series, Nathan joins Haley for a morning tutoring session by the water. He shows up with two coffees and a box of cracker jacks, and when he finds a plastic bracelet inside, he puts it on Haley's wrist. "Don't say I never gave you anything," he says, grinning. But Nathan hasn't revealed himself to be a good guy yet, and Haley remains unimpressed. She gives him a speech about how she is like "math," and all his charm won't work on her "because math don't care, and neither do I."
Of course, Haley is eventually charmed by Nathan, and this scene is the beginning of it all. "Don't say I never gave you anything" also becomes a catchphrase of sorts for them, and they say it four more times over the course of the series.
The first kiss (Season 1, Episode 8)
Nathan may grow into a good person and an honorable man as the series goes on, but he still has his fair share of apologies to make. It's actually one of Nathan's many apologies that leads to Nathan and Haley's first kiss. Brooke arranges a date for Nathan and Haley, and the evening goes well at first. But then, when they are at dinner, Nathan's teammates pass by and joke about him going on a date with Haley. Not wanting to be made fun of, Nathan tells his teammates that Haley is just tutoring him and that they're not on a date.
Haley is understandably upset by this, and Nathan does his best to make up for it. He arrives at her house the next morning and starts throwing rocks at the window. Haley, who is still mad at him, informs him that it's her parent's window that he's throwing rocks at. He explains to Haley that he doesn't want to be a screwup anymore and that it's her who should be ashamed of him, not the other way around.
Haley remains unconvinced, and tells him that there's nothing he can do that will surprise her anymore. It's at this moment that Nathan decides to prove her wrong by kissing her. "You shouldn't have done that," Haley responds, before leaping towards him and pulling him in for another kiss. Their kiss deepens as "Dare You to Move" by Switchfoot plays, and it's the sweetest start to their epic romance.
Nathan comes to Haley for comfort (Season 1, Episode 9)
Many of Nathan and Haley's problems come from one source: Nathan's father, the hateful Dan Scott (Paul Johansson). Dan has been putting a ton of pressure on Nathan about his basketball career since he was young, and the pressure only gets more intense as Nathan gets older. The pressure starts getting to Nathan, so he decides to take steroids to improve his game. They cause him to behave aggressively, and then he passes out in the middle of a game. He winds up in the hospital, but can't stand his parents arguing over him so he sneaks out.
He goes to see the only person who truly understands him: Haley. He very nearly stumbles to her door, and when she asks how he is, he replies, "Not so good" in a raspy, pained voice. He tells her that he was terrified when he passed out in the middle of the court, and the only thing that was on his mind was Haley. "I promised myself that if I could just get up and walk over to you and tell you how much I need you, how much I want you, then nothing else matters," he confesses.
Haley listens quietly, and it's clear from her face that she wants nothing more than to care for and protect him. It's the first time we really see Nathan be vulnerable with Haley, and it's arguably the most important moment in the early days of their relationship.
Nathan says I love you (Season 1, Episode 19)
Nathan begins Season 1 as an immature basketball player, but he quickly learns that he needs to grow up if he's going to be worthy of Haley's affection. One of the things he gets better at is expressing his feelings. That's why it's not all that surprising that Nathan is the first one to say "I love you." They're sitting on a bench, and Nathan is telling Haley that he's concerned that he's unintentionally pressuring her. She's not ready to have sex yet, which he is respectful of, but she's just gone out and gotten a tattoo of his jersey number, which makes him nervous.
He's not nervous because he thinks Haley cares more about the relationship than him. Rather, he's afraid that he will be the one to mess up something so special. He messes up a lot, he explains, but he can't help it. "Just like I can't help that I fell in love with you," he goes on. Haley looks shocked, but then leans in to kiss him and confesses that she loves him, too. Nathan and Haley have their share of dramatic moments over the series, but some of their most heartwarming scenes are quiet, understated ones like this. Haley getting a tattoo might have scared away a weaker man, but Nathan is confident in his love for Haley, and he shows it here.
The first rain kiss (Season 1, Episode 22)
Nathan and Haley have a thing for kissing in the rain. Over the course of the series, they kiss no less than six times out in the rain. The first rain kiss is yet another apology kiss. Haley is upset with Nathan because she finds porn on his computer, along with a folder of pictures of Peyton (Hilarie Burton), his ex-girlfriend. They still aren't having sex because Haley isn't ready, and Haley is concerned that Nathan is searching for satisfaction elsewhere.
Nathan goes for a run in the rain, and winds up on Haley's doorstep, soaking wet. He explains that he saved the pictures of Peyton ages ago, and that he only wants Haley. He gives her a whole speech, explaining that his heart is telling him, "You love this girl. And even if you're gonna catch pneumonia, your ass is gonna stand out here in the rain until you convince her to forgive you." Haley remains unconvinced, so he keeps repeating his apology.
Haley asks Nathan why she should forgive him, and he finally comes in with the big guns. "Because you're looking really hot standing out here in the rain, and I'm thinking, I have to kiss you." Haley smiles, and is clearly about to forgive him. "Well, if you have to," she replies. What follows is the first rain smooch in a long line of them, though nothing is as sweet as the one that started it all.
The first proposal (Season 2, Episode 1)
Nathan and Haley are not what you'd call a "normal" couple. Within the first few seasons of the series, they had two proposals, two weddings, and a baby on the day of graduation. It's hard to choose between all of these perfectly unusual moments, but one of our favorites is Nathan's first proposal to Haley. At the end of Season 1, it's revealed that Nathan and Haley got married, but we don't actually get to see how their marriage happened until the premiere of Season 2.
The proposal is shown in a flashback. Haley thinks back to one rainy night when she and Nathan were getting hot and heavy in his apartment. Nathan suddenly grows serious and tells her, "I could love you forever." Haley agrees, but Nathan keeps going, asking Haley to marry him. She thinks he's joking at first, and she playfully slaps his shoulder. But he maintains that he's serious, arguing that he has no interest in doing what normal couples do. "Why can't forever start today?" he asks.
Haley eventually accepts his proposal, and they get married secretly that very night. It's another example of the fact that Nathan truly is the most thoughtful and romantic of the two, and he never stops surprising and delighting us with his earnest words and gestures over the course of the series. It may not be normal, but it's perfect for Nathan and Haley.
The second rain kiss (Season 3, Episode 13)
Nathan and Haley's second rain kiss is decidedly more heated than the first one. Once again, the kiss comes after a difficult period in Nathan and Haley's relationship. They've only recently gotten back together after a stretch of separation due to Haley going on tour. They're having a quiet night by the fire, and Haley is adamant that they continue to work out their issues.
Nathan wants to prove to Haley that he was proud of her for going on tour even while he was upset, so he runs out to his car to get something. It happens to be pouring rain that night, and when Nathan grabs the box from his car, the wind blows around its contents. Haley picks up some of the pieces of paper that fly out and sees that they're all news clippings about the success of her music. Haley finally believes him, and while he worries about all of the paper that's flying away, she stops him. "You don't need all that. You've got me," she says, before pulling him close and kissing him.
He deepens their kiss and then picks her up and lays her down on the hood of his car as the rain continues to pour. Having a makeout session on top of a car in the middle of the storm may not seem like the most practical (or safe) of activities, but for Nathan and Haley, it's the perfect encapsulation of their romance.
The second wedding (Season 3, Episode 22)
Nathan and Haley don't exactly do things the way the average couple might. Their first wedding was in the middle of the night while they were both sixteen years old. Their second wedding wasn't exactly normal either — they were still high school students, after all — but it was a little more traditional. Their friends and family were understandably shocked that Nathan and Haley got married without telling anyone, so them having a second, public wedding felt like the right thing to do.
They get the same priest who married them the first time to marry them once again, and all of their family and friends are in attendance. Haley recites her vows and describes how Nathan has made her brave. Nathan tells Haley that no one believed they could make it because they didn't understand how powerful their love is, but that Nathan always believed in them. They commit themselves to each other once more, and everyone in attendance — including Dan, of all people — seems genuinely happy for them.
Unfortunately, the episode doesn't end on a happy note, as Nathan and Haley get into a car accident on a bridge, but the ceremony itself is truly heartwarming. As Nathan explains in his vows, their love has only grown stronger over the years, and it's incredible to think that they're still just high schoolers by the time this all happens.
Haley tells Nathan they're having a boy (Season 4, Episode 9)
Haley and Nathan did get married at age sixteen, so maybe we shouldn't be surprised that they also wind up having a baby as teenagers. Haley first tells Nathan she's pregnant in the fifth episode of Season 4, and he doesn't take it very well. He's upset with Haley for not telling him sooner, and Haley's left to deal with it on her own for a while.
Of course, Nathan eventually steps up to the plate and proves that he will be there for Haley and their child — always. Nathan's been having financial troubles since becoming emancipated and Dan refuses to help him, so he turns to a loan shark instead. The loan shark promises Nathan a big payout if he throws the state championship. When Haley finds him at half-time, she wonders aloud why he's playing so poorly. Nathan's obviously concerned about the deal he's made and he asks Haley if he would still be enough for her if his basketball career never went any further.
Haley reassures him that he will always be enough, "As long as you are a good husband, and good father to your son." Nathan is overjoyed at the revelation that Haley is having a boy, and his adorable expression says it all. Nathan feels newly inspired after his conversation with Haley, and he decides to back out of his deal with the loan shark and play his very best, winning the championship. This decision has devastating consequences later on, but we love Nathan for always trying to do right by his family.
Haley gives birth (Season 4, Episode 21)
In typical "One Tree Hill" fashion, Haley gives birth at the most dramatic possible moment. She's in the middle of giving her valedictorian speech when she announces to the audience: "I think I'm having my baby." The following episode starts with Haley and Nathan rushing to the hospital so she can give birth, as the rest of their classmates stand by.
The birth itself seems to go relatively smoothly, and the doctor presents Haley and Nathan with their newborn baby boy. It's all fairly regular as far as TV births go (even if the timeline doesn't quite make sense, as some Reddit users have pointed out), but it's made more dramatic by the fact that Lucas' mother Karen (Moira Kelly) is in the hospital getting a C-section at the exact same time. Haley and Nathan are both overjoyed to meet their son for the first time, and we're not worried about the future of their relationship, despite the unusual circumstances. Jamie grows up to be an adorable kid, but all Nathan and Haley know at this moment is that they've just done something incredible together.
I'm in the NBA (Season 6, Episode 24)
High school shows often struggle to depict characters' college years, which is probably why the "One Tree Hill" writers elected to skip college altogether. Season 4 of the series picks up four years later, and we're given an update on what everyone's up to. Most surprising is the fact that Nathan is now in a wheelchair after injuring his back in an accident. He's missed his chance at being in the NBA, a dream he's become more and more convinced will never happen.
But this is "One Tree Hill," and anything's possible. Nathan eventually regains the ability to walk and he finally gets a chance to live out his dream. At the end of Season 6, Nathan receives the best news of his life. Naturally, the first person he tells is Haley. At first, Haley thinks he hasn't been chosen, but then he surprises her by revealing that he's the new point guard for the Charlotte Bobcats. Tears immediately spring to Haley's eyes, and she hardly believes what she's hearing. "You're in the NBA?" she asks. "I'm in the NBA," Nathan responds.
It means just as much to Haley as it does to Nathan for his dream to come true, and Nathan thanks her for always believing in him. "Thank you for being worth it," Haley responds. It's a sweet scene on its own, but it's even more touching when you consider what they've been through to get to this point. Years and years of hard work and sacrifice, and finally: redemption.
Nathan and Haley recreate their memorable moments (Season 9, Episode 13)
Nathan and Haley's memorable moments are cherished by the fans, and they're also treasured by the characters themselves. It's hard to write a send-off to such an iconic, long-standing couple, so "One Tree Hill" writers indulged in a little nostalgia in the series' final episode. The gang are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their local nightclub, Tric, and none other than Gavin Degraw, who sings the show's theme song, is performing.
Haley and Nathan then sit down for a romantic dinner, and Nathan presents Haley with a box of Crackerjacks. Only this time, when Haley opens the box, it's not a cheap plastic bracelet, but an elegant one made of silver. "Don't say that you never gave me anything, because you have," Nathan tells her as he puts the bracelet on.
Later that evening, Nathan and Haley are sitting on the couch drinking wine. It's pouring rain (of course), and Nathan suggests that they go for a walk. Haley is hesitant at first, but then she realizes it's a perfect way to honor their tradition. They run out into the rain like they're teenagers again, and fans get to see them make out in the middle of a downpour one last time. It's a touching conclusion to a totally epic love story, and we can't help but be charmed by the gesture, cheesiness and all.